All posts by Joanne

Kent County commissioners approve $18.7 million for three capital improvement projects

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The new Kent County North County Campus will be located on 14 acres of County-owned property at 17 Mile Road NE near US-131. The approximate address will be 4223 17 Mile Road NE., and it will be located in open land on the north side of 17 Mile Road. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Kent County’s infrastructure for service delivery and operational needs will grow dramatically in the next 24 months as the The Kent County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 23 approved nearly $18.7 million for three strategic capital funding projects — all without the need for any issuance of bonds.

The projects include a new North County campus for various service delivery located just outside Cedar Springs , a permanent Kent County Parks and Recreation Department office at Millennium Park, and an expanded county vehicle repair and maintenance facility at the county’s Fuller campus.

The new Kent County North County Campus will be located on 14 acres of County-owned property at 17 Mile Road NE near US-131. The approximate address will be 4223 17 Mile Road NE., and it will be located in open land on the north side of 17 Mile Road. (WKTV)

The project expenditures include $12.5 million for the North County campus, $2.68 million for the parks department office, and $3.5 million for a fleet vehicle facility.


The funding for these projects was allocated from the county’s Capital Improvement Program Fund, established in 2015 to “reserve funding for future capital needs and to reduce the size of debt associated with large capital projects,” according to a county statement.


“I am very proud we were able to address the needs of the community and offer better, more efficient services without the need to issue bonds,” Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “Our fiscal team has been very responsible with taxpayer dollars over the years so we could make that possible. These projects wisely invest taxpayer dollars in areas that will not only improve access to County services but prepare our infrastructure for the future.”


The new North County Campus will be located on 14 acres of County-owned property at 17 Mile Road NE near US-131. The approximate address will be 4223 17 Mile Road NE., and it will be located in open land on the north side of 17 Mile Road.

The site’s conceptual master site plan includes a full-service sub-station for the Sheriff’s Office, a clinic for the Health Department, and additional space for other county services. This new shared facility is expected to “improve response times by the Sheriff’s Office and increase access to services in northern Kent County,” according to the county.


“By consolidating and upgrading our facilities and operations, we are focusing on the county’s quality of life and addressing long-awaited projects to better serve our residents now and into the future,” Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt, said in supplied material.

As for the new parks department office, the offices currently are located in modular facilities near Millennium Park. Initial design challenges and the economic recession delayed the development of a permanent parks department office, according to the county. However, “the Board felt it was important to create a new, permanent setting for employees and for residents to access park services.” The new office will be located in the same vicinity as the current facility.


“Our parks system is a true gem for the region, and we are committed to making it more accessible for families and visitors and more functional for our employees,” Bolter said.


Last, the county needs a larger and more modern fleet facility for the repair and maintenance of County vehicles. When the original facility was constructed, it serviced 35 vehicles, and today it maintains more than 290, according to the county. The location for the new 16,100 square foot facility will be located on the county’s Fuller campus and “will increase the efficiency of maintenance operations and address the physical limitations and safety issues associated with the current facility.”


The Kent County Building Authority will assume project management responsibility for the projects, and all are scheduled to immediately commence with architectural and engineering services. The projected timeline for the North County campus is 24 months, 15 months for the parks department office, and 18 months for the fleet facility, according to the county.

How assisted living enhances senior living

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


The decision to move into an assisted living community is a big transition for aging adults. Seniors often fear losing their independence, but a quality senior community will promote autonomy and independence for its residents.


Caregivers and family members do many tasks around the home to help aging adults function well. However, it’s all too easy to fall into the habit of doing too much to help, which can impair seniors’ sense of autonomy. Caring for ourselves is an essential element of retaining our health and mental faculties as we age. Sadly, if an aging adult loses their independence, the will to live may diminish as well.


However, this doesn’t need to be the case! Even the most frail patients can still benefit greatly from completing a few simple activities and feeling more accomplished afterward. With patience and careful attention, you and your loved one’s medical team can develop a safe, balanced approach. Here are a few ways that caregivers and family members can support senior living while still allowing aging adults to maintain their autonomy:

  1. If a senior can’t complete every step of an activity on their own, it is still beneficial to help them do as much as possible on their own. Family members and professionals can supervise to ensure safety and offer assistance when necessary.
  2. Don’t stereotype your loved one. Automatically assuming that someone is weak and incapable can negatively impact the way they view themselves, producing more dependence.
  3. Recognize what a significant achievement it is for your loved one to complete even a small task, like washing a few dishes or getting dressed on their own. A sense of pride and accomplishment will foster independence.
  4. Remember that there’s no need to rush. Sometimes, seniors are perfectly capable of doing activities they’ve done their whole lives, they just need more time on each task. Be patient and always remember that your loved one’s independence and sense of accomplishment is more important than how fast they get dressed.
  5. Tailor expectations to each individual’s ability. By working with your family member’s assisted living staff, you can ensure that their daily activities are appropriate to their health conditions.
  6. Assisted living communities sometimes offer group activities or community classes for residents. Encourage your loved one to participate in a daily routine that will help them feel more confident and social.
  7. It’s impossible to overemphasize how much daily exercise can support happy, healthy senior living. Including even minimal levels of physical activity in their routine helps aging adults stay fit, flexible, and alert.

These are just a few of the ways that senior living can benefit from an assisted living community. While moving into a new community can be a huge change, family and staff members can work to ensure that seniors maintain a dynamic, self-reliant lifestyle. With these ideas in mind, your aging loved one will enjoy a sense of independence long into their golden years.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


New fund designed to help increase ethnic and racial diversity in business ownership

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Pictured from the left, Skot Welch, Birgit Klohs, Garrick Rochow, Renee Tappen, and Kwame Anku. (Supplied)

By The Right Place

Leaders at Bank of America, the Consumers Energy Foundation, and The Right Place, Inc. will be developing the New Community Transformation Fund. This will be an investment fund based in Grand Rapids, Michigan to support diverse business owners. The fund aims to increase ethnic and racial diversity in business ownership in West Michigan. In addition, it will focus on businesses that intend to provide multigenerational wealth creation within historically disadvantaged groups. 

In 2020 the fund consultant team will focus on the design and development of the fund, including the goal of raising $15-$25 million in capital. The team will primarily be seeking family offices, institutional investors and corporate partners. The fund is aiming to launch in 2021. 

Bank of America and the Consumers Energy Foundation have each provided $200,000 in initial startup capital. These funds will support the design and development of the fund, including creation of the fund’s legal structure and operational systems, and establishment of a management team, advisors, a board of directors, and securing local and national portfolio growth partners.

An experienced consulting team will lead design and development of the fund:

Skot Welch, General Partner. Recognized as a leader in utilizing the principles of global quality standards for the development and implementation of sustainable, systematic and measurable diversity initiatives.

Kwame Anku, Fund Consultant. The CEO and Chairman of the Black Star Fund. His responsibilities include fundraising, portfolio building, portfolio management and strategic partnerships.

Birgit Klohs, Senior Advisor. The President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. a position she has held since 1987. The Right Place, Inc. is the regional economic development organization for West Michigan.

Birgit Klos, president and CEO of The Right Place, discusses the new fund during a press conference on Thursday. (Supplied)

“West Michigan has one of the strongest performing economies in the nation,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “Yet, this economic growth has not been shared by all members of our community. By investing in companies that will create long-term economic prosperity in communities of color, this fund will increase upward mobility and ultimately build a more diverse and globally competitive economy.”

The fund will focus on scalable early to midstage businesses and transitioning succession companies in the industries of advanced manufacturing, food processing and agribusiness, life sciences and medical devices, and information technology. This fund will invest in both current and prospective West Michigan companies, but will require founders and portfolio companies to locate and operate in West Michigan.

“The goal of this fund is to increase ethnic and racial diversity in Grand Rapids’ business ownership,” said Renee Tabben, Grand Rapids Market President, Bank of America, who sits on the Board of The Right Place, Inc. “Bank of America strives to help local economies prosper and one way we do that is by supporting business ownership to create sustainable, financially healthy and diverse communities.”

“While the West Michigan economy is booming, communities of color have not shared fully in our region’s success,” said Garrick Rochow, Executive Vice President of Operations for Consumers Energy and a member of The Right Place, Inc. Board’s Executive Committee. “In order to truly ‘win’ as a West Michigan community, our success must be collective. And to do that, we must go beyond talking about our good intentions and take action.”

UCOM partners with Hydoz Water Purification to provide water to community

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A UCOM staff person checks out the new Hydroz purifying water filing station located in the organization’s lobby. The station is open to the public during business hours. (Supplied)

By Karrie Brown
UCOM

United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) recently partnered with Hydroz to provide a free purified water filing station in its neighborhood.  The station, installed last week, is in the lobby at UCOM, at 1311 Chicago Dr. SW Wyoming.  It will provide endless hot and cold purified water for those in the UCOM neighborhood.

The purified water filing station will be available to the community during UCOM’s regular hours, Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. Hydroz has generously donated this station for the neighbors to enjoy clean, pure drinking water. Hydroz is a locally owned water purification company, certified by the Better Business Bureau and Local First. 

They filter the water using reverse osmosis to remove 98% of impurities from tap water. This includes lead, arsenic, chromium-6, mercury, PFAS, chlorine, and more. Hydroz uses a four-stage filter process to remove impurities from the water and then stores it in a stainless steel holding tank, waiting for neighbors to fill their bottles. The water at UCOM was tested prior to the installation and was found to be within normal range of solid particulates for city drinking water, with just over 130 part per million. However, after the installation, water coming from the system was tested again and had less than 15 parts per million. Also, according to staff, it also tastes great.

   

UCOM’s Culture of Health recognizes water is the best beverage for healthy living. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that drinking water helps your body regulate your temperature, protect your spinal cord, joints, and other tissues, and helps in all of your bodily functions. Drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages reduces the amount of calories a person takes in and the amount of added sugars. With obesity-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease on the rise, drinking more water is a way to cut those added sugars and lower the risk of developing these diseases, according to the CDC.

In 2018, UCOM hosted neighborhood listening sessions. The UCOM team hoped to learn more about what people in the community enjoyed seeing at UCOM and also find out if there were things the community wanted to see done differently. One topic brought up by several participants was how proud they are of where they live and how sad they are to see empty water bottles or other garbage find its way into the streets, parking lots, and yards of the neighborhood. UCOM hopes that having a refiling station for water bottles will cut down on some plastic waste in the area and improve the beauty of the community we call home.

UCOM invites neighbors to stop in and fill their water bottles and help us thank Hydroz for bringing this service to our neighborhood!  Hydroz has a commitment to philanthropy and is proud to give back to this community. 

Little Black Dress Party at JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

The annual Little Black Dress party and fashion show is returning to JW Marriott Grand Rapids on Saturday, Jan. 25. Hosted in the recently renovated International Ballroom, guests can mingle and dance the night away for a worthy cause, with proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen Michigan.

