All posts by Joanne

Is assisted living covered by Medicare?

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


When it comes to the costs associated with senior living options like an assisted living community, there are a lot of questions that family members ask themselves when finding a home for a loved one. Things may be on your mind like what are the costs associated with increased care needs, how much is the monthly room and board, and if luxuries are an additional charge. 


Finding senior loved ones the best senior living community depends on knowing the answers to all of these questions and more. When thinking about ways to help finance assisted living, another common question is if Medicare, or senior health insurance available to everyone over 65, will help pay for the costs of assisted living.

What is assisted living?

So what is assisted living? How is it different from other types of residential senior living communities, like a nursing home or a senior retirement community? The biggest difference between assisted living and other senior living options is that assisted living, as the name suggests, assists seniors who need help with activities of daily living, or ADLs, while still offering them plenty of independence. 


Nursing homes, which are also an example of a senior living community that offers care services for seniors, have very limited independence due to the high level of care that residents typically need. On the other hand, senior retirement communities are for retirees who do not yet need any help with ADLs. 


Assisted living is a perfect medium between the two. Assisted living offers residents plenty of independence in their lives and the ability to make their own decisions, while still providing care services and ADLs assistance for things like:

  • Medication management
  • Housekeeping and cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Meal preparation
  • Money management
  • Bathing and personal care
  • Appointment and schedule keeping
  • Standing up and other mobility needs

What Medicare covers

To make a long answer short, Medicare does not cover assisted living costs. Medicare, for the most part, does not pay for any type of long-term residential care, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, so if one of these is the best option for your loved one, you will need to find a different way to pay than through their Medicare plan. 


Medicare will sometimes pay for a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility or for some home health care options, but senior living communities like assisted living are not included in Medicare plans. This can pose a problem for many elders, especially as the senior population often needs some sort of residential care community as they continue to age. 

Other payment options

While Medicare doesn’t help pay for assisted living, there are some other payment options that can give your loved one assistance in covering the costs of a senior living community.

Long-term care insurance

Most long-term care insurance policies will cover the expenses associated with senior living, including assisted living costs. While the popularity of the traditional version of these plans has decreased over time, there are new “hybrid” plans that might be a good investment for your loved one. 

Life insurance policies

Some life insurance policies will cover assisted living costs, but it varies from plan to plan. While most of us might think that life insurance is only paid out after a death, they can offer payouts to seniors still living if they meet the plan’s qualifications. 

Veterans benefits

Often times there are VA benefits that will help pay for assisted living or other residential care options if your loved one served the country. Check with your loved one’s local VA chapter for more information. 

Medicaid

If your loved one doesn’t have any savings, or had a low income while they were working, they might qualify for Medicaid, a government program made to help cover the costs of healthcare for those in dire financial circumstances. Medicaid coverage is determined state by state, so it may or may not help depending on where your loved one lives. 

Out-of-pocket

If your loved one has saved enough money throughout their life, they may be able to afford assisted living costs from their savings. Planning ahead is key for this payment method, and things like waiting lists, community “shopping”, and retirement income plans are important for your loved one. 


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.



Downtown Market hosts exclusive ‘Bottles & Bites’ wine tasting event

Local Entertainment

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is partnering with Aperitivo and Art of the Table to invite guests to experience an evening of wine and small bites from around the world. The event takes place March 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. in the Market’s greenhouse and banquet room.

Featuring more than 95 wines from around the world, a curated assortment of appetizers, and entertainment, guests will spend the night sipping regional and international wines and munching on light snacks. Guests will also learn about wine origins, flavor profiles, food pairings and more!

Tickets include admission to the event, special wine samples, curated bites, and the chance to walk away with event-specific discounted wine from Aperitivo.

Tickets are limited for this intimate evening of wine tasting. Purchase in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/bottles-bites-international-wine-event-tickets-87992171955

Volunteer to pour wine for this event at downtownmarketgr.wufoo.com/forms/bottles-bites-volunteer-application/

‘First four’ Meijer Gardens summer concerts includes series usual spectrum of music

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
The Australian Pink Floyd Show (supplied/Ben Donoghue)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Ah, another sign of spring coming — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park giving us a little taste of the 2020 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series line-up, with the first four acts announced recently.

Meijer Gardens’ annual concert series features “an eclectic mix of alternative, indie, blues and classic rock,” according to the announcement, and the first four cover that spectrum: Gregory Alan Isakov on June 7, Squeeze on July 9, Michael Franti & Spearhead on Aug. 16 and The Australian Pink Floyd Show on Aug. 30.

The complete lineup will be announced in mid-April.

Members of Meijer Gardens will have the first opportunity to purchase discounted tickets during an exclusive members-only pre-sale, April 25 through May 8. During the pre-sale, members receive a $5 discount per ticket.

To become a member or renew a membership before April 25, visit MeijerGardens.org/Membership.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 9. More information on prices and purchasing options will be available following the release of the full lineup in mid-April.

Michael Franti & Spearhead. (Supplied)

Brief, supplied information on the four concerts is as follows:

Gregory Alan Isakov was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calls Colorado home. He is a horticulturist-turned-musician and “has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds.” Isakov has toured internationally with his band and has performed with several symphony orchestras across the United States. He also manages a small farm which provides produce to over a dozen local restaurants.For more information on Gregory Alan Isakov, visit gregoryalanisakov.com.

Squeeze first formed in 1973, shortly after Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook had begun their songwriting partnership, brought together by an ad in a sweetshop window. By 1977 they had made their recording debut and enjoyed a string of hits which lasted until 1982 on the back of New Wave. Over the years there have been solo careers and occasional separations, but the Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriting duo reunited in 2007 to relaunch Squeeze and have been touring, writing and recording together since.For more information on Squeeze, visit squeezeofficial.com.

Leading Michael Franti & Spearhead, Franti is a musician, humanitarian, filmmaker, and activist who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. He believes that there is a great battle taking place in the world today between cynicism and optimism, so he made his most recent album, Stay Human Vol. II, to remind himself — and anyone who’s listening — that there is still good in the world and that is worth fighting for.For more information on Michael Franti & Spearhead, visit michaelfranti.com.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show performs the music of Pink Floyd “with note for note perfection” and “this critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades.” Always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state of the art, high resolution LED screen technology and other special effects. In addition, and in true Pink Floyd fashion, there are several huge inflatables including a giant pig and their own unique Pink Kangaroo.For more information on The Australian Pink Floyd Show, visit aussiefloyd.com.

Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23 turns 70, will host dignitaries for ceremony Saturday, Feb. 29

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The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23 — named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. The public is invited to the celebration.

The official reading of the proclamation will take place a special dedication ceremony Saturday, Feb. 29, with a long list of state and local public officials, as well as veterans organization leaders.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., with guest speakers and a POW/MIA Ceremony. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with the meal prepared by the Blue Star Mothers and a per-plate cost of $7. The Frank Eimer Band (with full brass) will provide music starting at 8 p.m.

Government leaders expected to be in attendance include City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, State Sen. Aric Nesbitt and State Representatives Steven Johnson and Tommy Brann.

The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)

Local and state veterans organizations expected to be represented include, according to supplied material: Chuck Petch, state AMVETS Commander; Lenny Hogan, past state AMVETS Commander; Donald Torr state Sons of AMVETS President; Bertha Lema state Auxiliary President; Richard DeVoe, state AMVETS 1st Vice Commander; Lora DeVoe, state AMVETS District 5 Commander; Eric Nelson, United Veterans Council of Kent County Commander; Bob Green, AMVETS State Man of the Year; and
Denny Gillem, Frontlines of Freedom.


 
The AMVETS organization (American Veterans Organization) was started in 1947, by action of the Congress and President Harry Truman, and is open for all veterans who served between 1940 and current day without regard to specific wartime assignment.

AMVETS Post 23 was chartered in 1950, and is dedicated to 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, who attended Kelloggsville High School and was killed in action as part of a crew of a B-29 Superfortress which crashed while on mission in Manchuria in 1944.

AMVETS Post 23 “was started by World War II veterans who didn’t feel that some organizations met some of their needs,” according to a statement from the Post. “So they started their own group, and it’s for all veterans … we are very, very inclusive.”

To find out more about AMVETS Post 23, located at 98 SE 52nd St., visit AMVETSPost23.org, check out the AMVETS Post 23 Facebook page, or call 616-531-5438.

Kentwood’s August ballot will include millage question for park, trail and recreational improvements

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Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial Park would be one of the many parks and recreation areas to see improvement from a proposed millage. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood City Commission recently gave unanimous approval of a millage question to be put on the August ballot “to improve Kentwood parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming,” according to a Feb. 24 city statement.

The ballot question will ask voters to consider authorizing a millage of 0.9 mills for a period of 10 years, which would then be reduced to a perpetual millage of 0.65 mills. The tiered millage would be dedicated solely to construct, operate, maintain and acquire parks, trails and recreation improvements and programs.

