The world is what you make it. And it all starts with what you make of yourself.
From the movie “Fred Claus”
By WKTV Staff joanne@wktv.org
A last minute gift idea
Steven Hopstake and Melissa Prusi. (Supplied Photo)
Answer: Stoker’s Wilde
Question: What is the new book written by Wyoming Park High graduate Steven Hopstaken and former WKTV employee Melissa Prusi? The book, which is now available, brings “Dracula” author Bram Stoker and “The Portrait of Dorian Gray” author Oscar Wilde together in a vampire-chasing story that will keep you flipping through the holidays. For more about the authors and the book, click here.
While on the subject of reading…
Randy Otterbridge (right) with Locally Entertaining host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma (Photo by WKTV)
Randy Otterbridge, chief writing officer for Randy Austin Publishing and Media, will host the free event “Men Who Write…And Win” this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave. While open to everyone, the event will focus on male authors who have written on a variety of topics from finances to children’s books. Authors who participate have the opportunity to win cash prizes by sharing their work. For more on the event or to listen to the Locally Entertaining podcast that Otterbridge was on, click here.
A Community Christmas Gift
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley signing a Kentwood City Commission resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 17, which stated support of the continued resettlement of refugees within city limits. (City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood recently adopted a resolution in support of the continued resettlement of refugees within City limits. The resolution affirms resources and capacities are available within the City of Kentwood to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance. Kentwood is one of the first communities in West Michigan to publicly affirm its support of Executive Order 13888. “Kentwood has long been able to welcome refugees facing persecution thanks to numerous corporations, faith-based organizations, schools and families with the resources available to support the arrival and integration of refugee families,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As the current home of resettled refugees from more than 90 countries, Kentwood City Commission is committed to ensuring refugees not only feel welcome to come to our City, but to truly feel a sense of belonging within our community.” For more on the story, click here.
You Need an Escort for That
While anyone can walk up to the tomb of Oscar Wilde, which is located in Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery, to visit Bram Stoker’s ashes at London’s Golders Green Creamatorian you need an escort to enter the room where the ashes are housed. The reason? Fear of vandalism.
Even if your yearly physical isn’t scheduled for several months, there are questions you should ask your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner during your appointment.
Here are five questions you should ask at your checkup:
1. What is my risk for a heart attack?
It’s important to know what factors are in your control and which ones are out of your control when it comes to your risk for a heart attack. I recently saw a patient for her annual exam and she told me she had experienced a scare with chest pain since her last yearly physical.
A visit to the ER revealed a problem with her gallbladder instead of a heart issue. She knew she had high cholesterol and her weight put her at risk for heart disease, but she wasn’t too concerned about her numbers. After her recent scare with chest pain, she began to care a great deal more. So, she asked me what she needed to do to keep her risk as low as possible.
First we looked at her family history. Her father had experienced a heart attack but not until age 72, and her mom was healthy, with no heart disease. She didn’t have pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and had not experienced gestational diabetes. All of this showed that the things she could not change were in her favor—good news!
Next, we looked at things she could change: cholesterol (overall 240—high), triglycerides (180—high), HgA1C level used to test for diabetes (5.7 percent—borderline high), CRP level (2.5—indicates an average risk for heart disease), waist circumference (39—very high), and blood pressure (142/89—high).
The reality was that the factors she could control were increasing her risk of heart disease. In addition, her health habits could be improved. She walked three days a week but didn’t do any strength training, and her diet was mostly meat and potatoes with a salad thrown in once in a while.
So, together, we mapped out a plan to include some dietary changes and add at least two Zumba classes each week, plus water aerobics on the weekend. She also promised to buy the book Sugar Busters to help her learn about healthy versus unhealthy sugars.
2. What is my risk for breast cancer?
We use a scale called the Gail Model to measure breast cancer risk. It includes your family history, your age when you started your period, whether or not you have been pregnant, whether you ever had breast biopsies, and how old you were with your first pregnancy.
Other risk factors we study include your alcohol intake, Body Mass Index (BMI), and current activity level. I recently had a patient who had a significant risk of developing breast cancer based on the following factors: her sister had breast cancer, she had early onset of periods, and she had chosen to not have children. She made an appointment at the high-risk breast clinic and made the personal choice to have a mastectomy. The results revealed extensive DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), which indicates pre-cancer in many women.
For this patient, understanding her risk saved her life and early treatment allowed her to continue taking hormones. Even if your risk of developing breast cancer is low, it’s important to talk to your physician about the risks and follow the guidelines suggested for mammograms. If it’s time, get it done.
3. What is my risk for osteoporosis?
Bone health starts early—in the womb, to be exact.
Our bones begin to be formed based on the amount of Vitamin D and Calcium our mothers take when they are pregnant. After we are born, our bone health depends on our diet and activity level. By age 32 our bone mass reaches its peak, and we experience overall loss the rest of our lives.
Our bones are constantly being remodeled. Over time, breakdown occurs more rapidly than buildup. During menopause, if there is no estrogen replacement, the bone loss accelerates to a rate that increases the risk of fracture.
Several factors can make us lose bone even faster than normal aging: smoking, inactivity, consuming large amounts of soda water or pop, drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day, hyperthyroidism, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Long-term use of birth control hormones such as Depo, as well as taking drugs used to fight breast cancer, can also increase bone fragility. Of course, there are medications to improve bone strength, but the most important way to prevent fracture is to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet.
4. What is my risk for colon cancer?
Colon cancer is very common, and the strongest risk factor is aging. Everyone needs a screening colonoscopy at age 50, but some of us need it sooner. If you have a family member who has had large colon polyps or colon cancer before 50, you are at high risk of having the same. Ask your doctor about early screening if you fit into this category.
Also, if you are experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms such as lower pelvic or abdominal pain, a persistent change in bowel habits (lasting more than two weeks) or blood in your stool, you might need a colonoscopy to see what is causing these issues.
You can reduce your risk by living a healthy lifestyle: consuming less than two alcoholic drinks a day; eating a maximum of two servings of red meat per week; eating a high fiber diet; and exercising at least five days per week. Remember—a colonoscopy is much less stressful than colon cancer. If it’s time, get it done.
5. What immunizations do I need?
There are several immunizations that are recommended, and I encourage you to discuss these with your healthcare provider:
A flu shot before winter arrives.
The Hepatitis A and Meningococcus vaccines if you are heading off to college soon.
The Gardasil vaccine if you are under 29 and have not had this series yet.
The Gardasil vaccine if you are newly single, over 29, and HPV negative.
The Tdap (including Pertussis) once in your lifetime.
A Td (tetanus) vaccine every 10 years.
The Shingles vaccine at age 60.
The Pneumococcal vaccine at age 65.
Be sure to ask your doctor to look at your immunizations record and confirm that you are up to date on all of these.
The bottom line is that it is your responsibility to maintain your health and keep a journal or record of your health history. As you send your kids off to school each year, use that time as a reminder to pull out your book and make sure you are on track.
According to recent statistics, the share of men reading for pleasure on any given day fell from 25 percent in 2004 to 15 percent in 2017, a drop of nearly 40 percent.
It was this decrease that caught the attention of resident Randy Otterbridge, the chief writing officer for Randy Austin Publishing and Media and the person behind this weekend’s “Men Who Write and Win.” The free event is Saturday from a 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2500 Division Ave. SE.
“I started thinking there has to be a reason for this,” Otterbridge said of the drop of readership during a recent Locally Entertaining podcast. Otterbridge admitted that people today are busy people with work, children’s activities, and other events, adding that men tend to be more “doers,” wanting to be outside and simply doing something.
“When you hear about reading and you hear about wealth, and readers are leaders and leaders are readers….[well] when I look at a book there is gold in it and we just need to shovel it out.”
Otterbridge decided to have an event focused on male authors and to celebrate what they are doing while at the same time encouraging others to write and share their story, he said. That event became the “Men Who Write — and Win!,” an author showcase and wrting-tainment event. Because men have a competitive nature, Otterbridge said he incorporated a competition element with the audience deciding who wins by clapping for the stories they like to who does well in sales at the event.
Otterbridge has more than a dozen authors signed up for Saturday’s showcase covering a variety of genres from financial to children’s books. Along with readings, there will be presentations on how to get started writing, marketing and other topics.
Otterbridge said the event is not only open to men, if it was “I might only end up with two,” he joked. The event is open to anyone interested in writing, because the ultimate goal, Otterbridge emphasized, is to encourage people to write, not to worry about editing or anything else, but to get their story on paper.
Gladiola Elementary fourth grader Brandon Koehn knows why Fritz Bowerman does “laps” at school, walking each hallway and saying hello to teachers and students. He’s checking in, checking things out and lending a hand where it’s needed.
“He’s helping a lot of kids. He helps me a lot. He helps me focus and do my job,” Brandon said.
Bowerman, or “Mr. B,” is a student advocate, a new role in the district this year. He’s a direct source of support for students, often serving as the first person to greet them when they get off the bus. He’s there when they go out to recess, when they need help with math or need a few moments to calm down in the office.
He’s meeting students’ needs in a positive way — so they can learn and teachers can teach, but it’s about more than that, he said. “I’m a grandpa to 310 kids.”
Bowerman began working in the district as a behavior interventionist five years ago, quickly becoming beloved at Gladiola. When Superintendent Craig Hoekstra decided to shift the focus of behavior interventionists district wide — renaming and reinterviewing candidates for this year — Bowerman was a prime example of how that could work.
Brandon Koehn and Fritz Bowerman work together to make the school day go well. (Photo supplied by School News Network)
Role Empowers Students
Rather than focusing on intervention, student advocates proactively help students before things become problematic. Students are taught strategies that empower them to own their behavior rather than just react.
The work aligns with the district’s Positive Behavior Support System, which sets common language and expectations school-wide concerning behavior, and Restorative Practices, a proactive approach to discipline that gets to the “why” of student behavior and focuses on righting wrongs and repairing harm rather than punishment that isolates students by removing them from school.
Bowerman spends a lot of time talking to students that have had behavioral issues in the past, helping them stay on track and have a person to trust. If there’s an immediate need he meets it. (For example, a student recently needed a fresh shirt, and Bowerman got him one from a pile of extras). If there’s evidence a student is having a bad day, he finds out why. If a student is wandering in the hallway, he leads them to class.
Fritz Bowerman stops to check on how things are going in teacher Lysa Stockwell’s class. (Photo supplied by School News Network)
‘He gives everything’
Bowerman, of Hastings, served in the U.S. Army for six years as an artilleryman. He then majored in criminal justice at Ferris State University and went on to work as a probation officer in Ionia County. He returned to Grand Valley State University and earned his graduate teaching certification in secondary social studies. As a social worker, he worked with adults with mental illness. His school career began at Kelloggsville Public Schools before being hired in Wyoming.
