All posts by Joanne

Christmas around West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Kids Activities, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, ,
Santa comes to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Supplied/Dean VanDis)

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


From parades to light shows, holiday artist markets to cookie tours, traditional holiday celebrations to Christmas festivals, there is no shortage of West Michigan events to get you in the holiday spirit this month!


Be sure to also check out where you can find a Santa Sighting and gift ideas from our Holiday Gift Guide.


Find more events at the WMTA Event Calendar.

Zeeland

The Critter Barn in Zeeland invites you to the 20th annual Live Nativity, held Tuesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 28th. Visit the Critter Barn animals, including sheep, goats, and cows, and take photos of the scene in the historic barn.

Holland 

The Holland Museum will be celebrating a Victorian Christmas at the Cappon House Dec. 14th and 15th, noon-4pm. Enjoy a tour of the opulent home while learning how yuletide celebrations have changed in the last 100 years. Visitors can also create traditional decorations, sample holiday sweets, sing along to Christmas tunes on the piano, capture a loved one’s affection under the kissing ball, and more. This event is appropriate for the whole family, with activities aimed at both adults and children ages 5 and up. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Admission is $8.00 per person for museum members, $10.00 per person for non-members, free for ages 5 and under.


Stop by the Sneaky Elves Workshop Dec. 20th, noon–3pm, and Dec. 21st, 10am–3pm, at the Holland Area Arts Council. Children will be led through the creation and wrapping of a handmade gift so that they can take part in the giving this holiday season! Parents can drop their kids off and go shopping in Downtown Holland or stay and participate in the fun. 


Experience an authentic European-style open-air Christmas market with handcrafted items, delicious food and artisan demonstrations at Kerstmarkt in Downtown Holland. Open Friday and Saturday Dec. 14th and 15th at the 8th Street Marketplace. 

It’s a Wonderful Life

Presented by the Holland Civic Theatre, It’s a Wonderful Life, brings the classic holiday film to life in Holland Dec. 13th and 14th.


Still on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift? Then don’t miss the Downtown Holland Shopping Jam on Saturday, Dec. 14th! Participating stores will open early for this special savings event. The earlier you shop, the more you save! During the Shopping Jam, merchants will be offering discounts of 30% off from 8-9am and 25% off from 9-10am. Discounted merchandise will vary by store, but will include a discount off at least one item. Please see the participating businesses for savings details. The Shopping Jam is sponsored by Downtown Holland’s own Horizon Bank.


Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean that you can’t fill your table with fresh, local and healthy food. The Holland Farmers Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-3pm though Saturday, Dec. 21st. Stop by to pick up everything you need to make your family’s favorite holiday dishes or to decorate your home for the holidays.

Muskegon

A holiday tradition returns to the Muskegon Carr-Fles Planetarium with Mystery of the Christmas Star! Tuesday, Dec. 10th, and Thursday, Dec. 12th. No reservations are needed for this free, 30-minute show in room 1072 at Muskegon Community College. 


Experience the 19th-century Hackley & Hume homes of Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. Tour dates and times are Dec. 14th, 21st, and 27th from 4-8pm, and Dec. 28th from 1-4pm.

Grand Rapids

Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum presents Season’s Greetings from the White House, with Mary Evans Seeley, Dec. 12th at 7pm. Mary Evans Seeley is a collector, historian, lecturer, author and publisher of two books about Christmas at the White House. She has the most extensive collection of Presidential Christmas memorabilia in the country. Her book, Season’s Greetings from the White House is now in its eighth edition. It tells the stories of Christmas at the White House from Calvin Coolidge through Donald J. Trump. Join the museum as she documents nearly a century of presidential Christmases. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. The event is free with open seating. Registrations are appreciated.

Holiday Traditions (Courtesy Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park)

Excitement surrounds this time of year as the annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition brings the glow of over 300,000 colorful lights, strolling carolers, visits from Santa, rooftop reindeer, and 46 international trees and displays to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Ring in the season with a beloved winter exhibition. Honoring holiday cultures around the world, Meijer Gardens focuses on the authenticity of the symbols of beloved holiday traditions – it’s an idyllic spot to center your thoughts on the true meaning of the holidays. The Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display through Jan. 5, 2020. 


Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Dec. 20th and 21st to enjoy listening to live holiday classics at the Holiday Classics Organ Concert performed by Dave Wickerman on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. This experience is fun for the entire family! 


This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum from Dec. 21st through Jan. 5th to experience Snowflake Break. Fun for the entire family, visitors will make themed crafts, play games, and explore the museum. Snowflake Break is included with your ticket purchase. Additionally, see historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, complete with operating trams, showcasing Grand Rapids during the early 20th century. Take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train, see 15 historic Santas from around the world, and find 12 elves hidden throughout the Museum. Visit the GRPM’s Planetarium to see Let it Snow, featuring festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, with a stunning finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let It Snow showings run through Jan. 5th. As an annual tradition, visitors will be able to view and take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s train throughout the holiday season. Recognizable to any baby-boomer, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store. 


DeVos Performance Hall and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids have a number of Christmas events this season:

  • Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Dec. 13th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 14th at 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday, Dec. 15th at 1pm & 5:30pm, and the following weekend, Friday, Dec. 20th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 21st at 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1pm. West Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition returns to the grandeur of DeVos Performance Hall with sets by famed children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji), Broadway-quality set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night Live), choreography by Val Caniparoli, and the live music of your Grand Rapids Symphony. Don’t miss the magic!
  • Grand Rapids Symphony presents Old National Bank Cirque de Noel at DeVos Performance Hall, Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 7:30pm and Thursday, Dec. 19th at 7:30pm. Since 2009, Cirque de la Symphonie has spent part of each Christmas season in Grand Rapids. Celebrating its 10th annual Cirque de Noel with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Cirque de la Symphonie’s company of acrobats, jugglers, contortionists and aerial artists makes merry with amazing feats of agility and strength, accompanied by beloved Christmas songs and classical favorites. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices.

Find the perfect holiday wreath or tree for your home at Grand Rapids Downtown Market Christmas Tree Lot, hosted by Lenderink Tree Farms, Wednesdays and Fridays: 4-7:00pm, and Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm through Dec. 15th.

Helping older adults with substance abuse problems

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,

By Linda Cronk, Michigan State University Extension


If an older adult were ill or needed help, most people would reach out and help in whatever ways they could. But, if the illness were signs of alcoholism or drug abuse, it’s often really hard for most people to know what to do or say. Often, it’s difficult to tell if what we see are symptoms of substance abuse. In older adults, these signs can seem to mimic other conditions, such as diabetes, dementia or depression.


Is it substance abuse? According to Hazelden, a prominent addiction recovery center, there are two types of alcoholism in older adults. Two-thirds of older adult alcoholics are early-onset – those who have been heavy drinkers most of their adult lives. The other one-third are those who began to drink excess amounts in their older years, often in response to a difficult life situation or transition.


Doctors routinely prescribe tranquilizers for older adults. More tranquilizers are prescribed annually than for all other medications, over 16.9 million prescriptions each year – with the exception of heart medicine.


Some of the challenges that come with prescription drug use by older adults include:

  • Older people often take higher doses than prescribed because they forgot that they already took a pill or because “if one is good, two are better.”
  • It is not unusual for older persons to take their prescription drugs to a friend or spouse — even when the prescription is old, if the drug fits a self-diagnosed ailment.
  • An older person may also become dependent on alcohol or drugs after a major operation or a lengthy hospital stay. This dependency can be life threatening, yet is treatable.

What are possible signs of abuse? Hazelden has identified several warning signs:

  • Drinks in spite of warning labels while on prescription drugs.
  • Always has bottles of tranquilizers on hand and takes them at the slightest sign of disturbance.
  • Is often intoxicated or slightly tipsy, and sometimes has slurred speech.
  • Disposes of large volumes of empty beer and liquor bottles and seems secretive about it.
  • Often has the smell of liquor on his/her breath or mouthwash to disguise it.
  • Is neglecting personal appearance and gaining or losing weight.
  • Complains of constant sleeplessness, loss of appetite or chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause.
  • Has unexplained burns or bruises and tries to hide them.
  • Seems more depressed or hostile than usual.
  • Can’t handle routine chores and paperwork without making mistakes.
  • Has irrational and undefined fears, delusions or seems under unusual stress.
  • Seems to be losing his or her memory.

How can we begin to help our loved ones get help for substance abuse problems? Before talking to your older loved one or friend, talk to a professional trained in addiction and older adults. Prepare by gathering information:

  • A list of prescribed and over-the-counter drugs the person is taking.
  • A list of doctors the person is seeing. They may have a general practitioner and a specialist.
  • A brief life history including religious and cultural background and important life events.
  • An idea of the person’s present ability to live alone and take care of themself.
  • How drinking or the misuse of medicines is affecting their health, family and social life, etc.
  • A list of family members and friends who are concerned and would be willing to help, if necessary.

Together, you and the professional should be able to make an informal assessment as to what type of help the older person needs and how to approach the topic with them. You may decide, for example, that it would be better for your friend’s physician to bring up the problem, since many older people trust their doctors. Or perhaps you can ask another close person, such as a minister or an old acquaintance of your friend to sit down for a personal talk. Find out more at www.hazelden.org about how you can help your friend or loved one get help for substance abuse.


If the person is ready to make a change, the first thing to do is listen and be supportive. You may want to urge your friend to see a physician to get a professional assessment of the problem. Depending on the severity, the older person may need hospital care to treat the physical symptoms of alcohol and drug reactions. Many older persons can benefit from inpatient treatment for alcoholism or drug dependency, if their health insurance or other resources will cover the costs.


Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) can be a good alternative, along with individual counseling from an addiction professional that is trained to work with older adults. Founded in 1935, A.A. has helped millions of people achieve sobriety. When you talk to an A.A. volunteer, ask for a meeting where an older person could be comfortable. See www.aa.org for more helpful information for friends and families of older adults dealing with substance abuse.


Fortunately, today it is more accepted to seek help for alcohol and drug abuse problems. There are excellent resources in many communities to help loved ones and friends address the issue. Michigan State University Extension staff works with the Geriatric Education Center of Michigan at Michigan State University to bring the latest health information about older adults to health care providers throughout the state. See www.gecm.msu.edu for more information.


For more about older adults and substance abuse read Substance abuse in older adults: Underdiagnosed and undertreated.


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



They built it and people came: How a community known for farming cleared the way for today’s art centers

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In the mid-1990s, Byron Center school officials and community leaders came together looking for a new idea that would “really put ourselves on the map,” according to Van Singel Managing Director Sara Bower during a recent Locally Entertaining podcast. “That it would make us a destination district.”