If approved, the millage would fund improvements to the City Campus, a new community center, improvements to all parks and allow for trail improvements, as well as support enhanced programming.

“Since celebrating the city’s 50th anniversary in 2017, considerable time and effort has been dedicated to developing plans for the next 50 years of community growth,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “With clear direction from Kentwood residents, the plans would improve all the parks and enhance the trail systems, while providing for a central community gathering place, which is a frequent request from our residents.”

Kentwood has more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails, which are used year-round by residents and visitors, as well as parks that cover more than 300 acres. More than 700 recreational programs and numerous community events for people of all ages and abilities are offered through the Parks and Recreation Department in the Kentwood Activities Center, on the City Campus and at other locations.

Millage details

A mill is 1/1000th of a dollar or .001 cents. If a tax rate, or millage rate, is a 0.9 mill, a resident would be taxed .009 cents for every dollar, or $0.90 per $1,000 of the taxable value of his or her property. For a 0.65 mill, that would equate to $0.65 per $1,000 of taxable value, according to city information.


For example, a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000, the cost of 0.9 mills would be $90 per year for 10 years. After 10 years, the millage would reduce to 0.65, which would equate to $65 per year.

Projects millage would fund

The proposed millage would support the following improvements:

Bowen Station Park: New restroom, new playground components, gateway signage, site amenities, landscaping.

Burgis Park: Trail and sidewalk improvements, drinking fountain.

City Campus: Splashpad, playground, plaza, shelters, stage, event lawn, parking, restrooms, site amenities.

Community center: Approximate 40,000-square-foot community center (to be designed).

East Paris Nature Park: Trail improvements, signage, site amenities.

Home Acres Park: Skate park improvements, shade shelters, lighting, signage, site amenities, landscaping.

Jaycee Park: New restroom/program building, playground structure, basketball court, parking improvements, playground.

Kellogg Woods Park: Restrooms, softball/baseball field, landscaping.

Northeast Park: Restrooms, playground, splashpad, site amenities, landscaping.

Old Farm Park: Parking improvements, playground or splashpad, shelter, site amenities.

Paris Park: Trail improvements, signage.

Pinewood Park: Splashpad improvements, pickleball/tennis courts, restroom, shade shelters, site amenities, landscaping.

Rondo Street Station Park: Playground, site amenities, landscaping.

Stanaback Park: Playground, ADA improvements, parking improvements, signage, pickleball courts, site amenities, landscaping.

Stauffer Station Park: Kiosk, lighting, signage, site amenities, landscaping.

Summerwood Park: Playground, landscaping.

Trails: Repair, replacement or the creation of new connections.

Veterans Memorial Park: New soccer field and playground expansion (to be completed in FY 2021 via Community Development Block Grant funding).

“The improvements identified through our extensive community engagement and planning process demonstrated our community needs have grown beyond our current budget,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “The Parks and Recreation Department has exhausted current general funds, including a parks millage that expired in 2013.

“We have only been able to achieve improvements through various grant opportunities which are becoming more and more difficult to acquire,” she said. “To keep pace with our growing community needs, new funding is critical.”

Work of community-led advisory committee

The City Commission decision comes on the heels of a recommendation made by the City of Kentwood Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee. The City Commission worked with the committee to refine the plan.

The plan objectives are to begin improvements to City Campus in year two, address the most immediate needs at every park within the first five years, start construction on a new community center in year five and complete all remaining improvements within 10 years.

In addition to the potential permanent dedicated millage, the City would contribute up to $3.6 million from other funding sources and a future loan of up to $5 million, which would come from the City’s Special Assessment Revolving Fund. An internal loan would eliminate the need to issue a bond and associated interest, according to the city.


The 19-member advisory committee included a broad cross-section of Kentwood residents to ensure the diverse needs of the community would be represented in the review of the proposed improvements. Ed Kape, who currently serves on the Planning Commission and as chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, served as chair of the advisory committee. Dustin Moseley, a Parks and Recreation commissioner, served as vice chair.


“At the charge of City Commission, Kentwood residents from all over the community pulled together to create this plan,” Kape said in supplied material. “As residents, we unanimously concluded that a millage was necessary to create a sustainable funding plan for the future of our parks, trails and recreational programming.

“We are pleased the City Commission has approved putting the millage question on the August ballot so residents can weigh in on this opportunity to support our parks in a new and meaningful way.”


In developing its recommendation, the advisory committee reviewed, and prioritized improvements identified in the Parks and Recreation Business Plan, Parks Master Plan, Non-Motorized Trail Plan and findings from the Plan Our Parks – POP! Public Engagement Series.

“We are thankful for the residents’ involvement in the committee and its holistic review process,” Mayor Kepley said. “The detailed visionary planning they’ve contributed to will increase Kentwood’s excellent quality of life for many years to come.”

 

Gallstones—the post-pregnancy affliction

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Treatment for gallstones may come in the form of antibiotics or surgery. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Samantha Kauffman, Spectrum Health Beat


I recently heard about two patients who ended up in the hospital with gallstones just a short while after they gave birth to their babies.


They both ended up having their gallbladders removed.


Women who experience gallstones after their child is born will typically experience this within two to four months after delivery.


More than 25 million people suffer from gallstones, but women encounter this at a much greater rate than men—and that’s before pregnancy is factored in.


You are indeed more prone to gallstones when you’re pregnant.


Why? The extra estrogen in your body. Among its various effects, estrogen increases cholesterol.


Progesterone can also lead to gallstones. This hormone relaxes tissue, including within the gallbladder.

Battling blockages

About the size of a pear, the gallbladder is located below the liver.


Though you can live without it, the gallbladder does have its use.


The liver makes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. When we eat food—especially high-fat food—bile is released from the gallbladder and sent to the intestines to aid in digestion.


In some cases, the bile crystalizes and forms gallstones. These can be as small as sand or as large as a golf ball.


Gallstones are usually composed of calcium bilirubinate, cholesterol and calcium carbonate.


It’s critical to understand that gallstones can cause a problem when they block ducts. They won’t allow the bile to leave, which can cause inflammation, or cholecystitis.


People may have gallstones and not even know it. Symptoms only tend to arise when the stones block or obstruct the body’s natural processes.


Symptoms include:

  • Upper abdomen pain, which can radiate to right shoulder and back
  • Steady pain after eating fatty meals
  • Abdominal pain lasting longer than five hours after eating
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Yellowing of the eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored bowel movements

In the past we’ve looked at a condition called cholestasis of pregnancy, which entails symptoms similar to those experienced by gallstones.


Testing for gallstones can involve an ultrasound, which helps doctors visualize what is happening. A blood test can also reveal signs of infection.


Doctors can use CT and MRI imaging to further uncover problems.


Antibiotics may be used if there are signs of infection, but doctors may turn to surgery to remove the gallstones or the gallbladder.

Promoting prevention

There are some steps you can take to help reduce the chances of developing gallstones.


First and foremost: Eat healthy and keep your weight under control. Yes, if you’re pregnant you will be gaining weight—you are growing a human being inside you. But excess weight isn’t helpful.


Other useful tips:

  • Limit bad fats and make sure you’re getting healthy fats, which are monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Eat a high-fiber diet and whole foods.
  • Eat healthy nuts.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Keep hydrated.
  • Keep fit with exercise.
  • If you have diabetes, keep watch on your numbers. Having diabetes puts you at a greater risk.

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Photo of the Week: Water and Ice

Citizen Journalism

This week’s photo is of partially frozen Lake Michigan taken at Holland State Park during a Sunday sunset. The photo was taken on Feb. 24 one of Michigan’s warmer days.

Do you have a photo that you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Then send it to Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes Tuesday, Feb. 25, with girls and boys basketball featuring Tri-unity Christian High School at Grand River Prep; and Friday, Feb. 28, with girls/boys basketball with Tri-unity Christian again on the road at Wyoming Potter’s House.

WKTV’s girls and boys basketball District Tournament coverage to be begin March is still being determined, but should be announced by the end of this week.

Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 24
Girls Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event
Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep
Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Holland
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Holland
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Feb. 26 — no events

Thursday, Feb. 27
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River
Grand Rapids Adventist @ Grand River Prep
Boys Diving
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ West Ottawa – MHSAA Regionals

Friday, Feb. 28
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Team Regionals – Boys
Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ Park Center Lanes
Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Team Regionals
South Christian – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ M-66 Bowl
Wyoming- MHSAA State Team Regionals
East Kentwood – MHSAA State Team Regionals
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
Kalamazoo Phoenix @ West Michigan Lutheran
Covenant Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
West Michigan Aviation @ West Michigan Lutheran
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hastings
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims
Boys Wrestling
MHSAA Team State Finals

Saturday, Feb. 29
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Individual Regionals – Boys
Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Individual Regionals- @ Park Center Lanes
Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Individual Regionals
South Christian – MHSAA State Individual Regionals @ M-66 Bowl
East Kentwood – MHSAA Individual Regionals
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hastings
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Finals
Girls Cheer
Wyoming – State Regionals

Before terrific game, Wyoming high inducts six into athletics Hall of Fame

City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Local History, Sports, WKTV Featured sports
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of, from left, Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools. Wyoming High School athletic director Ted Hollern is a far right. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

With the anticipation of a huge boys basketball game between Wyoming High School and Grand Rapids Christian on the schedule, the Wolves could not have picked a better backdrop for its annual Hall of Fame Basketball Community Night Friday, Feb. 14, as the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 honored.