Attend JW Marriott Grand Rapids’ annual Little Black Dress Party for an elegant evening of music, dancing and a fashion show with women’s clothing and accessories retailer Lee & Birch to benefit breast cancer awareness. Cocktail attire recommended.

WOODTV8’s Heather Walker will be the evening’s emcee and will be accompanied by DJ Composition.

Must be 21 or older to attend the event. General admission is complimentary and VIP sections are available for $500, with a portion of proceeds to be donated to Susan G. Komen Michigan. RSVP via Eventbrite.

7 mistakes that can boost your blood pressure reading

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
Talking while the cuff is on can boost your blood pressure reading. So can a full bladder or crossing your legs. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Mum’s the word the next time you have your blood pressure checked.


Talking while the cuff is on can boost your blood pressure reading. So can a full bladder or crossing your legs, the American Heart Association says.


“These simple things can make a difference in whether or not a person is classified as having high blood pressure that requires treatment,” said Dr. Michael Hochman, a member of the heart association’s blood pressure task force. He’s also an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California.


“Knowing how to measure blood pressure accurately at home, and recognizing mistakes in the physician’s office, can help you manage your pressure and avoid unnecessary medication changes,” Hochman said in a heart association news release.

Here, the heart association outlines seven common culprits that can alter your blood pressure reading.

  • Having a full bladder can add 10 to 15 points to a blood pressure reading. Always try to use the bathroom before getting a reading.
  • Poor support for your feet or back while seated can raise your blood pressure reading by 6 to 10 points. You should sit in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor or a footstool.
  • Crossing your legs can add 2 to 8 points to your reading.
  • If your arm hangs by your side or you must hold it up while getting a reading, your blood pressure numbers may be 10 points higher than the actual figure. Your arm should be on a chair or counter so that the blood pressure cuff is level with your heart.
  • Having the cuff placed over clothing can add 5 to 50 points to your reading. The cuff should be on a bare arm.
  • A too-small cuff can add 2 to 10 points to a reading.
  • Talking can add 10 points to your reading. Remain still and silent while your blood pressure is taken.

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



School News Network: Middle Schoolers help build, design underwater robot

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
From left, Ajla Lelek, Sarah Vokoviak, Amaya Eggleston and Sumayah Hanson take the robot for its first dip. (School News Network)

By Erin Albanese
School News Network

The box-shaped, motor-propelled robot scuttled across the floor of Buck Creek, with Valleywood Middle School eighth grader Amaya Eggleston controlling it via remote. 

“That’s so cool!” said Amaya, who helped build the marine ‘bot with classmates Ajla Lelek, Sarah Vokoviak and Sumayah Hanson and teacher Bobbijo Zoerhof.

The robot took its first dip on a recent afternoon. It will play a significant role in an eighth-grade community project, a year-long environmental study of the creek and its levels of pollutants. Teachers and students are working on the project with funding help from Groundswell, a coalition of community partners creating opportunities for hands-on environmental learning. 

Sumayah Hanson controls the underwater robot. (School News Network)

The robot is powered by three motors and equipped with a camera that shows images of the creek floor onto a fish-finder screen. The girls are using a 3D printer to make sensor boxes and tube endings. While they are still tweaking and tinkering, the robot can already move through the creek and record underwater images on its camera. 

The robot will soon be used to test the water for phosphates, nitrates, turbidity, pH level and temperature. Social studies teacher Bobbijo Zoerhof and English teacher Jane Van Hof have classes assigned with studying and recording levels throughout the year, which they expect could vary due to water runoff. They will present findings to neighbors and post readings on a website. 

“I love making this stuff with my team,” Amaya said. “It’s exciting to know we can help more than ourselves just doing this. I hope it helps people — the students at our school — to know what our water’s like.”

The project is cross-curricular, involving reading and writing in English Language Arts and mapping a region and environmental laws in social studies.

Students read the book “A Long Walk to Water”, about an 11-year-old African girl who regularly walks eight hours to fetch water from a pond. 

Valleywood students correlated the story to the mapping of fresh water, and also the robot with water quality testing. In social studies, they focus on how humans interact with their environment. 

“The robot connects with fresh, healthy water, where to locate the water and how to keep the water supply healthy,” Zoerhof said.

The underwater robot includes motors, a tether, fishfinder and camera. (School News Network)

 Multifaceted Outdoor Learning

Zoerhof and VanHof partnered with Groundswell, which is housed in the College of Education at Grand Valley State University, by attending an outdoor learning session in October at Garfield Park. 

Zoerhof said she learned about remote operated vehicles from a workshop years ago, and came up with the idea to use one to collect water samples. The girls will head to the creek several times this school year to control the robot as it gathers samples. This eliminates the need for students to gather icy samples themselves.

The robot will collect water samples over the course of the school year. (School News Network)

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we use the robot to test the water year round instead of having a student do it? Plus, with the camera, it can see to the depth that we can’t,”  Zoerhof said.

Before the robot began its submarine-like mission, students this fall mapped the schoolyard, sketching and with Google Maps to analyze water runoff patterns and natural features of the landscape. They will also plant a native nursery, also funded by Groundswell, on the creek’s edges and study whether the plants impact pollutant levels.

Zoerhof chose the girls to work with the robot because of their interest, both in STEM-related learning and the outdoors. The girls have also worked with 3D printing.

“I hope we can show all the pollution that’s in there and people will help clean it and get rid of what causes more pollution,” said Ajla.

Added Sara: “It’s a big privilege to know you are a part of something that can make things better.”

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

Happy Lunar New Year: The Year of Rat starts on Saturday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
Students wearing áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit. Photo supplied by Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This Saturday marks the most important and celebrated holiday of the year for cultures rooted in a lunar calendar — the Lunar New Year.

Widely referred to as the Chinese New Year, many other Asian countries honor the special holiday, In fact, the Chinese often refer to the new year festival as the Spring Festival. In Vietnam, it is called Tết. In Korea, it is called Seolial. Most of these countries observe the Lunar New Year from when the new moon rises on Jan. 24 and concludes with the full moon on Feb. 9. There are some Asian countries, such as Thailand and Laos, who observe the Lunar New Year in April, usually around April 13.

This year, 2020 is the year of the rat according to the Asian Zodiac. While the rat is not considered by most as adorable, it ranks first on the Asian Zodiac, meaning it starts the 12-year cycle of the Asian Zodiac. The rat, as described on the Vietnamese American Community of West Michigan’s website page, is clever, quick thinkers, successful in reproductive and survival, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life. People born under the Rat hold a strong community value and depend on each other.


To learn more about the Asian Zodiac, click here for a story by resident Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.



While Asians celebrate the Lunar New Year in different ways, all celebrations have one common feature: family reunions. The Lunar New Year is in fact one of the biggest migration of people, with hundreds of thousands of people returning home to see their family.

Tết, the Viet Lunar New Year is Saturday, Jan. 25. Photo supplied by Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.

Tết: Viet Lunar New Year Celebration 2020


One of the longest running community Lunar New Year celebrations is the Vietnamese community’s annual event. The event is Saturday, Jan. 25, at Wyoming’s Knights of Columbus Hall, 5830 Clyde Park Ave. SW.

Hosted by the Vietnamese-American Community of West Michigan, the Children Tết Festival is from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and includes games and fun for the entire family, such as face painting, a dragon dance, animal balloons, music, foods, and arts and crafts. 

Starting at 4 p.m. is the traditional ceremony which will run until 6:30 p.m. The program will include the New Year’s message, the ancestors commemoration ceremony, the Lion Dance Welcoming the Year of the Rat, and community awards. The New Year Concert and Dance, featuring numerous local performers, is from 7 to midnight.

This event is free and open to the public. Authentic Vietnamese food will be available for purchase. According to organizers, the festival is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of Vietnam by featuring a variety of traditional performances including the dragon dance, traditional musical instruments, children dances, games and much more. 

For more about Tết, check out this article written by resident Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh by clicking here.


WKTV will be at the annual Tết event. Check the wktv.org website for air dates of the annual celebration.

Students prepare for the Dragon Dance. Photo by Erika Townsley.

Lunar New Year Festival 2020: Grand Rapids


“We spend most of the day with our families,” said Kim Nguyen who with Kathy Bui are organizing the Lunar New Year Festival in Grand Rapids. “Just like Americans do at Christmas and other holidays, during the day we spend time with our family and in the evening, we attend community events.”

It was the reason the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, the Grand Valley Asian Student Union, Zeeland Christian Schools, Com 616, and the Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. came together to host this year’s Lunar celebration which is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the community space located at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. 

“It is in a tent, a heated tent,” Nguyen emphasized.

“The festival is a community experience,” Nguyen said, adding that it is a family-friendly event. “What I am hoping is people come and see the diverse culture that we have in the Grand Rapids area.”

One the largest Asian populations is located in and around the Greater Grand Rapids area, she said. The Lunar New Year 2020 will feature a number of traditional activities representing many of the different Asian cultures. This includes a dragon dance, lion dancers, and performances from many area residents such as hip-hop dancer  Heather Truong, musician Caleb John Lawson and Friends, the children of the Lao Buddhist Temple, Lakeshore Taekwondo Academy, and the Grand Valley Asian Student Union. 

At the event, there will be a variety of traditional foods such as bubble tea along with many traditional food items such as dumplings, spring rolls, rice cakes, veggie soup, and an Asian sandwich. The event is a fundraiser for the annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, which will be June 12.

Also at the Lunar Festival, there will be a variety of children games, traditional Korean and Japanese ones as well as painting rat piggy banks, a ring toss, and face painting.  Tokens will need to be purchased for the games and activities. For more about the Lunar New Year celebration, check out the Facebook page, Lunar New Year Festival 2002.

GR Symphony brings classic children’s tale to Wyoming’s Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
Grand Rapids Symphony presents “Peter and the Wolf” Saturday at Wyoming’s Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center. (Supplied)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

In 1936, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev was invited by Central Children’s Theater in Moscow to write a new musical symphony to cultivate “musical tastes in children from their first years of school.”

Prokofiev got to work and completed Peter and the Wolf in just four days. The piece for narrator and orchestra debuted in May of 1936 and, in Prokofiev’s own words, was poorly attended and little noticed.

Despite its rocky start, this children’s tale has become a classic in literature and music, arguably becoming the best-known, best-loved work ever composed for symphony orchestra to perform for its youngest audiences.

Students get a chance to check out the instruments and meet the musicians at the Saturday concert. (Supplied)

Grand Rapids Symphony presents the classic tale of Peter and the Wolf at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center at Wyoming Junior High School, 2587 Boulevard Drive SW in Wyoming.

Associate Conductor John Varineauconducts the opening concert of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s PNC Lollipop series.

Local actress and singer Edye Evans Hyde narrates the story that introduce listeners to specific musical instruments that represent each character in the story. The bird is represented by the flute, the cat by the clarinet, and the duck by an oboe. Peter is portrayed by the string instruments, his grandfather by the bassoon, and the wolf by a trio of French horns.