“We had this wacky idea of not just having an auditorium but to have a state-of-the-art auditorium that could be utilized by the community and host professional shows,” she said. “It could host classes, things like that. Whatever the shell of the building needed to be, we could adapt it.”

 

VanSingel Fine Arts Center Managing Director Sara Bower. (Photo by WKTV)

The idea of a full state-of-the-art facility, such as the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, was revolutionary. Most school districts at that time had an auditorium but nothing that would allow touring shows to come into the community. In fact, when studying the possibility of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, it was determined that the facility’s closet competitors would be the Red Barn Theatre in Saugatuck, DeVos Performance Center in Grand Rapids, Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo, and the Wharton Center in Lansing. 

So Byron Center built the Van Singel, which in turn helped make the school district that “destination district.”

Today, several districts, such as Forest Hills and Jenison followed Byron Center’s lead and are now are homes to state-of-the-art facilities. Similar to the Van Singel, these facilities also offer touring shows, community theater and other arts and entertainment events. The Van Singel also is the home of the Gainey Gallery, which hosts exhibits of work by area artists.

With the changing landscape, Bower said during the Locally Entertaining podcast that the Van Singel and Byron Center community leaders came together again to talk about how to raise the bar in what a facility like the Van Singel can offer. 

Referring to it as Van Singel 2.0, Bower said the group looked around its community and the West Michigan area to see what gaps in arts and entertainment education and programming were needing to be filled.

 

The Van Singel now hosts the Meijer Great Choices Film Festival, where student filmmakers from around the state enter public service announcements on positive life choices to Michigan’s K-12 youth. The 2020 competition is accepting entries through Feb. 7. For more information, visit meijergreatchoices.com.

Last year, Van Singel started its own Youth Theatre program which will present “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” in June.

The Van Singel also continues to offer touring shows. Upcoming productions are “The Closet You Can Get to Elvis” featuring Scot Bruce as Elvis on April 18 and Cool Jazz featuring Aaron Diehl and Chad Eby on May 1. For more information about these shows or other events at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, visit vsfac.com.  

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood (Santa) news you might have missed

3-bottom, Holidays,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

They err who think Santa Claus enters through the chimney. He enters through the heart.

CHARLES W. HOWARD

Hey, Santa needs to eat too

Santa will make a stop at the Downtown Market Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, when you can shop with the big guy himself! Bring your wish list to ensure you land on his ‘nice’ list this year. Go here for the story.

And Santa has to shop for the Mrs.

Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year. Go here for the story.

But even Santa needs a little help

The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and these days they operate out of the Knoll Inc. building on 36th in Kentwood — from where they delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and hope to meet or beat that number this year. See here for the story.

Fun fact:

$30

The average hourly rate for Santa actors is $30 an hour, but it ranges up to $75 an hour, according to Investopedia. Multi-lingual actors who work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day might make closer to $100. Source.




Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters discussion includes reports from Washington, D.C.

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Local Business, Politics, WKTV Projects,
The December Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

While local issues were discussed, the current governmental problems in Washington, D.C., took center stage as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Dec. 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.

At the meeting, Brian Patrick, Communications Director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, both reported on their bosses’ efforts but also answered questions on the ballooning federal budget deficit and other issues.

The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

The next meeting will be Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.

The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.


 
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.

Queen Quest: The search for overwintering bumble bees

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Pets/Animals, , , ,
A bumble bee queen foraging on purple coneflower. Photo by Jenna Walters, MSU.

By Jenna Walters and Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology


Bumble bees are an important and well-known group of pollinating insects, but populations of some bumble bee species are declining across the globe, including those in Michigan. Many groups are developing efforts to help conserve these insects by planting attractive flowers, yet we know little about where bumble bees nest in the winter. Now there’s an effort to change that, and you can help.


A group of scientists have launched Queen Quest, a collaborative public science program to understand where queen bumble bees overwinter across North America. If you are interested in helping, just get a few friends together, develop a fun team name and go questing! This can be done in a few hours and could be in your garden, a park or anywhere you think there might be a nest.


The group wants to know where bumble bees are—and are not—found. Finding these nest sites will help conserve bumble bees by informing the development of improved conservation programs.

The Queen Quest website has all the information necessary to get involved, including literature resources, a step-by-step protocol and information on where to look. If you can’t do it this fall, your team could try in the spring once the snow is gone. Everyone is welcome to participate, so please help put Michigan on the Queen Quest map!

Pollinators & Pollination

MSU Extension’s focus on pollinators and pollination brings together educators and researchers who are working with experts around the country to provide the latest information through webinars, seminars, online resources and email newsletters.


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



AI for your ears

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, Tech Trends
Scientists are closer than ever to developing a smart hearing aid that separates desired sounds from undesirable background noise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Alan Mozes, HealthDay


Chances are if you’re over 60 it’s already happened to you: You’re in a crowded room and finding it tough to understand what your partner is saying a couple of feet away.


It’s a longstanding hearing-loss issue known as the “cocktail party” problem. Conventional hearing aids still aren’t able to fix it—to separate out the talk you do want to hear from the background chatter you don’t.


But scientists may be developing a device that can do just that.


The device would rely on an emerging technology called “auditory attention decoding,” or AAD. AAD cracks the cocktail party problem by simultaneously monitoring a person’s brainwaves and the sound around them.


With that data in place, the new hearing device would triangulate which voice or sound the person is focused on—and then give it an extra sonic boost.


“The cocktail party problem refers to a hearing condition where there is more than one speaker talking at the same time,” explained Nima Mesgarani, who led a group that published their new findings May 15 in Science Advances.


“Because hearing-impaired listeners have reduced sensitivity to different frequencies, they are not able to pick out the right voice,” explained Mesgarani.


He’s associate professor of electrical engineering with the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, part of Columbia University in New York City.


Conventional hearing aids—which simply raise overall sound levels—don’t help much in a crowded room.


“Increasing the volume doesn’t help hearing-impaired listeners, because it amplifies everyone and not just the ‘target speaker,’” Mesgarani said.


AAD works differently.


“(It) works by first automatically separating the sound sources in the acoustic environment,” he said. “The separated sounds are then compared to the brain waves of a listener. And the source that is most similar is chosen and amplified relative to other speakers to assist the listener.”


But this research is still in its early stages, so crowd-addled seniors shouldn’t expect to order the technology anytime soon.


For the moment, the technology requires an invasive surgical procedure and isn’t portable. Any practical application is at least five to 10 years off, Mesgarani said.


Still, the research illustrates yet again the amazing versatility of the human brain.


As Mesgarani noted, neural networks in the brain’s hearing center are remarkably adept at pinpointing which voice a person wants to pay attention to, even with lots of competing noise.


Digging deeper into that phenomenon, the Columbia team enlisted a group of people with epilepsy (who were already undergoing surgical care) to listen to a massed group of several speakers. None of the patients had hearing difficulties.


By means of electrodes directly implanted into their brains, researchers were then able to monitor how brain waves responded to the various sounds. That data was fed into a computer, which quickly learned to automatically raise the volume of the “target” speaker’s voice.


Preliminary results suggest that the technology does work as intended. But to date, testing has been confined to a controlled indoor setting and it remains to be seen whether it would work as well among those with actual hearing impairment, the researchers said.


And, of course, it will take time to convert the technology into something that could be worn as an external hearing aid.


Tricia Ashby-Scabis is director of audiology practices with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in Rockville, Md. She reviewed the new study and said the work “sounds highly promising.”


“Artificial intelligence certainly sounds like a great option in terms of focused listening and setting precedence on which speaker the listener wants to hear,” Ashby-Scabis said.


But questions remain.


“The difficulty is, communication is dynamic,” said Ashby-Scabis. “It is ever-changing. People jump in and out of conversations, and that is a lot of processing for a device to do, and a lot of knowledge it needs to have. I am surprised if this is something we are close to having researchers solving (or) developing, but it is certainly a promising area to be studying.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


May Erlewine, on heels of new music release, plans local holiday party gigs with The Motivations

Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming Events,
An earlier, slightly smaller version of May Erlewine and The Motivations. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

West Michigan singer/songwriter May Erlwine will take a break from her national tour promoting her recent and splendid alt-Americana release, Second Sight, to offer up some local holiday dance party gigs fronting The Motivations.

Part of a hectic two weeks of Michigan concerts includes a stop at Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, on Friday, Dec. 13.

The Motivations is a now-9-piece band that offers up boogie jams and classic soul cuts. According to supplied material, The Motivations holiday party project was born in the winter of 2016 when Erlewine set out to make music and create a positive space “meant to get people moving, to feel connected, and to help everyone celebrate the moment — and each other” amid the holiday season rush/crush.


“It’s not an easy time for everyone,” Erlewine said in supplied material. “We invite you to shake out your holiday stressors and come on out to dance with us!”


The Motivations feature Phil Barry on guitar and vocals; Joe Hettinga on synth, keys and vocals; Eric Kuhn on guitar and vocals; Max Lockwood on bass and vocals; Mike Lynch on organ and keys; Terrence Massey on trumpet and vocals; Brandon Proch on saxophone, vocals and percussion; and Michael Shimmin on drums, percussion and vocals.


Despite the changes in band and musical genre, Elrewine will likely play a few songs from her latest alt-Americana release. (We can only hope!)

May Erlewine (Supplied/Michael Poehlman)

On her latest full-length studio album release, Second Sight, which hit the streets Nov. 1, she delivers her constantly beautiful-voiced singer/songwriter vocals with a powerful push into the realm of socio-political commentary — the first single released from Second Sight, she states, was “Written as a testimony for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. And for all of the women who have been ‘unheard’ in their truth.”

“We are living in a time where we are inundated with media, consumerism and distractions from being connected to our deeper visions,” she told WKTV in a previous interview. “The songs are a journey to reconnecting with our home, ourselves and each other while grieving the incredible trauma of our history.”

For the story on Erlewine’s Second Sight, see a WKTV story here.

In addition to this week’s gig at Pyramid Scheme, the band will play Thursday, Dec. 12, at Beards Brewery in Petoskey; Saturday, Dec. 14, at The Old Art Building in Leland; Thursday, Dec. 19, at Otus Supply in Ferndale; Friday, Dec. 20, at The Livery in Benton Harbor; Saturday, Dec. 21, at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake; and Sunday, Dec. 22, at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.

For more information on May Erlewine, her music and tickets to announced local dates, visit mayerlewine.com.

