The Wyoming City Council at Southlawn Park in 2017. The council will be heading out on the road this summer visiting three of the city’s neighborhoods. (WKTV)
The Wyoming City Council once again will be taking its meetings on the road with its first summer council meeting at Wyoming Junior High, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. The meeting is Monday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
Started in 2017, the Wyoming City Council has three of its summer meetings, this year it is the third Monday of the month in June, July, and August, in a neighborhood within the city. The goal being to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with council members in their own neighborhoods. Mayor Jack Poll said this gives residents an opportunity o learn about how its council works along with talking about issues or concerns within their own neighborhood directly with council members.
The Wyoming City Council at the Del-Mar Community Center in 2018. (WKTV)
“The Council on the Road program has been a great success for the City of Wyoming, as it allows the City Council to meet people where they are and interact with them in different ways,” Poll said. “In addition to educating residents about the City Council and how our meetings are conducted. These summer meetings also encourage council members to visit areas of the community that may be unfamiliar to them.
“Overall, we have a lot of fun and I think everyone enjoys them!”
From 6 – 7 p.m., there is a meet-and-greet with council members and city officials available to talk to residents, answer questions about the process, and enjoy a summertime treat. The council meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The official agenda for the meeting will be posted here.
The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The July “on the road” meeting will be July 15 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, and the August meeting is Aug. 19 at Aurora Pond Senior Living & Retirement Community, 2380 Aurora Pond Dr. SW.
Poll said “I encourage you to ‘be involved and be informed,’ and we look forward to meeting you and your neighbors this summer.”
We all know that companies cross government boundary lines all the time. They are constantly buying and selling goods and services while crossing city, village, township, county, state, and in many cases federal boundaries.
But what many people may not realize is that employees regularly cross city, village and county boundaries for employment. This ebb and flow of employees help companies located in a particular county fill needed positions, which enables them to sell products and services, pay taxes, and support their home county.
Conversely, many residents rely on companies in another county for employment, which enables them to live, raise families, pay taxes, and support schools and community projects in their home county.
The US Census Bureau OnTheMap has created an interesting report called: “Inflow/Outflow Report All Jobs for All Workers.” Search and select the county or city you’d like to analyze, then select “inflow/outflow” and “all jobs” in the dialog box. From the generated report you’ll be able to see how many individuals are employed and living in the area, how many come into the area for employment, and how many leave the area for employment.
The report is based on 2015 data, but the proof that economic development is regional is shown vividly by the movement of residents. View your community data and access the full reports at http://onthemap.ces.census.gov.
“Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.”
Menopause can be tough enough to handle, but when hot flashes and weight gain are accompanied by dry, scratchy, irritated and red eyes, it’s time to take action.
This condition actually has a name associated with it—dry eye of menopause—and it is a common complaint of women over 50.
Many women talk about it, ask their physician about it, and don’t like it, but there are no clear answers as to why women suffer from this condition. And, unfortunately, we don’t really know what to do about it. Is dry eye really associated with menopause, or is it a product of aging? We aren’t completely sure.
A patient I’ll call Rhonda suffered from several symptoms during menopause, including dry and irritated eyes. The 54-year-old finally decided to call our office for help.
She had been period-free for about 15 months, and her menopause symptoms were not going away. She started with night sweats and irritability roughly six months before her last period, but soon after her final period (not knowing it was her last one), the hot flashes started with a vengeance.
And the symptoms just kept coming. Rhonda didn’t sleep well, her moods became erratic, and she gained weight without changing her diet or exercise plan. For many months, Rhonda thought she could just handle everything, but after blowing up at a lady who left her cart in the middle of the aisle in the grocery store one day, she knew something had to change.
Rhonda took her first step by seeing her family practice physician. Although helpful, Rhonda wasn’t sure about her doctor’s recommendation to start taking hormone supplements.
So, instead, her doctor started her on the medicine Lexapro for the hormone-related mood changes. Lexapro increases the brain chemicals lost with poor sleep and lower estrogen levels. The medicine quickly helped with her mood swings and also cut her hot flashes in half.
Unfortunately, the weight gain continued, and she started having really scratchy eyes. She went back to her doctor thinking she had something stuck in them. After a thorough examination of her eyes with a special lamp, the doctor concluded they were clearly red and irritated despite having no foreign particles in them. She told Rhonda she had seen many women with dry eyes when they started menopause and perhaps it was time to consider hormone medication.
Rhonda left the office determined to take the next step in getting relief for this annoying symptom. She made an appointment at the Spectrum Health Medical Group Midlife and Menopause Offices with Natasha Peoples, a nurse practitioner and certified menopause practitioner. Peoples walked her through our menopause symptom and lifestyle assessments, also known as SEEDS (Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success).
The assessment confirmed that Rhonda had many of the symptoms, even though some of them were better with the Lexapro. Rhonda’s No. 1 goal was to get help for her dry eye issue, and she hoped Natasha could give her some advice. Her job required her to sit at a computer screen for several hours each day, and her eye symptoms made it difficult to concentrate.
After listening to Rhonda’s concerns, Natasha explained how the body changes with menopause, focusing specifically on the dry eye problem. We know that dry eye of menopause in women is common, no matter what age they experience menopause—at 30, 45 or 55. And, for many women, the symptoms of dry, scratchy eyes get better with estrogen. Testosterone is thought to possibly play a role in tear formation as well, and, without good studies to help us, testosterone in low doses added to estrogen could also help.
There are also some other options that may help dry eyes if a woman either can’t (because of medical reasons) or simply won’t add hormones to her daily routine. Dry eye of menopause is thought to be from quicker evaporation of tears and lower-quality tears (tears that are watery and don’t have much oil to coat the eye surface). Conversations with patients tell us that over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears and lubrication ointment can be effective for some, as well as adding fish oil or flax seed supplements to their diet. Even the basic habit of drinking water and staying hydrated can also play a positive role in eliminating this symptom.