Peter and the Wolf has been narrated and performed by a number of famous faces and voices over the years. Just a few include actors such as Sharon Stone, Ben Kingsley, and Boris Karloff; musicians David Bowie, Stingand Alice Cooper, and political figures Eleanor Rooseveltand William F. Buckley.

Tickets

Tickets are $5 for all seats and are available at the door. Tickets also are available at the Grand Rapids Symphony box office, weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across the street from Calder Plaza). Call 616-454-9451, ext. 4 to order by phone. (Phone orders will be charged a $3 per ticket service fee, with an $18 maximum). 

GVSU economist says West Michigan economy will continue to slow, business leaders worried about presidential election

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Paul Isely discusses the positives of the West Michigan economy. (GVSU)

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

In 2020, the West Michigan economy will see flat employment growth, weakening sales growth and strengthening export growth, according to a Grand Valley State University economics professor.

Paul Isely, professor of economics and associate dean in the Seidman College of Business, unveiled his benchmark survey of the regional economy Jan. 23, during the 2020 Colliers Annual West Michigan Economic and Commercial Real Estate Forecast event at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.

 

The economic survey of the greater Grand Rapids economy (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties) was conducted in November and December of 2019. The survey was mailed to more than 1,000 organizations based on a representative sample.

Paul Isely talks about the West Michigan economy at the 2020 Colliers Annual West Michigan Economic and Commercial Real Estate Forecast event. (GVSU)

Isely said weakness in manufacturing has become the biggest issue in West Michigan. He said the number of manufacturing workers has increased nationally, but the hours that they work has decreased. 

“By some measures, this puts the manufacturing sector and the corresponding transportation sectors in a mild recession,” Isely said. “The data for West Michigan and the United States both show 2020 will likely continue a measured slowdown. It is possible that the annual growth will be positive, but a recession occurs for part of the year.”

Isely said exports have traditionally been a bright spot in the West Michigan economy, however, over the last few years, export growth has been weak.

 

“The expectation for 2020 is a moderate improvement in exports compared to 2019,” said Isely. “The optimism in exports is being helped by some positive news about trade agreements.”

Isely said the primary uncertainty for 2020 surrounds the presidential election. He said the uncertainty created by the Republicans and Democrats moving further apart also generates problems for business leaders trying to plan for the coming year.

Overall findings for 2020:

• The Current Business Confidence Index for 2019 was 81 percent, essentially the same as the year before;

• The Forecast Business Confidence Index for 2020 is 77.5 percent, a drop from the expectations seen in the last few years;

• Employment is expected to grow by 0.3-0.7 percent in 2020, an expectation that is less than half the expectation was for 2019;

• Overall nominal sales are expected to increase by 2.2-2.8 percent in 2020, a slowdown from 2019; 

• Exports are expected to grow by 1.0-5.0 percent in 2020, increasing from 2019;

• All indicators signal the West Michigan economy will continue to slow in 2020, particularly employment growth.



The West Michigan economic survey was conducted by Isely, along with staff members from the West Michigan Regional Small Business Development Center, housed in the Seidman College of Business.

For more information, contact Paul Isely at 616-331-7418 or iselyp@gvsu.edu.

Snapshots: WKTV offers three things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“All paths are seen, through the prism of fate.”

Mladen Đorđević

‘A new state of matter’

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) opens its exhibition, A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass Saturday, Jan. 25. The exhibition is on view until April 26 and features the work of 19 artists working in glass including Grand Rapids artist Norwood Viviano. Go here for the story.

Fruition is Jay Cobb Anderson, Kellen Asebroek, Jeff Leonard, Mimi Naja and Tyler Thompson (drums). (Supplied by the band)

Coming to Fruition

Portland, Oregon’s roots/rock band Fruition will be in town Sunday, Jan. 26, as the band, with opener The Mighty Pines, visit Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme, with doors open at 6 p.m. show. Tickets are still available. Go here for the story.

British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law working on a previous work. (Supplied by the artist)

But time is running short

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s amazing exhibit, “Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb” — a site-specific exhibition that includes about 10,000 flowers and plants gathered from the Gardens’ massive gardens and strung together in delicate wire strings by local volunteers and staff, and then added to Law’s existing collection of approximately 1 million flowers and plant material — will close March 1. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

1,000 … and on and on

The biggest named number that we know is googolplex, ten to the googol power, or (10)^(10^100). That’s written as a one followed by googol zeroes. Source.

Opera GR first in the state to feature new American Opera

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Not many people would say they heard music as they read Supreme Court cases, but Derrick Wang easily admits he did.

“So, I am in law school, studying constitutional law,” said Wang during a 2016 TedX program. “I am also a composer. I have to read Supreme Court opinions, as one does, and I am reading case after case after Supreme Court case when suddenly I come upon the three magic words: Scalia J. dissenting.  

“I realized that every time I read one of these deserting opinions, I would start to hear music: specially a rage aria about the constitution…Then I heard the counterpoint. The words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”

Through these readings, Wang hit upon something else. “They disagreed on a number of issues, yet they were also very close friends.”

There friendship formed, according to OperaGR Executive Director Emilee Syrewicze, over their love of opera. So it makes sense that Wang would write a one-hour comedic opera about the two and their friendship titled “Scalia/Gingburg.”

Released this year for performance, OperaGR is one of just a handful of U.S. opera houses that will present “Scalia/Ginsburg.” The OperaGR performances are set for March 14 and 15.

Left, sitting, former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and left, standing, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (Photo by Steve Petteway, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States)

“We had a couple of reasons of why we wanted to present this opera,” Syrewicze said during a recent phone interview. “The first is it is a one-hour comedic opera so for an audience that has had little or no exposure to opera, it is a nice introduction.

“The other reason is because Derrick wrote poplar themes into the show so if you are not an opera lover, you will enjoy it because of the familiarity of the music and themes. Infact, in one scene, he has the characters singing to the ‘Star Spangle Banner.’”

Based on and inspired by the writings of former Chief Justice Antonin Scalia and current Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the opera follows the the two as they discuss various constitutional law issues while trying to get Scalia out of jail for dissenting too much.

The opera will be perform 7:30 p.m March 14 and 2 p.m. March 15 at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center, 1320 E. Fulton St. Tickets are $50. Student tickets are $5 with a valid student I.D. For more information, visit operagr.org or call 616-451-2741.

Busy Kathey Batey — WKTV volunteer, chamber moderator, etc. — honored for mediation work

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Kathey Batey in the WKTV studios talking about her various counseling and mediation and training efforts. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Kathey Batey is known for many things in the West Michigan community, including as an on-air volunteer at WKTV and as moderator of several Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce programs including its Government Matters.

But her day job — and her passion — is helping people overcome hardships as a domestic relations councilor and meditator.

That passion, late last year, earned her an award as Volunteer Meditator of the Year as part of the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan 2019 Peacemaker Awards.

While she has a history in counseling and public speaking, in the last decade she has focused on mediation.

“My interest (in mediation) began when a man in my support group (Divorce Support Anonymous) about nine years ago, stated his legal fees were $129,000 and he wasn’t done with his divorce yet,” Batey said to WKTV. “I was so taken aback, since divorce is destructive enough for the individuals, the family, and especially the children, why should they devastate their finances as well?

“I had heard of mediation so I set out to find out how. I went through mediation training eight years ago and, since, have found mediation as a wonderful challenge that helps people, giving them control over their future with the power to self-determination of their future. And it saves them a lot of money. They can mediate with an attorney or on their own. When they mediate on their own I always advise they have an attorney review it prior to signing. Because the Mediation Agreement is legally binding.”

Also honored at the event, held in October 2019, was Grand Rapid Mayor Rosalyn Bliss.

The Dispute Resolution Center, at the time of the award ceremony, said of Batey:

“Kathey specializes in domestic relations mediation. She has been mediating with the Center since 2012 and has donated over 500 hours of her time. Her passion and dedication shine though everything she does. One recent mediation participant summed it up in her post-mediation survey, ‘I was appreciative of Kathey’s demeanor, skill in facilitation, and ability to keep on task . . . She was thorough and compassionate.’ Kathey is committed to helping those who find themselves faced with Divorce.”

The kind words from the center at the time of the award was an honor, Batey said.

“To be recognized for your commitment to this valuable organization and recognized for your skill as a mediator is very rewarding,” she said. “I believe in their cause and they provide mediation services on a sliding scale, the most it will be is $150 per person for 3 hours. So those without a lot of means can get these services and minimize legal costs.

“Plus, the only way to truly be skilled in any profession is to work at your skill continuously. There is a lot to know in the many facets of divorce. There are the individual needs, self-determination, financial issues, co-parenting children, the law, critical thinking. The art and science of a good question, discipline of the mind, dealing with multiple personalities, managing fears, tears and still maintaining professionalism.”

 

For Batey, however, there is also a very simple, and personal, reason for her mediation work with the Dispute Resolution Center and on her own — a reason that makes her earning a Peacemaker Award all the more fitting.

“It is a part of my giving back into the world,”, she said, referencing the biblical passage “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

The Dispute Resolution Center, also at the time of the Peacemaker Awards ceremony, said of Mayor Bliss:

“Bliss is the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, MI.  In honor of United Nations International Day of Peace, she declared September 21, 2019 as the International Day of Peace in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Public Schools participated in activities throughout the week in honor of the occasion. The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan is all about helping to create community and repairing broken relationships.  Mayor Bliss understands that,  ‘[H]aving a safe community is critical to our success, and that requires our continued commitment to strengthen community-police relations,’ Bliss said. ‘This requires building a strong foundation of trust between community members and our police officers.’”

For more information on the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan, visit drcwm.org.

Batey is the author of “Suddenly Single: Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce” and, among other projects, is the founder of Divorce Support Anonymous. For more information on Batey and her other efforts, visit StayMarriedAmerica.com and/or spiritedpresentations.com.

Anniversary celebrations continued at Tulip Time 2020

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,
Texas Tenors bring there 10th anniversary tour to the Tulip Time Festival May 6. (Texas Tenors)

By Simone Weithers
Tulip Time Festival

Tulip Time Festival celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2019, but 2020 Is filled with more anniversary celebrations!

In 2019, Tulip Time painted the town orange for its 90th anniversary. In 2020, the celebrations continue for many of our events and collaborating organizations — anniversaries of 10, 20, 50, 60 and 100 years!

Festival Artwork 10th Anniversary – This year marks the 10th year of the Festival Artwork competition for the selection of the official Tulip Time poster. The annual poster started as a commissioned work before becoming a competition that invites area artists to create and submit their works. The 2020 winning artwork will be announced Feb. 6 at the First Bloem event (https://tuliptime.com/events/first-bloem).

The Texas Tenors 10th Anniversary Tour – The Texas Tenors, the most successful music group in the history of America’s Got Talent, celebrate 10 years of performing together this year. They have quickly become a festival favorite and are back again for their third appearance at the festival. They’ll perform May 6 (https://tuliptime.com/events/texas-tenors). Tickets are selling fast.