Both the earlier girls and later boys basketball games were WKTV Sports Featured Games, and are available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

The Wolves boys defeated the Eagles, by the way, 62-61, to push their record to 14-1 overall, 8-1 and into art tie for first place in the OK-Conference Gold, as Wyoming avenged their only loss of the season, to Christian. The Wolves trailed by 14 points at halftime but rallied as senior Monte Parks hit a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 18 points, while Parks had 15 and senior Menalito McGee added 13.

The Wolves have also won both of their games since Feb. 14 and now sit at 16-1 overall and 9-1 in conference, still tied with Christian for the conference lead.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools.

Narber, according to supplied material, was one of the all-around great athletes at Wyoming Park. She played basketball, softball and track. While participating in track Narber received two varsity letters and was a conference and regional finalist in the discus. In basketball, she was a four-year letter winner, started in 94 consecutive games and was voted team MVP for three years in a row. In college, she excelled at Aquinas College and is a member of the Aquinas College Ring of Honor Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Micah Bell, second from right, with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Bell was also a graduate of Wyoming Park High School, where he played football and basketball during this time. He was selected All-O.K. Conference in basketball and was All-State Honorable Mention in 1996 and All-State in basketball in 1997. After high School, Bell played college basketball at University of Colorado and Grand Valley State University. After college, he played professional basketball.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction Craig Chappell, center with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Chappell was a multi sport athlete at Rogers High School, playing football, basketball, baseball, and track. Among his other accomplishments, he played varsity basketball from 1982-84 and was All-Conference all three years, and All-District and All-State for two years. Chappell still holds the Rogers High School school record for 1,462 career points. He went on to play at Ferris State University.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Rich Friberg, shown with his wife. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Friberg attended Wyoming Rogers High School and graduated in 1982. While attending Rogers, he played four years of football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also a 4-time District wrestling champion, 2-time Regional champion, and 2-time State Champion, in 1981 and in 1982. He continued on his wrestling career at Northern Michigan University.

Peterson graduated from Rogers High School in 1999, and excelled in basketball and softball. In 1999, she led the Rogers High School basketball team to a MHSAA  District Championship and was named to the the MHSAA All-State Basketball team. She then graduated from Grand Valley State University and is now an EMT paramedic.

Agema — “Critter” Agema — was a multi-sport star at Wyoming Park High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was the leader of the 1984-85 State Champion football team, and was also was a standout basketball player. He went on to play football at Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan.

 

Kentwood Public Schools trustee Sylvia James appointed to Kent ISD School Board

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Kentwood’s Sylvia James, right, is sworn in to serve on the the Kent ISD School Board. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. (Supplied/Kent ISD)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 

According to the ISD statement, in addition to her service in Kentwood’s public school system, she has extensive professional experience in operational and strategic human resources practices and management at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc., and previously with Steelcase, Spectrum Health and Robert Bosch, LLC.


“We are pleased to welcome Sylvia to the Kent ISD School Board and look forward to enlisting her experience, passion and dedication to serve all students in the Kent County area,” Ron Caniff, Superintendent, Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The board is grateful to Bill Joseph for his 18 years of service, countless insights and many contributions throughout the years.  We look forward to continuing this important work with Sylvia’s leadership and commitment to public education.”


James has lived in the Kentwood area for more than 25 years and is interested in expanding her reach to help meet the needs of students throughout the region, according to the ISD.

“I love how Kent ISD works collaboratively with all of the districts to provide programs and services to the residents of 23 public and non-public school districts.” James said in supplied material. “I am committed to ensuring that our students are well educated, as we provide for their safety and welfare.”


James was sworn in at the February Kent ISD School Board meeting.  She will serve until the June 2021 election, at which time she can run to serve the remainder of Joseph’s term, through 2025.


Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency “devoted to achievement for all students,” and provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools.

For more information on the Kent ISD, see kentisd.org.

School News Network: Catapulting students toward learning

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Sen Dim, who is from Myanmar, works on her project about Bhutan. (School News Network)

Kentwood: ‘All Their Stories Come Together’

In Valleywood Middle School teacher Jane Van Hof’s seventh grade English class — a portrait of diversity in itself– students are studying the stories of people forced to flee their native lands. For the project, dubbed “A Refugee Story,” they are delving into research on refugees and learning about those in their community. What did they learn? Click here to find out.

Andrea Donovan preps her students for the human catapult as part of a collaborative STEAM-PE week. (School News Network)

Godfrey-Lee: Human catapult, shadow-dodging teaches movement & so much more

Here’s a story gathering some STEAM: A group of Godfrey-Lee teachers have come up with games that are more than just play, but may create builders, engineers and life-long  physical fitness buffs just by introducing unique ways to keep fit and create while doing it. To learn how they are accomplishing this, click here.

For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website schoolnewsnetwork.org.

Too young for a heart attack?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health,
Women too often ignore the signs of heart troubles and don’t take care with their cardiac health. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Heart disease can seem so distant, so unreal, and something you don’t have to worry about.


Unfortunately, it is very real, especially for women.


There’s no time like the present to start assessing your own goals on how you want to age and how you can enjoy better heart health. Where do you stand on meeting your goals? If having a heart attack is not something you want to experience, you need to act now.


Having a health goal is important and also the key to staying healthy as you age.


Making health changes such as exercising daily, changing eating habits, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can be challenging, especially if you don’t start with a clear goal.


When my patients say, “I can’t believe you are asking me if I want a heart attack; of course I don’t want a heart attack,” I show them how their actions speak louder than their words. By choosing not to exercise, eating high-sugar foods and allowing stress to rule their lives, they are actually choosing a heart attack.


The good news is that it’s never too late to get healthy, but the sooner the better.


A patient I’ll call Adrienne is living proof that heart disease can affect just about anyone.


At age 39, she suffered a heart attack—way too young—or so she thought. Adrienne was going through a very stressful time in her life and was having shortness of breath occasionally.


Adrienne thought being winded had to do with the stress she was experiencing or maybe because she was tired and had not been eating well. She would simply rest until she felt better and forget about the feeling until it would happen again. Adrienne never even considered she might be having a heart attack.


However, one day the feeling came back and persisted for a long time. When she received some especially bad news, her breathing became very labored, and she knew something wasn’t quite right. She mentioned her symptoms to her husband, and he insisted they go to the ER immediately. Just minutes after arriving at the ER, Adrienne had a full-blown heart attack.


Fortunately for Adrienne, the ER staff took her symptoms seriously. She is alive today thanks to the prompt and expert care she received that day.


Not everyone is as lucky as Adrienne.

More women die of first heart attacks

Many women don’t get help quickly enough or they are not taken seriously when they go for help. But the facts don’t lie: More women than men die from their first heart attack and more women than men have fatal heart attacks.


As Adrienne went through cardiac catheterization, open heart surgery and cardiac rehab, she learned she had risk factors for a very long time, but never realized it. As a result, she never received the preventive treatment needed to prevent a heart attack, and she wasn’t aware of the early symptoms.


Adrienne’s shortness of breath and fatigue had been going on for more than a month, but she never knew the severity of her condition.


Adrienne began to learn more about her health and important risk factors of heart attacks. These include family history, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diet, high stress, inactivity, inflammation (which can be caused by diet and the presence of heart disease), and age.


In addition, activity and increased stress level can affect your risk of having a heart attack. Adrienne had risk factors she never knew she had.


Unfortunately, Adrienne’s story isn’t unique.


Too many women either don’t know the warning signs of a heart attack or ignore them because they don’t want to bother anyone.

Know the symptoms

It’s important that we know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, especially because they are different in women than men.


Men tend to experience a heaviness, like an elephant, on their chest. They also notice a true pain in their chest that radiates to the left arm and up the neck.


Women tend to have more subtle signs. The most common symptoms for women are progressive shortness of breath on exertion or with great stress, unexplained fatigue, nausea, subtle chest heaviness, neck pain, or arm pain.


I have had patients who dismissed some of their symptoms as jaw pain from TMJ or simply sleeping funny. I have even seen patients who presented with new onset hot flashes years after menopause. After sending them to a cardiologist, they find out they have angina and they ended up with heart surgery instead of hormones.