GVSU economist: Local economy remains soft

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

There are no signs of an impending recession, but the local economy will continue to slow in 2020, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of November.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at -10, up significantly from -21 in October. The production index is negative, but recovered to -9 from -34. The index of purchases recuperated to -18 from -21, and the employment index came in at -9 from -14.

Looking to 2020, Long said there is no evidence of the overall economy sliding into a recession, but there’s plenty of evidence to indicate a slowing for the industrial economy.

“Part of it has to do with the ongoing trade war with China and the soft business conditions around the world,” Long said.

All three local cyclical industries — office furniture, aerospace and automotive — have more than topped out, Long said, while some segments of the West Michigan agricultural industry, namely corn, soybeans and cherries, have had a marginal year. 

Local employment numbers continue to set records. “Ottawa County posted the lowest unemployment rate of 2.3 percent,” Long said. “Of the major cities in Michigan, the Grand Rapids report of 3.3 percent unemployment is the envy of most other major cities in the state.”

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

Public Museum to host Snowflake Break this Holiday season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
The LEGOs display was created by the West Michigan LEGO Train Club. It is a popular attraction during the Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo supplied)

By Christie Bender
cbender@grpm.org

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced Snowflake Break activities and additional displays at the Museum for the holiday season. Snowflake Break includes a variety of family-friendly programs and activities themed around special exhibits Design Zone and TOYS!

During Snowflake Break at the GRPM, visitors will be able to create themed paper snowflakes, decorate wooden ornaments, play a variety of giant-sized games, interact with artifacts from Discovery Carts, explore special exhibits Design Zone and TOYS! and more. 

Snowflake Break runs from Dec. 21 — Jan. 5. General admission includes hands–on activities for Snowflake Break, special holiday displays and admission to Design Zone and TOYS! The Bodies Revealed exhibit will be an additional fee. More information can one be found at grpm.org.

Kent County residents receive reduced admission. Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under are FREE general admission daily. 

Holiday Displays

Historic LEGO® Display – See historic Grand Rapids like never before, built from LEGO®s. The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams, will be on display in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibition now through January 11, 2020 and is included with general admission. The display was built by the Western Michigan LEGO® Train Club.

Flashback: The popular Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train will be on display and available for family pictures. (Photo supplied.)

Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train – Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a community favorite on display – the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train. The Train is included with general admission to the Museum and will be on display through Jan. 13.

The monorail train debuted as “Santa’s Rocket Express” when the new Herpolsheimer’s Department Store opened in in 1949. Recognizable to any baby-boomer resident of Grand Rapids, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store, which sat at the corner of Fulton and Division streets in downtown Grand Rapids.

Santa and Elf Hunt – Find 15 historic Santas from around the World in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, and 12 whimsical elves hidden throughout the three floors of the Museum. The Santa & Elf Hunt is included with general admission.

Let it Snow Planetarium Show – Let it Snow features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let it Snow will run through Jan. 5.

Exhibitions 

Design Zone

In Design Zone, visitors of all ages can explore a variety of concepts to learn the processes and tools needed to create a successful design. Organized into three thematic zones, the activities featured in Design Zone highlight the importance of science and mathematical thinking in areas critical to building creativity and innovation in art, music and engineering. More specifically, visitors will discover the secrets behind how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and other creative problem solvers do what they do in this new exhibition.

TOYS!

TOYS! is an interactive, multi-generation exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones. Baby Boomers loved Paper Dolls, Erector Sets, and Mr. Potato Head, Gen Xers preferred Holly Hobbie and Hot Wheels, and Millennials have never known a world without Super Mario or My Little Pony. Some toys, like Barbie and G.I. Joe, have adapted to appeal to different generations and remain popular today. Toys and games have changed over time, but the desire to imagine, compete, and create has not. The exhibit, designed and curated by the GRPM staff, features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from community members. Visitors will imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations.

Bodies Revealed

Bodies Revealed 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 in a way that’s normally reserved for medical professionals. The exhibit will have 10 full body specimens on display as well as over 100 organs and partial specimens. Bodies Revealed allows visitors to learn about their own bodies and ultimately, teaches the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Advance ticket purchases are recommended as some time slots will sell out.

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is an invaluable, publicly-owned institution that is home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond, houses the only planetarium in the region, and is responsible for protecting The Mounds, a national historic landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org. 

South Christian, Godwin Heights boys open hoop season with new faces but (maybe) last season in mind

Area Education, Education, Local Entertainment, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Action from a 2018-19 season playoff game between Godwin Heights and South Christian. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Both the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines will open their 2019-20 season this week following successful 2018-19 campaigns, but with 0-0 records and a lot of new faces on the court.

And, by a quirk of scheduling, the two coaches may well remember the last time the two met: an opening round state playoff game last season when the Sailors sent the Wolverines home after a fine season and South Christian began a deep playoff ride.

The rematch between two defending OK Conference champions will be Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be recorded and available on cable television and on-demand. The game is also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.

Godwin Athletic Director told WKTV that the two special guests to be honored will be 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.

Host Godwin Heights, out of the OK Silver, was 15-6 overall in 2018-19, 12-0 in conference and Silver champion. Coach Tyler Whittemore’s team lost 47-45 in opening round playoff game at South Christian.

South Christian, out of OK Gold, was 22-4 in 2018-19, 11-1 in conference and Gold champion. The Sailors won five playoff games before falling to Hudsonville Unity Christian in the state quarterfinals. Coach Jeff Meengs is 56-37 in four seasons at the school.

But the Sailors lost eight seniors, five who started, and only have two players back from that team: senior guard Tyler Buwalda and junior big man (6-foot-7) Connor Dykema. Both were a part of the team’s 8-man playing rotation last season, and both averaged about 4.5 points per game last year. Juniors Sam Meengs, Elliott Grashuis and Tyler Rynbrandt “will also play a lot,” Meengs told WKTV, while other seniors on roster will “contribute and have significant playing time.”

“While we do not have much experience, we do have good players that have had success at the freshman and JV levels the past few years,” Meengs said. (For a WKTV video interview with Coach Meengs, visit here.)

Godwin coach Whittemore, whose team also lost much through graduation, has averaged 20-plus wins in each of the last five seasons with the usual changing of players. So the Wolverines may just be reloaded again.
Coach Whittemore told WKTV that his expected starters will be seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin, Terrance (TJ) Moore and Savi Morris-Miller, as well as junior Jamontae Burrell and sophomore Jordan Norman.

Other players expected to contribute include junior RuQuan Buckley, freshman Jakhary Towns, and seniors Shadon Ewing and Milton Brown.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

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

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.

The impact senior living culture has on health

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

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Social life is essential to our health and happiness. Scientific studies have proven that the more isolated and lonely we feel, the more likely we are to experience health problems. For aging adults in particular, living within a vibrant culture has direct health benefits.

Community and health

We often think of families as a senior’s primary source of community, but bearing the total responsibility for a parent’s social life can be a strain on family members. Senior living communities are a wonderful source of support for aging adults and their families.


A 2012 study by researchers at University College London found that social isolation was associated with chronic lung disease, arthritis, impaired mobility, and depressive symptoms. Other research states that, “individuals who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness tend to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as infection, depression, and cognitive decline.”


Feeling connected within our social environment is a fundamental part of health and happiness. Senior living facilities are designed with this fact in mind. These communities help seniors feel like they belong, which significantly increases life expectancy.

Community features to enhance well-being

As you and your aging loved one choose a senior living facility, look for the culture that best fits their needs. A healthy community will offer a variety of social events to encourage residents’ involvement. This enables seniors to feel welcome and confident as they get established in their new home.


The best communities offer features and amenities which enhance well-being. Rooms should be vibrant and appealing so that your aging loved one feels at home, in addition to offering the best safety features.


Dining options are also important to consider. Does this facility offer a variety of fresh, healthy options? It’s important to find great cuisine so that your senior’s appetite stays strong. Mealtimes are also great for socializing with other residents.

Activities to enhance social support

High-quality senior living involves activities and events that help residents connect with each other. In addition to relaxing and having fun, social events keep aging adults’ cognitive abilities strong. The mental exercises of reminiscing, laughing together, and getting to know new people is an essential part of remaining healthy and active while we age.


Here are a few ways communities can provide active community involvement for residents. If your loved one’s facility has a light social calendar, find out if you can get involved in planning some activities.

  • Reminiscence groups give seniors an opportunity to share their favorite memories. This will increase self-awareness which strengthens mental capacity and overall health.
  • Group exercises like zumba or yoga are great community events.
  • Start a singing group for musical residents. Local music teachers may be interested in getting their students involved.
  • Local museums, libraries, and community centers often have tours and educational programs available for seniors. These activities make excellent field trips.
  • Weekly or monthly game nights are usually very popular.
  • For seniors with literary or political interests, try a discussion groups of books, films, or current events.
  • Holiday and birthday parties are always a great opportunity for social connections. The planning and setup process can also be a lot of fun with more residents involved!

These are just a few of the ways senior living culture can benefit you or your senior loved one. Staying active and involved in our community brings many essential health benefits, and the support within a robust senior living community will keep our golden years healthy and happy.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Animal law: WKTV Journal In Focus interviews local lawyer, animal advocate

3-bottom, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we discuss the evolving world of animal law, specifically efforts to have a legal system that recognizes the rights of all animals but especially animals that some call pets.

We will talk with Ginny K. Mikita of the Mikita Kruse Law Center in North Kent County and find out about her work with Attorneys For Animals, a group whose mission is based in their belief that “animals have a purpose of their own and inherent value.” The group works within the legal system to that end and encourages efforts to ensure that animals are “recognized, treated and protected as individuals.”

Mikita also talks about her work supporting humans grieving for their companion animals which they have lost.

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

Photo of the Week: Just a Few Friends

Citizen Journalism,

This week’s photo comes from the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Students from Lakeshore Middle School recently visited the museum thanks to a transportation grant provided by Crystal Flash. Nearly 10,000 students from rural schools, like Lakeshore Middle School have been able to visit the museum thanks to the grant. Below, from the left, are: Scott Miller, marketing manager of Crystal Flash, Marc Foerster, vice president of residential business for Crystal Flash, and Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Do you have a photo you would like featured in Photo of the Week? Send it to joanne@wktv.org.

The beauty of commercial forestlands

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

By Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension


Imagine walking into your forest, say a forty-acre woodland, and finding that a hunter has been doing things without your knowledge. Someone has built a blind and a baiting station. They’ve cut a shooting lane. And, well-worn ATV trails lead to the site. You don’t know who did this. There are no names on the blind, like you would find on an ice shanty.