Tulip Time Quilt Show celebrates 20 years – The Tulip Time Quilt Show has long been a favorite of quilters and art lovers alike. Each year, the submittals are more fantastic as the art of quilting continues to evolve. The Quilt Show is now part of the new Visual Arts Series presented by Alpenrose Restaurant & Catering that debuts this year at the Holland Area Arts Council https://tuliptime.com/events/quilt-show. 

This year’s Tulip Time Festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alumni Dutch Dance. (Supplied)

Join the dance for the 50th Anniversary of Alumni Dutch Dance – One of Tulip Time’s most entertaining and colorful spectacles continues to be Dutch Dance — and in 2020, we celebrate a special anniversary of the Alumni Dutch Dance members. We would love to see faces of past and present dancers this year. Grab your friends and previous Dutch Dance group members to be a part of this fun year. A new Dutch Dance Exhibit is premiering this year as part of the Visual Arts Series. Be sure to check it out https://tuliptime.com/visual-arts-series. 

The Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer performs with the Holland Chorale for the chorale’s 60th anniversary on May 1 at Tulip Time. (Chanticleer)

Holland Chorale 60th Anniversary – Celebrating this very special milestone, the Holland Chorale will share the stage with internationally renowned, Grammy award-winning, vocal ensemble Chanticleer. This is sure to be a spectacular night as the performance not only celebrates the Holland Chorale’s anniversary, but also Chanticleer’s 40th anniversary May 1 (https://tuliptime.com/events/holland-chorale). 

Holland American Legion Band Centennial Celebration – The Holland American Legion Band celebrates 100 years with a special Tulip Time concert. The Band is the pride of the Holland Community and has entertained audiences both locally and around the world. This celebratory musical event is May 9 (https://tuliptime.com/events/alb-concert).

Experience Tulip Time at the 91st Festival, May 2 – 10. Detailed program and event information is available at www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for these and all other events can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

Manage your caffeine craze

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If your tensions already run high, you may want to skip that extra cup of brew. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


If you struggle with anxiety, you might want to skip that second cup of coffee, new research suggests.


For some people, caffeine may help with concentration and provide an energy boost, but it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder, said Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health.


“Caffeine is not the enemy,” she said in a university news release. “But I encourage people to know healthy limits and consume it strategically because it is activating and can mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety.”


Low doses of caffeine are in the range of 50 to 200 milligrams. Consuming more than 400 milligrams at once may lead to feeling overstimulated and anxious and bring on symptoms such as racing heart, nausea or abdominal pain.


Anxiety is a common problem, but many patients and their doctors don’t think about caffeine as a potential contributing factor, said Dr. Matthew Silvis, vice chair of clinical operations in the division of family medicine at Penn State Health.


“We want people to consider whether there may be a connection between their caffeine consumption and anxiety,” he said.


As well as being a potential problem for people with anxiety, caffeine can interact negatively with medications for seizure disorders, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, certain heart conditions or thyroid disease, Silvis noted.


“Medical disorders that a patient may already have can become more difficult to control,” he said.


In terms of amounts of caffeine, an average cup of home-brewed coffee has about 100 milligrams, compared with 250 milligrams in a tall Starbucks coffee and as much as 400 milligrams in energy drinks.


A can of Mountain Dew has 55 milligrams while a can of Coca-Cola has 35 milligrams.


Many vitamin and sports or nutritional supplements also contain caffeine, but many people don’t think to check the labels of those products, Silvis added.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction

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The Michigan State House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan
CREDIT: USER CEDARBENDDRIVE / FLICKR

By John Amrhein, Michigan State University Extension


Michigan’s first constitution, written in 1835, when speaking of the “Legislative Department” states that “the doors of each house shall be open.” It is this spirit of openness of government that inspired the Open Meetings Act. In fact, nearly all of the court decisions and attorneys’ general opinions addressing the act have interpreted it liberally in favor of openness. It has been said that for government to be “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” it must be open to the people. In this article series, which includes “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details” and “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed Sessions,” we’ll explore the Open Meetings Act in more depth.


The Open Meetings Act (OMA) was written in 1976, as was the Freedom of Information Act. These two laws, known as Michigan’s “sunshine laws,” are designed to make government processes and information more open to the public. Both laws were written in the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam war era.


A former  Michigan State University Extension colleague referred to the following general rule: “Any person has a right to attend a meeting of any public body at any time unless the meeting is declared to fall under one of eleven statutory exceptions.” It is a pretty good one-sentence guide to a sometimes complex combination of law, court interpretations and attorney general opinions relating to OMA.


It is important to keep in mind that the OMA applies to governmental bodies, those “empowered by state constitution, statute, charter, ordinance, resolution or rule to exercise…governmental authority.” It does not apply to corporations, nonprofits, churches or the like.


The law guarantees several rights of residents. The public has a right to record meetings, within the bounds of reasonable rules which the public body may write to minimize disruption of the meetings. The public, likewise, has a right to address the public body, also within the bounds of rules written to facilitate orderly meetings and protecting everyone’s right to address the board. An individual can only be removed from a meeting for a breach of the peace committed at that meeting.

Social and chance gatherings, or conferences which are not intended to avoid the OMA, are exempt. These types of gatherings often are treated with suspicion by the press and the public. It is important for public bodies to be careful not to deliberate or make decisions about government business during these gatherings. This can be accomplished by paying careful attention to what the OMA says about deliberations and decisions.


In the second article in this series, “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details,” we will address decisions, deliberations, meeting notices and minutes.


The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Michigan has for many years published an excellent Open Meetings Act Handbook, which can be found here.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).




Oregon-based roots/rock band Fruition to make stop at Pyramid Scheme Jan. 26

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,
Fruition photographed in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2019. Fruition is Jay Cobb Anderson, Kellen Asebroek, Jeff Leonard, Mimi Naja and Tyler Thompson (drums). (Supplied/Jay Blakesberg)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Fruition, the seemingly always busy Portland, Oregon band traversing the country and making a local stop this weekend, is clearly also busy recording new material — including songs which showcase why they are selling out so many of their shows.

After releasing Wild As The Night in late 2019, the band this last week announced is new 7-song EP titled Broken at the Break of Day, recorded in between tour dates in Fruition drummer Tyler Thompson’s newly constructed home studio.

Songs from both releases will undoubtedly be on the set list Sunday, Jan. 26, as the band, with opener The Mighty Pines, visit Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme, with doors open at 6 p.m. show. Tickets are still available, visit here for more information.

About the new release, the band says that, as with its other music, “this collection of songs won’t fit into one box.”

Broken At The Break Of Day’s lead single, “Dawn” is already climbing on the Billboard Americana Tracks chart as is the collection on the Americana Album chart. For a video of “Dawn” visit here.

Broken at the Break of Day shines a light on all five members of the band — Jay Cobb Anderson (electric guitar, vocals), Kellen Asebroek (piano, acoustic guitar vocals), Jeff Leonard (bass), Mimi Naja (mandolin, electric guitar, vocals) and Thompson (drums). But “the songwriting and the harmonies tie their diverse influences together,” the band says in promotional material.

“This process was the quickest the band had ever written and recorded the songs,” Thompson said in supplied material. “All the songs obviously fit either a ‘day’ or ‘night’ theme, but the whole rehearsing and recording process had to be done in about half the amount of time we were used to. That time limitation leant to us not overthinking things, playing instinctually — and all live — in the studio with very minimal overdubs. All the songs are very different, but I think the speedy process naturally created some sonic congruency.”

“From a visibility standpoint, being able to release more music more often — even if it is in smaller doses — is ideal in the new frontier of digital music that we have found ourselves smack dab in the middle of,” Asebroek said, also in supplied material. “It’s nice to be able to stay on people’s radar, in an age where people have instant access to the whole of music history at their fingertips. It’s also nice to put these out together on vinyl as a nod to the way things once were.”

The band’s history, so the supplied story goes, starts in 2008 when Anderson tagged along with Asebroek and Naja for an afternoon of busking in Portland. Drawing on their string-band influences early on, they released their debut album Hawthorne Hoedown that same year. Thompson joined the band in 2011, shortly after hearing the band members singing together in a friend’s attic. Leonard came on board in 2015.

Broken at the Break of Day is the band’s tenth release, including EPs and LPs.

Fruition has opened shows for the Wood Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, and Jack Johnson, and appeared at festivals like Telluride Bluegrass, Bonnaroo, and DelFest.

Is the best way to educate men about sexual harassment to ‘sexually harass’ them? A GVSU researcher says, well, yes

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Grand Valley State University Professor Michael DeWilde (Supplied)

By Dottie Barnes
gvsu.edu

It’s the same each semester. At least half of the women taking a business ethics course with Grand Valley State University professor Michael DeWilde have stories to tell about receiving inappropriate remarks or unwanted advances while at work.

Reactions to these stories from the men in class include looks of embarrassment or disbelief, while others seem a bit oblivious or said they didn’t realize the issue of sexual harassment was that bad.

This led DeWilde, professor of management and director of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative in the Seidman College of Business, to begin using role play as a teaching tool at both the undergraduate and graduate level when discussing sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.

In the #MeToo era, DeWilde has developed an innovative approach to help men more deeply understand the impact of sexual harassment. DeWilde demonstrates the role playing technique at conferences and it is the focus of his research on cognitive and emotional empathy.

During the role play, DeWilde plays the part of the “bad-guy harasser.”

During one training session at a Grand Rapids business, he noticed the technique was more effective when targeting a man instead of a woman.

“The feedback from this participant, and from other men in attendance, was ‘Sheesh, is that what it feels like?’ I finally got the desired effect,” DeWilde said.

In his business ethics courses, DeWilde started choosing men for the exercise and their reactions were immediate.

“Some get really nervous and become quite agitated and I have to back off,” he said. “I don’t think men appreciated the toll it takes on women emotionally and how long the effects can last, or what it means to feel a sense of dread to go to work because of harassment.”

Research in cognitive and emotional empathy is one of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative’s major focuses. DeWilde recently conducted research at The Neuroimaging Lab at Texas Tech University, testing his role play methodology and the best ways to increase empathy. He said initial results from the lab are promising.

Recently, a conference attendee asked DeWilde, jokingly, “So, your solution to the sexual harassment of women is to sexually harass men?” To which DeWilde answered, “Well, in a controlled environment, yes.”

DeWilde said this type of role play he’s developed may or may not prove to be the only or best solution, however, men need to get it at a deeper emotional level in order to change things. 

For more information, contact Michael DeWilde at dewildem@gvsu.edu.

Right Place leader Klohs, Ambassador Huntsman honored at World Affairs Council event

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The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., was at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan annual luncheon to be honored with the group’s locally-focused inaugural Hillman-Orr Award, at the same event when the inaugural Vandenberg Prize for work on the world stage was presented.