Gladiola social worker Amy Hendrickson said Bowerman makes a huge difference in students’ lives. “He gives everything that he has to our kids,” she said. “He loves them and supports them in amazing ways but still holds high expectations for them.
“I wouldn’t be able to do my job without him. He wears so many different hats. One student might need a grandpa. Another might need someone that is more direct and stern.”
Fritz Bowerman is a trusted source of support for Gladiola Elementary students. (Photo supplied by School News Network)
Big Heart Required
Principal Cheryl Corpus said Bowerman’s impact is hard to quantify because it’s about relationships.
“We get kids in their formative years, when they are trying to figure out who they are how they feel. To have that person they can trust every day to give them a fresh start and help them make sense has an immeasurable impact,” Corpus said.
He also forms solid relationships with families, building trust with parents, Hendrickson said. “He’s super relatable, and when parents have questions he’s able to answer them — not in an authoritative role, but by just explaining things.”
Hoekstra served as principal at Gladiola when Bowerman was first hired, and said he knew his approach was always proactive, both in celebrating successes and helping when students are struggling.
“I developed the utmost respect for him in regards to who he is as a person and how he addresses situation,” Hoekstra said, “He comes at it with a big heart. I always use the phrase, ‘Let’s recognize the situation for what it is, then bring it to a better place.’ When I say that, Fritz comes to mind right away.”
Third grader Axel Moreno has noticed that big heart. “He gives a lot of hugs.”
Bowerman described himself as a piece puzzle in a school of supportive people. “The people are here to work with kids, to support them not just in education, but in their lives… It’s an awesome place.”
Bowerman nudges students to stay on track with behavior and school rules, focusing on being safe, respectful and responsible, Gladiola’s mantra.
He’s a gentle enforcer, handing out Wolf tickets students earn for good behavior and can save up for prizes.
“It’s wonderful to see the glow on their face to see what a little purple piece of paper gives them,” Bowerman said.
After countless hugs, conversations and laps around the school buildings, Bowerman gets to know his students well. “My hardest day of every year is the last day,” he said. “It’s a big tear fest. It’s a joyous day but a sorrowful day.”
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Brandon Koehn said Fritz Bowerman helps many students at his school. (Photo supplied by School News Network)
By Janet Jaymin, MA, LPC, Bereavement Manager at Faith Hospice
Family and togetherness are key themes around the holidays. And when a loved one is missing from those gatherings and traditions, the holiday season can be especially difficult.
The holidays can often serve as a stumbling block on the journey from grief to healing. The topic of grief is not often something anyone wants to talk about, especially at a time of year that, for most, is a time of great joy and happiness.
For anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, the holidays can bring about intensified or renewed grief. You may become flooded with memories or find the carrying-out of past traditions to be overwhelming.
With all of this in mind, we’ve developed a list of ways to cope with grief this holiday season. In doing so, we hope to generate an increased level of empathy when helping a friend or family member through grief in this season.
Why is recognizing grief around the holidays important?
Grief isn’t the same for everyone, nor is there a right or wrong way to cope—particularly around the holidays. Depending on what someone’s relationship was to a person who has passed, the intensity of that loss will be felt differently. For older generations, it may be a spouse, sibling or close friend. For younger generations, it might be a parent or grandparent. Different relationships mean different memories, experiences, and traditions that were shared with that loved one.
Because of this, grief can come about in a variety of ways. Accepting and understanding these truths is key, whether you’re coping yourself or are close to someone who is coping. If you’re finding yourself struggling on your journey from grief to healing this holiday season, or know someone who is, here are 10 tips for coping:
1. Plan as much as you can.
The holidays bring with them an increased pressure to attend parties or gatherings. This can be stressful for anyone, but for someone grieving a loss, it can cause an even greater level of anxiety. This is why it’s even more important to plan ahead regarding which events you’re going to attend. Trying to manage your grief is hard enough, overloading your schedule can only lead to more stress. That leads us to the second tip:
2. It’s OK to set boundaries.
Protect yourself from gatherings you feel may be too much. You may fear anything from a specific song playing to seeing your loved one’s favorite dessert is going to cause you to be emotional in front of a large group of people. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions regarding who will be there, how long the event will last, etc. That way, if there are people you may not be ready to face or if you are worried about how long you’ll have to endure the event, this will allow you to be prepared or, simply to say, “no”—and that’s OK.
3. Drive yourself.
To expand on No. 2, for the gatherings you decide to attend, it’s recommended you drive yourself. This way, should you find yourself in a situation that’s overwhelming or feel the need to leave, you’re not dependent on someone else’s schedule.
4. It’s OK to need a break from tradition.
If trying to carry out past traditions you would’ve typically shared with your late loved one is too painful, its OK to change things up. For example, if decorating the Christmas tree was always something you did with your spouse, perhaps put decorations up outside or help a friend decorate instead. It doesn’t mean you can’t go back to your tradition, you’re simply allowing the wound to heal—especially if it’s your first holiday without that loved one.
5. If you’ve typically hosted, ask someone else.
This goes back to the notion that managing your grief is hard enough on its own. Adding the planning of a party and preparation of a large meal can only lead to additional stress. If you typically have hosted for the holidays, try asking another family member to this year. Better yet, you could go out to eat at a restaurant instead. This takes the pressure off one person to cook, clean, etc. and is an especially good option if you’re feeling guilty (even though you shouldn’t) about asking someone else.
6. Use your pain for the betterment of others.
You’d be amazed how getting out to volunteer or giving to a cause can have incredibly healing effects. And it doesn’t have to be volunteering; perhaps you know someone who is alone this holiday season—an elderly person in your neighborhood or a person whose family lives far away. Try inviting them over, or see if they’d want to do something together. Maybe the elderly woman down the street doesn’t put up decorations because her husband always did, or her age no longer allows for her to do so (now you can combine elements of #4 as well). The point is, doing something good for someone else changes the mood, and not only are you doing something good for yourself, you’re helping someone else in the process.
7. Honor your loved one.
For anyone sharing in the loss, coming together to share stories, lighting a candle in your loved one’s memory, or playing a favorite song can offer healing—just because they’re gone doesn’t mean you forget them or stop loving them.
8. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Many coping with grief find themselves feeling guilty when they catch themselves laughing or feeling happy in the wake of a loved one’s death. They’re thinking, “No, I should be sad.” Or, “If I appear happy, does that mean I’m not mourning my loved one enough?” However, it’s good for us to find joy or humor in times of grief. And what better way to incorporate honoring your loved one than by sharing funny stories or fond memories with others sharing in the grief.
9. Self-care.
One of the best things you can do during this time is to take care of yourself. The holidays are busy and stressful enough, let alone trying to cope with your grief. Take time for yourself. Get your rest. Eat well. Get some fresh air and exercise. Treat yourself to a massage. Take that class you always wanted to try. Whatever it may be, now more than ever, is a great time for you.
10. There’s no right or wrong way to cope.
Wherever you are in your journey through grief, just remember that however you’re feeling is not only normal, but valid. Losing a loved one directly leads to change in a person’s life and past traditions aren’t the same. For those who may know someone struggling with grief, it’s important to be mindful of what they’re going through and remember that grief appears in different ways.
Everyone will experience grief at some point in their lifetime, and the best thing we can all do is be understanding and support one other.
Need support in your journey through grief? Faith Hospice offers counseling and guidance through a number of programs—from individual counseling to support groups—and invites you to join any of the support services that are appropriate for you.
Canola, grapeseed and safflower oils are suitable for high-temperature cooking because they have a high smoke point. Olive oil and avocado oil are better for sauteing at medium heat. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Oils are one of the most widely used ingredients in cooking and are healthy alternatives to butter and margarine.
All cooking oils, including olive, canola and peanut oil, contain 14 grams of total fat per tablespoon and roughly 120 calories.
So measure amounts carefully because even though some fat is essential for good health and these are excellent choices, they’re still high in calories.
For high-temperature cooking like stir-fries or when searing meat, use high smoke-point oils like canola, grapeseed and safflower oils. For sauteeing vegetables at medium heat, use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, which has gotten popular in recent years.
Since baking uses gentle heat, you can go with any oil you like. For cake and brownie recipes, try replacing butter with light olive oil, which has much less saturated fat but is still light in flavor.
Though all oils are great for salad dressings, try aromatic nut oils, like walnut oil or hazelnut oil, and seed oils, such as pumpkin seed oil and flaxseed oil, for a flavor twist. Keep them refrigerated to prevent them from going rancid—they’re very delicate.
Let them come to room temperature if they thicken in the fridge.
Here’s an easy dressing recipe that you can use on any side salad or over cold, chopped vegetables. It works especially well on peppery-flavored watercress.
Watercress Salad
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
8 ounces watercress
16 walnut halves, coarsely chopped
Whisk oil, mustard and garlic salt in a large bowl. Add the vinegar
and whisk again. Add the watercress and toss well. Divide among four
plates and top with equal amounts of chopped nuts.
“To be distributed pursuant to my last will and testament” sounds straightforward when leaving one’s possessions to their heirs. But what happens if that IRA, bank account or other important account has a beneficiary form attached to it? In the eyes of probate court, it is simple. The beneficiary form wins every time. Beneficiary forms override wills.
Why? Because beneficiary forms give heirs the ability to circumvent the probate process in order to receive funds in a timelier manner.
Beneficiary forms can cause a loved one to be disinherited. This mainly occurs because account holders forget and fail to update their forms. To prevent this from happening, you should coordinate your beneficiary forms with your overall estate plan and review designations every few years, especially after a life-changing event such as marriage, divorce, birth or death. You have the option not to name beneficiaries, and then funds would flow to your estate and be paid out per your last will and testament.
Whom can you name as beneficiaries?
Individuals
Trusts
Charities
Other organizations (Church, University, etc.)
Your estate
No one at all
Whom should you not name as beneficiaries?
Minors – Set up a trust payable at age 25 for those under 18 or 21, depending on laws in the minor’s state.
Disabled persons – Small inheritances can prevent them from getting government benefits
Avoid naming your estate on retirement plans – Required to be taxed and paid out within 5 years if estate is named.
7 simple rules to remember:
Do not leave beneficiary lines blank – Leaving lines blank or not naming beneficiaries will likely have your heirs end up in probate court. If assets go to your estate, they may become exposed to creditors.
Use trusts for beneficiaries who are minors – Most states place restrictions on minors and usually a court will appoint a guardian to handle the funds. Establish a trust receivable at age 25 and name the trust as the beneficiary.
Understand key rules – When designating Beneficiaries ask questions and read the fine print. Remember Beneficiary forms, in most cases, override wills.
Let your beneficiaries know – Tell your Beneficiaries what you have named them on and where to find contact information for the advisor and where to locate important documents. Also, give important contact information to your advisor.