Risk scores also help physicians predict your chances of having a heart attack in the next year, and even in the next 10 years. My favorite scoring system is the Reynold’s Score, and it can be done at home by going online to reynoldsriskscore.org.


You will need to know your family history, total cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol level, systolic blood pressure (number on top), and C-Reacting Protein (CRP) level. You will also be asked if you smoke, which is a significant cause of heart attacks.


Other tests used to assess risk include an ultrasound of the artery in your neck to determine your risk of stroke, and a CT scan of the chest to look for calcium in the artery walls.


When you have symptoms, it is important to have two tests performed: an EKG to see if your heart is suffering low oxygen from blockages, and a stress test with an ultrasound of the heart (ECHO). If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest heaviness or shortness of breath, you will want to go to the ER or call 911.


In our clinic, we use risk scores, including the Reynolds Score, to score for Metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a strong predictor of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.


If a woman comes to us for hormone therapy and also has Metabolic syndrome or is at high risk for a heart attack, we will not prescribe hormone replacement therapy as it would put her at greater risk for a heart attack. However, if she is at low risk and does not have Metabolic syndrome, hormone replacement therapy can actually lower her risk of having a heart attack or stroke.


In the not-so-distant past, it was common for women to go to the ER with chest pain and shortness of breath, only to be told it was heartburn or an anxiety attack. It was even thought that women couldn’t have heart disease.


Fortunately, health care experts now take this issue seriously, and we are very aware that heart disease affects both men and women.


We wish that every woman knew her risk factors and made healthy choices to avoid suffering a heart attack. Too many women (and their families) suffer an unnecessary loss. Take control before it happens to you.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Wanted: Photos of Tulip Time Dutch Dancers

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

By Simone Welthers
Tulip Time

Tulip Time 2020 will be the premier of the Dutch Dance Exhibit as part of the new Visual Arts Series hosted by the Holland Area Arts Council.

At this exhibit, visitors can explore a collection of some of the most exceptional and intricately designed Dutch Dance costumes in this beautiful and educational exhibit. Travel through the Provinces, to appreciate the history behind the costumes, the artistry and how the selection of materials serves to maintain authenticity, and the detailed process of their creation. Learn about Tulip Time’s Dutch Dance program, the Dutch Dance music and the dance itself. The exhibit also celebrates the 50thyear of Alumni Dutch Dance.

A fun feature has been added to the exhibit giving everyone a chance to participate. We will display a constant stream of some of the best Dutch Dance photos and we would love to include yours!

We have partnered with the Holland Sentinel to collect all of your fun photos – past and present. And, all entries have a chance to win a great prize. So start digging through all your favorite Dutch Dance memories and click this link to submit your photos: https://hollandsentinel.gatehousecontests.com/Dutch-Dance-Photo-Contest/. The contest ends March 1 at 12:00 am EST.

If you have any other fun Dutch Dance memorabilia or stories you are willing to share, send them to dutchdance@tuliptime.com or stop by the Tulip Time office at 42 W. 8th Street.

About the Visual Arts Series

Tulip Time is expressed through many art forms and now you can experience them in one location. Join us at the Holland Area Arts Council for the Visual Arts Series of exhibits presented by Alpen Rose Restaurant & Catering. The Series includes:

  • Festival Artwork Top 20 Exhibit where you can participate in the Viewers’ Choice voting
  • Tulip Time Quilt Show featuring a unique display of exquisite quilts, wall hangings and art quilts created by local artisans.
  • Premier of the Dutch Dance Exhibit

– Klompen Garden Public Art Project Jurors’ Pick

One ticket ($10/person) gains access to all four of these exceptional exhibits!

Science probes dementia-anemia link

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, , , ,
Researchers say mild anemia, regardless of patient age, can be associated with dementia over time. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Even mild anemia—low levels of hemoglobin in the blood—may raise a person’s odds for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, a new study finds.


The same Dutch research also found a correlation between heightened dementia risk and high blood levels of hemoglobin.


“With around 10% of people over age 65 having anemia in the Americas and Europe and up to 45% in African and southeast Asian countries, these results could have important implications for the burden of dementia,” noted study lead author M. Arfan Ikram, of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.


Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.


The new study included more than 12,000 people averaging 65 years of age. None of the participants had dementia at the beginning of the research.


Hemoglobin levels were measured at the start of the study and 6% of the participants were found to have anemia.


The participants’ health was then tracked for an average of 12 years. During that time, 1,520 developed dementia, including 1,194 who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the report published online recently in Neurology.


The study was not designed to prove cause and effect.


However, the research showed that people with anemia were 41% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and 34% more likely to develop any type of dementia than those without anemia, the team reported.


In another finding, people with high levels of hemoglobin were also more likely to develop dementia.


Those with the highest levels were 20% more likely to develop dementia than those with levels in the middle.


Those with the lowest hemoglobin levels were 29% more likely to develop dementia than those with levels in the middle, the research found.


In a journal news release, Ikram added that the findings could be significant, given that “the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase threefold over the next decades, with the largest increases predicted in the countries where the anemia rate is the highest.”


The question of how hemoglobin levels affect dementia risk is still unclear, however.


“More research is needed to determine whether hemoglobin levels play a direct role in this increased risk or whether these associations can be explained by underlying issues or other vascular or metabolic changes,” Ikram explained.


Dr. Satjit Bhusri is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Looking over the findings, he stressed that hemoglobin’s role as an oxygen transporter to the brain might be key.


“Any quick or slow loss of oxygen will lead to a cognitive decline and manifest as dementia,” he noted. Conversely, Bhusri said, “elevated hemoglobin is a reaction to some underlying disease. That disease is forcing the body to produce more hemoglobin. This can result in an increase in thickness of blood and poor flow to the brain.”


Another expert believes the findings should serve as a reminder to doctors to pay attention to even mild anemia when it occurs.


“I think that physicians should not write off mild anemia in any age group, because it clearly is associated with brain dysfunction over time,” said Dr. Guy Mintz. He directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.


Mintz also noted that many of the participants in the study were still in their 60s and 70s, so “we are not looking at an elderly, frail group of patients.”


As for people with elevated levels of hemoglobin, he believes that in many instances this happened in response to the smoking habit.


So, the link between hemoglobin levels and dementia “can be another motivational tool to get these patients to stop smoking,” Mintz said.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Snapshots: Three fun things to do this weekend, inside and out

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Time flies whether you are having fun or not. Your choice.”

Anonymous
(Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)

Inside in GR, with a wizard

The Harry Potter Film Concerts Series returns to DeVos Performance Hall with “Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince” on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, with the Grand Rapids Symphony performing the live score while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen. Go here for the story.

The start of the 2019 Freeze Fest disc golf event. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Inside and outside in Kentwood

The City of Kentwood will have two community events this Saturday, including the Annual Freeze Fest Disc Golf Tournament, and a Hawaiian Luau-Themed Family Dance, both on Feb. 22. Go here for the story.

Outside in Grand Haven

On Saturday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., downtown Grand Haven businesses  will be showcasing their favorite Nursery Rhymes during the tenth annual Frozen in Time. Frozen in Time is a window display competition, complete with live mannequins and an Oscar-style awards ceremony. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

It will not be -13 (we hope)

That record low temperature in Grand Rapids was set in 1966 with a low of -13 degrees, which we tied Feb. 19, 2015.

Review: Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal at St. Cecilia Feb. 19

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, ,
Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, she of the quintessential country voice and he of the acoustic guitar mastery, on stage at a unknown venue. (Courtesy of the artist)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

60-second Review

The St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Cafe folk series, and the acoustics of the Royce Auditorium, was made for nights like the Feb. 19 visit by Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, she of the quintessential country voice and he of the acoustic guitar mastery.

Cash, accompanied only by Leventhal — her husband, guitarist extraordinaire, surprisingly subtle pianist, and talented writer/producer — offered up a nearly 2-hour, 18-song set that almost equally left the sell-out audience in blissful silence and had them springing to their feet in appreciation, some before the song actually finished.

The pair’s set fittingly relied heavily on songs from her most recent release, 2018’s She Remembers Everything, co-written by Cash and Leventhal, who also co-produced the songs with Tucker Martine (The Decembrists, My Morning Jacket, Mavis Staples; to name just a few).

Some of the newer songs hint, if not actually shout, about the current sad state of affairs of an America tribalized by politics, reeling from societal conflicts, and grappling with religious and family transitions. Leading off the night with “The Only Thing Worth Fighting For” — “Work me like a battlefield/Locked inside a holy war/Your love and my due diligence/The only thing worth fighting for” — was no accident.

And the album’s title song itself, and Cash’s introduction of “She Remembers Everything”, offered stark commentary on the status of women in the home, the workplace and the modern world.