The Vandenberg Prize was given to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)


The Vandenberg Prize went to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman, who was honored in person at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, where a large crowd was in attendance Tuesday, Jan. 14.


But Klohs, who was raised in post-war Germany, spoke poignantly in her acceptance speech about Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951), who forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the then new United Nations.


“I grew up in the safety of NATO. I grew up with … (a German economy) predicated on the Marshall Plan,” Klohs said as she accepted her award but also honored the Vandenberg legacy. “So for that, every time I walk by the (senator’s) statue (near Rosa Parks Circle), I salute a little ‘Thank you’.”
But Klohs’ path of learning about the man who was a key figure in the Marshall Plan and NATO was not simple.

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)


Hank Meijer “wrote the definitive book on a senator I’d never heard of when I moved here,” Klohs said. “When I first met Hank, many years ago, he said to me ‘Birgit, there needs to be a Vandenberg Square in Germany.’ And I’m like ‘Who is Vandenberg?’ Another Dutch guy? And he’s like ‘No. Let me tell you about Senator Vandenberg.’


“And I was stunned. Growing up in Germany, in a divided Germany, we always lived in the shadow of the Soviet Union. Right? We all learned about the Marshall fund, and how it helped West Germany and the rest of Europe get back on its feet. Learned about NATO. But I’d never heard of the senator who was really the person behind the scenes the made the Marshall fund happen, who made NATO happen, who made the UN happen.


“And who brought along senators who were isolationists. (Other senators) who said ‘It is 1945, we won the war. We all go home and be done with it and leave those Europeans to themselves.’ But he (Vandenberg) had learned that after World War I, that didn’t work. He, who was an isolationist himself, became a globalist. And, frankly, we could use more globalists today.”


Vandenberg was also the inspiration for founding the local World Affairs Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr, for whom the Hillman-Orr Award was named, according to the council.


The Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Klohs by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America.


“There is likely nobody in this room who has not heard from Birgit Klohs on the importance of global economic ties between West Michigan and world partners,” Tappen said. “Under her leadership, as the CEO of 32 years, The Right Place has created 47,000 new jobs and spurred nearly 5 billion dollars in new investment in our local the economy.


“Birgit is a leading economic development strategist, collaborates with our local, our national and our state government on critical issues related to economic development.”


Klohs, however, pointed out that much of her work is encouraging local leaders to embrace internationalism, in business and in all things.


“I also wanted to spread the word in our region, that embracing international, that embracing people from other parts of the world, will enrich us. It does not make us poorer, it makes us richer,” she said. “And that, in fact, your competition today is no longer in Iowa or Indiana. But it is in Mexico. And it is in India. And it is in China.


“The more we embrace that competition, we will be stronger as a region for it. And so, the World Affairs Council has really modeled this thinking for the last 70 years. … It has always been the strength of this community to gather and embrace new thoughts.”

The entire award ceremony is available on YouTube at this link.

Ford Airport breaks passenger record, surprises GRRand passengers

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Delta Air Lines passenger Keith O’Brien and Southwest passenger Karen Burleson were surprised as the “GRRand Passengers” as the Ford Airport celebrated its record setting 2019. (Supplied)

By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport


The Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport has set a new all-time passenger record for 2019, marking the seventh consecutive year that the Airport has seen record- setting growth.

In 2019, 3,587,767 passengers flew in and out of GFIA, an increase of 9.88 percent from 2018. December growth helped cap the record-setting year with an increase of 12.85-percent year-over-year. December 2018 saw 275,681 total passengers, but 2019 surpassed that with 311,111 enplaned and deplaned passengers. The Ford Airport has seen growth in 77 of the last 84 months, and 27 straight.

“Our record-setting growth is a testament to the support of our community, and the growth of our region,” said GFIA President & CEO Tory Richardson. “We have grown tremendously over the last seven years because we continue to add nonstop routes, state-of-the-art amenities and technology, and our guest first focus. We appreciate our loyal West Michigan passengers and visitors for choosing the Ford Airport in their travels. You are not only supporting local jobs and our local economy, but the more you fly with us, the more we will grow.”

GFIA celebrated the milestone by surprising two lucky passengers on Tuesday afternoon.

Karen Burleson from Caledonia, a Southwest Airlines passenger, and Keith O’Brien from Comstock Park, a Delta Air Lines passenger, were chosen as the “GRRand Passengers” as they deplaned their flights. The two were each met with a balloon bouquet, cupcakes, cheering employees and guests, along with an array of prizes. Each received two $350 travel vouchers – good for travel from the Ford Airport any time in 2020. Additionally, they received three free days of parking, a Hudson News & Gifts travel package valued at more than $350, gift cards and goodies from Starbucks and HMS Host, and more.

“I did not expect this today,” said a surprised Burleson. “I love this airport and my daughter just moved to Texas so I’m looking forward to going to see her with my voucher.”

The growth over the last few years started in 2013 with a passenger record of 2,237,979. In 2018, the Ford Airport surprised its 3 millionth passenger. GFIA has served over 80 million passengers since January 1, 1964, and March 2019 was the single busiest month in Airport history with 341,534 total passengers.

Continued upward trends has meant changes in the facility and ongoing construction projects for the Ford Airport. Phase one of the Gateway Transformation Project concluded in September 2017, and phase two is slated to complete in Summer 2020. The project’s main feature includes upgrading airline ticket counters, baggage claim space, and eliminating TSA screening machines in the front-facing areas of the lobby. Construction also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, new restrooms, new food & beverage space, and much more.

Spring 2020 will also see the beginning of Project Elevate – a three-development expansion that commences with a $90 million extension and reconstruction of Concourse A to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 20 years.

“It is crucial that our facilities keep up with our growing passenger demand,” said Richardson. “We are committed to not only offering more options for nonstop flights and competition when searching for travel, but our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure all need to keep pace with that advancement. We are excited to see what the future brings, and we appreciate the partnerships with all of our airlines and tenants.”

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: https://www.grr.org/history.php.

Do you know the risk factors for breast cancer?

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By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Many women come into the ER with chest pain, and they never thought they would be in that situation. But most heart attacks are preventable, and we need to be more active in telling women what they can do to avoid a heart attack.


The same is true with breast cancer—the more we know about preventing breast cancer, the more women we can help avoid being diagnosed with the disease.


Although breast cancer is far too common, breast cancer survival is improving due to more advanced treatments and early screening for women at high risk.


Do you know your risk, and do you have a plan for when you should be screened? If I asked you if you want to get breast cancer, of course you would answer with an emphatic, “No!” If you don’t want cancer, then you must know your risks, live a lifestyle that decreases your risk, and take your checkups seriously.


Several years ago, I read a story about a young woman who had metastatic breast cancer, and the article described her situation in detail.


There was a picture that showed her being comforted by her sister, who also had breast cancer five years earlier. Both women talked about their mother who had died of the same disease in her mid-40s.


As I read the story, I felt both sad and mad at the same time. Of course, I felt sad for them for all they had gone through, but I was also mad to think their cancer could have been prevented, or at least detected before it spread.


Here’s what I wish they would have known about the genetics of breast cancer:

  • Ten percent of breast cancer is associated with family history.
  • The risk of getting breast cancer increases two times if one first-degree relative has/had breast cancer.
  • The risk of getting breast cancer increases three times if two first-degree relatives have/had breast cancer.

In addition, 50 percent of breast cancer diagnoses are associated with known risk factors.


A patient I’ll call Kelly came to see me for a routine visit recently. In taking her history, several factors caught my attention: she was 48 years old and had never been pregnant; her mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer at 49; and she had regular mammograms that were always negative, but her breasts were very dense, decreasing the likelihood of diagnosis of a small cancer.


I recommended advanced screening with a special mammogram and ultrasound by a breast surgeon.


When she had the testing done, they detected several suspicious areas, and a biopsy showed pre-cancer. Kelly decided to have definitive surgery, and when she had a bilateral mastectomy, they detected early, almost-invasive cancer.


We were able to avoid invasive cancer by doing three things: 1) being proactive; 2) knowing her individual risk factors; and 3) acting early to save her from worrying about recurrence, and having to go through chemotherapy or radiation.


The lifetime risk of breast cancer for most women is 1 in 8. The risk at age 30 is 1 in 250 and increases as you get older. Other risk factors include being female, white and obese (having a BMI over 30). The risk is even greater if the weight is gained after the age of 40 and is in the form of belly fat (especially after menopause). In addition, your risk is greatest if you are diabetic and overweight.


So, what can you do to lower your risk of breast cancer? For starters, lifestyle matters:

  • Women who consume 10 or more alcoholic drinks per week have a higher risk for cancer of the colon and breast.
  • Women who started smoking early and have smoked for a long time are at higher risk.
  • Women who breastfed their children and are physically active have a lower risk.

Two other risk factors that may not be in your control include the following:

  • Women who work the night shift seem to experience more cancer, according to several large studies.
  • Women who received radiation for Hodgkins Lymphoma as a child have an increased risk of breast cancer.

If you have any of these high risk factors, get screening early and talk to your doctor about special screening with a Tomo mammogram or adding an ultrasound to your routine mammogram.


I had a patient who put off her mammogram because she had small breasts and thought she would easily be able to see any lumps, plus she had no family history of breast cancer. When her friend finally convinced her to get a mammogram, it showed she had breast cancer.


I’ve given you plenty of statistics and information about breast cancer in this blog, but there are a few takeaway points I want to make sure you remember:

  • Know your individual risk factors.
  • If you are at higher risk, talk to your doctor about special testing.
  • Be active! Exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week.
  • Do not gain weight over 40—stay off the sugar.
  • Don’t drink more than ten drinks a week.
  • Don’t be afraid of mammograms—get tested!

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Catherine’s Health Center is looking for a few, good women for WISEWOMAN Program

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits,
Courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

By WKTV Staff


Catherine’s Health Center is looking for 200 women eager to work with a health coach and engage in programs that will support you in reaching your goals!


WISEWOMAN provides opportunities and programming that empower Michigan women to make healthy lifestyle choices.


The local WISEWOMAN Agency team is made up of clinical staff and a health coach. Women ready to change can receive:

  • One-on-one health coaching from a WISEWOMAN Health Coach
  • Free membership to a weight loss program or a diabetes prevention program
  • Free gardening supplies and education through the WISEWOMAN Entrepreneurial Gardening program
  • Referrals to programs in the community to help her make healthy lifestyle behavior changes

To be in WISEWOMAN, a woman must first receive cancer prevention screening or patient navigation services from the Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BCCCNP).

Program focus areas

The Michigan WISEWOMAN program has three main focus areas related to participants.