Check and re-check – Make sure Social Security numbers, telephone numbers and addresses are correct. Make sure names are properly spelled and figures are accurate.
Use percentages instead of dollar amounts – Due to fluctuations in markets, values of accounts will rise and fall. By using percentages your heirs will still receive their portion of intended inheritance.
Name contingent beneficiaries – Avoid assets being transferred to your estate and going through probate in case of primary beneficiary death by naming contingent beneficiaries when appropriate.
What if? … The great premise of many a great horror and historical fiction novel. So why not write a mashup?
That is sort-of what Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi have written with “Stoker’s Wilde”, a ‘what if …” that finds Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, contemporaries who lived from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, thrown together to “face a vampire cult determined to open the Gates of Hell.”
Hopstaken and Prusi, who now live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, both have long ties to West Michigan and to WKTV Community Media.
“We worked on the novel for almost a decade before finding a publisher,” Hopstaken recently said to WKTV. “It came out in May 2019 from Flame Tree Press and is available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook. The sequel, ‘Stoker’s Wilde West’, was also sold … It picks up the story of Bram and Oscar in the American west.”
Hopstaken is from Wyoming originally and graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1981. Prusi is from Negaunee, in the Upper Peninsula, and she worked at WKTV from 1987 to 1991 — one of her highlights from that time, she said, was “directing a 36-hour live TV show to land (the station) in the Guinness Book of World Records.” She is also a three-time champion on the quiz show Jeopardy!
“Stoker’s Wilde” is described in promotional material this way:
“Years before either becomes a literary legend, Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde must overcome their disdain for one another to battle the Black Bishop, a mysterious madman wielding supernatural forces to bend the British Empire to his will. With the help of a European vampire expert, a spirited actress and an American businessman, our heroes fight werewolves, vampires and the chains of Victorian morality. The fight will take them through dark forests in Ireland, the upper-class London theater world and Stonehenge, where Bram and Oscar must stop a vampire cult from opening the gates of Hell.”
Sounds like quite a ride, for the reader and the writers.
“The research was definitely a lot of fun,” Hopstaken said. “We kept finding new characters and weird historical quirks to put into the book, such as Oscar Wilde’s roommate, Frank Miles, who was a noted portrait painter. He went a little crazy and was actually suspected of being Jack the Ripper, so of course we had to write him in. Bram stole Oscar’s fiancée from him and whisked her off to London, we had to put that in the book.
“We did take a trip to Dublin and London. It was amazing walking the same streets as the characters. We also visited Stonehenge and decided that is where the final scene of the novel would take place.”
Additionally, their research turned up a few surprises, and great plot twists.
Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. (Historic photos)
“Bram was very ill as a child and nearly died,” Hopstaken said. “He made a miraculous recovery and became a star athlete at school. His illness and recovery became a plot point in the novel.
“Oscar Wilde’s mother collected and wrote about Irish folklore and was an expert in the supernatural, so we featured her as a character in the novel. Also, despite having a reputation for being a writer, Oscar Wilde only published one novel throughout his life. “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” so like Bram Stoker, he is most famous for writing a supernatural story. “Stoker’s Wilde” has them both getting their ideas for their novels from coming in contact with vampires.”
The writing style of the novel, while very unique, does borrow elements from the past as well. The writers use various narrative points-of-view — characters, but also letters, journal entries, news clippings.
“It’s the same way ‘Dracula’ is written, so we thought it would be fun to copy Bram Stoker’s style,” Hopstaken said. “It’s not the easiest way to write a book, but it did give us the chance to hear first-hand from both our main characters, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, as well as may of the supporting characters.”
For more information on “Stoker’s Wilde” and “Stoker’s Wilde West”, and to find various ways to read, visit flametreepress.com.
As we move into our golden years, it’s more important than ever to educate ourselves on how to stay healthy. Basic health care services are essential, but modern research shows that this is just the beginning for the healthiest, happiest senior living. Here are a few areas where education and preparation can help you or your aging loved ones avoid future risks and enjoy life to the fullest.
Dealing with chronic conditions
Chronic health conditions create ongoing daily challenges for senior living. The physical, emotional, and practical demands of living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming. With some understanding and planning, however, it’s possible to minimize the frustration and isolation that often comes with chronic illness.
Develop an exercise routine that is appropriate for your physical condition. Even a ten-minute walk or a gentle stationery bike ride will strengthen you and lift your mood. Building flexibility and endurance gives your body essential tools for the fight against sickness and fatigue.
It’s important to be educated on the appropriate use of medications. Know how each prescription interacts with other drugs and what impact it will have on your body.
Understanding nutrition can make a significant difference for senior living. The vitamins and nutrients found in fresh, whole foods are powerful weapons against disease and fatigue.
Decision-making and evaluating new treatments can be difficult for someone suffering from chronic illness. If your aging loved one finds it difficult to make important decisions, make it a priority help them stay informed. Develop a calm, orderly strategy for working through decisions with the assistance of doctors and family members.
Emotional well-being
While working with your doctors to ensure the best medical treatment, remember that emotional health is also a significant part of your overall well-being. Many aging adults are unaware of the risk of depression that comes with many common health problems. However, by educating yourself on the symptoms of depression, you can notice and handle potential problems before they get out of control.
A therapist or counselor will help you adopt healthy emotional responses to the stress of health problems. The physical consequences of stress are minimized when we understand how to care for ourselves emotionally in painful or stressful situations. If we take the time now to understand the psychological and spiritual challenges that accompany aging, we can more easily prevent problems from arising in the future.
Health literacy is essential
It’s impossible to over-emphasize the importance of good health education for seniors and their families. There are many programs and resources available to assist aging adults and their families in these essential matters. Discuss these situations with the staff at your community to find out what they can do to support healthy, educated senior living.
With a good understanding of your own medical needs, you have the power to improve your daily quality of life. You can help your medical team keep you strong by focusing on areas of life that relate to health and happiness. Healthy emotional habits, a diet full of fresh whole foods, and an appropriate level of exercise can all dramatically improve the quality of senior living. Improve your health literacy today to take control of your health and happiness in your golden years.
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley is congratulted after the signing of a Kentwood City Commission resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 17, which stated support of the continued resettlement of refugees within city limits. (City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
In response to an executive order on Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement, the Kentwood City Commission adopted a resolution in support of the continued resettlement of refugees within City limits.
City Commission unanimously approved the resolution, which affirms resources and capacities are available within the City of Kentwood to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance. Kentwood is one of the first communities in West Michigan to publicly affirm its support of Executive Order 13888.
“Kentwood has long been able to welcome refugees facing persecution thanks to numerous corporations, faith-based organizations, schools and families with the resources available to support the arrival and integration of refugee families,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As the current home of resettled refugees from more than 90 countries, Kentwood City Commission is committed to ensuring refugees not only feel welcome to come to our City, but to truly feel a sense of belonging within our community.
“Kentwood’s quality of life has been enriched by the friendships and contributions of our neighbors from all over the world. We look forward to embracing those who seek to find refuge in our City for many years to come.”
In a heartfelt commission meeting, numerous community members, many refugees themselves, shared comments in support of the resolution. These included representatives from Kent County Board of Commissioners, At-Tawheed Islamic Center, the Vietnamese-American Community of Grand Rapids, Bethany Christian Services, Samaritas and Gateways for Growth.
“The approval of this resolution demonstrates the city’s character and commitment to all New Americans and says loud and clear what type of community Kentwood leaders want to create for all people who want to call this place home,” said Joel Lautenbach, executive director of Development at Samaritas and leadership team member of Greater Grand Rapids/Kent County Gateways for Growth Welcome Plan. “We want new residents from all over the world, including refugees, to be able to find a place to live here — to raise their families, to contribute economically and be successful, contributing members of our community.”
Project Coordinator Elvira Kovachevich of the Greater Grand Rapids/Kent County Gateways for Growth, whose objective is to develop and implement a welcome plan to address different sectors of obstacles for immigrants and refugees in Kent County, also spoke to the importance of the resolution.
“Seeing the City of Kentwood unanimously approve a resolution to welcome refugees to our community is more than a statement; it is a commitment to welcome everyone with open arms and promote belonging, no matter where you come from,” Kovachevich said. “As a child of refugees who works to welcome other New Americans to our community, the City of Kentwood’s affirmation of the value of refugees is inspiring; the City is truly serving as an example to others.”
Issued on Sept. 26, Executive Order 13888 requires official consent from state and local governments within 90 days in order for the federal government to resettle refugees in a given area, impacting all refugees coming through the U.S. Department of State.
It’s far better for your long-term mental health if you accept your negative emotions, rather than passing judgment on yourself. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Studies done at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that acknowledging a blue mood—and not berating yourself for it—can help you work through it more easily.
It turns out that accepting negative emotions is better for your long-term mental health than constantly passing judgment on yourself, which can cause your feelings of negativity to snowball.
Putting pressure on yourself to feel upbeat can make you feel even more downbeat, according to the research.
It turns out that the people who let feelings like sadness, disappointment and even resentment run their course had fewer mood disorder symptoms than people who judged themselves for having them or who tried to bury them.
Accepting negative emotions seems to help you better cope with your stressors.
There’s one important caveat, however.
While it helps to acknowledge the normalness of negative emotions and not think you can—or need—to feel happy 24/7, it’s also important not to ignore a persistent and deep blue mood and other signs that could signal depression.
Symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy and deep feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness that last for three or more months.
Unlike a blue mood, depression needs treatment, such as counseling, medication or both.
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
For the Dec. 10 basketball game between the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines, it was not about the score (the Sailors won) but about honoring those who served: 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran Ken McKenneym, who served in the Vietnam War, and 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Pete Zimmer, who served in World War II. For about the special celebration, click here.
School’s Out…for Winter Break!
Whether you are excited (most area students) or dreading it (probably most parents), many area schools let out for Winter Break this Friday. But no one has to panic once the holiday activities are a wrap as there are still holiday lights and Christmas Around the World at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum; and Studio Drop-In tours and fun at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. To learn more, just click on the organization’s name. Also do not forget that there are plenty of snow hills, such as the one at the City of Wyoming’s Pinery Park, for sledding and other winter fun.
Build It and They Will Come
Today there is a plethora or state-of-the-art music venues, many of which are owned and operated by local schools. How did this phenomenon happen? Believe it or not, it started with a school district more known for its farming that its art offerings. Byron Center Public Schools built the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in the 1990s not only for its students but for the community, offering a mix of touring shows and student productions.