Rosanne Cash. (Supplied)

But other songs on the new recording harken back to the everlasting focus of all great country/folk/Americana music: the relationships between lovers and life partners that fail as often as they succeed. “Crossing to Jerusalem”, she explained, is a beautiful commentary on Rosanne and John’s 25-year journey in marriage, and a shared love of music. — “This is our deal with the sinners and saints/The law and up above/We’ll be crossing to Jerusalem/With nothing but our love”.

But Cash did not forget her past in the set list, picking selectively and effectively from her very early years (1981’s “Seven Year Ache”); her 2009 release The List, an album based on a list of 100 greatest country and American songs that father Johnny Cash gave her when she was 18 (incuding covers of “Long Black Veil” and “Ode to Billy Joe”); and her Grammy winning 2015 release The River & the Thread (“A Feather is Not a Bird”).

The duo’s two-song encore was a direct homage to country/folk musics past. First with a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Tennessee Flat Top Box” — one of the many songs on which Leventhal and his guitar work shined — and well as the classic “500 Miles Away from Home.”

Cash and Leventhal sent everybody home, like a good country meal, well satisfied.

May I have more, please?

Never heard of Johnny Cash’s list of 100 must-listen “essential” country/folk songs?

The list includes, at least as recounted and recorded by Rosanne, the expected —  “Motherless Children”, the southern gospel traditional popularized by the Carter Family, and “Take These Chains From My Heart”, the last song Hank Williams recorded. But also some you might not expect, including “Girls from the North Country” by Bob Dylan.

Rosanne’s complete list from her father is apparently still unknown, and she is not taking at this point. See one of many stories here.

For information and tickets on remaining St. Cecilia Music Center 2019-20 season concerts visit scmc-online.org.

LowellArts hosts auditions for “Clue: The Musical”

Entertainment,

The LowellArts will be hosting auditions for the upcoming musical “Clue: The Musical.”

Auditions are set for Feb. 23 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Feb. 24 from 7 – 9 pm. at the LowellArts, 223 W. Main St. The fun-filled family musical bring the internationally popular game “CLUE” to life. The production will be directed by Amy McDaniel.

The cast calls for four to five males and two to three females. Everyone in the cast sings. Age ranges are 20 to 50. Those auditioning should prepare 16 bars of a song, an accomplishment will be provided. For those auditions for Mrs. Peacock or Mrs. White, research the slow for “Once a Widow” and “Life is a Bowl of Pits.”

Rehearsals for the show being March 8 and will be healthy at the LowellArts. the show runs April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, and May 1 and 2. For more information, email info@lowellartsmi.org or call 616-897-8545.

SpartanNash receives honor for being a good company to work for

3-bottom, City of Wyoming

SpartanNash has been named among the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation, according to the National Association for Business Resources.

“At SpartanNash, our family of nearly 19,000 associates is our company’s most important asset,” Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Yvonne Trupiano said. “Whether they are ‘taking food places’ through our highly efficient and versatile supply chain, military resale channel, fresh food manufacturing or corporate-owned retail stores, associates contribute to SpartanNash’s success.

“In turn, we are proud to provide a challenging, exciting and fast-paced work environment for associates, in addition to competitive Total Rewards benefits; training, development and advancement opportunities; and a commitment to cultivate relationships based on respect, integrity, teamwork and trust to build a winning culture.”

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. Nominees are scored based on regional company performance data and a set standard across the nation, evaluating companies on categories including benefits and employee solutions, engagement and retention, education and development, diversity and inclusion, and communication and shared vision. The national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

“With the war on talent hitting the doorsteps of the Best and Brightest, this achievement means even more than it did a year ago. As we continue to raise the bar, these companies rise to the challenge through cultural innovation, maximizing their workforce potential,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

In total, the 2019 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For list includes 540 national winning organizations from across the country, selected from 5,000 nominations. Also receiving the honor was the Kent District Library.

SpartanNash offers a robust Total Rewards program, with benefits for eligible associates including medical, dental, life, vacation, 401(k) with company match, employee assistance services and a wellness program. The company also offers associate discounts at its more than 155 owned and operated retail stores, as well as discounts with vendors and tuition reimbursement.

Associate learning and development is also a priority at SpartanNash, with training and development courses tailored to each associate’s business segment and career aspirations.

SpartanNash also offers employee resource groups for its female and veteran associates, as well as companywide volunteering and sustainability programs.

With more than 20 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards.

SpartanNash has been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for six consecutive years. The company has also been honored as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For since 2013, as well as one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness since 2016. 

Winning companies will be featured in the February online edition of Corp! Magazine

West Michigan documentary offers candied view of being a black man in America

Entertainment, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Every story has a starting point. For Jon Wesley Convington’s film “Black Man,” it started when he was hired by the Muskegon Museum of Art to do a five-minute video loop featuring interviews of African-American males in the community to accompany the MMA’s 2018 – 2019 Winter exhibition “Sons: Seeing the Modern African American Male.”

“I started into the project and suddenly realized there was so much more,” Covington said. “Five minutes turned into 50 hours of film which became an hour and half documentary.”

That documentary, “Black Men,” will be screened Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton St. Tickets are $5 for UICA members and $10 for non-members.

The film features interviews from 36 African-American males ages 21 – 91, who all hail from the West Michigan area. The men candidly discuss about loves, lives, losses, longings and their America.

“What amazed me was the transparency and the emotions,” Covington said of the film, adding the interviews are like nothing people have seen before.

 

Just from the four-and-half minute trailer, the intensity of these men’s stories can be felt. One interviewee laughs his way through a story as the tears roll down his face, another, you can feel his pain through a simple glance at the camera. And a third makes a profound statement that shows just how similar we all are in our wants and desires.

“We are in America and we all want the same thing for ourselves and our kids, and that’s opportunity.”

The final cut of “Black Men” was screened at the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. program on Jan. 20 at the Muskegon Museum of Art. The film has been screened at several venues and featured at festivals, most recently the Pan African Film and Art Festival in Los Angeles and received awards from the Capital City Black Film Festival. The film is scheduled for a second Grand Rapids screening through Spectrum Health on March 19.

For more about the documentary “Black Men” and other showtimes, visit the Facebook page.

Jon Wesley Covington

About Jon Wesley Covington

Covington is a Muskegon native who now lives in the Cascade area. He is a filmmaker who has worked on a number of projects including the iparticipate campaign spearheaded by Michelle Obama. He also is the founder of the literacy initiative Men of Color Read, which has recently partnered with Kent District Library.

Kentwood and Kent County honored for Patterson Avenue and 44th Street airport access project

3-bottom, architecture, City of Kentwood, Local Business, ,
At the Patterson Avenue and 44th Street project site, from left, KCRC Project Engineer Eric Rodegher, Kentwood Director of Engineering and Inspections Tim Bradshaw and KCRC Engineering Inspector Sean McKean. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Concrete Association has recognized the City of Kentwood and the Kent County Road Commission with an Award of Excellence for the agencies’ joint project at the intersection of Patterson Avenue and 44th Street, according to the City of Kentwood.

The project’s goal was to improve traffic flow throughout the heavily traveled intersection, which serves as the entrance to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Completed in August 2019, the two-month project widened sections of both roads to provide dual left-turn lanes from eastbound 44th Street to northbound Patterson Avenue. The intersection’s north and west approaches were also reconstructed, receiving new full-depth concrete surfaces.

“To keep pace with the growth of Kentwood and the airport, additional lane capacity was achieved to improve commuting times for motorists at this critical intersection,” Tim Bradshaw, City of Kentwood Director of Engineering and Inspections, said in supplied material.

The award was presented during the Michigan Concrete Association 2020 Winter Conference and Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, in East Lansing. A competitive awards program, Kentwood and KCRC’s joint project was one of 25 that were recognized among the more than 45 projects that were submitted, according to the city.


“The new full-depth concrete pavement will serve this heavily traveled intersection for many years, reducing any future traffic impacts to the thousands of travelers who use the airport,” Dan DeGraaf, MCA executive director, said in supplied material. “The airport, city and county should be proud of the welcoming gateway that this intersection provides to visitors and motorists alike.”

Contractor Kamminga & Roodvoet completed the road improvements and Strain Electric performed the necessary traffic signal upgrades. Because of the intersection’s high traffic volumes and demand, the project was completed while maintaining two-way traffic and left turns at all times.

“This project is an excellent example of multi-agency collaboration,” Wayne Harrall, KCRC deputy managing director of engineering, said in supplied material. “Not only did Kentwood, the road commission and the contractors work together to complete a high-quality project, but the airport also provided critical support and communication that helped thousands of daily motorists safely navigate the work zone daily.”

A top cardio plan: Get a canine

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Pets/Animals, , , ,
Researchers have found that dog owners are more active — and the benefits may extend to diet and blood sugar levels. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

By Amy Norton, HealthDay


Your dog might be your heart’s best friend, if a new study is any indication.


Researchers found that compared with people who had no pets, dog owners tended to have fewer risk factors for heart disease: They got more exercise and had healthier diets and lower blood sugar levels.