Peoples thought Rhonda would benefit from taking hormones, but she first needed to make sure Rhonda was a good candidate. Natasha asked many questions about Rhonda’s medical history and lifestyle habits, and determined she was very healthy, except for being overweight. They talked about getting back to the basics and incorporating the SEEDS into her daily routine. And, they also worked out a plan to start menopause hormone therapy, deciding on the patch and FDA-approved progesterone capsules called Prometrium-bioidentical.
Three months later, Rhonda returned to see Peoples for her checkup and happily reported she felt better. She added one more walk to her week, started doing a DVD with weights, added yoga once a week, and began a routine of daily stretching. In addition, she drank more water, got better sleep and took a multivitamin, Vitamin D and fish oil.
Two weeks after starting the hormones, her hot flashes disappeared, and although her dry eyes weren’t completely back to normal, they were only a minor nuisance and no longer bothered her at work. Even her friends and family members noticed she was acting and feeling better.
Women, including Rhonda, do not have to suffer during menopause. Sometimes even the most basic habits can make all the difference in helping us feel better. And, even though Rhonda’s health care providers aren’t completely sure which change helped her eyes improve the most, Rhonda enjoyed feeling better than she had in a long time.
Together with its store guests and company associates, the SpartanNash Foundation’s Special Olympics fundraising scan campaign raised $255,200 on behalf of Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Between May 1 and 12, the SpartanNash Foundation hosted the companywide fundraising scan campaign in SpartanNash-owned stores throughout the Midwest, giving store guests the opportunity to donate $1, $5 or $10 at any checkout lane.
In each state, SpartanNash stores – including Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket and Family Fresh Market – teamed up to support Special Olympics partners, resulting in the $255,200 total.
“Along with our store guests and associates, SpartanNash and the SpartanNash Foundation are deeply committed to supporting Special Olympics in the states we serve, and the success of our recent retail scan demonstrates that support,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications and the executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “We are most grateful to all who joined forces with the SpartanNash Foundation to support this worthy cause and raise awareness of the importance of Special Olympics’ mission and the athletes who excel through good sportsmanship and competition.”
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Since 1985, SpartanNash and its charitable giving arm, the SpartanNash Foundation, have donated more than $9.6 million and thousands of volunteer hours through its partnership with Special Olympics.
Annually, SpartanNash associates volunteer more than 2,000 hours with Special Olympics.
SpartanNash has been the Presenting Sponsor of the Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games since 1985. The company has also supported Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games since 2003.
In Michigan, SpartanNash associates also prepare and feed hundreds of volunteers throughout the State Summer Games. SpartanNash donates all of the food for the volunteers and prints the State Summer Games programs and handbooks as well.
One hundred percent of all funds raised during the annual Special Olympics fundraising scan campaign go directly to year-round sports training and athletic competition opportunities. SpartanNash underwrites the costs to run the scan campaign, contributes funding and encourages associates to volunteer during Special Olympics State Summer Games and beyond.
Check presentations to Special Olympics partners will take place in the coming weeks, often during the opening ceremonies of the state’s Summer Games. Results from the 2019 Special Olympics scan include:
$165,000 for Special Olympics Michigan
$1,300 for Special Olympics Iowa
$15,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota
$25,000 for Special Olympics Nebraska
$29,000 for Special Olympics North Dakota
$4,200 for Special Olympics Ohio
$6,200 for Special Olympics South Dakota
$9,500 for Special Olympics Wisconsin
The Special Olympics retail scan campaign is the second of four fundraising campaigns the SpartanNash Foundation will conduct in 2019. To date, the SpartanNash Foundation has raised $434,700 on behalf of local Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics partners in eight states. Upcoming retail scans will raise funds and awareness for patriotic partners (June 26-July 7) and community food pantries (Oct. 23-Nov. 3).
Jordan Lovett celebrates earning her diploma at Grand Valley State University, following an arduous path through high school (photo credit: Dianne Carroll Burdick)
Five years after sharing her story about growing up in poverty, a mature, confident, 22-year-old Jordan Lovett walked into a local coffee shop. She had graduated days earlier from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
“It’s just now hitting me,” said the petite, blue-eyed Lovett about donning her cap and gown and walking across the graduation stage. She took a minute to reflect on how far she’s come.
“I believe I’ve changed a lot since I started,” she said. “I used to be more nervous and didn’t really want to put myself out there. I had more of a closed mindset. Throughout my journey in the social work program, I’ve been able to open up more. I am more confident with myself and I am able to listen to other people’s views.”
It was the third time I had sat down with Lovett, whom I first met in 2014 while looking for a student to interview about the impact of poverty in Kent County schools. Then-Superintendent David Britten recommended the Lee High School senior because of her ability to advocate for herself.
(Courtesy photo) Jordan Lovett graduated from Grand Valley State University in April. Her boyfriend, Cameron Poisson, was there to celebrate
Lovett struggled with housing insecurity — living in motels and other temporary homes — and faced many barriers tied to poverty. Despite that, she had a 3.5 GPA and was taking a challenging slate of classes, including pre-calculus and college English. She planned to go to college — the first in her family — and pursue a degree in elementary education. She told of growing up uncertain about her living arrangements or where money for food or clothes would come from.
I checked in with Lovett the next winter. She was struggling as a freshman at Aquinas College. Her grades weren’t great and she was stressed out trying to work, pay the bills, and complete 18 credits. She had already enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College for the next semester, to save money. She was one of many students in college who have the imposter feeling of, “I don’t belong here.” I wrote her second story as a bigger piece about how barriers for low-income college students don’t end at the Admissions Office door.
‘BECAUSE OF THE STRUGGLES OUR FAMILY WENT THROUGH, IT’S HELPED ME BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE’S STRUGGLES AT A MORE PERSONAL LEVEL.’ — JORDAN LOVETT, GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
But rather than give up, Lovett found her footing at GRCC, earned her associate’s and enrolled at GVSU. “I liked Grand Valley. I made a lot of connections with people,” she said. “I feel like a lot of us were in the same boat. A lot of us were working and doing a bunch of things at once.