Fun Fact: Snoopy’s Christmas Song
Alvin and the Chipmunks were not the only cartoon characters with a holiday song. “Snoopy’s Christmas” written and performed by the group The Royal Guardsmen, was released in 1967. (Today’s quote is from the song.) Originally from Ocala, Florida, the six-man group released a little ditty called “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” in 1966, which reached number two in Billboard charts for 12 weeks and was certified gold. This lead to the group releasing several other Snoopy songs including “Snoopy’s Christmas.” Due to a charting policy, “Snoopy’s Christmas” never made the Billboard charts. The group disbanded in 1969. It had a revival in 2006 with the song “Snoopy vs. Osama.” The group currently tours today.
It was just before 9 a.m. on a cold, late-November morning, and in the lobby of Celebration!Cinema North, Kelloggsville High School students were setting up tables to display their wares.
What would get these students up so early on a day where they might ordinarily sleep in? The occasion was the Junior Achievement (JA) Fall Movie Premiere, during which area JA students get a chance to sell to a movie audience and then see the movie (in this case, “Frozen 2”). As budding entrepreneurs, many of whom have a passion for business, the chance to sell their products to strangers was enticing.
“These students have done some selling at school and maybe to friends and family,” noted Kelloggsville social studies and business teacher Ryan Zuiderveen, who mentors his school’s JA teams. “But this was the first real public event like this. It’s exciting.”
He continued: “The money earned is a very small part of the event. They are put in a situation that is a little outside of their comfort zone, they have to try to anticipate the wants of an unknown customer group, they see the need for inventory. And it is such a cool moment for students to bring their families and take them out to the movies. The work students do with their business paying dividends for them and their families.”
From left: Kelloggsville JA students Samuel Aguillon, Erik Diaz Rodriguez, Roberto Gonzalez-Martinez, Cindy Calderon, Alexcia Jaramillo, Luis ‘Tony’ Diaz, teacher and mentor Ryan Zuiderveen, Olga Pizano-Garcia, Noemi Pedro-Rafael, Kristina Healey, Milan Huynh. (Photo by School News Network)
Triscenta Team in ‘Soothing Pink’
Hard to miss at Celebration!Cinema was the trio from Triscenta (the name is a play on three friends making scented candles). They were clad in matching pink T-shirts (soothing, they said, “like our candles”) emblazoned with their business logo, which also features prominently on their candles for sale.
Kristina Healey and Kelloggsville teacher and JA mentor Ryan Zuiderveen sort movie vouchers. (Photo by School News Network)
They’d chosen the candle business after deciding they wanted to do something around smell. “It’s one of the five senses, you know,” Roberto said. After kicking around a few ideas that didn’t seem practical, they landed on candles. “Everyone loves candles,” added Samuel.
They headed to YouTube to do their research and found a 20-minute video that pretty much laid out the process from start to finish. From there, it was a matter of where to set up shop. Samuel’s house became HQ for Triscenta, simply because it was centrally located for all three team members. His parents were cool with it, said Samuel, with the only stipulation being that the three entrepreneurs clean up after themselves.
“The first time or two we were pretty messy,” Erik said.
“But we’ve gotten a lot better,” added Roberto.
The team orders all its supplies – soy wax, scented oil, wicks and glass jars – from Amazon, and candle-making events are now a well-oiled machine. The wax gets melted in a double burner, fragrance gets added, wicks get set up in jars and the pouring begins. Later, the jars are adorned with the team’s logo on a vinyl sticker that they produce on a Cricut die-cutting machine that Zuiderveen procured from a relative and keeps at the high school.
Milan Huynh of Milartn (a play on her name and art) (Photo by School News Network)
Entrepreneurship 101
Zuiderveen, who put himself through college in part by running his own painting company, says Triscenta is a great example of what he tries to do with his business class and its partnership with Junior Achievement (JA).
The class is an elective, and between its two sections attracted more than 50 students this semester. All students are expected to start a business, either on their own or with fellow classmates. Along the way, they receive guidance and support from Zuiderveen, JA and a variety of guest mentors. Students handle everything from raising capital and tracking finances to marketing and sales.
“I have shaped the curriculum around entrepreneurship,” said Zuiderveen. “The students have really taken off with the program this year. Most weeks we have a theme or two – mission statements, finance, logo creation and so on – and the rest of the time is applying the concepts to their businesses.”
Students also get a chance to hear from current and former business professionals.
Steve Carlson retired in June after 17 years with GE Aviation and Smiths Aerospace, including work as senior global director in the customer account management group. He’s been a JA volunteer for 40 years, but is in his first year at Kelloggsville working with the student businesses.
He and a team of GE volunteers go into the classroom once a week for 13 weeks to help the students start a business, make and sell products and then liquidate the company before the end of the semester.
Kelloggsville teacher and JA mentor Ryan Zuiderveen with the team from Triscenta: Samuel Aguillon, Erik Diaz Rodriguez and Roberto Gonzalez-Martinez (Photo by School News Network)
Owning their Economic Future
Carlson said he loves the opportunity to help students learn about leadership, sales, finance and working as a team to achieve goals.
“JA,” he said, “is a great organization that inspires students to own their economic future. It doesn’t matter if they ever start a business or are just smarter consumers. In JA they get mentored by local volunteers in every grade from kindergarten to high school. This helps them understand how businesses work and gives them the opportunity to explore careers that are aligned with their interests and skills.”
Kelloggsville currently has 13 businesses as part of the program, and four were at the Celebration!Cinema event (space constraints limited the number of participants).
In addition to Triscenta, there was ACT (Alexcia Jaramillo, Cindy Calderon and Luis “Tony” Diaz), selling clothing that could be customized; KCNO (Kristina Healey, Cynthia Marcelino-Martinez, Noemi Pedro-Rafael and Olga Pizano-Garcia), selling handmade pouches, bags and scrunchies; and Milartn (a play on the name of team member Milan Huynh and her work as an artist), selling handmade coasters.
Prior to the event, the four businesses had combined for about $1,000 in sales, said Zuiderveen, and the theater event saw the four teams combine for another $200 in sales.
From left, Kelloggsville JA students Olga Pizano-Garcia, Noemi Pedro-Rafael, Kristina Healey from the Kelloggsville KCNO team (Photo by School News Network)
Experiential Learning
After the event, Zuiderveen had each team respond to a series of questions in an Excel spreadsheet. The answers were informative, he said, and spoke to some of the challenges of running a business.
Some students thought the event was great, and said they sold more than they thought they would. Others noted that the young audience for the movie meant that some team’s products did better than others.
“I learned that our products don’t really appeal to younger kids,” one respondent wrote. Another added: “I would recommend making sure that everyone knows who the customers will be, so that they can make sure that their products will appeal to everyone there.”
Zuiderveen said he loves that feedback because it fits with the JA approach to experiential learning. Events like those at the theater also help students get ready for future challenges and opportunities, he said.
Indeed, next spring Zuiderveen, a second-year teacher at Kelloggsville, plans to bring teams to a student business competition (he describes it as “almost like a nicer Shark Tank”) that will give them a chance to take home scholarships. He added that last year a Kelloggsville team took home first place, and he is hoping to send a team to the national competition this year.
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
This week’s photo comes from TJ Norris who reveals a little known secret taking place in the Port Austin area, located in the Michigan’s thumb. University of Michigan associate professor of architecture Catie Newell’s “Secret Sky,” an art/architecture project, turned a 100-year-old barn into a work of art by cutting a sliver out of the structure and installing a series of light that make the building glow at night. The work is one of a number of art pieces in the the Port Austin area that utilizes old barns. To learn more about barn art in the thumb, click here.
Do you have a picture you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Send it to joanne@wktv.org or share it on our Facebook page, WKTV Community Media.
SpartanNash and Miller Poultry recently donated 16,600 pounds of chicken to a pair of local food banks, helping to ensure families will have access to healthy, quality protein this holiday season.
On Dec. 10, SpartanNash and Miller Poultry donated 8,000 pounds of chicken to Access of West Michigan and its network of local food pantries – including North Kent Connect, The Other Way Ministries, The Community Basket (Dutton), The Pantry, Northwest Food Pantry, St. Alphonsus, Flat River Outreach Ministries, Westminster Food Pantry, North End Community Ministries, UCOM, Streams of Hope and the Salvation Army. The two companies then donated an additional 8,600 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on Dec. 16.
The donations took place at the VG’s Grocery store in Fenton, Mich. and the Metro Family Fare in Wyoming, both part of SpartanNash’s family of retail stores. VG’s Grocery and Family Fare associates helped with the distribution of the donation, reinforcing SpartanNash’s commitment to fighting hunger in the communities it serves.
SpartanNash owns and operates more than 155 stores in nine states, including 87 stores under the banners of Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods, Martin’s, VG’s Grocery and ValuLand in Michigan.
“We are proud to carry Miller Poultry in our corporate-owned retail stores throughout the Midwest – and we are excited to once again team up with them to provide food to families in need this holiday season,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications for SpartanNash. “As a company that takes food places, we are committed to building stronger communities by ensuring every family has access to healthy, affordable food.”
In 2018, SpartanNash donated more than 5 million pounds of food throughout its footprint as part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, in addition to providing financial grants to food pantry partners through corporate giving initiatives and the SpartanNash Foundation.
SpartanNash and Miller Poultry have taken part in this annual holiday tradition since 2008, donating more than 125,000 pounds of chicken to help families in need throughout Michigan.
“This is an important initiative for Miller Poultry, and we are proud to have teamed up with SpartanNash to make these donations,” said Galen Miller, owner and CEO of Miller Poultry. “It is a blessing to share.”
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff (Photos by Curtis Holt) ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension.
Curtis Holt, Wyoming sports fan and City of Wyoming City Manager, was there and sent WKTV some great photos.
In the game, the Wolves were led by a huge night from senior Menalito McGee, who scored 34 points including 9-of-18 from 3-point distance. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 15 points, while senior Marion Parks added 14 points and six rebounds.
The Wolves (1-0) play at Grand Rapids Northview Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Tip-off of the Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball season Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Diego Ledesma (1) in action Dec. 13 against Jension.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Monte Parks (20) in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into the team’s Dec. 13 home game, a 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Many of our most treasured holiday memories take place at Mom and Dad’s house. So after a loved one has moved into a senior living facility such as an assisted living community, it may feel like you can’t celebrate the usual holiday traditions. Luckily, that just isn’t true at all. While locations may have changed, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy everything the season has to offer.
Holiday traditions are usually based around activities that take place in the home, which is why we can feel as though there isn’t a way to celebrate favorite family traditions the way you used to. However, with the right attitude (and with the right tips and tricks up your sleeve) your family can still enjoy the same traditions, just with a slight twist.
1. Holiday shopping trips
Going out searching for presents is often a time of bonding for family members. After all, nothing brings a family closer together than navigating the crowds at the mall! But with a loved one in assisted living, it may be difficult to make that trip out to the store. Talk to your loved one about how they would feel about this type of day trip, and consult their physician to see if it’s safe for them.