What do you do?


Just the year before, you left a note about removing the blind, which was done. However, a new and larger one was constructed in its place. The hunter has your name and phone number, which was also posted on a sign where your two-track road enters the property.  But, you don’t know who the hunter is! 


Who would take such liberties on private property that belongs to someone else? 


Sure, your property is entered into the Commercial Forest Program, so public hunting, fishing, and trapping is allowed. A hunter doesn’t need to ask your permission to hunt. However, you could potentially get kicked-out of the tax program for what this unknown hunter has done, and that could cost you a fair chunk of change.


So, what are the rules for your guests? 


Aside from reading the actual legislation, a decent summary can be found in the DNR annual Hunting Digest and on the DNR Private Forest Lands website. 


Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program (sometimes called by old terms CFA or CFR) opens over two million acres of forestland to hunting, fishing, and trapping. However, hunters, fishers, and trappers need to use these lands with respect and understand the limitations of that use. Violations can result in criminal or civil liability. 

  • Hunting licenses are required (public-land antlerless license for antlerless deer).
  • Foot access only, unless the forest owner allows motor vehicles. Owners can gate roads. 
  • Nothing can be left overnight, including blinds, bait stations, litter, tents, etc.
  • No blinds can be constructed of any sort, except from dead natural materials on-site.
  • Shooting lanes cannot be cut.
  • No nails, bolts, wire, tree steps that harm trees or may be dangerous to timber harvest.
  • No firearm target-shooting or sighting-in.

Most of these restrictions are simple courtesy when using someone else’s land. Hunters, fishers, and trappers are responsible for knowing the rules.  So should forestowners. 


Maps of CF land, by county, can be found on-line at Commercial Forest Maps. The tool is awkward to use, unless you already know the Township and Range of the land where you wish to hunt. However, CF-colored county maps can be found, which helps locate specific CF properties. Another color-coded locator tool can be found on the DNR MI-Hunt website, which is a bit easier to use. 


Note that the Qualified Forest Program is different and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Commercial Forest Program is administered by the DNR, with three Service Foresters that can field questions. 

So, what do you do if there are violators on your property? If you’re comfortable with talking to them, let them know they are in violation and ask them to stop whatever it is they’re doing. Failing that, a forest owner can contact a conservation officer. Remember, it is your land. 


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



Wyoming High School’s leaders of the pack: Alpha Wolf 11 celebration

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
Aidan Curtis, with balloons and purple shirt, is congratulated by family and friends as being named an Alpha Wolf 11. (Photo by WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With his beaming grin, Wyoming High School junior Iyan Weidman-Gomez looked around the school gym trying to guess who might be the next Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipient to be announced.

He would, according to those who described him, do what he always does, be one of the first to jump up to congratulate his schoolmate. Except this time, it was his classmates congratulating Iyan.

Iyan was one of six students announced on Friday, Dec. 6, as the Wyoming High School’s fall Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipients. Started in 2014, every fall and spring semester, the Wyoming High School students and staff honor six exemplary students with the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors.

These students are recognized not for their academic or athletic achievements but for treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious” –which according to students and staff is Iyan Weideman-Gomez.

“He embodies everything an alpha wolf is about,” said the Alpha Wolf recognition team. “He is not the smartest kid. He is not the most athletic. Not the most popular but I can guarantee you he is the most compassionate, gracious and kind student who goes to Wyoming High School. He walks the halls with an undying light that is strong enough to brighten any kid’s day.”

Iyan Weidman-Gomez (left) shows off his smile as he awaits the announcement of the next Alpha Wolf 11, which was him. (Photo by WKTV)

It is for students like Iyan that high school teacher John Doyle wanted to bring the Alpha Wolf program to Wyoming five years ago. With a full high school gym that included school officials such as Superintendent Craig Hoekstra, and City of Wyoming officials such as Mayor Jack Poll, City Manager Curtis Holt, and Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Doyle told how he was inspired by Grandville Middle School’s “Be An 11” program, which was started by Grandville Middle School physical education instructor Michael Lapciuk. Lapciuk said he wanted to change the culture at the school by promoting the students who were doing positive things. The Grandville program was later dedicated to Grandville’s fallen student-athlete Ryan Fischer, who according to Lapciuk set the bar on “what it meant to be an 11.” Doyle attended the program when his son Ian received the award.

“It was because of a seventh grader [Ian Doyle] who won this award who impacted at that time, a 40-year-old, to change his ways to make things different in his life,” Doyle said. “That’s me. We are all vulnerable. We all make mistakes. We might be that person we used to be but we certainly have the vision, that light forward to think ‘I can make a difference too.’”

According to peers and teachers these following six high school students made a difference whether anyone noticed or not, which is why they are more than ten, they are an Alpha Wolf 11.

Sophomore Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

Far right, Aidan Curtis walks with his family after being announced an Alpha Wolf 11. (Photo by WKTV)

Aidan Curtis

A peer nominated Aidan Curtis not because how kind he was, but how kind he is with everyone he has interacted with. In fact, about every reference about Aiden was that he was “kind” and “had kindness to others.”

According to his peers, simply put, he is helpful and generous to others along with being compassionate and putting the needs of the group over himself. 

Victoria Pulaski accepts her Alpha Wolf 11 award from High School Principal Josh Baumbach. (Photo by WKTV)

Victoria “Tory Rose” Pulaski

For many, it is somewhat a mystery how the big personality of Tory Rose fits inside this Alpha Wolf. She is always adding new members to her family, sharing their joys and sorrows. She believes, according to her peers, that a community and family are stronger together and aims at making a stronger wolf pack. 

Tory Rose, who according to the letters submitted, radiates postive energy. She participates in the school choir and does a lot of volunteer work.

“I love her,” wrote one student in their nomination letter.

Junior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

Ryan Weidman-Gomez gives the thumbs up after being named an Alpha Wolf 11 recipient. (Photo by WKTV)

 Iyan Weidman-Gomez

“What do you say about this guy?” read the Alpha Wolf presentation team. “His classmates love him. He is not the captain of the football team. He is not the president of any clubs. He is not the drum major of the band. He is something more important. He is kind.”

From holding doors for others to helping clean up a classroom, Iyan is known not for doing things to impress, but out of kindness.
 

“I am voting for him because of the amazing person he is,” wrote one student. “Everytime I walk into the classroom, he greets me with a smile and a hello.”

Nichole Stark (purple shirt) with her family after being announced an Alpha Wolf 11 recipient. (Photo by WKTV)

Nichole Stark

When talking about Nichole Stark, the word positive showed up over and over again from the nominations for her to receive the Alpha Wolf 11 award. 

A National Honor Society member, Nichole volunteers to help other with homework. She is extremely friendly and does not exclude anyone but creates a sense of belonging for others in the school, students wrote.

Both staff and students stated she demonstrates the three Alpha Wolf characteristics of kindness, compassion, and graciousness throughout the school day and in her community.

Senior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

Henry Nguyen (right) listens as the Alpha Wolf 11 recipients are announced. (Photo by WKTV)

Henry Nguyen

“I’m baffled that he hasn’t won this award yet,” wrote one student. A situation that was rectified on Friday when Henry Nguyen was named the first of two senior Alpha Wolf recipients.

According to students and staff, Henry radiates positive energy. Described as a kind and gentle soul, Henry does what he thinks is best. This was demonstrated when he tried out for a new sport only to break his arm after joining the team. His character and determination as he faced unexpected pain kept him going as he contributed to the team. His coach stated that he loves to serve others and his integrity, character, and selflessness are incredible.

Kyle Ratliff was the second senior to be named an Alpha Wolf 11. (Photo by WKTV)

Kyle Ratliff

Genuine, real, authentic, these were just some of the words to describe senior Kyle Ratliff.

“I don’t know him that well but I once had a conversation with him and from what I see he is an amazing person,” wrote one student in a nomination letter. “He is really helpful and always encouraging others.”

According to staff, Kyle is always kind with positive words for everyone he meets. He is the type of person who makes a student better inside and out.

“Bottomline,” according to the Alpha Wolf presentation team, “this student cares. Period.” 

Several students received You Make a Difference awards:

Sophomores  – Sarah Slachter & Amaru Pegues

Juniors – Josh Anstey & Lucia Cerda Martinez

Seniors – Jaznay Lora & Brandon Walker

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

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
South Christian High School boys basketball, from a 2019 game. (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. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation

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! The tentative schedule for May follows and 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 offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

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

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

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

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


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Dec. 9
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Grandville
Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights
Wayland @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Girls Basketball
Holland @ Godwin Heights
Boys Basketball
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Dec. 10
Girls Basketball
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Hopkins @ Tri-Unity Christian
South Christian @ Hamilton
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Hackett Catholic Prep @ Potter’s House
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Boys Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
South Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Hackett
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Saranac
Boys Hockey
Christian @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Boys Swimming / Diving
@ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Holland
Godwin Heights @ Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Christian
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys / Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
South Christian @ Christian

Thursday, Dec. 12
Girls Basketball
Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights
Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian
Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Bowling
West Catholic @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys / Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Orchard View @ Potter’s House
Boys Swimming / Diving
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Boys Basketball
Heritage Christian Academy @ Zion Christian

Friday, Dec. 13
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational
Wyoming @ Jenison
Girls Basketball
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep
Boys Basketball
Hudsonville @ Godwin Heights
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Jenison
East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood
Holland Christian @South Christian
Potter’s House @ Laingsburg
Sacred Heart @ West Michigan Aviation
Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Tri-County
Boys Hockey
FH Central @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – WKTV Featured Event
West Ottawa @ South Christian

Saturday, Dec. 14
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs
Godwin Heights @ Cedar Springs
Boys Wrestling
@ Kelloggsville – Dave Fleming Memorial Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Kent City
East Kentwood @ Big Rapids – Cardinal Invitational
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Boys Hockey
FH Northern @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Rockford @ South Christian
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Ottawa Hills
West Michigan Aviation @ Detroit Southeastern

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

Technology tips to keep you young

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

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


The association between technology and seniors is often misrepresented; older adults of our society today did not have access to computers, smart devices, or the internet. While many people allude this disconnect to the idea that seniors find the devices complicated; it is merely an assumption. The reality is that many seniors do not understand how they can utilize these gadgets to meet their personal interests. Devices play a critical decision in informing the health and wellness decisions you make to stay young. The right application of different gadgets and software can save you time, money and make a situation less stressful. For example, using GPS in your post-retirement trips can save you money you would otherwise spend on a tour guide.