(Courtesy photo) With a social work degree in hand, Jordan Lovett looks forward to the future
Getting to Graduation Day
Three years passed and I noticed through Facebook posts that Lovett was finding her way. She got braces and her driver’s license, both major personal milestones, but also endured heartache. Her father, Terry McClintock, passed away last year, and so did her sister’s fiance.
I knew it was time for a third article.
Lovett recently finished an internship at Bowen Elementary School, in Kentwood Public Schools, where she assisted the Kent School Services Network coordinator. Along with working directly with students, Lovett focused on attendance and was in charge of the program Hand2Hand, which provides students with backpacks filled with food for over the weekend. She also helped families fill out forms to receive free or reduced-cost lunches.
She worked closely with Bowen Principal Blair Feldcamp, who noticed her ability to connect with children. “You’ve got to work with kids, Jordan,” he told her. “You get them and they get you.”
Lovett could identify, understand and relate to families’ difficulties, Feldcamp said.
“Jordan went wherever she felt she was needed,” he said. “She had solid relationships with kids, understood the value of data. She was starting to grow into a role. She got comfortable with us, where she felt she could provide some input.”
She’s now working at Centria Healthcare Autism Services, leading therapy for a 6-year-old child, and at retail store Five Below. She’s applying for a 10-month accelerated master’s degree program in social work at Spring Arbor University, and would like to work as a school counselor or social worker someday.
Lovett said she pursued social work because of different options in the field. But there’s more to it than that — she wants to help people step out of their comfort zones.
“You get to work with a variety of people from all around. You are connecting with them and putting yourself out there to invite them to put themselves out there. You are getting the chance to advocate for those who can’t.”
She also knows she can relate at a level many people can’t.
“Because of the struggles our family went through, it’s helped me be able to understand other people’s struggles at a more personal level, which will help me to connect with my clients more. The fact that I have been through what most of them have been through, I think will influence my job a lot.”
Jordan Lovett graduated last month from Grand Valley State University (photo credit: Dianne Carroll Burdick)
Knowing Others’ Struggles
Lovett’s mother, Sheri McClintock, and her boyfriend, Cameron Poisson, have been among her biggest supporters. Britten has also remained in touch.
“I’m very proud of her success to date, especially given the mental, emotional and physical struggles she’s faced,” her former superintendent said. “I think it goes to show how important it is for the Jordans of this world to have people in their lives who encourage and support them. Many of these young folks are ‘invisible’ to everyday people and that can add to the overwhelming struggle.
“Besides the love Jordan has received from her mother, she also has benefitted from the support of her boyfriend and his family,” he added. “I think Jordan has turned a critical corner and has learned to accomplish just about anything she wants.”
Lovett has accrued about $28,000 in student loans, but looks at the debt as a means to getting where she wants to be. “I think it was worth it,” she said. “I will be paying for it for a long time, but in the long run it will be worth it because I will be doing something I enjoy doing.”
Before we finished our coffee, I asked Jordan what kept her focused. What kept her going when things were tough?
“It was just thinking about what I want my family to have when I start one,” she said. “I want them to be able to do a lot. I don’t want the financial part to be such a burden.”
She also likes the fact that her degree will allow her to help people overcome struggles she knows can remain invisible unless someone else knows what they feel like. It’s the chance to reach out, to help.
That’s what social work is all about, she said. That’s what Jordan is all about.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On occasion we have to set up live traps behind our facility on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, as people do have a tendency to drop cats off after (and sometimes during) hours; also we are seated across the street from an apartment complex that has had its fair share of abandonments, so our parking lot is no stranger to strays in need of assistance.
This spring (2019) we noted a few cats hanging around who had proven to be quite elusive, so in early May we set up a live trap in hopes of snagging one or both of them; instead we caught this scraggly yet stunning senior citizen—whom we had never seen before. As it turned out, the eight-year-old (born in April of 2011) was actually microchipped to a person living only a few blocks away, but multiple attempts to contact the owner failed.
Dr. Jen reached out to an old neighbor of hers who still lived nearby, and he told her that the owner had passed away a year ago, and the remaining residents of the household left this poor to fend for herself. The neighbor had been watching out for her and providing food and shelter, but he hadn’t seen her for quite some time before we caught her. He was so relieved she was safe and sound, indoors and being cared for, as his two former Crash Cats screamed bloody murder whenever they caught sight of her traipsing around their yard.
Since this sweet, seasoned girl was getting a second chance at a bright future, Dr. Jen opted to rename her Lenka, which is Slavic in derivation and means ‘light’. Although Lenka was sturdy in frame, she was underweight and thin, eating to her heart’s content and purring up a storm when stroked and spoken to. One thing that was clearly evident was that Lenka was definitely used to being indoors and could not be happier to have that soothing environment envelop her again.
Very shortly after her arrival, however, she developed large ulcerations on her upper lips, so along with treatment for an ear infection, Dr. Jen started antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial invasion of the lesions known as ‘rodent ulcers, an inflammatory condition that can be brought on by stress. The good doctor held off on using steroids to treat this form of Eosinophilic Granulomas, as she was hesitant to use an immunosuppressive drug right off the bat; luckily Dr. Jen’s gamble paid off and within days, Lenka’s lips healed beautifully.
But her medical issues weren’t over yet: when it came time for her four-week recheck at the clinic, Dr. Jen noted an elevated heart rate—and the fact that even though this girl could eat her weight (8#) in canned food, she hadn’t put on more than a few ounces. As Dr. Jen suspected, lab work revealed that Lenka was hyperthyroid. Thankfully, this condition, which is common in geriatric cats and causes a hypermetabolic state, is very easy (and cost-effective) to medically manage; Lenka takes her twice-daily pills like a trouper.