If it’s going to be too difficult to take your loved one out for the day, take the shopping mall to them! Online shopping allows you to find the perfect presents with only a few taps of a computer. Help your family member search the gifts they want to purchase, or just enjoy browsing around together and seeing what the holiday sales and hot-ticket items are, all from the comforts of home!
2. Deck the halls
Even if your loved one doesn’t have a large home to decorate after making the move, their senior living apartment still can get the full holiday treatment! Help them make their living space feel more in tune with the holiday spirit by taking time to decorate together. Try things like:
Setting up and decorating a small, fake tree with bright lights and your loved one’s favorite ornaments.
Adding blankets, pillows, and other cozy items to warm up the apartment.
Stringing garland or tinsel around walls.
Hanging a wreath over their door. For extra bonus points, make it a fun crafting experience and build the wreath yourselves!
Bringing the outdoors inside with decorations of pinecones, cranberries, branches, and other woodsy elements.
To make apartment decorating even more of a holiday celebration, have several different family members come over, make some yummy snacks and hot cocoa, and play carols that make the day even merrier.
3. Open presents together
Giving and receiving gifts is a favorite tradition for families, but it’s one that senior loved ones in assisted living communities can often miss out on. Rather than just call a loved one and fill them in on the joys you experienced together, bring the whole family over for a visit and enjoy opening presents as a group, so no one feels left out!
4. Enjoy a holiday dinner
Having a large family meal is often the highlight of everyone’s holiday traditions. When the whole family gathers together to eat, drink, laugh, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company it exemplifies all the reasons that the holiday season is so special.
Assisted living communities know that eating together is a huge part of family tradition, and that’s why they plan and throw holiday parties full of delicious food and treats for families to enjoy with their loved ones. When everyone gathers together in celebration, no one will ever feel left out!
5. Keep family at the heart of the holidays
The number one reason that people struggle to find ways to celebrate the holidays in assisted living is because they are so used to thinking about these activities in a different setting. But just because “home” has a different meaning than what it used to doesn’t mean that the holidays will never be the same.
Much more important than where we spend the holidays at is who we spend the holidays with. Family and friends are what really keep our memories of holiday traditions alive, not the location where they took place.
In order to make the most of the holiday season, spend time with your loved ones, no matter where they are. When the family is together and celebrating, the holidays are always cheerful and bright.
As the American population ages, family caregiving emerges as a major concern for more and more families. In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP 2009 report, Caregiving in the U.S., it was reported that 65.7 million caregivers make up 29 percent of the United States adult population that provide care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged. The report says that caregivers average 20.4 hours per week providing care and caregivers who live with the person they care for spend 39.3 hours per week caregiving.
According to the National Alzheimer’s Association 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, in 2010, 14.9 million families and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, provided about 17 billion hours of unpaid care. This represents an average of 21.9 hours of caregiving per week or 1,139 hours of care per caregiver, valued annually at $11.93 per hour—an estimated $202.6 billion in 2010.
Needless to say, the contributions of informal caregivers are very important, valuable and necessary to the well-being of many older adults and a huge contribution to our society. But the challenges and physical, emotional and financial toll of caregiving are also huge.
A Family Caregiver Alliance 2006 report, Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field, states several statistics about the emotional and mental health challenges of informal caregiving. Caring for a person with dementia can impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving experience ends, increasing their chance of developing a chronic illness themselves.
Also, 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers show symptoms of depression. Caregivers who are caring for someone who has emotional or mental health problems, in result are more likely than others to report a decline in their own health.
There are often physical health challenges for informal caregivers as well. In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP 2009 report, Caregiving in the U.S., it says that 17 percent of caregivers feel their health in general has become worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. The report also states that studies have found that 23 percent of family caregivers who have been providing care for five years or more, report their health is fair or poor. Twenty-one percent of older caregivers caring for those age 65 and older, report a higher degree of physical strain, compared to 13 percent who are younger caregivers.
The immense challenges of informal caregiving make it very clear that caregivers need to make sure they take good care of themselves. It may seem impossible when responsibilities pile up, but with support and thoughtful planning, self-care for caregivers can make the difference between maintaining good health and becoming someone who needs caregiving. For more information about self-care for caregivers, watch for Family Caregiving – Part 2 coming soon. For more information on caregiving, visit the Michigan State University Extension Caregiving page.
The rise in colon cases among younger adults that’s been seen in the United States is also occurring in wealthier nations worldwide, new research shows.
In the decade leading up to 2014, the number of cases of colon cancer among people under 50 increased by 3% a year in Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and Canada and by 1% per year in Britain.
The increase was most pronounced among those aged 20 to 29, noted a team led by Dr. Marzieh Araghi, from International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.
Among twenty-somethings, colon cancer cases rose by 18% a year in Denmark and 11% in Norway, according to the study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hematology.
“Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50 years remains much lower compared with that in older age groups, our findings are of concern and highlight the need for action to counteract the rising burden of the disease in younger people,” Araghi said in a journal news release.
The increase in cases among the young runs counter to declines in colon cancer among people over 50, the researchers pointed out.
For example, between 2004 and 2014 cases of colon cancer fell each year among people over 50—by 2% in Australia and Canada, 3% in New Zealand and 1% annually in the U.K.
Colon cancer remains a huge global killer.
According to the research team, in 2018 alone nearly 2 million cases of colon cancer were diagnosed and the disease claimed 881,000 lives worldwide.
But why the surge among the young? According to Araghi, the increase is likely driven in part by increases in certain risk factors, specifically obesity and poor diet.
On the other hand, he said, the decrease in colon cancer among people over 50 is most likely due to better screening stool tests or colonoscopy that catches tumors early.
Dr. David Bernstein is chief of hematology and a gastrointestinal specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reviewing the new report, he said similar data has already changed medical practice in the United States.
“The U.S. findings have led to updated (American Cancer Society) colon cancer screening guidelines, which now recommend the initiation of colon cancer screening at age 45, as opposed to previous guidelines recommending the initiating of screening at age 50,” Bernstein noted.
Early screening and detection could bring colon cancer numbers down again among the young, he said.
Dr. Elena Ivanina is a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She believes younger Americans need to pay more heed to avoiding colon cancer risk factors.
“This includes things like obesity, diet, smoking and other carcinogens,” she said. “Patients should discuss their colon cancer risk with their physician and not ignore any symptoms like rectal bleeding, no matter what their age.”
In the meantime, Bernstein said, “perhaps the more important question is ‘why in high income countries is the incidence of colorectal cancer increasing among young adults, and what factors are leading to this?’” Bernstein said. “Significant work needs to be done to answer this critical question.”
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 tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:
Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation
Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation
Our featured gam crew will be on break until after the New Years Day week. Check back the first week of January for the complete featured game and weekly schedules.
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.
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, Dec. 16 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Christian @ Wyoming South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Tri-Unity Christian @ Orchard View – Boys Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Heights West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Tuesday, Dec.17 Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville — WKTV Featured Event Wellsprings Prep @ Wyoming Lee Northview @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids Zion Christian @ Orchard View West Michigan Lutheran @ Creative Tech Academy Boys Basketball Kelloggsville @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game Godwin Heights @ Grand Haven Sacred Heart of Jesus @ Wyoming Lee Wyoming @ Northview Ravenna @ Zion Christian Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River Boys Swimming / Diving South Christian @ East Kentwood – Christmas Quad
Wednesday, Dec. 18 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights Middleville T-K @ Wyoming South Christian @ Byron Center Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys Boys Wrestling @ Kelloggsville – Quad Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Wyoming @ Unity Christian East Kentwood @ Lowell Girls Cheer Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores Wyoming @ Jenison
Thursday, Dec. 19 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood Wyoming @ Allendale Girls Basketball Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep Boys Basketball Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep
Friday, Dec. 20 Boys Basketball Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville Godwin Heights @ Northview Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Grandville @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ FH Central Caledonia @ South Christian Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta Potter’s House @ Saranac West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian Girls Basketball Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Wyoming @ Grandville East Kentwood @ FH Central Caledonia @ South Christian Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta Potter’s House @ Saranac West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Jenison South Christian @ FH Eastern/FH Northern
Saturday, Dec. 21 Boys Wrestling Kelloggsville @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Godwin Heights @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Wyoming Lee @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Wyoming @ FH Central – Kent County Championships East Kentwood @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Boys Basketball Wyoming Lee vs West Michigan Aviation @ GRCC Boys Swimming / Diving East Kentwood @ Holland South Christian @ Holland Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Hudsonville South Christian @ Christian
Monday, Dec. 23 No Games Scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 24 No Games Scheduled
Wednesday, Dec. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS No Games Scheduled
Thursday, Dec. 26 Boys Basketball Godwin Heights vs Wayland @ Cornerstone University TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament
Friday, Dec. 27 Boys / Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central Wyoming Lee @ Catholic Central Wyoming @ Catholic Central East Kentwood @ Catholic Central Boys Basketball TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer Girls Basketball NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Union @ Wyoming Boys Hockey South Christian vs Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Saturday, Dec. 28 Boys Basketball Godwin Heights vs TBD @ Cornerstone University Boys Wrestling Godwin Heights @ Montague East Kentwood @ Grandville Boys Hockey South Christian @ Grandville
Monday, Dec. 30 Boys Swimming South Christian @ Jenison – Curt Pals Invite
Bello Spark in concert. (Joel Hirschmugl Nenonen Photo)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series is returning in 2020 with free concerts on select Thursday nights from January to March at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The series features three West Michigan bands: Bello Spark, Serita’s Black Rose and Nicholas James Thomasma. Food trucks will also be on-site during each concert.
“Our winter concert series is a great opportunity for residents to come together during the colder months,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a variety of local, talented musicians and food truck favorites, winter concerts offer residents an enjoyable night out.”
The lineup, which includes a mix of acoustic folk-rock, funk and blues music, is as follows:
Thursday, Jan 16 – Bello Spark with Patty Matters Food Truck
Studies have shown differences in the brains of fibromyalgia sufferers, sometimes with areas of lower blood flow than expected. Similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious and misunderstood illness, but researchers may have uncovered at least one key to the disease’s origin: insulin resistance.
The new research compared a small group of people with fibromyalgia to two groups of healthy people and noted that a long-term measure of blood sugar levels was higher in the people with fibromyalgia.
Insulin resistance develops when the body starts to struggle with breaking down sugar.
To see if treating those higher blood sugar levels might help, the researchers gave people who had blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range or higher a diabetes medication called metformin.
People taking metformin reported significantly lower pain scores, according to the study.
“We combined metformin with standard drugs used for fibromyalgia and saw a much greater degree of pain relief,” said study author Dr. Miguel Pappolla. He is a professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
In fact, Pappolla said, the additional pain relief was so significant that the researchers actually called patients on different days to re-check their pain scores.