There are several ways you can utilize technology to stay young:

Health Checks

Staying on top of your health is a priority among many seniors; the right technology in your smart phone or tablet can save you several trips to the hospital. For example, there are different accessories and apps you can get to help you check your blood sugar. You can also access different fitness apps to help you follow your exercise routine from the comfort of your home. Additionally, there are games and brain exercises you can engage in to help keep your mind alert and active. The best part about using your device to stay healthy is that you can travel with it or use it indoors even in extreme weather when you’re stuck at home.

Connectivity

One way to stay young-at-heart is to stay connected to your friends and family, especially the younger ones. Even though you might be hundreds of miles away from your loved ones, you can connect with your family by sharing videos, pictures or by scheduling live video chats. If you choose to travel, you and your loved ones can enjoy a peace of mind knowing that you are a call away from each other.

Continuous Learning

Use your gadgets as a learning tool. As you grow older, you will realize you have a lot of time on your hands, which can easily bore you. Take up new courses, learn a craft or spend time indulging in your favorite subject. There are several learning tools available in your devices such as short courses, podcasts, videos, books and research papers; you will have access to an infinite source of information at the comfort of your home. Through your device, you can connect with people with similar learning interests from around the world without the hustle associated with traveling.


Improve your relationship with technology by looking it as an avenue for self-improvement. There are different applications and devices available to help you improve your physical, spiritual and mental wellness from the comfort of your home. Take advantage of the improved access to information to explore your passions.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Sip your way to health

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Senior Living, ,
Research has suggested tea may fight inflammation and other maladies. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Angela Fobar, Spectrum Health Beat


Following water, tea is second in line as the most-consumed beverage on the planet.


Not beer. Not soda. Not even coffee.


Tea.


Humanity has been drinking it for thousands of years. And based on the ever-growing evidence of its health benefits, there’s no reason to think we should let up anytime soon.


As Chinese legend has it, the Emperor Shennong discovered tea some 4,700 years ago when a strong wind tossed falling tea leaves into his bowl of boiling water. The emperor noticed the leaves change the water’s color and aroma. When he drank it, it soothed him.


It’s been doing that to legions of folks, princes and paupers, for eons.


The main benefits of tea are its antioxidant properties from flavonoids and catechins, but it also has other characteristics that can reduce inflammation and help with regulation of blood sugar and other systems.


Two cups of freshly brewed tea each day may protect against the development of chronic disease, while larger quantities—say, four cups a day—may lower glucose and lipid markers.


So sip away and enjoy the benefits.

Here’s what the research says:

Heart health

The most compelling evidence is related to heart disease. As it relates to green tea and heart health, there’s an association between lower levels of cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and higher levels of HDL—the “good” cholesterol. There’s also evidence of significant lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressure associated with tea-drinking. Black tea in particular could contribute to a decreased incidence of heart attack.

Weight loss

Research has shown that green tea contains the ideal combination of caffeine and catechins, which work in tandem to stimulate thermogenesis. Green tea has been known to provide numerous health benefits, including the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Glycemic control

Regular consumption of green tea and black tea has been shown to decrease fasting blood glucose, insulin levels and hemoglobin A1C. This can lead to an increase in antioxidants and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines that cause insulin resistance. It may also cut down on fat accumulation from carbs.

Arthritis

Research has shown tea’s antioxidant properties cause an anti-rheumatic effect that may improve the physical abilities of aging populations. This includes improvements in muscle strength, balance and performance of daily activities.

Depression

While many Americans may not be looking at tea for its health benefits, perhaps they should. There’s even been some evidence of tea’s possible role in combatting depression.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.





New label denoting bioengineered ingredients will soon appear on food items

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Food, , ,
Photo 1. Label required by Jan. 1, 2022, on food products containing bioengineered products and byproducts. Photo by USDA.

By Ronald Goldy, Michigan State University Extension 


In this day of ready-to-eat, highly processed food, it is understandable that consumers want to know what is in their food. Food labels require manufacturers to list ingredients (in order of volume, highest to lowest), nutrition, use by date and other aspects. A new label to appear over the next couple of years is the bioengineered label (Photo 1). The law implementing this labeling begins Jan. 1, 2020 and is fully mandated by Jan. 1, 2022. Any product containing genetically modified organism (GMO) products or byproducts must display a label indicating that fact. After Jan. 1, 2022, if the product does not contain this label, it has no GMO ingredients.


This new label will be the most reliable way for consumers to differentiate foods containing GMOs from those that do not. Meanwhile, GMO food labelling can be confusing and misleading.


The following is a list of GMO items currently approved in 2019 for commercial production and sale in the United States:

  • AquAdvantage Salmon
  • Arctic Apple
  • Canola
  • Corn
  • Cotton
  • Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)
  • Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
  • Pineapple (pink flesh varieties)
  • Potato
  • Soybean
  • Squash (summer)
  • Sugarbeet

More items are under development and testing, but not yet approved and released for commercial use. This does not mean all members in that category are genetically modified or bioengineered. In fact, most eggplant, potatoes and summer squash are not bioengineered, but the average consumer does not know that, and bioengineered items cannot be identified based on their appearance. The new bioengineered label should help clear up some confusion.

Non-GMO Project label
Photo 2. Non-GMO Project label. Photo by Environmental Illness Network, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

What consumers most often see now is the Non-GMO Project label (Photo 2). Participating companies pay an annual fee to be part of the program, plus an additional fee for each item that will display the label. This is an optional verification program. The Non-GMO Project currently claims to have 3,000 participating brands and is displayed on over 50,000 items.


An aspect of the Non-GMO Project label that can be confusing is that companies can put the label on whatever they want, even if the product could not possibly contain GMO ingredients. Look again at Photo 2 and think about where you have seen this label. You can find it on products where there currently are no GMO members, such as orange juice, cranberries, mandarins or vanilla extract (Photo 3). You may also see it on products that will never contain GMOs, such as salt (Photo 4). Salt only contains minerals; there is no DNA to modify. It is also on some cat litter.

Common food items containing the Non-GMO Project label that currently have no GMO members
Photo 3. Common food items containing the Non-GMO Project label that currently have no GMO members. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

Why is this label on non-GMO products? It is all about marketing. When people are at the grocery store comparing two products, the additional label is another way to stand out and convince people to put their product in the cart. It may also cause consumers to think items not displaying the label are really GMOs. Therefore, the label can be used more as a marketing tool and not a means of conveying useful information. The new bioengineered label will remove that confusion.

Non-GMO Project label on salt
Photo 4. Non-GMO Project label on salt. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

Consumers no doubt will be seeing a growing number of items with the bioengineered label since bioengineered techniques may be a necessary tool in solving future problems. This is an immediate concern for the citrus industry. A disease called citrus greening is currently devastating citrus worldwide and immunity has not been found within any citrus, and therefore may come from another plant species with the trait introduced to citrus using bioengineered techniques.


Also, there are two diseases currently attacking bananas, one a bacterium and the other a fungus. There is no known tolerance to the fungus, so breeders may have to resort to bioengineered techniques. However, the bacterium has been controlled by inserting a gene from pepper through the bioengineered process.


Do not quickly dismiss bioengineered techniques since they may be the only way to save or improve important segments of the agricultural industry.


The phasing in of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) bioengineered label has the goal of clearing up confusion on GMOs. Whether it achieves that goal depends on consumers making themselves familiar with what that label means. This knowledge will help them make better decisions, ease shopping stress, and allow them to focus on dietary choices that most improve their health.


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



Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“‘X’ never, ever marks the spot.”

Indiana Jones

And what did you find?

The Last Apostle: Journeys In the Lost Holy Land will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Community Channel 99 at midnight Friday, Dec. 6; 11pm Monday, Dec. 9, and 3pm Thursday, Dec. 12. For the past 25 years, Dr. Mark Fairchild has discovered mysteries in the Turkish countryside, including the oldest synagogue in the world. In The Last Apostle, the film follows Fairchild as he travels one of the historic routes of the apostle Paul and explores Paul’s origins. Go here for the scoop.

Booyah!

WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of Boys & Girls High School Basketball! Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat on Wednesday @ 5pm. Every Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat Saturday @ 11am. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99. WKTV has got you covered! Here’s the schedule.

‘Listen To The music’

Tickets are available now for four-time Grammy Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees The Doobie Brothers, who are performing in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at 7:30pm at Van Andel Arena® on their tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s founding. Go here for info.

Fun fact:

Receptionists are underpaid

You know that one scene in Raiders Of The Lost Ark where Belloq opens the Ark of the Covenant, and a ghost floats toward the camera only to turn into a hideous visage? Yeah, that one. Well, to pull off the special effects, the filmmakers outfitted a Lucasfilm receptionist in long, white robes and painted her face a “ghostly shade of blue and white.” She then sat on a flat trapeze mechanism in front of a bluescreen and swung away from camera—which was run backwards in the final film to achieve a dreamlike quality. The end result is a composite with a grotesque, skeletal model. We sure hope she was paid well.

Winter injury update to Michigan trees and shrubs

3-bottom, , ,
Early frost injury to Canaan fir. Photo by Dull’s Tree Farm.

By Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Horticulture and Department of Forestry


Winter is always a tough season for trees in shrubs in Michigan. The winter of 2019-2020 is already off to rough start in some parts of the state as many locations in the eastern and southern parts set record cold temperatures during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019. This cold snap was part of a widespread outbreak of cold weather that broke over 400 daily low temperature records in the eastern U.S. On the morning of Nov. 12, many Michigan State University Enviroweather stations in southern and eastern Michigan had low temperatures in the single digits and some approached 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The Hudson Enviroweather station in southern Michigan recorded minimum temperatures of -3.4 and -3.9 F on Nov. 12 and 13, respectively.

Why is this cold snap an issue?

Figure 1. Typical pattern of winter cold hardness development in cherry trees in Michigan. Temperatures indicate point at which bud or shoot damage will occur. Source: Pileus Project.

In discussing cold damage and plants, we have to consider not only the minimum temperature but also when the lows occurred. The temperatures that are likely to cause damage to trees and shrubs decrease as plants become progressively more cold hardy in the fall (acclimation). During this time, plant cells accumulate solutes and undergo other changes that make them better able to withstand extreme cold in January and February. As days get longer and temperatures begin to rise in the spring, these processes are reversed (dehardening) and plants begin to lose cold hardiness (Fig. 1).