Even compared with other pet owners, they were doing better with diet and exercise.


The study of nearly 1,800 Czech adults is not the first to suggest our canine friends can do our hearts good. In fact, in 2013 the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement saying that dog ownership is likely linked to a lower risk of heart disease.


That was largely based on evidence that people with dogs are more physically active. The new findings suggest the benefit might extend to diet and blood sugar levels.


It’s easy to see how having a dog could get people moving, according to senior researcher Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez.


And it’s possible that dog owners’ lower blood sugar levels were related to their exercise habits, said Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.


It’s less obvious, though, why dog ownership would encourage a healthier diet. One possibility is that the two are not directly related, he said.


On the other hand, past research has shown that dogs do more than demand walks and get us moving: They offer companionship and emotional support, according to Lopez-Jimenez.


“They can decrease your feelings of loneliness and give you a sense of purpose,” he said. “You have someone to look after.”


And that, he speculated, might encourage people to take better care of themselves.


Dr. Glenn Levine, a volunteer medical expert with the AHA, was lead author of its statement on pets and heart health. He said that, overall, there is “reasonably good data” that adopting a dog can increase people’s physical activity levels.


“That’s the strongest and most direct (cardiovascular) benefit,” said Levine, who is also a professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.


He agreed, though, that pets might support heart health in less-direct ways, too.


“There may be other benefits as well—including reduced stress, greater companionship and happiness, and other factors that could lead people to take better care of themselves,” he said.


For the study, the researchers used data from a health survey of 1,769 Czech adults, aged 25 to 64.


Overall, more than two-thirds of dog owners (67%) met the “ideal” AHA recommendations for exercise. That means 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, each week—along with muscle strengthening exercises a couple of days per week.


In contrast, only 48% of people without pets met that ideal, as did 55% of other pet owners, the findings showed.


When it came to diet, few people met the AHA ideal, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, fiber-rich grains, fish and lean meat.


But dog owners were doing better than others: Fewer than 7% scored in the “poor” range for diet, versus 16% of people without pets and 13% of other pet owners.


Dog owners did, however, fall short in one heart-health measure: Their smoking rates were highest.


It’s not clear why, according to Lopez-Jimenez—and it might not hold true in other countries, such as the United States. In general, smoking is more common in Eastern Europe.


The bottom line, according to Levine, is that people might enjoy health benefits from having a canine companion. But the AHA does not advocate adopting a dog for that purpose.


“The primary purpose of adopting or rescuing a dog should be to give the dog a loving and caring home,” Levine said. “The health benefits that may come from this are a bonus.”


The findings were published recently in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Midón brings genre-blurring sound to St. Cecilia folk series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,
Raul Midón brings stunning guitar work and hypnotic vocals to his music, but he politely declines to step into any musical-genre box. (Courtesy of the artist)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Raul Midón, according to no-less a critic than the New York Times, is “a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus.” So while stunning guitar work and hypnotic vocals are the focal point of the singer-songwriter’s music, he politely declines to step into any musical-genre box.

So, he just happens to be scheduled as part of the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café folk series of concerts, with a debut appearance scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27. Tickets are still available.

Raul Midón. (Courtesy of the artist)

“My only link to the folk genre is acoustic guitar,” Midón said to WKTV in a recent email conversation. “I’m a jazz trained singer songwriter guitarist with a black and Latin heritage. But I write and sing songs accompanied by acoustic guitar.”

His unclassifiable versatility is evidenced by his having released 10 studio albums as a solo artist, being dubbed “an eclectic adventurist” by People magazine, having collaborated with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg, and contributed to the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s film “She Hate Me.”


And now, on his latest album, If You Really Want, released in September 2019 and arranged by Vince Mendoza, Midón’s voice and guitar blend with an actual orchestra — the equally diverse Metropole Orkest, a multiple Grammy winning ensemble orchestra based in the Netherlands often called a “hybrid orchestra” due to its ability to float between jazz, big band and symphony orchestra music.

But, Midón said to WKTV about the recording — and re-recording — of If You Really Want, the artist is a bit of a musical perfectionist and tinkerer.

“Once the ensemble parts were tracked, I took the recordings home, taking my time to re-cut the vocals and guitar so that they were as nuanced as possible,” he said in supplied material.

“In today’s climate, time is money, more than ever, unless it’s in the comfort of your own home studio,” Midón said to WKTV. “The budget did not allow for me to sing with the orchestra in the studio. But it’s a nice compromise, plus I have the skills to achieve that.”

Musical talent, musical editing skills and musical confidence, are clearly in abundance with Midón, despite the fact that he is blind — evidenced by the title of Midón’s 2017 release: Bad Ass and Blind.

And that blindness also does not stop him from being at home with a live audience, feeding off the unseen audience, in fact.

“Energy isn’t visible, so what would blindness matter,” he said to WKTV. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years or so, I can read an audience in my own way. Applause is just one way. But if you are in Japan, silence and attentiveness would be another.”

For more information on Raul Midón — and his new album, The Mirror, due out March 13 — visit his website at raulmidon.com.

Two other St. Cecilia Acoustic Café concerts remain for this season, both with tickets available, include Grammy-award winning folk/Americana singer and songwriter Marc Cohn — he of “Walking in Memphis” but so much more — returns to St. Cecilia on March 19.

Then Shawn Colvin returns for her second appearance at St. Cecilia, on May 19, performing her newly released album Steady On Acoustic in its entirety. Her original 1989 album Steady On became her first Grammy Award winning album.

Tickets for Raul Midón on Feb. 27 are $40 and $45 and can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online at scmc-online.org.  A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party with a cash bar will be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to possibly meet Midón and obtain signed autographs of his CDs.

Kent County government leaders talk spending, services and legislative agendas on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we welcome two leaders of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, arguably the most influential group of elected officials in the county. While often little understood, it is a governing body whose decisions and leadership impact residents in a myriad of ways, from its health department to its road crews, from its park system to the county sheriffs office.

The commissioners last month elected their leadership and we have two of those leaders in studio today, Commission Chair Mandy Bolter and Vice-chair Stan Stek. Ms. Bolter represents District 5, which includes all or part of Cascade, Lowell, Bowne and Caledonia townships. Mr. Stek represents District 6, which includes the City of Walker and part of the City of Grand Rapids.

Top among the topics discussed are how and why the county was able to approve nearly $18.7 million for three strategic capital funding projects — all without the need for any issuance of bonds, which are repaid with taxpayers’ money.

Also discussed are the scope of county services and responsibilities, the relationship between the county and both state and federal governments, as well as challenges for the coming year in county governance.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Adventures in Michigan: Lights. Camera. Freeze

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,

By The West Michigan Tourist Association

Grand Haven Main Street will host its Frozen in Time event Feb. 22. (Supplied)

By West Michigan Tourist Association

On Saturday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., the businesses of Grand Haven Main Street will be showcasing their favorite Nursery Rhymes during the tenth annual Frozen in Time. Frozen in Time is a window display competition, complete with live mannequins and an Oscar-style awards ceremony.

Many Main Street businesses will be participating, and each one will feature live, “frozen” mannequins depicting a scene from a favorite nursery rhyme. Three honorary judges will be choosing a “Jurors’ Choice” Award, and the public is invited to wander throughout the district, matching the nursery rhymes with the corresponding storefront on a special scorecard, and cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” Award.

The official Frozen in Time zone encompasses businesses along Washington Avenue from Harbor Drive to Beacon Blvd and 7th Street between Washington and Madison. Scorecards are available at all participating businesses.

Frozen in Time will end promptly at 4 p.m., followed by a special awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Avenue. The Jurors’ Choice and People’s Choice awards will be announced. The public is invited to come and meet the live mannequins and bring their completed scorecards to be entered into a drawing for cash and door prizes donated by sponsoring Main Street businesses. (You must be present to win.)

For more information about this event, visit downtownGH.com or follow us on Facebook at Grand Haven Main Street.

KDL Staff Picks: Let’s go on an adventure

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism

The cold weather has you homebound? Well, you can still travel and have some fun with these KDL staff picks. Just watch out for the ghosts and dragons!

Adult

The Curse of Oak Island
The Story of the World’s Longest Treasure Hunt
By Randall Sullivan

I want to be believe there’s treasure buried on Oak Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, and this nonfiction book only further tantalizes the possibility! Sullivan does a great job of distilling the 200-year mystery, beginning with the discovery of the storied Money Pit and catching us up to the most recent search efforts by the Lagina brothers from Michigan. (NOTE: “The Curse of Oak Island” show is on the History Channel?


– Vivi at the KDL Service Center

The Need
By Helen Phillips

This story is sort of a blend of horror, thriller, and musing on the mundane joy of caring for small children. As a parent of a toddler and a baby, I read it at the perfect time because her language and descriptions of parenting ring so true. But even if you aren’t a parent, the tension around the plot is also very compelling and makes it a fascinating, creepy ride.