Because this is a preliminary finding, the researchers aren’t sure how insulin resistance might contribute to fibromyalgia or how metformin might reduce pain. “Metformin may have some analgesic (pain-relieving) activity on its own,” Pappolla said.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and distress, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even celebrities aren’t spared from this painful condition—Lady Gaga reportedly had to cancel concerts on her tour due to pain from fibromyalgia.
Though the cause of the disorder isn’t clear, it appears that people with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than other people—what the CDC calls abnormal pain processing.
Pappolla said that studies have shown differences in the brain between people with fibromyalgia and those without, such as areas with a lower blood flow than expected.
The researchers noted that similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes.
The study included 23 people with fibromyalgia.
The researchers compared their hemoglobin A1c levels to large groups of healthy people from two other studies.
Hemoglobin A1c is a simple blood test that measures what someone’s blood sugar levels were during the past two or three months. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A level of 6.5% or higher means a person has diabetes.
Only six of those with fibromyalgia had normal blood sugar levels. Sixteen had levels considered pre-diabetes and one met the criteria for diabetes.
When the researchers compared the average blood sugar levels of the fibromyalgia group to healthy age-matched people in the other studies, they saw that the blood sugar levels were higher in the people with fibromyalgia, suggesting insulin resistance.
The findings were published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE.
Dr. Edward Rubin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, said, “It’s interesting that there’s a possible connection between fibromyalgia and blood sugar. We’ve been attacking the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but we don’t have a good understanding of the root cause of fibromyalgia.”
Rubin, who wasn’t involved in the study, said there may be enough evidence here to try metformin along with other medications used for fibromyalgia for people whose blood sugar levels fall outside of the normal range, to see if they have a positive response.
Dr. Bharat Kumar, from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said this study shows people with the disease that there is hope.
“People with fibromyalgia are often told (falsely) that they have a disease that simply cannot be managed. This article shows that it’s not true. Although it’s unclear if metformin will work for every person suffering from fibromyalgia, there is active research into finding solutions for this frustrating and overlooked condition,” he said.
Kumar said it’s biologically plausible that insulin could have an effect on pain.
“We know that other hormone abnormalities can cause fibromyalgia-like symptoms, so (this finding) is not too surprising,” he added.
Still, he said, he didn’t expect that metformin would be a “silver bullet” for all fibromyalgia pain. He said there are likely a number of causes of the disease.
One of the eight essential elements is that youth have the “opportunity to value and practice service to others.” Michigan 4-H promotes service and acts of kindness through annual events, such as the Michigan 4-H Dare to Serve Challenge, which is held in conjunction with the National 4-H True Leaders in Service initiative, and through many organized service opportunities at the club, community and regional level around the state.
In addition to planned and organized group service and volunteer activities, practicing generosity and taking simple actions to spread kindness is something that can be incorporated into everyday life. A wide variety of websites and resources are available to help people come up with new ideas and fun ways to practice generosity and kindness.
One such website is Channel Kindness, a platform featuring stories of kindness as documented by young people from around the U.S., which was developed by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. The Born This Way Foundation was launched by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta with the goal of creating a kinder and braver world. The Foundation supports the mental and emotional wellness of young people by promoting youth voice through action-oriented programming. Tools and resources are available to youth to solve problems and affect change through their creativity and boundless potential.
In addition to sharing powerful and inspiring articles written by youth about kindness, the Channel Kindness website also includes recommendations of books and movies about kindness, and resources related to kindness in sports, school, the community and other settings.
Another organization that is helping to promote kindness is Lifevest Inside, which is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and educating people of all backgrounds to lead a life of kindness. Lifevest Inside provides leadership for a variety of initiatives that help people spread kindness. An example of one of their initiatives is Project Hope Exchange, a worldwide digital database of anonymous audio messages of hope that are shared from individuals who have survived some kind of adversity to others who are currently facing that same adversity.
Lifevest Inside has also created “Act of Kindness (AOK) Cards,” which are decks of cards with different acts of kindness printed on each card. The cards prompt anyone to perform the act of kindness listed on the card and pass the card forward to someone else.
Another website featuring ideas and resources for young people related to kindness and generosity is Kind Spring. According to an article in yes! Magazine by Nipun Kehta, the founder of Kind Spring, the website was launched after he and a cousin came up with the idea to play “kindness pranks” on people. Kehta and a group of like-minded volunteers printed 100 “smile cards” in order to encourage anonymous acts of kindness. With the launch of the website, smile cards can be downloaded or ordered online and left behind following an anonymous act of kindness in order to inspire others to pay-it-forward by offering an act of kindness to someone else in return.
Using the resources on the Kind Spring website, an individual youth or a group of young people could set a goal for completing an anonymous act of kindness for a certain number of consecutive days. For instance, the members of a 4-H club could pledge to each complete 21 days of kindness. After completing the challenge, the 4-H club could meet to reflect on their experiences and share ways to continue incorporating acts of kindness into their daily lives. Completing a “21-Day Challenge” might also be a good way for the members of a 4-H club to identify the needs of others in their community in order to plan and lead community-based service learning projects in the future.
Though each individual act of kindness may be small, youth can begin to practice gratitude and service to others and develop character traits that will have a big impact on their lives, and the lives of those they serve.
In experiments using mice, researchers found some populations of fungal species increased at a higher rate in a cancerous pancreas. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Fungi living in the gut can move into the pancreas, triggering changes to normal cells that can result in cancer, a new study suggests.
The finding could advance the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer, which is usually fatal because it’s often detected too late.
The disease has been in the news lately because “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is waging a battle against an advanced form of the illness.
The new research focuses on a particular form of the cancer, called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which can be fatal within two years.
While the exact causes of pancreatic cancer remain unclear, the American Cancer Society has long recognized that viruses, bacteria and parasites can help spur pancreatic tumors, the authors of the new study noted.
But fungi haven’t been shown to play a role—until now.
“While past studies from our group have shown that bacteria travel from the gut to the pancreas, our new study is the first to confirm that fungi, too, make that trip and that related fungal population changes promote tumor inception and growth,” study co-author Dr. George Miller said in a news release from NYU Langone Health.
Miller is co-leader of the Tumor Immunology Research Program at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, in New York City.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is cancer of the tube in the pancreas where digestive juices drain into the intestines.
This exchange causes fungal populations in the gut and pancreas—the “mycobiome”—to become abnormal, the NYU team explained. That change may cause pancreatic cells to turn malignant.
In the new study, the researchers first looked at fungal transfer from the gut to the pancreas in mice that already had pancreatic tumors.
In those experiments, the researchers found that treating the rodents with an antifungal drug shrunk the weight of tumors from between 20% to 40% over 30 weeks.
Investigating further, the team catalogued the species of fungi in the poop of mice with or without pancreatic cancer. They even tagged the fungi with “glowing” proteins to watch the microbes travel from the gut to the pancreas.
Certain patterns emerged, with some populations of fungal species increasing at a far higher rate in the cancerous pancreases versus the non-cancerous ones.
One such cancer-linked species is called Malassezia.
“We have long known that Malassezia fungi—generally found on the skin and scalp—are responsible for dandruff and some forms of eczema, but recent studies have also linked them to skin and colorectal cancer,” study senior co-author Deepak Saxena noted in the news release.
“Our new findings add evidence that Malassezia is abundant in pancreatic tumors as well,” said Saxena, who is professor of basic science and craniofacial biology at NYU College of Dentistry. Pancreatic cancers in the mice grew about 20% faster when Malassezia was allowed to grow unchecked, the team noted.
The researchers theorized that fungi spur growth of the cancer by affecting immune system mechanisms that lead to abnormal tissue growth.
Study co-first author Smruti Pushalkar, a research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, added, “Moving forward, one goal for our team is to determine which species are most relevant to cancer, as doing so could guide future attempts to slow tumor growth with targeted antifungal medications, and to avert side effects.”
The results of the study add evidence to the theory that fungi increase the risk for cancer by activating an ancient part of the immune system, the researchers said.
This immune response fights infections but also increases cell growth as the infection is cured. Past studies have shown that aggressive tissue growth can cause cancer when it’s combined with genetic flaws.
The report was published recently in the journal Nature.
The holiday season is upon us and so, too, is the spirit of gift-giving. We’re taking this opportunity to remind everyone that live animals don’t make good surprise gifts.
This time of year, young animals are particularly vulnerable to the pet trade — puppies, kittens, baby bunnies, they’re all adorable, but once the cuteness wears off and the novelty fades, who will care for them until their end of days? Will the gift recipient relinquish the pet to a crowded shelter or advertise ‘Free Puppy’ on Craigslist? Abandon the pet out in the country or leave it behind when they move?
Animals are not toys
We get it: ‘Tis the season, and that cute, little puppy is just so irresistible. But take a moment to think this through — your children may be too young or immature to appreciate how delicate animals are. Many surprise pets end up injured or dead, and bunnies, kittens, chicks, and puppies are especially vulnerable. Kids may not be able to detect animals’ stress signals if the pets’ tails or ears are pulled, putting kids at risk of being scratched or bitten. And they may unintentionally torment and/or harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries. A child’s attention span may be better suited to a stuffed animal.
“While surprise pets may be well-intentioned, the reality is that time, money and patience are required to care for a companion animal that works well with a family,” said Ginny Mikita, animal advocate and attorney with Mikita Kruse Law Center in Rockford, Michigan. “Young children are not mature enough to properly care for an animal. People need to make a reasoned decision, as a family.”
Refrain from giving a surprise pet unless you are absolutely certain that the person wants that particular animal as a companion and is willing and able to give a lifetime of proper care.
PETA
That cute, little pup with all that boundless energy? He’ll need training and exercise — which takes love and patience — and he won’t stay small for long. Adopting an animal means making a permanent commitment to provide lifelong care. Consider the investment required: time, affection, food, accessories, ongoing vet care — including spaying or neutering, flea treatment, vaccinations, deworming and emergency care. Once a pet joins your household, he’s a member of the family.
All members of the family should meet the animal prior to adoption. Is everyone on board with the decision? Who will be responsible for feeding, walking the dog, cleaning the litter box?
Small animals are fragile, easily injured or killed
If you’re thinking of giving a pet to someone outside your family, consider the gift recipient’s life circumstances — do they rent or own a residence? Many landlords don’t allow pets. Does your loved one travel often? Would the pet travel with them? Or, would they need to board the pet? What is the gift recipient’s financial situation — can they afford to properly care for a pet? It could be that the gift recipient’s lifestyle isn’t ideal for the pet. Do they even want a pet?
Too many Christmas critters end up in shelters after they outgrow the cuteness phase or become too much to handle. Mikita said that 25% of shelter animals are purebred, and many were gifts. The trauma for animals changing homes can be devastating, resulting in psychological scarring and behavioral problems. This can make it difficult for the animal to find a new home.