In Michigan, our most common scenario for freezing damage is late winter injury that occurs in late winter/early spring when we often experience rapid warmups that increase dehardening followed by a sudden temperature drop. Occasionally, we can have extreme cold weather in January and February that can result in mid-winter injury as we saw during the Polar Vortex events in early 2013 and 2014. Even less common in Michigan is early winter injury, which occurs when plants are exposed to extreme cold before they have full acclimated in the fall.

Figure 2. Daily minimum temperatures at the MSU Extension Lapeer County office compared to the 15-year (2005-2019) average. Source: MSU Enviroweather.

Early winter injury occurs relatively frequently in places like Montana and Colorado, where 30+ degree temperature swings from one day to the next in October and November are considered the norm. In Michigan, the Great Lakes help to moderate early season incursions of Arctic-origin air into the region and we often feel less impacts from these systems. In the case of the 2019 Veterans’ Day cold snap, our temperatures had been tracking right around normal throughout October and into early November and then took a rapid nosedive (Fig. 2). In Lapeer, Michigan, for example, the low on Nov. 9 was 30 F, right at the average. By the morning of Nov. 12, the low was 0.4 F.

What impacts will this cold snap have?

We have already seen impacts of the early cold on some conifers in nursery and Christmas tree plantations. In most cases the damage has been limited to needle browning, but shoot buds still appear to be heathy. This suggests these trees will flush normally in the spring and long-term impacts will be minimal.


In landscapes, leaves on many deciduous trees and shrubs froze before they had a chance to completely senesce. Oftentimes these leaves have a wilted or water-soaked appearance. Again, the long-term impact will likely be minimal given that trees were about to shed these leaves anyway, though it’s possible buds or shoots may have been damaged on marginally hardy trees or shrubs.

What lies ahead?

Figure 3. Three-month (December 2019 – February 2020) temperature outlook from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center.

The official start of winter is still a couple weeks away (Dec. 21, 2019), and a lot can—and will—happen between now and spring. Landscape plants are subject to array of stresses over the winter. In addition to extreme cold, drying winds, deicing salt exposure, mammal damage, and ice and snow loads can all impact trees and shrubs over the winter. The current three-month outlook from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center indicates near normal mean temperatures throughout the Great Lakes region (Fig. 3). Of course, normal in this region still includes heavy snows, sub-zero lows and high winds. Moreover, severe weather events, which cause the biggest issues for trees and shrubs, are difficult to capture in long-range forecasts. As with most years, the ultimate gauge of winter’s impact on our landscapes will be apparent in April and May.


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



Woodland Mall plans season-long holiday festivities for shoppers, families

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season.

By Woodland Mall

After opening the new Von Maur wing, first-to-market retailers and The Cheesecake Factory this fall, Woodland Mall continues its celebrations into the holiday season with a packed schedule of events for all to enjoy.
 
Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year.

“With festive decorations, extended hours and a variety of activities fit for the season, Woodland Mall is a fun destination for shoppers of all ages to get into the holiday spirit,” said Marketing Director Cecily McCabe. “This year especially has been a continuous celebration with all the wonderful new retailers, restaurants and features we have added.

“We’re excited to multiply the magic of the holidays for those re-experiencing Woodland Mall and all it has to offer this season.”

Photos with Santa for Everyone

As one of the most iconic holiday events, Santa Claus returns to his seat in the heart of the Arctic Forest, which is located in Center Court this year, ready to take photos with shoppers of all ages through Christmas Eve. Visitors can also visit with Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.

Families are welcome to bring their “fur babies” along for photos with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 16. Feathered, whiskered and hooved pets are welcome too. Santa has heard Christmas wishes from cats, chickens and even goats! All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.

Star Wars, Princess and other themed events

Insta Holiday — Shoppers are invited to Insta Holiday at Woodland Mall, a three day-event packed with activities you will love. Events include glow-in-the-mall silent discos hosted by WSNX with DJ CHOFF, a selfie scavenger hunt, sequin wall art contest and multiple chances to receive giveaways and win concert tickets.

The event will take place Dec. 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
 
Snowflake Social — Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Woodland Mall is getting into the holiday spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a festive Starbucks hot chocolate with all the fun toppings at our hot cocoa bar, festive activities with Kent District Library, winter wonderland crafts and live holiday music from the Salvation Army Band. Guests can also receive a light-up candy cane with a visit to Santa Claus, while supplies last.

Winter Princess Party with Santa — Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a winter wonderland party for your favorite little princess. Attendees will get to meet three real winter princesses, enjoy a wintry take-home craft, enjoy live holiday music, make their own princess crown and receive a light-up princess wand. For exclusive access into this enchanted event, guests can simply purchase any Santa Photo Package now through Dec. 12 and present the receipt. Visit shopwoodlandmall.com/holiday to skip the lines and purchase a fast-pass for photos with Santa.

Star Wars Day — Woodland Mall is calling all Star Wars fans to dress up as their favorite hero or villain on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. for Star Wars Character Day. Participants will have the chance to meet and interact with 10 Star Wars characters, who will also be available for photos.

Enjoy holiday music

The Salvation Army Band will also perform in the Macy’s wing on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 to 12 p.m.

Additionally, Von Maur will host a holiday jazz concert on Dec. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. for shoppers to enjoy while selecting the perfect gifts for loved ones.

Get gifts wrapped for a good cause

To tie everything together, the Purple Community Gift Wrapping Fundraiser will take place on the weekends of Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 in the JCPenney wing near Altar’d State. Shoppers are invited to bring gifts large and small on those Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be wrapped in exchange for a cash donation benefitting the Van Andel Institute’s biomedical research and science education.

The mall will have special extended hours to ensure that guests are able to get all their shopping completed before the holiday. Please visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a full list of updated holiday hours.

Heads up: Beware of text neck

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Senior Living, Tech Trends, ,
Don’t let text neck get you down. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


The next time you’re in a public place, look around.


Notice how many people are hunched over using mobile devices.


Poor posture while constantly looking down at a cell phone places a lot of strain on the neck, or cervical spine. It’s called ‘text neck.’


And, according to a recent reports, it can result in permanent harm.


“When the head is upright, the upper part of the spine is correctly aligned for minimal stress on the muscles, bones and discs in the neck,” explained Nuala Crotty, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with the Spectrum Health Medical Group. “But when you drop the chin to the chest for long periods, you increase stress on the cervical spine and strain the muscles at the back of your neck.”


Just how much wear and tear does this constant downward gaze put on the neck muscles?


The head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. For every inch the head tilts forward, the weight or pressure on the cervical spine increases. Bending your head forward at a 60 degree angle, for example, results in almost 60 pounds of stress weight on a neck structure that’s designed to handle much less. That’s like carrying a small child around on your neck all day.


With smartphone users now spending an average of two to four hours a day with their heads dropped down, this results in 700 to 1,400 hours a year of excess wear and tear on the cervical spine, according to the research.


Over time, this much stress can do a lot of damage. Muscles and tissues become strained, sore and inflamed, causing headaches, neck, upper back, shoulder and arm pain.


According to Dr. Crotty, if left uncorrected, text neck can lead to chronic neck pain and an increased risk of disc herniation and neck arthritis. Poor posture also decreases lung volume, interfering with the ability to breathe deeply.


“The first step is to be aware of how you hold your body while using technology,” she said. “And then, take steps to prevent problems by practicing good posture and neck alignment.”


Dr. Crotty offers these tips to avoid feeling the crunch:

  • Hold devices up, at eye level, as much as possible.
  • Take regular breaks from phones and laptops throughout the day.
  • Draw your shoulder blades together gently. This will naturally pull your head back and align your spine.
  • Tuck in your chin and gently lengthen your neck. Imagine a string at the top or crown of your head, pulling it straight up to the ceiling.
  • Roll or shrug your shoulders a few times and move your neck in different directions to prevent muscles from becoming tight.

See a doctor if neck pain does not go away or if it’s associated with pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your shoulder, arm or hands.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Feathered friends need care in the winter

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Pets/Animals, Senior Living,

By Insa Raymond, Michigan State University Extension


As we approach the midst of winter and prepare for cold weather, it is important not to forget our feathered friends outside. While many species travel south to survive the winter, many other bird species stay here. We bundle up in layers of shirts, sweaters, warm winter coats, hats, scarfs and mittens. But how do our feathered friends stay warm?


Birds are warm-blooded creatures just like us. They maintain a body temperature of approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit but have the ability to adapt their body temperatures, keeping most of their heat around their vital organs and lowering their body temperature around the extremities. Some bird species also have the ability to lower their body temperature during the nighttime, to help survive the cold, frosty nights.


Birds also have many adaptations that help them stay warm. Smaller birds seek shelter in dense foliage or crevices, huddle together, puff up their feathers and tuck in their head and feet. Bigger birds, geese for example, develop an additional layer of down feathers to help insulate them. In addition, all non-migrating birds put on fat in the preparation for the winter months, as this acts as insulator and energy source to survive the winter in northern climates. According to Audubon Magazine, up to 10 percent of a bird’s body weight may be fat in certain species, such as chickadees and finches.


To maintain this high fat density, birds need to spend most of their days seeking high-energy food, which can be scarce in nature during the winter. A simple way to help our feathered friends during the cold season is to hang up bird feeders. Feeding birds is a fun family activity that teaches kids about and to appreciate nature. The more you will get into bird feeding, the more you and your family will enjoy it. Keep a bird field guide on hand and identify the species you see at the feeders.


To attract a diversity of birds, set out a variety of bird feeders with different types of food. A tube feeder with perches filled with black sunflower and an assortment of seeds will attract finches and chickadees. Hopper-type bird feeders filled with sunflower and safflower seeds will attract birds such as cardinals and blue jays. Suet feeders will attract woodpeckers. For more information on what types of bird feeders and seed to use to attract different species, view the Audubon Guide to Winter Bird Feeding. The bird feeders you use don’t need to be expensive – the Madison Audubon Society developed a simple guide to making bird feeders out of recycled materials.

Birds not only need food in the winter but they also need fresh water and shelter. When thinking about changing or adding to your landscape, consider choosing bird-friendly, native plants. Evergreens provide shelter, seed heads and berries, which provide additional food. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a wonderful resource for birding enthusiasts, both the novice and advanced, and provides resources on feeding, landscaping, building nest boxes and much more.


If you really are getting into birding, consider participating in project feeder watch, which is a survey of birds that visit feeders in backyards, nature centers, etc. Feeder watchers periodically count the birds at their feeders from November to April and send the data to Project Feeder Watch. This helps scientists to get a broader picture of bird species, their abundance and movement during the winter months.