  1. Identify and communicate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. The woman is better able to decide where she wants to take small steps if she understands her risk factors.
  2. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Health Coaches work with each woman to make lifestyle behavior changes that will help with the risk factors and symptoms she has now. Making healthy choices may also keep her from developing any new risk factors.
  3. Address Health Equity and Social Justice in the community

Local WISEWOMAN agencies address health equity by identifying underserved groups in their service areas and getting them into WISEWOMAN. The underserved groups may include:

Courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Women with disabilities
  • Women who do not speak English
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) women
  • Racial or ethnic minority women
  • Women whose citizenship or immigration status is not settled

Once in the program, many women find it difficult to think about making healthy lifestyle choices when they are having trouble paying rent, utilities, or buying food for their families. These are social justice issues. Michigan WISEWOMAN addresses these issues through special projects that provide participants with opportunities to earn extra money while learning marketable skills.

Eligibility:

  • Ages 40-64 years
  • Reduced income (ask staff)
  • A desire to set a health goal and work towards reducing your unique risk factors that could cause long-term health problems

Contact: Maria or Katie at (616) 336-8800 ext. 207


Holland Home is first in state to achieve coveted accreditation for memory care services

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

By Holland Home

Holland Home, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofit senior services providers, has been recognized as the first agency in the state, and only third nationally, to achieve the coveted “Designated Organization” accreditation from Positive Approach to Care (PAC), the preeminent dementia education organization founded in 2005 by Teepa Snow, one of the world’s leading educators on dementia care.

As an Aware Designated Organization (Aware is the specific level that Holland Home achieved), PAC attests that Holland Home’s memory care services are considered to be offered and measured at some of the highest levels among all senior memory care services programs. Most notable to patients and families is that the PAC designation means that every Holland Home team member has specific dementia-care training and all team members participate in regular dementia training. 

The designation is so rare that organizations need to be invited by PAC to apply for the credentialing. Snow, who has visited and lectured at Holland Home several times, invited Holland Home to apply earlier this year. After a site visit by PAC team investigators, and additional review, Holland Home was informed in late November that it had achieved Aware status.

 

“Holland Home is incredibly honored to be recognized by the world’s leading dementia education organization as being one of the highest-performing dementia care providers in the nation,” said Troy Vugteveen, executive vice president, operations, Holland Home. “We’ve invested a tremendous amount of resources in the last several years to advancing our memory care services, so the PAC Aware Designation validates our innovative and passionate approach to providing the best possible care to our senior residents.”

Holland Home’s Memory Care Services department has three PAC-credentialed trainers: Rosemary Apol-Hoezee, RN, MPH, CPHRM, director of Quality and Education; Lynn Bolt, RN; and Lois Thomas, RN, coordinator of Memory Care Services. 

Under their leadership, Holland Home has created several offerings catering to advancing its dementia services, including:

  • Creating a Dementia Coalition Team comprised of staff from various departments to ensure universal training.
  • Developing a PAC training program.
  • Developing the Dementia Journey, an interactive simulation that allows staff to experience the effects dementia has on everyday tasks.
  • Authoring the Dementia Handbook.
  • Creating Memory Care Boxes, Table Top Woodworking Stations, Weighted Blankets, Fidget Aprons
  • Developing the Honor Care Program



Every Holland Home employee who regularly interacts with dementia residents receives the PAC training within the first 90 days of hire and then every two years thereafter.  Similarly, all Holland Home employees (regardless of their role) go through the Dementia Journey, which is a great way for staff to develop an understanding of what it is like to live with Dementia.

Snow, an occupational therapist with 40 years of clinical practice experience, is one of the world’s leading educators on dementia and the care that accompanies it. In 2005, she founded Positive Approach® to Care (PAC), a company that provides dementia care training, services and products around the world. A core principle of PAC is that, in order to obtain the relationships and outcomes that are desired, the first and most important shift must originate with each person’s own willingness and ability to change.

About Holland Home


Founded in 1892, Holland Home of Grand Rapids is Michigan’s largest nonprofit provider of senior services and was the first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the state.  Holland Home offers the full continuum of care and is one of the largest nonprofit CCRC in the nation (source: Ziegler 150).  Under the Holland Home brand are two residential campuses:  Breton Woods and Raybrook.  Community services include Atrio Home Care, Faith Hospice and its Trillium Woods hospice inpatient facility, Reliance Community Care Partners, Care Resources and the Trillium Institute.  Holland Home employs over 1,400 people and serves more than 4,000 daily.  Holland Home’s mission is to serve with love and compassion, commit to excellence, and follow Christ’s teachings and examples in all that we do.  For more information about Holland Home, please visit hollandhome.org.

School News Network: Making change, learning leadership

3-bottom, City of Wyoming

By Bridie Bereza
School News Network

Seventh grader Sharnique Walton is concerned about police brutality.

Hunger relief is an issue that eighth grader Aryanna McCrary would like to work on. 

Eighth grader Nazaria Spears wants to bring awareness to the ways society objectifies women.

All three girls are members of Girls for Change, a Godwin Middle School group that helps girls develop skills to create social change. They meet twice a week to learn about big social problems and to work on solutions.

Nazaria Spears is another Girls for Change member. (School News Network)

On a recent Monday, members spent the morning creating a public service announcement at West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. The message: Don’t body shame girls and women.

“We all feel strongly about abuse, objectification and judgments toward our gender,” said Aryanna.

The girls settled on the message for their current project during a brainstorm session at one of their recent meetings. It will be shown in school and posted on social media.

Margie Muñoz advises the Girls for Change group. (School News Network)

A Commitment to Justice

“If we provide the space for girls to learn and explore these topics, they know how to handle them, they know how to think critically through them,” said Adviser Margie Muñoz, community school coordinator for Kent School Services Network.

Muñoz secured grant funding from the YWCA to start a Girls for Change chapter in her building. To be involved, girls had to fill out applications. As a condition of participation, they have to be on track with grades, attendance and behavior. They give up one lunch period and one advisory period per week to participate.

Aryanna McCrary participates in Girls for Change at Godwin Heights Middle School. (School News Network)

Sharnique said Middle School Principal Bradley Tarrance suggested she join the group. She says it’s a good way to learn about issues like human trafficking and to develop leadership skills.

“We want to change the world,” said Sharnique.

Muñoz said the experience has been enlightening and empowering.
“They’re fully committed, and now they are working on developing social justice skills and speaking up for what they care about,” said Muñoz. “They’re amazing. They’re super-powerful, and I’m really impressed by them.”

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

How to determine a ripe melon

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
Photo 1. Winter watermelon showing the yellow ground spot indicating a mature, ready-to-eat fruit. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

By Ronald Goldy, Michigan State University Extension


A sure sign of summer in Michigan is the number of locally grown, vine-ripened melons available at farm stands and farmers markets. However, with modern transportation, watermelon, cantaloupe and other melons are available year around. So how does a buyer in the dead of winter determine a flavorful melon?


It is important to understand that not all melons behave the same when it comes to ripening. Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—it is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest. Once into the ripening process, fruit will gain sugar, flavor will improve and flesh soften. For the consumer, this means watermelon and similar fruit can be eaten as soon as you bring it home no matter what time of the year it is. However, cantaloupe and similar melons bought in winter probably need to be held at room temperature for a few days or more to allow it to improve.

Photo 2. Summer cantaloupe showing typical golden color and the “dimpled” stem end where the stem has pulled free from the fruit. CC0 Public Domain.

The most reliable way to determine if a watermelon is mature is to observe it while it is still on the plant. Since that is not possible in winter, consumers have to use the next step and that is looking at the “ground spot” (Photo 1). The ground spot is where fruit was in contact with the soil. It is easy to recognize since it will not have the same stripes and color of the rest of the fruit—it will have a more solid color. A mature watermelon will have a yellow ground spot (Photo 1). If it is light yellow or even white, make another selection.


Honeydew melons are the hardest to know when they are mature. Being light colored, the ground spot technique does not work and they do not “self-pick” like cantaloupe. However, like cantaloupe, they continue to ripen off the plant. To eat a honeydew early is not a bad experience, but you do not want to wait so long that it goes bad. The fruit does not provide the signals watermelon and cantaloupe do. For honeydew, you have to rely on the grower picking it at a good time no matter the season since once you cut it open you have to eat it or refrigerate it.


Left on the plant, cantaloupe fruit begin to disconnect when mature and the fruit will essentially pick itself and be ready to eat right away. Summer melons have a noticeable dimple at the stem end and generally have a golden color (Photo 2). Since ripe cantaloupe are quite soft, they have to be harvested in winter production areas when they are less than fully mature so they are able to survive the transport process in good shape. Instead of allowing them to self-pick, they are cut from the plant.

Photo 3. Winter cantaloupe with the stem still attached. Look for cantaloupe where the stem end has begun to crack (arrow), thus indicating the melon is approaching maturity but will improve in flavor if allowed to sit at room temperature for a few days. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

For winter-grown melons, the stem attachment is still evident on the fruit—no dimple (Photo 3). As the fruit matures, you will be able to see the abscission zone form as a slight crack that gets larger over time and will eventually form a circle around the stem (Photo 3). When selecting a winter cantaloupe, look for one where the remaining stem has started to crack and break away from the melon. When you can see that crack starting to form, that means the fruit was harvested mature enough that the ripening process will continue. It probably still needs to sit at room temperature for a few days as it continues to mature. Be patient and let that happen. It will not attain the golden color of a summer-grown melon, so do not expect it to be quite the same, but neither is the weather outside.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).


How climate change, millennials and tainted donors are impacting philanthropy

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Nate Hoekstra
Grand Valley State University

Climate change, millennials becoming a majority of the workforce, and increasing critiques of tainted donors are changing the nonprofit sector in profound new ways, according to experts and thought leaders at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

Those concepts are just a sampling of emerging trends in the philanthropic sector identified in the Johnson Center’s annual 11 Trends in Philanthropy report, which analyzes upcoming and developing issues in the nonprofit industry.

A significant change to the nonprofit sector in 2020 will be the people working in it. This year, millennials will make up more than half of the workforce in the United States, and the generation’s desire for greater flexibility, transparency and meaning in their work is reshaping how nonprofit workplaces function. Those wants, coupled with the lure of social enterprise companies, may be presenting new opportunities for professional impact.

Nonprofits will also be on the front lines of a global issue: climate change. As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, nonprofit organizations and those who fund them will play critical roles in disaster response, policy change, applying a sustainable and climate-focused lens to existing strategies and advancing new ideas for mitigating and reversing ecological damage.

Another major trend that continues to develop is the increasing number and frequency of so-called tainted money and tainted donors. Common examples of this trend include the philanthropy of the late Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, and the giving of the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, which is linked to the opioid crisis. Some experts in the field even argue that the “cleanliness” of any money gained through capitalist practices should be considered suspect. But all of this concern puts the nonprofits who depend, to varying degrees, on private donations in an ethically complicated spot.