Other options
So, what are some responsible animal gift ideas?
Give a Petfinder Pet Promise Certificate, which allows the recipient to adopt the pet of their choice; the giver promises to cover all adoption fees for the new pet.
Help the gift recipient pick out an adult dog or cat from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. While puppies and kittens are adorable, with an adult animal, what you see is what you get — these animals have already settled into their size, personality and energy level, giving great insight into whether they’d be a good fit for your family.
Taking a senior friend or family member on an outing to your local rescue group to meet potential adoption candidates is a holiday treat in and of itself.
If all this isn’t enough to dissuade you from gifting a surprise animal, ask yourself this: What happens to surprise pets after the holidays, when the child has lost interest in the animal and the adults are forced to make the difficult decision on the best way to “solve” the problem?
Many times these animals are surrendered to a crowded shelter or pound or, worse, handed off to nefarious people who troll Craigslist and other public forums for “Free pet” ads. Your family member could end up as a bait animal for fighting dogs or the star of a crush video.
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
When the South Christian Sailors boys basketball team visited Godwin Heights High School Tuesday for the Wolverines 2019-20 season season opener, the score mattered a little — the Sailors won, 63-46.
But what really mattered that night, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which was recorded and available WKTV video on-demand, was that the game was also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.
The two special guests honored — by the school, the crowd and by the presence of two active duty military personal — were Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.
“As an athletic program, we were excited to show our support to veterans and current military personnel for the day-to-day protection they provide for our country,” Godwin Heights athletic director Robert Hisey said to WKTV. “We understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the families of our service members. This sacrifice allows our military personnel to fulfill their responsibilities and allows us to go about our daily events without worry.”
Godwin Athletic Director Robert Hisey, center, introducing the school’s Salute to Soldiers ceremony on Dec. 10. He is joined by active duty military and other veteran personnel. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The event had the two honored veterans first standing alone on each end of the gym floor, while in the middle were other veterans and active duty personal attending the game — most notably military service recruiter U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jordan Beemer, both in uniform.
There was special music provided by students of Godwin Heights and then brief histories of the honored veterans, McKenny and Zimmer, were read by one player from South Christian and one by Godwin Heights. The players and coaches of each team then met the veterans one-on-one to shake hands and pay their respects.
Veteran Ken McKenney being honored by a South Christian student end athlete. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
McKenney, according to the introduction, was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1967. Following boot camp, and various stateside training, he went to Vietnam in 1968. During that deployment, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals (for being wounded in battle). During his two-year tour, in 1968-69, he served with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division and with the 184th Ordnance Battalion.
McKenny wrote a book about his Vietnam War experiences, dedicated to “the many brave soldiers who were not able to return home.”
Zimmer joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946 on three different ships in the South Pacific. He was recalled in 1950 to Fighter Squadron 821, to serve in the Korean War on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned home to continue his education.
Zimmer remains “active and enthusiastic” serving our community in various volunteer capacities and is a member of the American Legion.
“It was a great honor to have both Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer as our guests at our “Salute to Soldiers” event,” Hisey said. “Both Ken and Pete were an easy choice as Ken was the recipient of two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War and Pete had experienced both WW II and the Korean War.”
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.
“And what better way to celebrate a religious holiday than with a month of frenzied consumerism!”
Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes
Admire the (cat) art
David Wiesner (American, b. 1956), Art & Max, 2010. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has a survey of award-winning author and illustrator, David Wiesner, The Art of Wordless Storytelling, which features over 70 original watercolors from Wiesner’s most beloved books, including Caldecott Medal winners Tuesday (1991), The Three Pigs (2001), and Flotsam (2006). The story is here.
Dance with motivation
An earlier, slightly smaller version of May Erlewine and The Motivations. (Supplied)
Holiday escape? West Michigan singer/songwriter May Erlwine will take a break from her national tour promoting her recent alt-Americana release, Second Sight, to offer up some local holiday dance party gigs fronting The Motivations. This weekend it’s she’s in Grand Rapids. The story is here.
Visit your ‘inner” self
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its Bodies Revealed exhibition, which features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been preserved through an innovative process, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems like never before. The story is here.
Fun fact:
Dec. 18
The last day to place orders on Amazon that will be delivered by Christmas is Dec. 18. … Maybe you can pay for a drone delivery?
The sudden need for an elderly family member to have assistance or be a part of a senior care community can be a big shock. Getting caught off guard with the sudden need to move your loved one to an assisted living community or nursing home can add stress to you and your family’s lives.
However, you can avoid all the stress and uncertainty by planning ahead and adding your loved one to a senior community waitlist. Once your family member is on a waitlist, you can rest assured that they will have a place to get the care and services they need when the time comes.
What is senior living?
The most basic definition of senior living is a retirement community or housing group where retirees who can generally care for themselves live to enjoy activities and socialization opportunities together. However, while some of the more exclusive communities might require waiting periods, when we talk about a waitlist for senior living we mean a different kind of senior living option.
As seniors age, they generally need help with their day-to-day care or activities of daily living (ADLs). To get assistance with things like medication management, bathing, and mobility, many seniors need to find a living situation where these kinds of services are provided.
Assisted living communities and nursing homes offer assistance with ADLs and, in the case of nursing homes, dedicated nursing care for seniors who need in-depth aid. Getting your loved one on the waitlist to be in line for a spot in a community ensures that your loved one has these services when they need them.
What is a senior living waitlist?
A senior living waitlist lets you reserve a place in a senior living community like an assisted living community or a nursing home without having to immediately move in. Most places are going to require a deposit, which may or may not be refundable. Once placed on the list, most communities will let you know when you reach the top and are able to move in. Sometimes you can defer the move-in and maintain your position at the top of the list, or you may be moved to the bottom of the list after deferment.
How can a senior living waitlist relieve stress?
It’s difficult to know exactly when your loved one is going to need assisted living or nursing care, so having a plan in place can relieve a lot of the stress that you experience when helping make a plan for an aging family member.
Making a snap decision due to stress when your loved one suddenly needs help with ADLs or needs to quickly be moved to a senior living community often means picking the first available location—even if it doesn’t really fit the needs or wants of your loved one.
Having a spot reserved on a senior living waitlist gives you both security and control when it comes to making these difficult choices for your family member. You have the time to find the right community to fit your loved ones needs. You can look at the differences between assisted living communities and nursing homes, look at pricing across communities, and take your loved one to tour so they know what their new home will be like.
When is the right time for a waitlist?
You don’t necessarily need to start looking for a waitlist to join the minute a loved one reaches retirement age, but you should be aware of their health to look for signs that they might need assistance with ADLs. Once you notice some signs, it might be time to talk with your loved one about finding a community and being added to their waitlist.
Warning signs that it might be time to consider making a move to senior living include:
Falling or stumbling often
Lapses in memory or cognitive function
Struggle to keep enough food in the house
Difficulty remembering when to take medications
Decreased social life and engagement
Unclean or grimy house
Visible changes in appearance
The need for frequent medical care
What should my next steps be?
If you think you want to get your loved one on a waiting list for senior living, there is no better time to start looking than now. Researching early on can help you find the right place that fits your family member’s lifestyle and budget range.
Be prepared, and don’t let the period to add your loved one to a waitlist pass by. Look for signs that it may be time for them to move, and have a plan of action in place so that you aren’t caught unawares. Being on a senior living waitlist can help ensure that your loved one will have the care they need, when they need it.
A little pinot noir now and then might help keep the bacteria in your tummy healthy and happy.
As little as one glass of red wine a week can increase the diversity of the good bacteria in your microbiome, which can help lower bad cholesterol and keep your weight down, researchers say.
“The more people drink, the higher the diversity. But even small amounts, such as one glass of red wine every week, shows a benefit,” said study first author Caroline Le Roy. She’s a research associate in the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King’s College London.
Le Roy cautioned that while the findings in the study were robust, they can’t prove that red wine improves the microbiome, only that the two are associated.
It’s not the alcohol that has this effect, but rather the polyphenols in red wine. Polyphenols help feed the good bacteria in the microbiome, the researchers explained.
Polyphenols are also found in fruits and vegetables, and include antioxidants.
For the study, Le Roy and her colleagues looked at the effect of beer, cider, red wine, white wine and whiskey on the gut microbiome of 916 female twins.
Only red wine resulted in a more diverse microbiome, the investigators found.
The microbiome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that has an important role in health. A healthy microbiome helps digest food and keeps some diseases at bay.
An unhealthy microbiome can lead to poor functioning of the immune system, weight gain and high cholesterol, Le Roy said.
A microbiome with lots of different bacteria is a healthy microbiome, she added.
Le Roy’s team found that red wine improved the number of different bacteria in the microbiome, compared with those who didn’t drink wine.
The researchers were able to confirm their findings in three other groups in Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, which brought the total number of participants to nearly 3,000.
Moreover, the results remained constant even after accounting for factors such as diet, socioeconomic status and age.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, thinks that drinking red wine may be a marker of a healthy lifestyle, so the health benefits may be due to other factors.
“Do they, in general, lead healthier lives, such as not smoking, eating more of a plant-based diet and exercising?” she asked.
Wine comes from grapes, which like a lot of plant foods, are rich in polyphenols, Heller said.
But polyphenols are also found in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes and teas that don’t contain alcohol, she noted.
“In addition, plants are our only source of dietary fiber, which is the favorite food for the microbes that live in our gut. When they are healthy, they help keep our bodies healthy,” Heller said.
While drinking small amounts of red wine has apparent health benefits, there are also unhealthy effects of drinking too much, such as liver disease, certain cancers, pancreatitis and a depressed immune system, she said.
“Guzzling red wine, or any alcoholic beverage, is not the miracle we have been led to believe,” Heller said.
For those who drink, the American Heart Association recommends an average of one to two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women (one 12-ounce beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of 100 proof spirits).
“Let’s be honest, most of us probably drink more than that. If you do not drink alcohol, there is no reason to start,” Heller said.
The report was published recently in the journal Gastroenterology.
Finances are often a source of misery at the holidays. To save money, try giving one meaningful gift to someone, rather than a barrage of soon-forgotten items. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Stress abounds during the holiday season, but you can ease it, an expert says.
The way to manage stress is to recognize it and take steps to minimize it so it doesn’t overwhelm you, according to Cinnamon Stetler, an associate professor of psychology at Furman University, in Greenville, S.C.
One way to ease holiday stress is to avoid unrealistic expectations, such as believing the holidays will change people and family relationships.
“If your stress stems from other people’s actions, that’s largely out of your control. What you can do is limit your exposure,” Stetler said in a university news release.
Don’t obsess about family holiday traditions.