Dr. Jen tells her clients that if their pet is going to have an endocrine disorder, thyroid disease is probably the one that requires the least effort to control, and bi-yearly follow-ups once levels normalize. So, that being said, we asked our cat care team to give a glimpse of Lenka’s personality traits as seen at the shelter:
“Lenka is so sweet but really should be an only cat. She loves one-on-one time with people and can’t get enough attention. She just prefers a little bit of space from the other cats. I have a feeling at one time he was the Queen Bee of a household. She’s not one to be physically aggressive but will let out a serious warning growl to the other residents if they get too close — especially when eating. Considering her almost immediate health issues/setbacks, and hearing a little of her background I really don’t blame her for being a little grumpy. She’s not crazy about being handled but enjoys chin scratches and belly rubs. I would love to see her as an only cat in a home with a retired couple ideally, but as long as she is showered with affection she will be thrilled!”
More about Lenka:
Domestic Short Hair
Tabby (tiger-striped)
Senior
Female
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed
Good in a home with children, no other cats
Want to adopt Lenka? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
An excellent way to enhance your child’s scientific skill set is by playing together with blocks. Through block play, you can help your child focus on specific skills that may lead to a greater understanding of scientific principles as they learn more about the world around them. Remember that you can play with blocks anywhere. Feel free to take blocks to the backyard, park and places where you can spend time in nature. Using blocks in unconventional locations may create new sensory experiences that connect children to the natural world and their overall environment. In this series of articles, you will learn some specific questions to use to interact with your child using blocks to increase their developmental skills.
There are many ways to increase scientific skills and knowledge by playing with blocks. Playing with blocks can increase the ability to use observation, guessing and comparison. Block play can also lead to increased understanding of gravity, weight and balance. As you use blocks to play with your children, it is essential to be aware of some important and fun questions you can ask to support their learning and increasing of scientific skills.
Questions for learning about comparisons with blocks:
Can you show me which tower is the tallest?
Which block is the smallest? Which block is the biggest?
Which block is the shortest? Which block is the longest?
Do you have more red blocks or blue blocks? More yellow blocks or green blocks?
Is the red tower or the green tower the smallest?
Is the yellow tower or blue tower the biggest?
Questions for learning about gravity with blocks:
What will happen to the tower if we take this block away? (Choose a block in the middle.)
What makes the blocks fall down?
What can you do to make the tower fall down?
Questions for learning about balance with blocks:
Can you hold this block and stand on one foot?
How many blocks can you stack before it tips over, falls down, etc.?
Can you build a bridge with your blocks?
How can you make the blocks even? (Two on each side, three on each side, etc.)
Questions for learning about weight with blocks:
Can you show me the block you think is the heaviest? Lightest?
Which block would fit best on the top of your tower?
Which block should we use for the bottom of the tower (use to start building the tower)?
What would happen if you put the heaviest block on top of the tower?
Questions for learning about observation with blocks:
Can you show me the smallest block? The largest block?
Where is the square block, the circle block, the triangle block, etc.?
Can you find the shortest block? The longest block?
Where is the straight block? Where is the curved block?
Questions for learning about guessing using blocks:
Can we stack 10 blocks without them falling over?
If I remove this block, what do you think will happen?
If I place a block here, what will happen?
Can you show me the block you think will fit here?
Using any of these questions while playing with blocks can help a
child increase their knowledge and excitement for science. Beginning to
learn science at an early age can help increase creation of pathways in
the brain. With more experiences, children may have a greater chance of
being successful at learning higher scientific skills later in life.
Another great spot to search for science activities and resources is PBS Parents. They offer many activities, ideas and articles for playful science learning and are a great place to find extra resources for helping children increase their learning in science.
May passenger numbers topped 13.4-percent and the month goes down as the busiest May in history at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).
Through May 2019, 1,460,611 passengers have traveled through the airport, and overall passenger traffic is up 11.5-percent from 2018 – the busiest year in GFIA history.
May 2019 saw 296,202 passengers compared to 261,281 in 2018. May 2019 also beats out May 2018 as the busiest May in airport history.
The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 70 of the last 77 months and 20 straight.
“The community continues to grow, and we’re a reflection of that growth,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “We see new developments everywhere, new businesses, and tremendous investments in our community. People should be proud to know West Michigan is a hidden gem among the aviation industry and the more we grow, the more airlines will be investing new routes and more frequencies here.”
The growth is expected to continue in 2019 as airline partner Allegiant started new nonstop service to Nashville (BNA), and Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) last week. Additionally, Allegiant started nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) in April.
With the growth, GFIA has invested in its facilities and is currently underway in Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions. Updates on construction at the airport can be found here: https://www.grr.org/construction.php
As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more information to make security screening smoother are available at www.tsa.gov.
The annual roadwork “construction season” in Kentwood and beyond was one of the many discussion items of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, June 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions.
“We do have two seasons: snow season and construction season, and we are starting that construction season,” City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said at the meeting. “We do have road construction projects in place and I encourage everybody to go to our website, and see when those are (happening) and where those construction projects are taking place.”
Mayor Kepley pointed out major work along Sparks Drive SE and Forest Hill Avenue SE including the intersections of Burton Street SE and East Paris Avenue SE. According to the city’s website listing 2019 roadwork, the project will cost $1.3 million and run June 24 through August. For more information see a WKTV story (from the City of Kentwood) 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 July 8 at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
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 offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday and each Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. It will also be replayed on the Saturday a week after the meeting at noon, also on Channel 26.
Berries are nature’s natural sweetener and they come loaded with benefits. Fiber, vitamins and antioxidants sweeten the deal.
Fresh strawberries are a plentiful spring and summer fruit, so load up on them at the farmer’s market. One cup contains 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and has just 46 calories.
Here are two great ways to turn a basket of berries into sweets. The first is a simple, low-sugar refrigerator jam that you can use in many ways, from a tasty topping for toast to a sweetener in smoothies.