If you’d like to turn your birding interest into a 4-H club project, Michigan State University Extension has the resources and tools you need. So enjoy birding this winter! No matter if you do it on a small scale with your family, or on a bigger scale as a volunteer with a group of youth, you will teach youth an understanding and appreciation of nature.


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



One of the most painful times of the year

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, How-To's, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Ginny Mikita, Animal Blessings

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.

Leonard Cohen

Well-intentioned friends exclaim, “Happy Holidays!”


Andy Williams repeatedly croons through retail sound systems, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” 


But for those whose companion animals have died and will not be home for Christmas or Hanukkah, it can, instead, be one of the most painful times of the year.


Whether this is the first holiday season you’ve experienced without your beloved companion animal, or the season has come and gone several times since her death, it can be particularly difficult.  


This year, consider giving yourself a gift. Gift yourself with permission, quiet time and sacred space. Allow yourself to remember your companion animal and be fully present without judgment to all the emotions such remembering evokes. Sadness and tears, anger and pangs of guilt, joy and laughter.


Here are just a few “gift” ideas:

Light a candle

Treat yourself to a beautiful candle. Find a meaningful place in your home to place it during the season, perhaps next to a favorite photograph of your companion animal. Set aside daily time — even five or ten minutes — to light it, allowing yourself to be enveloped by its warmth. Reflect upon your time together, focusing on your gratitude for and the lessons learned from your companion’s life being part of your journey. 

Have a heartfelt talk

During your candlelit moments, if the spirit moves you, have a conversation. Out loud. Or journal. Share with your companion animal whatever is on your mind. You may have feelings bottled up inside that have never been spoken. Perhaps the circumstances of your companion animal’s death continue to haunt you. Perhaps you’re considering or struggling with adopting another animal. Perhaps the loss triggers unresolved grief from earlier losses.

Share your companion animal’s items

Items that belonged to your companion animal — a toy with which she played, a blanket in which she snuggled, clothing with her scent, like a ThunderShirt — are often all that’s physically left behind and can be very difficult to part with. If you’re ready, the giving season may be the right time to share some or all of them.   

Make a dedication

Volunteer your service or make a donation to a shelter or other animal-related organization in your companion animal’s name. For many years, I have made donations to Wings of Wonder, a raptor rehabilitation organization, as memorial gifts. The group sends a picture of the screech owl who will be released into the wild, soaring on her own wings, to the grieving family.

Create a scrapbook

If you haven’t already done so, create a scrapbook of or fill a box with favorite photos, writings and other memorabilia that remind you of your companion animal. 

Visit a special place

Visit a special place — a dog park, a walking trail – that was special for you and your companion animal. Gently care for the space while there. Before returning home, you may want to leave something behind as a tribute — a flower or a favorite treat for the lucky animal who happens upon it first.  Such acts are powerful healing tools. There were so many items left at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial site in Washington DC, the National Park Service eventually hired people to collect and catalogue them, and later opened the Museum Resource Center, a climate-controlled warehouse, to store them. 

Attend a blue Christmas service

Many Christian churches, especially in West Michigan, now have special services in early December designed especially for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Continue to live and love

While grieving plays an important role in healing, our companion animals, I believe, would want us to continue living and loving. Decorate your home. Hang your companion’s stocking and fill it with items to be given to a shelter or other animal advocacy organization. Most importantly, surround yourself with the love of others — other companion animals and people who respect your love for and loss of your companion animal.

Animal advocate and attorney Ginny Mikita is the founder of Animal Blessings, an organization dedicated to honoring the sacred worth of all animals. Mikita’s companion animal loss support services include facilitating a monthly Companion Animal Loss Grief Support Group, officiating an annual Memorial Service in December, writing grief columns for local publications and speaking at gatherings — local and national — of animal care and protection professionals. Additionally, Mikita regularly officiates Blessings of the Animals in both religious and secular environments.


Rebuilding Lee girls basketball team showing positive signs under 3rd-year coach Tasha Wilson

City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Wyoming Lee High School’s girls basketball team suited up only five players for this 2017 game. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

In the third year of what is literally a complete rebuild of the Wyoming Lee High School girls basketball program, head coach Tasha Wilson and her staff are measuring success by the number of players in the program and the positive attitude of those players.

The wins will come.

The Lee Legends girls (0-1) will try to get their first win of the season when they host a non-conference game against Byron Center Zion Christian Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be recorded and available on cable television and on-demand.

The Legends also return to an OK Conference Silver schedule this season after going 0-9 last season in a shortened independent schedule.

“At the moment I have a 16-player (varsity roster) — I know it sounds crazy but this is honestly the biggest team I’ve ever had in my career of coaching at Lee High School,” Coach Wilson said to WKTV. “Since I’ve been back its been a battle to pick the program back up. I started with 6 players my first year with some quitting, so we had to cancel our entire (2017-18) season.


“Then going into my second year blind, not knowing what was going to happen, we went with a independent schedule and successfully finished with 8 players. Now my third year I was overwhelmed with the amount of players that came out to play this year.”

While getting the girls basketball program back on the minds, and in the extracurricular plans, of the students at Lee has been an offseason priority, the in-season priority has been keeping the players positive about the program.

“Staying positive is huge for me. The score can be so ugly but all along my bench you hear positivity,” Wilson said. “My girls don’t look at horrible losses in a negative way, they look at them as learning experiences. They know that practice time is valuable and that’s when we need to work our hardest to get to where we want to be. We’re still putting together our puzzle here at Lee.”

The 2019-20 Legends will feature returning varsity players senior Taylor Weekly and junior Keanna DesArmo, and Coach Wilson pointed out junior Emily Martinez and freshman Mya Bruno as varsity newcomers she expects to contribute immediately.

“I’m so honored to have returning players like Keanna DesArmo and Taylor Weekley,” Wilson said. “They seen the program steadily grow now over the past years. Those two young ladies are huge pieces to the program, and I give them a lot of credit for helping me build this program back up as well. They were constantly getting the bug in everyone’s ear about basketball.”

Not only are numbers an issue to be overcome, but having players without much history playing the game is also something Wilson and her staff deal with.

“I’d say this year about 80 percent of my team has never played basketball before, so its been a struggle for me because I have to teach fundamentals for the first three weeks then we jump right into a game,” she said. “Which shows clearly from our first game final score. We weren’t able to get a set offense taught yet so I’m glad to say we’re finally getting there.”

Lee lost to Kentwood Grand River Prep, 67-4, to open the season.

Zion Christian, out of the Alliance League, lost at home to Ravenna, 40-37, on Dec. 3. In 2018-19, Zion was 8-12 (2-5 in league) and one of those wins was a 48-13 victory over Lee.

Lee Athletic Director Jason Faasse also sees progress in the program in terms of numbers as much as wins at this point.

“Coach Wilson … has a great ability to connect with students and make them feel a part of something special,” Faasse said to WKTV. “Year-round they are working to engage the elementary and middle school aged students in the Godfrey-Lee community with the sport of basketball. Her leadership and commitment have played a huge role in increasing the participation at the high school level and I look forward to seeing the development of the program continue in a positive direction for years to come.”

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

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

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.

Local World Affairs Council announces inaugural Vandenberg Prize recipient

3-bottom, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events,
Statue of Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg in downtown Grand Rapids. (World Affairs Council)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Jon Huntsman Jr. (Official Photo)

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) announced this week that it will begin awarding an annual Vandenberg Prize to a national or international leader who has been influential in developing global understanding and collaboration on the world stage.

The inaugural recipient of the Vandenberg Prize is Ambassador (ret.) Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former Ambassador of the United States to Russia (2017-19) at the appointment of President Trump, to China (2009-11) at the appointment of President Obama, and to Singapore (1992-93) at the appointment of President George H.W. Bush.

Ambassador Huntsman was also the 16th Governor of Utah (2005-09) and a 2012 candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.

The Vandenberg Prize is named after Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951), the inspiration for founding the local World Affairs Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr.

In addition, the WACWM will present the annual Hillman-Orr Award to a West Michigan individual or institution that mirrors the intent of the Council’s founding leaders to bring global awareness and international understanding to the West Michigan community.

The first recipient will be Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., the regional economic development organization for Greater Grand Rapids, which has from its beginnings featured a global reach and international mindset.

The Ambassador and Klohs will receive the awards at a luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.

“Ambassador Huntsman has demonstrated a lifelong interest in forging strong international ties for the United States, and his bipartisan service shows a willingness, like Senator Vandenberg, to bring people together for good of the country and the world,” Council board president Dick Gauthier said in supplied material.

Hillman and Orr were inspired by the life and work of Sen. Vandenberg, an isolationist who became a strong advocate of internationalism in the wake of World War II, the WACWM states. Vandenberg forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and NATO and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the brand-new United Nations. Sen. Vandenberg has always been considered the “patron saint” of the Council, the WACWM states.

“Birgit Klohs credits the work of Senator Vandenberg as a key reason she was able to move forward and prosper after WWII, allowing her to grow up in a peaceful country with opportunity,” WACWM executive director Michael Van Denend said in supplied material. “We in West Michigan are deeply fortunate she chose this area to use her gifts to bring global business to the region.”

More information on the Vandenberg Prize event can be found at worldmichigan.org.

WKTV airs film about a real-life Indiana Jones-style archeologist

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism
Dr. Mark Fairchild in Turkey. (Photo from “The Last Apostle”)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Dr. Mark Fairchild has a lot in common with Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones character. They both are archeologists and they both have made some amazing discoveries. 

Other than one being fictional and the other being real, the only other big difference is that there has been been four films about Indiana Jones and none about Fairchild— that is until now.

 

“The Last Apostle: Journeys In the Lost Holy Land” will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Community Channel 99 at midnight Friday, Dec. 6; 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. The film was produced by local filmmakers Matt Whitney and Logan Bush, both graduates of Indiana’s Huntington University, where Fairchild is a professor of Bible and religious studies.

“When I go to Turkey, I have been there for more than 20 years, and I investigate Biblical sites dating back to the Greek period, the Hellenistic period, the Roman period that is what I concentrate on,” Fairchild said during a promotional video about the film.

“The place is exciting. It’s new. It’s fresh. It is relatively unexplored,” he said. “Turkey is very important. All three of Paul’s missionary journeys were in Turkey. A large portion of the new testament has to do with Turkey and Turkey was the cradle of Christianity.”

For the past 25 years, Fairchild has discovered mysteries in the Turish countryside, including the oldest synagogue in the world. In “The Last Apostle,” the film follows Fairchild as he travels one of the historic routes of the apostle Paul and explores Paul’s origins.