– Anna at East Grand Rapids

Graphic Teen

Delicious in Dungeon
By Ryoko Kui

I recently read a good Graphic Novel called “Delicious in Dungeon. It’s a great teen series with a new twist on exploring when the adventurers lose all of their gear and have to eat the monsters that they slay and make them into meals like “Dragon Ham” and “Roasted Basilisk”. Sounds good right?


– Tabby at Wyoming

Children’s

Giraffes Can’t Dance
By Giles Andreae

Moby and friends on the bookmobile have been enjoying Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andrede and Guy Parker-Rees. It’s filled with charm and affirmation.


– Kevin Kammaraand on the Bookmobile

For more KDL Staff Picks, go the Kent District Library website, kdl.org, and click the “Recommendations” tab” on the left side of the page.

Inaugural Lakeshore Restaurant Week set for this month

Entertainment, , , ,
Hearthstone Restaurant, 3350 Glade St., Muskeon is one of 18 restaurants participating in the inaugural Lakeshore Restaurant Week. (Heathstone)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Lakeshore Restaurant Week, organized by the four Muskegon Cumulus Radio Stations of Muskegon, will run Feb. 21 through Feb. 29 and will feature 18 Muskegon area restaurants.

During the week, the these 18 restaurants will be offering discounted deals and specials to customers to promote the variety and quality of area eateries.

Participating restaurants include (so far):

  • Seasons Gastropub
  • IHOP
  • Delta Hotels – The Mill
  • Russ’ Restaurant
  • Teddy Spaghettis
  • Olive Garden
  • The Coffee Factory
  • Tootsies Diner
  • Hamburger Mikey
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Rad Dads’ Taco and Tequila Bar
  • Hearthstone Bistro
  • Smash Wine Bar & Bistro
  • Dr. Rolf’s BBQ
  • Lakes 23 in Fremont
  • North Grove Brewers in Montague
  • The Factory Restaurant & Bar
  • Old Homestead Tavern



More restaurants may be added, according to Rich Berry, Director of Sales at the Cumulus-Muskegon radio stations who are putting on the event in conjunction with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

“We are excited that the Lakeshore Restaurant Week is coming back to Muskegon,” said Berry. “This year we have a very nice representation of restaurants that are participating. By promoting the area’s restaurants, we believe the consumer will also benefit. There are plenty of places that people will love visiting.”

Lakeshore Restaurant Week participants may be offering customers a series of specialty menu items at discounted prices to attract customers to eat out and sample restaurants that they have not tried. The public is also encouraged to try entrées that they may never tried before.

“The idea is to make this time period fun for food lovers, and don’t we all fit into that category?” laughed Berry. “We want people to enjoy the variety of food establishments on the Lakeshore and have fun with this.”

Another popular Muskegon restaurant, Tootise’s Diner, located at 1125 W. Hackley Ave., is participating in the Lakeshore Restaurant Week. (Supplied)

Although it is called the Lakeshore Restaurant Week, in reality the “week” spans a ten day time period.

“We wanted to squeeze two full weekends into our time period,” Berry explained. “That’s better for everyone involved because there is more time to try different restaurants.

Lakeshore Restaurant Week details may be found at muskegonlakeshorerestaurantweek.com. Links can also be found on the various Muskegon Radio station websites.

Seth Beck next featured guest for Museum’s Concerts Under the Stars series

Entertainment
Seth Beck received praise for his 2019 release “June.” (Supplied)

By Christie Bender
grpm.org

Prepare for a fully immersive experience during the Concerts Under the Stars series at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), featuring a night of smooth indie rock music, performed by Seth Beck on Thursday, Feb. 27. Sit back and experience the wonders of the cosmos alongside mesmerizing music.

Beck, who hails from Grand Rapids, is a singer and songwriter who specializes in indie rock. He creates music as a means of self-discovery by preserving memory with swaying melodies, while writing plain-stated songs that speak truth to innocent moments and the incense of love rooted in the body. Seth’s unique twist on the genre transforms the music into scenes of romantic optimism and complication, allowing listeners to become lost in the smooth, melodic sounds.

Beck’s performance will be accompanied by a live light show on the Chaffee Planetarium dome by visual artist Calvin Garvey. Calvin is pursuing a BFA in Visual Studies at Grand Valley University, with an emphasis in 3D computer animation, and enjoys engaging with listeners’ sense of wonder and awareness in relation to the complexities of the world through their art.

Concerts Under the Stars begins at 7:30 p.m., with Museum doors opening at 6:30 p.m. At each concert, performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $17, with reduced pricing of $12 for GRPM members. Tickets are available at grpm.org/planetarium, by calling 616-929-1700 or at the Museum’s front desk.

The 2020 Concerts Under the Stars series will conclude with a final concert on March 19.

Cope with the ‘perfect storm’ of menopause

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A healthy diet is the best way to lose pounds during menopause. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Menopause is often referred to as a “perfect storm” where all the odd changes and symptoms women experience collide.


This collision creates insulin resistance resulting in increased belly fat.


At the Spectrum Health Medical Group Midlife and Menopause Clinic, we have an entire team to help women with menopause symptoms, including weight gain.


One of our team members, Irene Franowicz, is a registered dietician who practices what she preaches. She encourages healthy eating and cooking and she teaches others how to prepare healthy foods in her weight management program, Eating the Mediterranean Way with Low Glycemic Carbohydrates.


Even better, Irene demonstrates techniques to counteract the effects of aging and menopause.


Right before and during menopause, one of the most common complaints women experience is weight gain. Many of my patients say, “I am doing the same things with my diet and activity level, but I keep gaining weight.”


One of my patients—we’ll call her Sarah—has experiencing this. At age 49, Sarah struggled to stop gaining weight. She knew she already had a bit of a weight problem, and at age 45 she noticed it was becoming more difficult to lose weight.


Busy juggling family and work, Sarah would often eat on the run as she and her family headed out the door to soccer games, school events and other functions. She exercised when she could, but it wasn’t enough. To make matters worse, when Sarah was 48 years old, she broke her foot and couldn’t move around for five weeks.


Unfortunately, she gained 15 pounds during that time.


Sarah knew her risk of gaining even more weight was high, because she had two strikes against her: she had diabetes when she was pregnant and diabetes ran in her family.


When her periods became very sporadic and she started having hot flashes, she came to see us in the Midlife and Menopause Clinic. From this visit, Sarah learned she was in perimenopause and smack dab in the middle of a perfect storm.

Modify meals

Sarah came to the right place for answers.


We helped her understand that her low estrogen was making her metabolism worse by making her more insulin-resistant. As a result, her body was storing every calorie it could.


No wonder she continued to gain weight. She was trying very hard to make some positive changes, including getting more sleep, drinking more water and exercising more regularly. Sarah still needed more help with her diet, so we sent her to Irene’s class at Spectrum Health.


Irene centers her teaching on the Mediterranean diet because it is low glycemic, meaning it’s low in simple sugar.


Irene’s real passion is working with women in perimenopause and menopause and teaching them how to eat in a way to overcome weight gain. Her low glycemic meal plans are carbohydrate-controlled and high in antioxidants. She created the Mediterranean diet program to help the thousands of women who come to her and say, “I can’t seem to lose weight any more, even though I am eating the same.”


In her classes, Irene offers ideas for meal plans, plus recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Each week, the participants sample delicious recipes and leave with a list for grocery shopping.


Irene has seen great success in women who have adopted her Mediterranean diet program and she enjoys teaching how dietary modifications can reverse the metabolism. It’s simple—even with small weight loss, sugar levels drop.


After seeing me and then talking to Irene, Sarah was thrilled to learn we’re all teaching the same concepts.


She started preparing meals in advance and making healthy, tasty snacks for her entire family. Before too long, Sarah had lost 9 pounds and her sugar level dropped while her energy level went up—she was overjoyed.


Instead of feeling like her life was on the downslide, Sarah now envisioned a much brighter future for herself. She even considered joining Irene’s strength training and yoga classes, something she never thought she could do.


Using a team approach to health care, Irene and I often refer patients to each other. When Irene sees women struggling with hormone issues, she refers them to us in the Midlife and Menopause Clinic and we also send patients to Irene’s classes. We share our skills to provide a wide net of support to as many women as possible.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



School News Network: Cooking, immigration, and open discussion

Citizen Journalism
AJ waits at a city bus stop. (School News Network/Dianne Carroll Burdick)

Wyoming/Kentwood: A and B student strives for success, from a motel room

It’s 6:10 a.m. and AJ is at a bus stop. She will have to catch another bus to get to her school before the first hour bell. AJ and her siblings are among the nearly 2,500 students that qualify as homeless in Kent County schools. A scary thing to face as AJ tells what her average school day is like. Click here for the story.