Low-sugar strawberry jam
4 tablespoons cold water
1-1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 pound strawberries, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
Place two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface. Do not stir. Set aside to soften.
Meanwhile, place the strawberries in a heavy saucepan, along with the other two tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until berries are softened, about five minutes. Stir in the gelatin and the honey. Chill at least one hour before serving.
Yield: About 2 cups
Strawberry trifle
A fresh trifle is a tasty way to showcase seasonal berries, but most traditional recipes are heavy in fat and sugar, mostly from the lemon curd. By lightening up homemade curd and using yogurt instead of cake layers, this dessert is guilt-free.
2 large lemons, zested and juiced
1/4 cup sugar or sugar substitute
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons butter, cut into bits
4 cups assorted berries, stemmed and halved
2 cups plain 2 percent Greek yogurt
Whisk the lemon juice and zest, sugar and eggs in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in butter and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until curd is thick and clings to the whisk, about six minutes.
Transfer lemon curd to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the fridge until cold, at least 60 minutes.
When chilled, layer half the curd in the bottom of a glass bowl. Add a third of the berries, then top with 1 cup of the yogurt. Repeat with layers of curd, berries and yogurt and finally top with a layer of berries. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 60 minutes before serving.
Rehabilitation of Sparks Drive SE and Forest Hill Avenue SE from East Paris Avenue SE to Burton Street SE is scheduled to start on Monday, June 24 and slated for completion in August.
The project will include new asphalt on the roadway, new concrete pavement at the intersection of Burton and Forest Hill, new right-turn lanes for northbound and southbound Forest Hill at Burton, a new right-turn lane for northbound East Paris at Sparks Drive and modernized traffic signals at Burton and Forest Hill, as well as at East Paris and Sparks.
During construction, Sparks will be closed to through traffic from East Paris to Burton, and Forest Hill will be closed north of Burton to Cascade Road intermittently throughout the project. The Burton and Forest Hill intersection will also be impacted. Traffic delays should be anticipated; commuters are strongly advised to take alternate routes.
“We understand how road construction can be an inconvenience for commuters,” said City Engineer Dan VanderHeide. “Throughout the process, the contractor will work to minimize disruptions whenever possible. We are confident this project will improve the City’s infrastructure and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to maintain Kentwood’s streets.”
Detours will be posted and there will be electronic sign boards to give commuters advance notice before each major change in traffic. Commuters can also receive updates via the City’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) and website.
For more information, including a map of 2019 street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us.
Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Twenty years form now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
The Wyoming Summer Concert series is well underway with the Brena Band performing tonight at 7 p.m at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The West Michigan band is known for its large repertoire that includes, country, RnB, rock, pop, and more. Tonight’s theme is Disney with the audience encouraged to have fun with it. Also before the show, there will be a yoga session to get everyone warmed up.
It’s all fun and games
The Grand Rapids Public Museum recently expanded its TOYS! exhibit. More than 15 new interactives will fill the first floor galleria, into the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit and on the Museum’s second floor, overflowing from the TOYS! exhibit. Visitors will enjoy playing giant versions of their favorite games including: Battleship, Lincoln Logs, Chess, Connect Four, UNO, Kerplunk, Tic Tac Toe, Lite Brite and more! Speaking of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, now is the time to scoop up tickets to the museum’s Front Row for the Fireworks event for the city’s July 6 fireworks. Tickets are $15.
A day for remembering
Faith Hospice will be hosting its annual Service of Remembering and Butterfly Release Thursday, June 13. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, SW in Byron Center. The Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release provides just that for those who participate. It is an opportunity for families to gather together to honor the lives of the person or people who have passed away. Because butterflies are often considered deep and powerful representations of life, and the transformation that some people of faith believe, they are a wonderful symbol of the life of the individual.
Mt. Avron is owned by a local paper company, but there is public access to it. Above is a picture of the summit and log book. (Wikipedia)
Fun Fact: Up a Hill, Down a Mountain
Tennessee has the Smokey Mountains, Colorado has the Rockies and Michigan has the Huron Mountains. The Huron Mountains are located in the Upper Peninsula in the Baraga State Forest Area. The highest point in Michigan is Hurons’ Mt. Arvon at 1,979 feet. Interestingly, Mt. Arvon has only had the designation since 1982, when it was determined through modern technology that Mr. Arvon was one foot higher than Mt. Curwood, which was at that time considered the highest point in the state.
With the mild weather of spring upon us, many people are venturing into the outdoors after enduring a long, cold Michigan winter. While there are few better experiences for the soul than a walk in the woods, there are some precautions one should take to minimize the risk posed by ticks.
Although most bug bites are harmless, some people are prone to sensitivity from the biting insect’s saliva, which is recognized by the body as a foreign substance, prompting an immune response. The more you scratch it, the more it will itch as irritation and inflammation increases. Many over-the-counter products, or plain old rubbing alcohol, can reduce this itching and inflammation.
However, when it comes to ticks, there are some potentially dangerous ailments that can be transmitted through bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks can be infected with a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be passed on to humans through a bite. The most common of these is Lyme disease, first diagnosed in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975.
Lyme disease has been notoriously hard to diagnose, although the increased incidence of the disease has resulted in more awareness for both the patient and medical practitioner. Typical symptoms of possible Lyme infection include initial swelling and/or itching at the site of the bite, which many times progresses into an expanding rash (possibly forming a bulls-eye appearance). As the infection progresses, flu-like symptoms can present themselves, including headache, chills, fatigue, fever, and nausea. If left untreated, Lyme’s disease can cause permanent, debilitating neurological and joint problems.
The best defense against tick-borne illnesses is prevention. First, be aware of tick habitat and their methods for finding a host. Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not drop or jump on people (or animals)—they hang onto vegetation, waiting for something to brush against them, then latch on. Brushy woods and tall grassy areas provide the best opportunities for ticks to accomplish this, so be especially vigilant when exploring these areas.