“Reflect on why that tradition is so important to you and what about it carries the meaning. See if there’s a way to adapt the tradition while still maintaining the important pieces of it,” Stetler said. “While it is good to maintain traditions, they can cause extra stress if you feel you have to do it the same way no matter what.”
Change your approach to gift-giving, which can cause financial worries.
For example, instead of buying a person several gifts, choose just one or two that will be especially meaningful.
And remember that material things provide only short-term happiness, while doing things for others and appreciating what you have can bring lasting happiness.
Take care of yourself during the holidays.
Get plenty of sleep, watch your diet, exercise regularly and find some time for yourself each day.
“Try to maintain as much of your normal routine as you can. You can treat yourself and indulge in small ways. The holidays are not the time to make big changes,” Stetler said. “Try to get a little bit of physical activity in, even if it’s a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood.”
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Here is stunning Swiffer’s story as we know it, told by the woman who rescued him.
“This handsome hunk (Dr. Jen estimates he was born in early 2015) joined our two feral cats, Floyd and Goldie behind the church on Pleasant SE by Division in late March of 2019. I got him neutered at CSNIP in April. When we fed him, he was as interested in getting attention as in eating his food, and gradually he started following me to my car when I would leave.
“Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I took him home to be tested and vaccinated—I figured if he was unhappy at the house, I could always take him back. He is sooooo happy at the house. I could never take him to the Humane Society. He loves me and I love him—and I know I can’t keep him but it will be hard to say good-bye. He really gets along well with the other cats. He comes in the bathroom with me so we can have our alone time. Did I say that I love him and that he is my boyfriend?”
Well, we hate to be the ones to tell the rescuer that her gray guy has acquired quite a few girlfriends since his arrival at Crash’s in November! It is easy to see why everyone who has come into contact with him is absolutely delighted by his gentle demeanor and dashing good looks:
“Swiffer—he is one big, gorgeous fluff ball! How this guy ended up homeless is beyond me because he is such a gentle boy who loves people and attention. His rescuer mentioned that he would probably let us know if he felt too overwhelmed, and sure enough, the first couple days he did with a quick swat. Now that he’s acclimated, although a little shy, he’s very relaxed and really enjoys indoor life and having friends. He doesn’t mind having his long hair brushed, which is important because he will definitely require it to be done a couple times a week, if not daily. He’d do well in a home with older kids, a cat buddy or two, and lots of attention (LOTS!).”
We’re pretty confident that once this biography hits the internet and the people looking for a lovely, lifetime companion feast their eyes on Swiffer that he is going to get swept off of his feet and into his fur-ever home!
More about Swiffer:
Domestic Medium Hair
Gray/Blue/Silver
Adult
Male
Extra Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Swiffer? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Santa is scheduled to make his arrival at the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Supplied Photo)
By Nathan Slauer WKTV Community Contributor
Here comes Santa Claus! Here Comes Santa Claus, right down Division Street!
Yep, the annual Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 14. Set to kick off at 10 a.m., the parade will feature 60 entrants, including Steelcase, the Boy Scouts, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Five high school bands will serenade the procession as it passes by.
This year’s parade starts at the corner of 34th Street and S. Division Avenue or the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network). The parade will head southbound to Chase Bank near the corner of Division Avenue and Murray Street.
Bob O’Callaghn, president of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said he enjoys checking out how entrants design their floats.
“Every year is unique,” O’Callaghn said. “We have an electrician who puts a Christmas tree on his truck.”
Along the parade path, businesses covered in holiday decorations open their doors to parade goers, and kids carrying bags collect candy from business owners and marchers.
Everybody loves a parade, including The Rapid. (Supplied Photo)
“South Division gets a bad rep,” O’Callaghn said. “Our members want to highlight it, to say it’s a good place to work and shop. People don’t always get to go to the big parade downtown, so it’s great to see young people around here smiling.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, said he likes seeing how the Santa Parade has grown since 2006. He recalls how the first Santa Parade took place during a blustery winter afternoon.
“It was a blizzard out there,” Brann said. “There were only around fifty to eighty people. We stuck with it, but it was a rough start.”
Over the years, the Santa Parade has developed a larger following and added new features, including a final stop at Brann’s Steakhouse. For an hour, families line up to take pictures with Santa Claus in the restaurant’s lobby. (Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras.)
“When you see the kids lined up, it’s so special,” Brann said. “It’s free, and it’s a great time to celebrate Division and Christmas.”
Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has promoted Capt. Bryan Litwin to deputy police chief of the Kentwood Police Department.
Previously serving as captain of the Professional Standards Division, Litwin succeeds Richard Roberts, who was appointed to the role of police chief in November.
As deputy chief, Litwin is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination and management of the City’s police, code enforcement and traffic engineering functions and staff.
“The leadership, communication and strategic planning skills Bryan has demonstrated during his more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement with the Kentwood Police Department made him the perfect candidate for this position,” Chief Roberts said. “He has proven to be an invaluable asset to the department’s success, demonstrating his clear dedication to the department, profession and service to our residents.”
“I have complete confidence Bryan will continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership in his new role.”
Litwin began service to the City of Kentwood as a patrol officer in 1999. Litwin has also served as a field training officer, community services officer, staff services bureau officer, special response team member and team commander. He has been a member of the training committee and now serves as its chair.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and then to captain in 2016, where he has overseen the Professional Standards Division and served as the public information officer. Also in that role, Litwin oversaw the police cadet program to recruit and develop future police officers.
This past summer, Litwin helped to implement the City’s first Youth Police Academy, which gave high school students and recent high school graduates hands-on experience in a variety of police-related tasks.
During his tenure with the City of Kentwood, Litwin has also taught ethics in law enforcement to police academy recruits at Grand Valley State University and developed GVSU’s Police Academy Subject Control program. The program includes instruction on safe subject-control tactics, use-of-force constitutional amendments and federal and state case law.
With a commitment to professional development, Litwin has completed numerous trainings, including: Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Michigan Association of Chief of Police Executives Training, Public Agency Training Council’s class on internal affairs, DeWolf & Associates’ Public Information Officer program, West Michigan Tactical Officers Association’s SWAT Leader and Commander seminar, Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute and Force Science Institute.
Litwin sits on the board of the West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium and serves as vice chairman for the GVSU Police Academy Advisory Board. Litwin has also served as president of the West Michigan Tactical Officers Association.
Litwin attended Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Beer and cocktails — and drinking responsibly — go hand and hand in West Michigan. (Courtesy New Holland Spirits)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Local brewers Broad Leaf Local Beer, Railtown Brewing and TwoGuys Brewing have joined a group of more than 20 Grand Rapids craft beverage producers to support Safe Haven Ministries’ mission of solving the problem of domestic abuse in the community through the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” effort.
According to supplied material, participating breweries, wineries and distilleries have each created a new beverage named “Love”, and the unique brews, ciders and cocktails will have a portion of its proceeds donated to benefit Safe Haven Ministries. The project kicked off Thanksgiving week and will run through the remainder of the year.
The Mitten State, an apparel company based in Grand Rapids, will also donate a portion of sales of its Michigan “Love” apparel series. A few participating locations will sell limited-edition “Love” pint glasses to benefit the nonprofit.
“First and foremost, the goal of this project is to support Safe Haven in their mission to solve the problem of domestic abuse in our community,” Dana Mate Dones, operations manager of The Mitten Brewing Company, said in supplied material. “But a secondary goal is to prove that when responsibly enjoyed, alcohol can be a force for good and actually be a part of breaking the cycle of domestic abuse, despite its long negative association with the issue.”
Safe Haven Ministries provides emergency shelter, case management, support groups and more to women and children suffering from domestic abuse. The organization also provides education and prevention programs for businesses, schools, healthcare providers and other members of the community.
Safe Haven Ministries, according to supplied material, believes in a multi-faceted approach to solving the problem of domestic abuse in the Grand Rapids community. The organization offers emergency safe shelter for individuals fleeing domestic violence. Safe Haven also offers prevention and outreach programs for the entire community.
In addition to the Wyoming and Kentwood breweries, other participants include Founders Brewing Company, The Mitten Brewing Company, Speciation Artisan Ales, Long Road Distillers, City Built Brewing, The People’s Cider Co., Vander Mill Grand Rapids, Eastern Kille Distillery ( the new name of Gray Skies Distillery; see story below), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Harmony Brewing, Harmony Hall, Trail Point Brewing, Rockford Brewing, Thornapple Brewing, Wise Men Distillery, Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery, Brewery Vivant, Atwater Brewing, Coldbreak, and Better Drinking Culture.
“We are honored to be a part of the ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ project, along with many of our friends in the Grand Rapids brewing community to support survivors of domestic abuse,” Mitch Ermatinger, owner of Speciation Artisan Ales, said in supplied material.
Grey Skies Distillery rebrands as Eastern Kille Distillery
After nearly four years in business — the business of distilling some pretty fine liquor in downtown Grand Rapids, in my humble opinion — Gray Skies Distillery recently changed its company name to Eastern Kille Distillery.
The new Eastern Kille name, we are told, comes from the work “Kille”, a Middle Dutch word for “riverbank ” — the distillery’s location in the city’s Monroe North neighborhood on the eastern side of the Grand River.
“We started our distillery in 2014 to produce premium spirits, with Great Lakes water and with Michigan pride,” Steve Vander Pol, Co-founder, said on the company’s website. “We set out to craft authentic spirits with quality, natural ingredients, distilled and bottled in the heart of Grand Rapids — our new name reflects that commitment.”
The name change, according to multiple media reports, was the result of a trademark trademark dispute involving the Gray Skies name with Campari America LLC, the U.S. affiliate of Milan, Italy-based Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., the owner of the Skyy vodka brand.
The name change coincides with the first statewide launch of the company’s Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey — after all the legal wrangling, a good shot was probably well deserved.
“With our bourbon, gin and whiskey, we respect tradition but dare to explore unique flavor profiles, and this new bourbon is the purest representation of our passion,” Vander Pol said, also on the company’s website. “We’ve created a bourbon to be sipped with the best of them, a bourbon Michiganders can call their own.”
Maybe there is a vodka coming which Michiganders can also call their own. (Just saying …)
Walker’s DeHop’s Brewing Co. & Café was recently earned notice from the World Beer Awards, World Beer Championship, and U.S. Beer Open Championship.
DeHop’s Schwarzbier German Black Lager was crowned the Best Dark Lager in the United States from the 2019 World Beer Awards, according to supplied material. The beer was also awarded a silver medal in the 2019 World Beer Championship along with other DeHop’s brews Brahm’s Best Vienna Style Lager and Maibock.
The brewery was also inducted into the Brotherhood for the International Embracement of the Reinheitsgebot (BIER), an exclusive club based out of Munich, Germany. This award goes to brewers who are creating lagers that support the German Purity Law, which limits the ingredients in beer production to its authentic German roots. All DeHop’s Lagers are brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law.