Jenna Jobin helps Israel Monterrosas pour, while Emily Ross, left, and Carter Lacy-Johnson wait their turns. (School News Network)

Kelloggsville: Pudding parfaits and pedagogy

Teacher Jenna Jobin has turned Thursdays into a touch of “caa, caa, cooking fun” with a dash of learning. To discover Jobin’s recipe, click here.

Ashyla Davis-Culp writes in a notebook in Beth Richardson’s fourth grade classroom. (School News Network)

Godwin Heights: Model behavior? Let’s discuss

North Godwin Elementary fourth-grade teacher Beth Richardson and her students have learned that open discussion about expectations on behavior has helped lead to a healthier classroom environment. Learn more about building a better classroom environment by clicking here.

Ryliegh Kerkstra gets questioned by customs official teacher Sheri Adams for the odd ‘chemical’ in her backpack. (School News Network)

Wyoming: Welcome to the New World

First, they took a ride on an imaginary boat before entering “customs” to come to the United States. This was all part of a lesson on immigration in the 1900s that a group of Oriole Park students participated in. Travel with them by clicking here.

For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network at schoolnewsnetwork.org.

Kelloggsville Branch of KDL hosts English class

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
KDL Kelloggsville Branch

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

If you are interested in improving your English skills, make plans to attend the English Language Learners enrollment session presented by the Literacy Center of West Michigan. The program will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Kelloggsville Branch of Kent District Library. Any adult who wants to learn English or improve their skills is invited to attend.

Attendees will learn about and can sign up for a free, 15-week community English class that will take place at the Kelloggsville Branch of KDL. The class will meet from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 10 – June 18. Anyone interested in taking the class should attend the enrollment session.

“Our goal in holding an English class at the Kelloggsville Branch is to provide English literacy instruction to adults in a context that is immediately relevant to their lives,” said Chad Patton, Director of Customized Workplace English for the Literacy Center of West Michigan. “We are excited to help adults in this community reach their literacy goals, and we think that this partnership with Kent District Library only makes sense.”

Woodland Mall, New Hope Baptist Church partner for Black History Month ‘Live Museum’

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African-American legends will “appear” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month thanks to reinactors from New Hope Baptist Church. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

African-American legends will “appear” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month thanks to reinactors from New Hope Baptist Church. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

Jay Z, Tina Turner,  Coco Gauff and Congressman John Lewis will be among the African-American legends “appearing” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month — thanks to a special partnership with New Hope Baptist Church.


 
Woodland Mall and New Hope Baptist Church are partnering to bring a “live museum” to the mall on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m.  The one-day only exhibit will feature actors portraying notable and important African-American figures in politics, sports, science, arts, entertainment and other areas.


 
Ranging in age from 10 to 72, the actors are all volunteers from New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.


 
“We are proud to partner with New Hope Baptist Church for the eighth year of this great event,” said Cecily McCabe, marketing director for the Woodland Mall. “The live museum gives our guests the opportunity to learn through personal connections. We look forward to the talents of the volunteers who work so hard to create a memorable event.”


 
During the live museum, actors and volunteers will portray African-American figures in history and current culture. The performers bring their persona to life by adopting mannerisms and speaking from a script. Interaction will be limited to the script so performers can fully immerse themselves as the people they are portraying.


 
“The performers work hard for the weeks leading up to the event each year,” said Rev. Dr. Howard Earle, Jr., senior pastor at New Hope Baptist Church and visionary of the African-American live museum. “The community looks forward to this event as an opportunity to help educate our community and to share the wonderful talents of our volunteers.”


 
The event, Earle said, impacts everyone in the community, generating a sense of pride that spans generations.

 
 
“Events like the live museum demonstrate the importance of diversity in our country,” Earle explained. “African-Americans are an integral part of all professions and have made significant contributions to our cultural identity – from science to politics to entertainment. We’re confident everyone will not only learn something at this event, but enjoy it as well.”


 
The live museum is free inside the Woodland Mall, and everyone is welcome to attend. Throughout the history of the event, no figures have been repeated, with one exception. Former President Barack Obama was first seen early in his administration and again in 2017 as he exited office.

For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Line-up for Lowell’s Sizzlin’ Showboat 2020 Concert series announced

Entertainment, ,
Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys kick off the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series.

Local country favorite Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys will be kicking off the popular 2020 Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series on June 11.

The series, presented by the LowellArts and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, runs for 11 weeks from June 11 to Aug. 20. The series, designed to bring talent to the riverfront stage in downtown Lowell, features 11 local and regional performers. The program is a free, family-friendly outdoor concert on the Riverwalk Plaza each Thursday, all summer long.

The line up for the series is:


June 11 – Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys

June 18 – Nicholas James and the Bandwagon

June 25 – Soul Access

July 2 – Sam’s Swing Band

July 9 – Soul Syndicate

July 10 – Conestoga (Riverwalk Friday)

July 16 – Paradise Outlaw

July 23 – Lighten Up Francis

July 30 – Midnight Madcat Blues Journey

Aug. 6 – Melophobix

Aug. 20 – Escaping Pavement

Harry Potter returns to DeVos with ‘Half-Blood Prince’ and live music, Feb. 21 – 22

Entertainment, ,
The Grand Rapids Symphony performs the music of “Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince” Feb. 21 and 22 as the film plays on a giant screen. (Supplied)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to DeVos Performance Hall with “Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince” in Concert, the sixth film in the Harry Potter series. On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, Associate Conductor John Varineau conducts the Grand Rapids Symphony in performing Nicholas Hooper’s incredible score live from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”™ while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

In 2016, CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, a global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films. Since the world premiere of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in Concert in June 2016, more than 2.5 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, which is scheduled to include over 1,500 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2020.

“When the Grand Rapids Symphony brought the Harry Potter Film Concert Series to town four years ago, we sold out three performances of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ in Concert,” said Mary Tuuk, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. “Afterwards, the Symphony’s Facebook page lit up with comments from fans who said it was ‘absolutely phenomenal.’ We’re thrilled to be able to bring the Harry Potter Film Concert Series back to DeVos Performance Hall for the sixth time along with our fabulous Grand Rapids Symphony.”

As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and Wizarding Worldsä, Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing Harry for the battle fast approaching. Even as the showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Any for a game of quidditch? “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony Feb. 21 and 22. (Supplied)

Nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award, Nicholas Hooper returns to the Harry Potter series with this magical score that debuted at number twenty-nine on the Billboard 200 chart, thus making it the highest-charting soundtrack among all the six movie soundtracks released. Considered “emotionally churning” by Variety, Hooper’s score features soaring and unique motifs that could only represent the grandeur and scope of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer of The Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, “The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.”

Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and Concert Producer for The Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, “Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will enjoy returning to the Wizarding World.”

Tickets are now on sale via GRSymphony.org and 616-454-9451 ext. 4 for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in Concert with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.

For more information on the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, please visit www.harrypotterinconcert.com.

Lego creations comes to Public Museum in June

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“Growing Ideas” by Sean Kenney. An exhibit of Kenney’s work will open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in June. (Supplied)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks, an award-winning and record-breaking exhibition that uses beautiful creations made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature, is opening Saturday, June 20.

 

Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Wild Connections depicts important topics that the New York artist, Sean Kenney, holds dear, from protecting an animals’ habitat, to planting a garden, or using a bike instead of a car. Wild Connections shows that just as LEGO® pieces interconnect, everything in nature is interconnected in a delicate balance. The narratives, along with the intricate displays, explore the importance of conservation, the balance of ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world.

Most importantly, the exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful and inspires them to go home and create something wonderful themselves.

Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine Exhibitions shared, “Imagine Exhibitions is proud to partner with Sean Kenney to bring the creative vision of Wild Connections to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The messages in the exhibition about our connection to nature are beautifully presented and effectively weaved into the story in the hopes of inspiring visitors to think more about mankind’s impact on the greater world around us.”

Explore the beauty and wonder of Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks this summer. Tickets go on sale Spring 2020 and will be available at grpm.org or by calling 616-9291700. The GRPM will host an Opening Party for the exhibition on Saturday, June 20. Details at grpm.org.

A detail of a dragon by Sean Kenney. (Supplied)

Brick Built Exhibits Throughout West Michigan

In addition to Wild Connections at the GRPM, the John Ball Zoo will open the brick-built exhibition called BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise for the spring and summer, together creating a full experience for the community. The GRPM and John Ball Zoo will be partnering throughout the run of these exciting exhibitions. BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise features over 40 sculptures of endangered animals to not only entertain but also educate about the importance of the preservation of endangered species. Visit grpm.orgor jbzoo.org for further information.

“As two public organizations in West Michigan, we are pleased to partner with the John Ball Zoo to host these two similarly themed exhibitions this year,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “By partnering to bring this full experience to the community, using both of our locations, we are able to create an even deeper connection to the content.”