Other trends, which are also analyzed in-depth in the report, include:

— Increasing critiques of “Big Philanthropy”

— Data and mapping tools come together to empower community decision making

— Collaboration and consolidation in philanthropy’s infrastructure

— Data science for social impact

— Increased attention to sustainable development goals

— Alternatives to strategic philanthropy are emerging

— Corporate social responsibility employs many models to align business and philanthropy

— Inclusive growth requires urgent collaboration and deliberate patience



“The philanthropic sector is undeniably sharing in this time of marked upheaval and uncertainty,” said Teri Behrens, executive director of the Johnson Center. “Yet, we still see philanthropy as being best positioned to help unite us, domestically and internationally, to address some of the global challenges we face. We are a sector that focuses on solving problems.”

The full 2020 11 Trends in Philanthropy report is available online at johnsoncenter.org

‘A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass’ opens at GRAM Jan. 25

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Charlotte Potter (American, b. 1981), Pending (detail, 2014. Cameo engraved glass and metal, 156 x 360 x 96 inches. Courtesy of the Artist and Heller Gallery, New York.

By Elizabeth Payne
Grand Rapids Art Museum


The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) announced today its upcoming exhibition, A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass which opens at the Museum on Jan. 25. The exhibition is on view until April 26 and features the work of 19 artists working in glass including Grand Rapids artist Norwood Viviano. 

Each of the artists included in the exhibition use glass in innovative ways while presenting its metaphorical possibilities—connecting to broader cultural, environmental, political, and spiritual themes. 

“We’re thrilled to present A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass this season at GRAM,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “As part of the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s ongoing commitment to providing a diverse array of fresh, stimulating exhibitions for our region, A New State of Matter is the first major exhibition of glass art in the Museum’s history, and reveals the beauty, mystery, and expressive power of this dynamic medium.”

The works in A New State of Matter examine the material and symbolic potential of glass in unique and revealing ways. For example, artists Charlotte Potter and April Surgent use the ancient process of cameo glass engraving to consider relationships in the age of social media and climate change, respectively. Jeffrey Stenbom utilizes cast glass to unveil the struggles facing the nation’s veterans. David Chatt, in a repetitive, labor-intensive process, covers found objects with thousands of miniscule glass beads to explore family and nostalgia. Amber Cowan repurposes American pressed glass to create her intricate installations that reference a bygone era.

“The talented artists in this exhibition are creating incredible artworks using a spectrum of glassmaking techniques, from ancient to present-day processes,” stated Chief Curator Ron Platt. “As the first exhibition at GRAM devoted to artists working with glass, I think our visitors will be amazed by the beautiful and fascinating forms that glass can take. As a material, glass is loaded with a variety of rich associations, making it a perfect vehicle for addressing a range of urgent personal and social issues.”

 The exhibition features work by Grand Rapids artist Norwood Viviano, who fuses fine arts practice with data and research findings in geography, economics, and the social sciences to create environments in which sensuous beauty and topical information merge. Viviano, an associate professor at Grand Valley State University, was the subject of a solo GRAM exhibition in 2015, and his work has been shown and collected internationally. GRAM is excited to debut a brand-new sculpture by Viviano, Recasting Grand Rapids, as part of the exhibition. For this work, he combined elements of our city’s manufacturing past and present, fusing a wooden end table made in Grand Rapids in the 1940s with a current scale model of the city’s architectural landscape—all recast in clear glass. Viviano explains, “the fragility of glass serves as a metaphor for balance between time, efficiency, and the inability of manufacturing to change and meet future needs.” 

Featured artists include: Dean Allison, David Chatt, Amber Cowan, Steffen Dam, Morgan Gilbreath, Tali Grinshpan, Etsuko Ichikawa, Patrick Martin, Rachel Moore, Whitney Nye, Charlotte Potter, Michael Rogers, Erica Rosenfeld, Mary Shaffer, Jeffrey Stenbom, April Surgent, Judy Tuwaletstiwa, Norwood Viviano, and Jeff Zimmer.

Charles P. Limbert (American, 1854–1923). Advertising Lamp, c. 1910. Slag glass on oak base, 19 x 24 x 16 inches. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Cummings, Frank and Ann Battistella Fund, Porter Foundation, 2004.18.

On view concurrently with A New State of Matter is Looking (at •into•through) Glass, an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture, prints, photography and design objects from GRAM’s permanent collection. The exhibition has been assembled to explore glass as a material one can look at, into, and through. Works in the exhibition range from colorful still-life paintings to glass-shaded lamps and provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the variety and depth of objects in the collection.

In addition to the exhibitions, visitors can explore a range of related interactive and educational activities and materials, including artists’ video profiles, hands-on activities, and detailed information on many of the participating artists’ glassmaking techniques, including blowing, kiln-forming, casting, and flame-working.

A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass has been organized by the Boise Art Museum. The exhibition is sponsored by the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation with additional grant support from the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. Lead support for GRAM’s exhibition is provided by the Wege Foundation. Lead Exhibition Society Support is provided by the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum  
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the art museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Established in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has  grown to include more than 5,000 works of art, including American and European 19th and 20th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft.  

For museum hours and admission fees, visit  artmuseumgr.org.   
 

Godwin Heights boys basketball seeks to continue OK Silver streak in WKTV Featured Game

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Godwin Heights boys basketball (shown from a 2019 game) is on the WKTV Featured Game schedule this week . (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

After a tough season-opening stretch of tough non-conference games, the Godwin Heights High School boys basketball team has started its OK-conference Silver schedule with wins over Belding and Wyoming Lee and a tight road loss at Hopkins.

The Wolverines (3-6 overall, 2–1 in conference) will seek to continue its conference roll as the team hosts NorthPointe Christian (3-5, 1-1) Tuesday, Jan. 21, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

So far this season, Godwin head coach Tyler Whittemore’s team has been led by seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin (6.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game) and Milton Brown (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg). But the team’s leading scorers are both freshmen, Jakhary Towns (17 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and Demarie Thompson (8 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3 rpg).

“Baskin is a versatile player. He will handle the ball for us to initiate the offense, but is also good at slashing to the basket off the ball,” Whittemore said to WKTV. “He … is the only player with stats from last year. The other guys have very little to no varsity experience.”

Of his two freshman starters, Whittemore said Townes is an “explosive scorer from outside … (and) he is a very good shooter from the 3-point line.” While Thompson is “a tough and talented point guard. He has very good court-vision.”

Whittemore praised his other senior starter, Brown, as a “very tough player. He is a smart player that will help everyone around him be more efficient. He can guard multiple positions and will end up on the opposing team’s best player down the stretch.”

And the team other usual starter, junior Martine Bickety (3 ppg, 3rpg) is the “toughest defender we have,” his coach said.

First off the Godwin bench are junior Jamontae Burrell (4 ppg) and sophomore Jordan Norman (4.5 ppg), while junior Ru’Quan Buckley will return from injury in the Tuesday game.

Other players on the team (according to the team’s school webpage) include senior Sa’Viance Morris-Miller and juniors Jacob Horrell, Kyeshaun Hunnicutt and Jadyn Rodriguez.

Last season, the Wolverines were 15-6 overall and won the OK Silver with a 12-0 mark before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in an opening round playoff game.

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; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

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

City of Wyoming hosts annual Daddy Daughter Dance Feb. 8

3-bottom, City of Wyoming

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Daddy Daughter Dance, Saturday, Feb. 8.

Fathers and father figures are invited to bring their girls age 3 – 15 years old for a night of dancing, games, and fun. The event will be from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop SW.

The cost is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. The cost is per person and pre-registration is required. To register, call 616-530-3164 or click here.

Wyoming Police seeking info on Jan. 19 homicide

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information regarding a homicide that took place Sunday, Jan. 19.

At approximately 10:35 p.m. on Jan. 19, members of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shots fired called in the 5000 block of Curtis Drive SW. Officers located a victim with a fatal gunshot wound near 5027 Curtis Drive SW. The victim was later identified as Wyoming resident Medardo David Ibuado, who was 23-years-old.

The relationship between the victim and the shooter or shooters is not known but preliminary information suggests that while the suspect or suspects are not in-custody, there is no specific threat or reason to believe there is any elevated danger to the general public, according the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

There is no suspect description available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or 911. They can also report information anonymously by calling Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

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

Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events
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 January includes the following:

Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
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, January 20
Boys/Girls Bowling
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wayland

Tuesday, Jan. 21
Girls Basketball
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Belding
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Rockford
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Tri-Unity Christian @ Martin
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Christian

Wednesday, Jan. 22
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Wayland
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys Wrestling
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Orchard View
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Orchard View
Wyoming @ Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Lowell/Caledonia

Thursday, Jan. 23
Boys Swimming/Diving
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys Bowling
Potter’s House @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Boys Basketball
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Jan. 24
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – OK Red Tourney @ Georgetown
Pauda @ South Christian
Girls Basketball
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wayland @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Black River
WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran
West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian
Boys Basketball
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wayland @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Black River
WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran

Saturday, Jan. 25
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – OK Red Tourney @ Georgetown
Walsh Jesuit @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Wyoming @ Rockford
South Christian @ Rockford
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Northview
Kelloggsville @ Northview
Wyoming @ Montague
Wyoming Lee @ Reed City

Monday, Jan. 27
Boys/Girls Bowling
@ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
FH Eastern@ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian

Supporting the Sandwich Caregiver

3-bottom, ,

Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

The landscape of what caregiving looks like is constantly changing. Though the act of caring for a loved one remains the same, a number of variables have contributed to a notable shift in caregiving in the last few decades. For instance, you may have heard the phrase “the Sandwich Generation” thrown about from time to time, but what does this mean? This term is used to describe individuals who are not only caring for their own children, but for an aging or disabled adult family member as well. They are sandwiched between the two roles and are responsible for taking on the care of both. The main reason for this occurrence is that people are living longer due to better healthcare and technology, and delayed parenting has become the new norm as couples start families in their mid-to-late 30s. 

Common characteristics of the sandwich generation include stress, financial burden, and burnout. According to a study released by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), “more than 11 million Americans (more than a quarter of all caregivers) are caring for an adult family member due to health needs or disability, while also caring for children at home.” Oftentimes these caregivers are working full time, which adds an additional burden. Every sandwich generation caregiver’s situation is unique, yet there are a few things that can be done to support them, even in small ways. What may seem like “not enough,” can make a world of a difference.

Be a good listener. One of the most powerful things you can do is to just listen. “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable,” explains author David Augsburger. Listening carefully is a way to show support and to build trust.

Dedicate your time or talents. If there is something you are good at or like to do, such as cooking, shopping, driving, or making telephone calls, offer to do a specific task for the caregiver that they may not have the time for. Here are a couple of examples: offer to prepare a meal weekly (or as often as you feel comfortable), or offer to drive their parent or child to their doctor appointment or school. Come alongside the caregiver and offer to do a tangible task. 

Guide them to community resources. Through the Caregiver Resource Network, we realize that caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. The Caregiver Resource Network was created to include resources in a nine-county region (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola). Resources range from support groups, podcasts, articles, monthly classes, and events. It also provides a safe place where caregivers can feel supported and heard. You can visit www.caregiverresource.netor call 1-888-456-5664 for further info.