It is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to provide fewer areas of exposed skin for ticks to latch onto. Additionally, since ticks usually crawl upwards, tucking pant legs into socks will increase the likelihood of seeing ticks on your pants rather than on your skin.
The CDC recommends treating clothing, boots, and outdoor gear with products containing permethrin. Insect repellents containing DEET or other Environmental Protection Agency-approved ingredients can be quite effective at repelling ticks.
Finally, don’t forget about pets. After venturing outdoors, be sure to thoroughly check your pet’s coat for any ticks. And, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pet from ticks.
Any ticks found attached (on you or pets) should be carefully removed with a fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull straight out, being careful not to dislodge the head into the skin. Thoroughly wash the bite area, and monitor for signs of irritation or rash.
Work this summer is either underway or will be shortly at City of Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial Park, the Kentwood Activities Center and at Old Farm Park. But the city is also looking even farther into the future with recent the formation of the Kentwood Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee.
“We are growing the parks and rec opportunities for our residents,” said Ed Kape, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, and now chairman of the new advisory committee, which held its first meeting June 3.
“We are expanding and exploring other opportunities of what we can do to enhance the quality of life of our residents here in Kentwood,” Kape said to WKTV. “And it is not necessarily by games and things like that, it is by services we offer. It is by programs we offer them in the parks and rec building.”
Kape talked with WKTV in May about this season’s work and the new committee when he sat down for a WKTV Journal In Focus interview.
“Kentwood’s park system is near and dear to my heart,” Kape said, later, in supplied material. “Now we need to plan for the next 50 years and determine how we can continue to provide quality parks amenities for our community.”
The 21-member advisory committee includes broad community representation and is comprised of parks and recreation commissioners, City Commission’s AD HOC Strategic Planning Committee members, planning commissioners, residents and business owners.
The advisory committee was established to review and prioritize improvements to Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming “to align with the needs of the community,” according to supplied material.
“The City Commission has asked residents to perform a needed and exciting review process,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “This level of community input is paramount to ensure detailed visionary planning is performed today to preserve Kentwood’s excellent quality of life over the next 50 years.”
The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department oversees the city’s 14 parks and 6.5 miles of trails.
Major work at parks underway
At the Kentwood Activities Center work is underway to make the facility entrance more accessible and protective for the city’s seniors and others. (WKTV)
Summer 2019 improvements include work at the Veterans Memorial Park, where the city received a grant to “grow community engagement” for the park’s neighborhood and the city as a whole.
At the Kentwood Activities Center, a facility much used by seniors and residents of all ages, work is underway to make the facility entrance more accessible and protective for the city’s seniors.
One of the largest projects is at the Old Farm Park, where an entirely new building is being constructed with the aim for providing more amenities for family and group activities.
For more detailed information on the Kentwood Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee, see the story here.
More information about Kentwood’s 14 parks and 6.5 miles of trails is available online at kentwood.us/parks.
Faith Hospice will hosts its annual Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release Thursday, June 13 at its Trillium Woods campus in Byron Center. (Supplied)
By Faith Hospice
Local hospice provider, Faith Hospice, is holding a special event on Thursday, June 13, at its Trillium Woods campus that invites families who have lost loved ones in its care to join together in honor and remembrance through the release of butterflies. The second annual Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release will be held at 7 p.m. at Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, SW in Byron Center.
The Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release provides just that for those who participate. It is an opportunity for families to gather together to honor the lives of the person or people who have passed away. Because butterflies are often considered deep and powerful representations of life, and the transformation that some people of faith believe, they are a wonderful symbol of the life of the individual.
One of last year’s attendees gets ready to release a butterfly. (Supplied)
In 2018, approximately 170 people attended the service and released butterflies in honor of family and friends. The theme of this year’s remembrance is “We Grieve With Hope.”
“Many of the families who participated in 2018 walked away with a sense of hope and of new beginnings as the butterflies were released,” said Faith Hospice Bereavement Manager Janet Jaymin. “Grieving is composed of so many stages and remembering the life of your loved one is a key part of the process.”
Community members are invited to attend the event as well. Registration is required by calling 616-356-4820. More information can be found at faithhospice.org/events.
“Bereavement, or the process of grieving a loved one, is a very personal experience,” Jaymin said. “One of the most important things about the grieving process is that every person’s grief is unique and that recovering from grief does not mean forgetting your loss or your loved one because we don’t forget the people we love. Taking the time to remember and commemorate their life is a significant part of the grieving process.”
Friends and families gather at the 2018 Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release. (Supplied)
Members of the City of Kentwood’s community-based Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has assembled a community-based Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee to plan for the City’s future.
“The City Commission has asked residents to perform a needed and exciting review process,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “This level of community input is paramount to ensure detailed visionary planning is performed today to preserve Kentwood’s excellent quality of life over the next 50 years.”
The advisory committee, which held its first meeting on Monday, June 3, with 21 members, was established to review and prioritize improvements to Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming to align with the needs of the community.
The advisory committee provides broad community representation and is comprised of Parks and Recreation commissioners, City Commission’s AD HOC Strategic Planning Committee members, Planning commissioners, residents and business owners.
During the group’s first meeting, Ed Kape, who currently serves on Planning Commission and as chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, was named chair of the new advisory committee. Dustin Moseley, a Parks and Recreation commissioner, was named vice chair.
“Kentwood’s park system is near and dear to my heart. Having been a part of the community for 28 years, I’ve seen how we have grown,” Kape said. “Now we need to plan for the next 50 years and determine how we can continue to provide quality parks amenities for our community. I’m excited to be involved in this process.”