Fairchild noted that the things being discovered in Turkey are transforming the understanding of the scriptures and giving additional insight on what was going on back in the day of Paul.

“Traveling wit Dr. Fairchild is like following Admiral Byrd to Antarctica,” said producer Matt Whiney. “‘The Last Apostle’ brings you along for the ride.”

Whitney said the film would not have been made without WKTV.

“They graciously allowed us to make a long-term reservation of their cameras and take them out of the country to document Dr. Fairchild’s adventures and show them to the world.

“I’ve worked with WKTV for years both because of their access to professional equipment and because of the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always excited to offer their expertise.”

Beware the double-dippers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Holidays, How-To's,
A great way to avoid double-dipping: Place utensils in the dip bowl so guests can scoop a dollop directly onto a plate. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Allan Adler, Spectrum Health Beat


Double-dipping with a dance partner? A skillful move marked by grace and beauty.


Double-dipping with a snack at a party? Not quite so beautiful or graceful.


But definitely risky.


Using partially eaten food items such as vegetables or chips to scoop dip from a container can deposit bacteria from the double dipper’s mouth into the dip, which can make people ill if they dip into that same container, said Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, community nutrition educator for Spectrum Health Healthier Communities. Especially if the individual is sick.


Even a small amount of bacteria introduced by saliva can grow rapidly, perhaps to more than 100 times the initial level, potentially leading to serious illnesses such as a norovirus or herpes if the person has those viruses.


Even if the party guest is not sick, the bacteria they introduce can lead to foodborne illnesses.


While hosts and guests can take steps to protect partygoers from those who act carelessly with food, most of the precautions rest with the host.

Danger zone

For starters, dips that need to be kept cool should be placed on ice. Dips that need to be kept warm should be placed over the proper heating source, Corwin said.


“Forty-one to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is the danger zone,” she said. “That’s when bacteria can thrive.”


An extra-thorough host can use a thermometer to check temperatures.


The general rule: Leave food out no longer than two hours. If food is sitting outdoors, limit the time to one hour or less, depending on the temperature.


Also, set out smaller amounts of dip and replace them regularly with chilled dip stored in a refrigerator or cooler.


Some dips will grow bacteria more quickly than others, Corwin said. Runny dips, such as salsa and varieties made from sour cream, pose more of a threat than solid dips such as hummus.


And while it may be more tedious to prepare pre-portioned dip in containers, it could also be a wise move—especially if children are expected to attend the gathering.


“Kids are notorious for double-dipping,” Corwin said. As a mom of three, she speaks from experience.

Hands-free

At day’s end, there isn’t much that guests can do to protect themselves from double-dippers. One option is to bring your own food, or even abstain from eating, but that’s neither fun nor practical.


Still, precautions can be taken.


“If you’re dipping from something more solid, like hummus, take your helping from a portion not touched yet,” Corwin said.


Also, aim for dips that have serving utensils. If the host has set out serving spoons and dishes, people won’t need to double-dip—they can use the utensils to place an adequate amount of chips and dip on their plates.


Corwin emphasized the tried-and-true food safety mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out.


“As a host, anything you can do to take those extra precautions would be advisable,” she said. “You wouldn’t want any of your guests to leave sick, because you want them to come back.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Mark your calendar meow! for ‘CatVideo Fest’ at UICA Feb. 22

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events

By Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)


CatVideo Fest is a compilation of the latest and best cat videos pulled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and — of course — classic internet powerhouses. CatVideo Fest is a joyous communal experience only available in theaters.


UICA, in collaboration with the makers of CatVideo Fest, is committed to using the screening of this film to raise awareness for cats in need, right here in Grand Rapids. 10% of ticket sales will be donated to Carol’s Ferals for the work they do with cats in West Michigan.

  • What: CatVideo Fest; Run Time: 70 min.; MPAA Rating: NR; Origin: USA
  • When: Caturday, Feb 22, 2020, at 8pm
  • Where: UICA, 2 Fulton St. West, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cost: UICA Members: $5; Non-members: $10

Get your tickets now!



6 stocking stuffers to get you moving

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, How-To's, Kids Activities
If you want to surprise your little ones with gifts that keep on giving, go for something that inspires physical activity. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


If you want to give a meaningful gift that has long-lasting impact, consider a gift of activity.


Skip the tins of chocolate and instead stuff those stockings with fun items that encourage physical activity and exercise.


The Spectrum Health Healthy Weight Center team shared a list of fun toys and tools that can help you and your kiddos stay active.

Consider these creative gifts:

1. Jump rope

A simple jump rope is a fun way to get active and you’re not just limited to jumping rope. Use the rope in many ways to promote exercise—make a limbo line, walk across the rope like a tight rope, or jump over the rope while it’s on the ground. Be creative!

2. Frisbee

If you have children or pets, a Frisbee can be a great way to promote activity. If you have a lot of family, you can play ultimate Frisbee. It’s like football with a Frisbee, but without the tackling. You can find official rules at USA Ultimate, make up your own, or just play together and move.

3. Sports ball

Since there are too many to name, we figured we’d just include most sports equipment in this category. But a tennis ball, football, or Nerf ball are great for encouraging children to get active. Even better, you can play together! In the winter, get something you can use in the snow.

4. Hopping ball

You can find these at many toy stores. A hopping ball is a ball with a handle that kids can sit on and hop up and down. Adults should give it a try, too. It’s harder than it looks and oh so much fun. Just inflate and bounce!

5. Hopscotch rug

If there is too much snow for hopscotch, play it indoors with this fun rug. Or make your own by using colorful painter’s tape on the floor.

6. Yoga cards

There are many different versions of these cards. When you draw a yoga card, try to do the yoga pose shown on the card. You can take them anywhere—you just need a little bit of space for yoga.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Annis Water Resources director to speak about role of government in environmental protection

3-bottom, , ,

By Nate Hoekstra
Grand Valley State University

Alan Steinman, director of Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute, will speak at an event hosted by FLOW (For Love of Water) that will focus on the government’s role in protecting health and the environment.

Steinman, a global expert on freshwater ecosystems and research, will present alongside four other experts on policy that relates to water during the event.

“Perhaps more than ever before, with the threats of climate change, invasive species and legacy contaminants impacting the health of the planet and its inhabitants, including humans, enlightened governmental regulation is needed to help ensure we have clean air, soil, and water not only for the current generation, but even more importantly, for future generations,” Steinman said. “It is an unfortunate fact that when we, as a society, opt for lax environmental regulations, economic development and growth trump environmental integrity every time. Governmental regulation can play a critical role in ensuring that economic vitality and environmental protection complement each other and create new opportunities, rather than being perceived as combatants on the planetary battlefield.”

Resetting Expectations: Community Engagement Session on the Role of Government in Environmental Protection and Public Health

Thursday, Dec. 5

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Grand Rapids Public Library, Ryerson Auditorium

111 Library Street NE

To register, please visit http://bit.ly/2JCJmnS

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

The event’s interactive presentation will trace the history of environmental regulation and illustrate how environmental policies protect individuals, families and communities while fostering innovation and economic gains.

“FLOW’s body of research and reports – Resetting Expectations: Government’s Role in Protecting Human Health and the Environment and the community conversations – is designed to show that the benefits of government protections are both measurable and overwhelmingly favorable in the realm of environmental protection, where the quantifiable benefits of protections greatly exceed the costs imposed on business and the economy,” said Stanley “Skip” Pruss, who authored the reports and is the former director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth and former FLOW board chair.

Other speakers will include:

●     George Heartwell, former Mayor of Grand Rapids

●     Skip Pruss, former director, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth

●     Liz Kirkwood, FLOW executive director

●     Dave Dempsey, FLOW senior policy advisor



The last half-century has witnessed sweeping changes in the public perception of government and its role in advancing the public interest and improving public welfare. Surveys today show public trust in government is in sharp decline and criticism of government has become a bipartisan social norm. To many, “government regulation” connotes undue interference with markets, competition, and the economy, yet, at the same time, surveys show overwhelming bipartisan support for an essential function of government: the protection of air, water, public lands, and natural resources.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-role-of-government-in-protecting-human-health-and-the-environment-gr-tickets-78060269367

New Wyoming business brings the culture of Mexico to the area

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On a gloomy winter day, the bright colorful sign on the front of 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW only hints at what can be found when you go through the door.

Inside, you might feel as if you had been transported to the heart of Mexico in the brightly lit shop that is full of clothing, home décor and shoes all carefully curated by the shop’s owner Nancy Quero. Guelaguetza Designs, which opened in the City of Wyoming at the end of October, has always been a dream of Quero.

From home décor to shoes, Guelaguetza Designs features an array of items. (Photo by WKTV)



Quero, who started her business in 2005, said she wanted to make a connection between her home culture of Mexico through its clothing and art. She started by first featuring the work of her mother, who has been an artisan for 30 years. As interested in her mobile shop grew, Quero also cultivated relationships with other artists she has known for most her life. 

Her clinetle started “asking more about who made it and that they wanted one. So I started getting more things.”

Soon Quero was once again thinking about a permanent store.

“The idea of the store, it was there in the back of my mind for a very long time,” she said. “I just did not have the time or resources to do it.”

Through a friend, she was introduced to the SpringGR program, which helped her see that her desire to have a brick-and-mortar store could become a reality.

“It is a unique store because Mexican-Americans and our community can have access to unique items from Mexico,” she said.

A new line at Guelaguetza Designs is the black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo by WKTV)

The store features an array of items such as clothing lines for children, women and men. Guelaguetza Designs also features jewelry, purses, and shoes. A popular items is the Alebrijes, the little colorful hand-painted animals from Mexico. Quero also has added a line of black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico, which is distinguished by its color, sheen and unique designs and one of the most popular and appreciated styles of pottery in Mexico.  

She selected the DeHoop location because of its close proximity to 28th Street, a street she calls very international.

“You can find basically anything from Africa or South America so that is why we decided to do this in Wyoming, specifically on 28th Street,” she said.

For more about Guelaguetza Designs, visit the store at 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW, the store’s website, guelaguetzadesigns.com, or follow the store on Facebook page, Guelaguetza Designs.

Helping homeless families: WKTV Journal In Focus interviews Family Promise GR

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we bring to light the urgent need and community efforts to battle family homelessness in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We talk with Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids.

The local non-profit has the mission of ending “homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging faith-based and community organizations to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are homeless and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.”

Founded in 1997 as the Greater Grand Rapids Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise (familypromisegr.org) now partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and “viable solutions” for families with children who are facing a housing crisis.

Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids, on set with WKTV Journal In Focus host Ken Norris (WKTV)

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