St. Cecilia’s chamber music series brings ‘French Enchantment’ to Grand Rapids stage

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists visiting for the concert will be pianist and co-artistic director Wu Han, violinist Paul Huang, violist Matthew Lipman, and cellist Clive Greensmith. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org


The classic French music of Saint-Saëns, Fauré and Ravel. The masterful musicians of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The exquisite acoustics of the Royce Auditorium Performance Hall.

Sounds like a perfect night of “French Enchantment”.

St. Cecilia Music Center’s second chamber music series concert if the season, set for Thursday, Jan. 23, will begin and end with early works by Saint-Saëns and Fauré that “recreate the elegant atmosphere of 19-century Parisian salons,” according to supplied material. In between will be Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello, “written soon after World War I, where he used just two string instruments to produce a composition of unique, austere beauty.”

Lipman Matthew (Supplied/Jiyang Chen)

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists visiting for the concert will be pianist and co-artistic director Wu Han, violinist Paul Huang, violist Matthew Lipman, and cellist Clive Greensmith.


“We are truly excited about this unique concert, ‘French Enchantment’, with the Chamber Music Society, as they communicate, through music, the beauty of French history and culture,” St Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook said in supplied material. “The audience will experience four amazing artists performing French music within our intimate world-class Royce Auditorium Performance Hall.”

“French Enchantment” selections will include: Trio No. 1 in F major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 18 (written 1863-1864) and composed by Camille Saint-Saëns; Sonata for Violin and Cello (written 1920-1922) and composed by Maurice Ravel; and Quartet No. 1 in C minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 15 (written 1876-1879; Revised in 1883) and composed by Gabriel Fauré.

Ravel’s work, The Sonata for Violin and Cello, remains one of the most challenging, enigmatic, least-known, and fascinating of Ravel’s compositions.

“I believe that the sonata marks a turning point in my career,” Ravel said of the work. “Bareness is here driven to the extreme: restraint from harmonic charm; more and more emphatic reversion to the spirit of melody.”

The final Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concert of the season will take place on April 30, with Wu Han and cellist David Finckel both returning to Grand Rapids to perform with violinist Arnaud Sussman and violist Paul Neubauer on a program titled “From Prague to Vienna” and featuring three composers who mentored and inspired each other: Brahms, Dvořák and Suk.

 
Tickets for the Jan. 23 chamber music concert are $45 and $40 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.  Ticket-holders are invited to a pre-concert artist talk at 7 p.m. prior to the 7:30 p.m. concert.

A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party, with complimentary wine will also be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to meet the artists in person and to obtain signed CDs of their releases.

 

Practical ways seniors can save money

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Saving money is important no matter your age or income level, but seniors often find themselves needing a few extra dollars here and there to make retirement work. Fortunately, there are practical ways to stretch a dollar, without breaking the bank.


Downsizing to a smaller home, getting rid of cable television, sharing expenses with friends and taking advantage of senior discounts are all effective ways to save money in retirement.

Downsizing

Larger homes cost more to heat, cool, furnish and repair, which is why downsizing the square footage makes a lot of sense for seniors. Moving to an assisted living community can amplify the cost savings, depending on the circumstances. Specifically, downsizing can reduce gas, electric, insurance, property taxes, and water bills, while minimizing upkeep costs like new carpet and landscaping.

Cut back on cable

Cable television isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. While it’s fun to have all of the sports and specialty channels, they aren’t always necessary, and they can cost more than $100 a month. Netflix and Hulu are much more cost-effective, allowing seniors to stream content via the Internet on their televisions. Both services combined allow retirees to watch movies and television shows at a fraction of the cost of cable.

Share expenses

Whether it’s carpooling to bingo, the movies or to the store to get groceries, ride sharing among seniors is an effective way to cut down on fuel costs. Transportation isn’t cheap, especially in areas of the country where cities are decentralized, or in the countryside where it takes some time to get back to more populated areas. Thus, lower fuel costs can help seniors. Ride sharing also cuts down on the wear and tear to older adults’ vehicles, extending a car or truck’s useful life and reducing maintenance costs.


Moving into an assisted living facility like Vista Springs can also help seniors spread the cost of entertainment, activities, and medical care among fellow residents, enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved. The costs of independent medical attention, food preparation, and daily entertainment is often-times cost-prohibitive for seniors living alone. Finding ways to share expenses among a group provides new and exciting possibilities for aging adults.

Senior discounts

Movie theaters, fast-food restaurants, fine-dining restaurants and similar establishments typically offer senior discounts at particular times, or on specific days of the week. Taking advantage of these opportunities can yield cost-savings and an active retirement, which is beneficial on multiple levels. The goal of retirement is not to stop spending money, but to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor of many years of working. Senior discounts allow seniors to get out and do more for less, which is positive for everyone in the community.


Seniors living off of a fixed income usually need to be cost-conscious to ensure a comfortable and rewarding retirement. But when you find ways to save money in an efficient, practical and common sense way, older adults can live a fun and enjoyable retirement.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Michigan fresh: Maple syrup

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Kendra Wills, Michigan State University Extension


Maple syrup is among the first locally harvested food products available in Michigan farmers markets each spring. According to the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (n.d.), Michigan ranks fifth nationally in maple syrup production at about 90,000 gallons annually. It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.


One-hundred-percent pure maple syrup tastes very different from the pancake syrups found in most grocery stores. These pancake syrups consist mostly of corn syrup or cane sugar. They may contain either no pure maple syrup or pure maple syrup in very small amounts. Be sure to read the label of ingredients if you are looking for pure maple syrup.

Nutrition

One tablespoon of maple syrup has about 50 calories. Maple syrup is approximately 67 percent sugar and 33 percent water. The sugar in maple syrup is sucrose (88 to 89 percent) with small amounts of glucose and fructose sugar (11 to 12 percent). White sugar is also sucrose. According to the Ohio State University Extension (2009), there is no direct scientific evidence that maple syrup is healthier than white sugar. Diabetics and others who are limiting their sugar intake need to treat maple syrup as they do other sugar products.

Storage

Store pure maple syrup in the refrigerator — even if the bottle has not been opened. Pure maple syrup in glass or tin containers may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year. Use syrup stored in plastic containers within three to six months. Plastic breathes causing a change to syrup color and flavor (Ohio State University Extension, 2009).


You may freeze maple syrup. To freeze, pour it into freezable glass jars, making sure to leave a one-inch space at the top. Frozen syrup maintains quality and flavor for an indefinite period.

Selection

The characteristic flavor of maple syrup includes sweetness from the sugars, a slight tartness from the acids, and a range of aromas that includes vanilla, coffee and chocolate. The longer the syrup is boiled, the darker the color (University of Vermont, n.d.).

Click to download pdf

All states must use the U.S. Department of Agriculture color standards to grade, or classify, maple syrup based on color, flavor and sugar content. However, states may use their own words to describe color. Grade A refers to the lighter, more delicately flavored, sometimes less concentrated syrups, which people pour directly on food. Grade B, more often used for cooking, is stronger in caramel flavor. Maple syrup grading kits are available at specialty stores or through online retailers. Maple producers use them to help classify their syrup for quality control. (University of Vermont, n.d.). 2


Michigan maple syrup has four grades: Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. The Michigan Maple Syrup Association (2005) says Grade A Light Amber has a delicate maple taste and extra light amber color; Grade A Medium Amber has a mild maple taste and light amber color; Grade A Dark Amber has a hearty maple taste and a medium amber color; and Grade B, good for cooking, has a robust maple taste and dark amber color.

Production

Maple syrup is typically harvested from sugar maple and black maple trees. Even though other tree varieties can produce sap for syrup production, these two varieties typically provide the sweetest sap. A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and at least 32 inches in circumference at 4.5 feet off the ground before tapping.


Maple sap is harvested as a slightly sweet, colorless liquid. Sap is boiled so the water in the sap evaporates and the sugars become concentrated. Sap harvesting can start as early as February in southern Michigan and go until April in the north. The Michigan Maple Syrup Association (n.d.) estimates that only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resources are utilized for syrup production.


To learn how to tap maple trees and produce your own syrup, read the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Bulletin Homemade Maple Syrup. Obtain it from http://shop.msu.edu/ Search the MSU Extension Bookstore section for “E2617.”

Recipes

Spring Greens with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

– 1 cup Grade A pure maple syrup (light, medium or dark — your preference)
– 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 3/4 cup canola oil

Whisk or use immersion blender until blended and stable.

Salad

– 1 large bunch of mixed greens and/or arugula (or enough for the number of servings you require)
– 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
– 1/2 cup pecans
– 1/2 cup craisins

Toss 1/2 cup vinaigrette with greens, top with cheese, nuts, fruit and serve. Produces 6-8 servings depending on serving size.

Adapted with permission from UVM Libraries Maple Research Website: http://library.uvm.edu/maple/recipes/?cat=17

(University of Vermont. (2010). Spring greens with maple balsamic vinaigrette.)

Maple Baked Beans

4-6 servings

Ingredients:

– 2 cups dried navy beans (you may want to look for Michigan navy beans)
– 6 strips bacon
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried mustard
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A or Grade B — your choice)
– 1 pork hock, fresh or smoked
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat over to 325 °F. Simmer navy beans in water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain beans and reserve liquid for cooking. Line bean pot with strips of bacon. In a large bowl, toss together onion and beans. In another bowl, combine 2 cups bean cooking liquid, mustard, salt and maple syrup. Place half the bean mixture on bacon strips in pot. Place pork hock on beans, top with rest of bean onion mixture, then pour over reserved cooking liquid/ syrup mixture. Cover with lid and place in oven for 3 hours, or until pork hock is fully cooked and pulling away from the bone. If beans begin to look dry, add more cooking liquid.

Once pork hock is cooked, remove beans from oven and remove lid. Mash together butter and brown sugar into a paste, scatter sugar paste over beans and place back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

Adapted with permission from a recipe from Sydney Oland, food writer, posted on seriouseats.com. Retrieved from http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/maple-baked-bean-stew-pork-recipe.html.

References

Michigan Maple Syrup Association. (n.d.). Maple facts. Retrieved from http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com/ education/maple-facts/.


Michigan Maple Syrup Association. (2005, Spring). Grading!!! Should our current system be changed? Michigan Maple Syrup Association Members Newsletter.


Ohio State University Extension. (2009). Selecting, storing, and serving Ohio maple syrup. (HYG-5522-09). Retrieved from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5522.pdf.


Oland, S. (2011, Dec. 17). Maple baked beans. Retrieved from http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/ maple-baked-bean-stew-pork-recipe.html.


University of Vermont. (n.d.). Maple syrup. Retrieved from http://library.uvm.edu/maple/nutrition/index.php.


University of Vermont. (2010). Spring greens with maple balsamic vinaigrette. Retrieved from http://library.uvm. edu/maple/recipes/?cat=17.

Resources

Michigan Maple Syrup Association


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