Following are all advisory committee members:
Robert Coughlin, City commissioner (Strategic Planning Committee), Parks and Recreation commissioner Jessica Dennis, Tiffin University, community member Christopher Furner, Worksighted Inc., community member Mark Giles, Steelcase, community member Jill Gorkowski, Spectrum Health, community member Maurice Groce, City commissioner (Strategic Planning Committee) Olivia Jenison-Bailey, Parks and Recreation commissioner Karmen Johnson, Fifth Third Bank, community member Ed Kape, Parks and Recreation commissioner, Planning commissioner Stephen Kepley, City of Kentwood mayor, Strategic Planning Committee member Mimi Madden, Parks and Recreation commissioner Wallace Massie, Parks and Recreation commissioner Trent Meyer, Parks and Recreation commissioner David Moore, Parks and Recreation commissioner Dustin Moseley, Parks and Recreation commissioner Darius Quinn, Planning commissioner Laurie Sheldon, City of Kentwood treasurer Adam Shilling, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, community member Kevin Small, Parks and Recreation commissioner Billy Smith, retired, community member Travis Tate, Dan Vos Construction Company, community member
The committee will hold approximately nine meetings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of every month. Over the course of those meetings, the group will review the Parks and Recreation Business Plan, Parks Master Plan and Non-Motorized Trail Plan and recommend an implementation and sustainable funding plan to the City Commission by December 2019.
Please contact Deputy City Administrator Mark Rambo at 616-554-0770 or via email at rambom@kentwood.us for more information about the advisory committee.
Vitamin D is the healthy “sunshine” vitamin, but it can have a dark side, one Canadian man discovered.
A team of Toronto physicians reported on the case of a 54-year-old man who developed kidney damage after taking extremely high doses of vitamin D.
It’s a cautionary tale for consumers, medical experts say.
“Although vitamin D toxicity is rare owing to a large therapeutic range, its widespread availability in various over-the-counter formulations may pose a substantial risk to uninformed patients,” said study co-author Dr. Bourne Auguste. He’s a clinical fellow in home dialysis at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto.
As reported recently in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the man was seen by doctors after he returned from a holiday in Southeast Asia, where he spent much of his time sunbathing. Vitamin D is naturally synthesized by the skin upon contact with sunlight.
Testing showed that the man had elevated blood levels of creatinine, a marker for kidney damage or malfunction. The patient was then referred to a kidney specialist and underwent further testing.
Doctors learned that the man had been prescribed high doses of vitamin D by a naturopath—even though he did not have vitamin D deficiency and no history of bone loss.
Over 30 months, the man had taken eight to 12 drops of vitamin D—a total of 8,000 to 12,000 International Units, or IUs—per day.
The typical recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 400 to 1,000 IU, with a higher amount (800 to 2,000 IU) recommended for adults at high-risk of osteoporosis, and for older adults.
The patient far exceeded those dosages, however, and that led to extremely high levels of calcium in his blood. It’s those high blood calcium levels that triggered his kidney damage, Auguste’s team said.
“Patients and clinicians should be better informed about the risks regarding the unfettered use of vitamin D,” the study authors concluded.
Dr. Maria DeVita directs nephrology—kidney medicine—at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reading over the case report, she said that “overuse of the vitamin, as is true of many supplements, may have dire adverse effects.”
DeVita said, “Vitamin D is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones, (but) the take-home message is too much of a good thing is not good.”
The West Michigan economy is slowing with evidence of a flat growth pattern, 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 May.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) flattened to +3, down from +13. The production index held steady at +11, while the index of purchases dropped sharply to -2 from +16. The employment index rose to +15 from +4.
“The sharp drop in our index of purchases indicates many firms are putting expansion plans on hold and beginning to sandbag operations in the event that the economy continues to flatten,” said Long.
He said the local economic slowdown is related to the trade war with China and the possibility of tariffs on Mexican imports.
“The economic impact and direction of the ongoing multi-national tariff wars virtually defies prediction,” said Long. “What we do know is that the tariffs are starting to raise prices for a wide variety of commodities and pinch profitably for an increasing number of firms. Business planners hate uncertainty, and not knowing what new commodities might be impacted and what the resulting delivered prices might be causes future hiring or expansion plans to be put on hold.”
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.”
WKTV Journal In Focus podcast on public perception of elected officials, with (from right) Emily Bridson and guests Eric-John Szczepaniak, and State Rep. Rachel Hood. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we discuss the public’s often negative perception of their elected leaders, from the nation’s highest office to local governments, and how that perception might be changed in the future.
Visiting our studios, each with unique perspectives on the subject, are Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson; State Rep. Rachel Hood, a Democrat, who is serving her first term representing the 76th House District, which covers a large section of the city of Grand Rapids; and Grand Valley State University student (and student body president) Eric-John Szczepaniak, who, when he was elected to the Kenowa Hills School Board in 2016, was the youngest elected official in Michigan.
For a link to the audio podcast, click here; for a link to the WKTV’s Facebook “The Whole Picture Podcasts” interview video, click here. (If you’d like to give us some feedback on our special In Focus podcast, please contact Ken Norris at ken@wktv.org.)
Regular episodes of 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).
Blueberries at harvest display poor pollination. Right cluster was visited by bees while left cluster was not. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension
Bees are important insect pollinators for bountiful home vegetable gardens and backyard fruits. Both European honey bees and native bees, such as bumble bees, help ensure fruit set and higher yields. Learning about the process of pollination can help smart gardeners attract and safeguard these important insects.
What is pollination?
Figure 1. Flower anatomy in a perfect flower. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension
Pollination is the deposit of pollen grains from the anther (male structure) onto the pistil (female structure) of the same plant species (Fig. 1). Pollen can be transferred within an individual flower or between separate flowers. Successful pollination results in the production of viable seeds and a fruit to protect them.
Most crop plants are pollinated by insects or wind. Many agronomic crops, such as wheat and corn, rely on wind pollination. In contrast, many fruits and vegetables require or benefit from insect pollination. Common insect pollinators include bees, butterflies and flies. Of these pollinators, bees are the most important in home gardens.
The role of pollinators in the vegetable garden
Common plants in the cucurbit family include cucumbers, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, watermelon and muskmelon. Most cucurbits depend on bee pollination because each plant produces separate male and female flowers rather than having both sets of reproductive parts in each flower.
Figure 2. Cucumber flowers. Female flower with ovary on left, male on right. Courtesy Michigan State University Extention
Gardeners frequently ask why they have so many flowers on their cucumbers, but no fruit set. Look closely at the flowers to answer this question. In many cucumber cultivars, the first set of flowers are all male, which do not bear fruit. Both male and female flowers will then be produced in the second wave of blooms.
If female flowers are present but no fruit develops, then the problem may be a lack of pollinators. In the short-term, you can fill the role of the bee with hand- pollination. Take a clean paintbrush and insert it into the male flower to gather pollen. Then, transfer pollen to the stigmas of an open female flower. Hand-pollination works best in the morning. For a long-term solution, create pollinator habitat near or in the garden to attract bees.
Such flowers are called “imperfect.” Bees are essential to cross-pollinate or carry pollen from the male flower to the receptive female flower.
Figure 3a. Tomato flower anthers forming a tube around the pistil. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension
The cucurbit male flower contains three to five stamens with pollen- producing anthers. The female flower produces a single style with three stigmas. The easiest way to distinguish between the two flower sexes is to look for an ovary below the yellow petals. Female flowers have a swollen ovary or fruit and male flowers do not (Fig. 2).
Figure 3b. Portion of anthers cut away to revel pistil. (Courtesy Michigan State University Extension
In contrast to cucurbits, Soloanaceae crops such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants produce “perfect” flowers that contain male and female reproductive structures. Flower anatomy differs from the idealized image in Figure 1. Tomato anthers form a tube that completely surrounds the pistil (Fig. 3a). Figure 3b shows the anthers partially removed to reveal the pistil. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants can be pollinated simply by wind shaking the pollen from the anthers onto the stigma. However, bumble bees can improve fruit set and size because they vibrate the flowers and shake pollen loose from the anthers.
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula), cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale), root crops (carrots, beets, radishes, onions), legumes (peas, beans) and tuber crops (potatoes) do not require bees to produce an edible harvest.
The role of pollinators in growing fruit
Bee pollination is important for growing tree fruits and small fruits. Many tree fruits such as apples and pears are self-incompatible (Table 1). This means two separate cultivars must be planted to produce fruit. For example, a ‘Honeycrisp’ apple blossom will not set fruit if a bee deposits pollen from a second ‘Honeycrisp’ apple tree. Instead, the pollen must come from a cultivar that is genetically different and has an overlapping bloom time.
Fruits such as sour cherries are self-compatible and can set fruit in the absence of a second cultivar (Table 2). However, self-compatibility still requires bees to transfer pollen within the flower or between flowers for full pollination. The number of cherries on a tree is directly related to the number of bee visits.
Raspberries are another example of a self-compatible fruit that relies on bees for full pollination (Table 2). The average raspberry flower contains 100 to 125 pistils. To produce a normal berry that does not crumble, at least 75 to 85 of the pistils must be pollinated.
Best management practices to attract and protect pollinators
Plant native and other well-adapted flowering plants for season-long bloom in or near the garden.
Create nesting habitat for ground- and cavity-nesting bees.
Do not spray insecticides or fungicides on flowering plants or fruit trees just before or during bloom.
If pesticide applications are necessary, choose a product with the least toxicity to bees.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program 2017-70006-27175 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
There’s no reason you can’t get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun as a senior, but it’s also important that you take some precautions against the heat. Your body struggles to regulate internal temperatures as you age, making seniors one of the groups most likely to be affected by the heat and fall victim to dangerous health conditions like heat stroke.
In order to combat the dangers of overheating, sunburns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, you need to be prepared. Here are 9 summer heat tips for seniors to stay safe while enjoying everything the Midwest summer season has to offer.
1. Stay Hydrated!
The simplest tip for maintaining a healthy internal body temperature and avoiding heat illnesses is also the one that is often the first forgotten. Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it doesn’t take much effort.
A helpful tip is to keep water easily accessible, so you don’t forget to drink it during the day. Keeping reusable water bottles in the fridge or by the door can remind you to grab one before you leave the house to have with you in the summer heat. Staying hydrated is important all year-round, so it’s a great habit to start!
2. Eat the Right Foods!
Heavy meals and hot foods can increase your internal body temperature and actually make you more likely to overheat. Instead, having light, fresh, and energizing foods that increase your energy levels can keep your internal body temperature at a healthy level during the summer. In addition, foods like fruits and vegetables have a high water content and can help you stay hydrated in addition to drinking water.
3. Dress Appropriately!
Don’t wear heavy layers during the summer—even if you are prone to getting cold. Your internal body temperature can quickly rise if you are dressed too warm. Instead, try clothing like:
Lightweight shirts and pants
Breathable fabrics
Light-colored clothing
Hats
4. Wear Sunscreen!
Avoid sunburn and painful blisters by protecting your skin. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and often during summer days when you are outdoors. Even if the day is overcast, the UV rays of the sun can still give you sunburn. Use an SPF of at least 30, remember to cover areas that are often forgotten like:
The top of your head
Ears
Knees
Exposed parts of your feet and ankles
Neck and chest
5. Check the Weather!
Don’t let a heat wave catch you by surprise! Keeping a close eye on the weather predictions and the heat index can help prepare for the day ahead. Be aware of humidity as well—especially in the Midwest. Humidity can make a temperate day feel much hotter, so be ready. The heat index includes humidity in its calculation, so it’s a great resource to have on hand.
6. Don’t Overexert Yourself!
Using too much energy can result in your body becoming dehydrated much quicker than usual, which can lead to heat stroke or collapse. Your energy levels also drop as you age, making this dehydration process happen faster. There are plenty of great ways to get outdoors that don’t require you to put too much energy into your activities.
7. Stay Indoors!
An easy way to avoid the heat is to just stay inside. On particularly hot days, plan to stay indoors—whether in your own home or at a place like a shopping center or movie theater. Indoor activities and alternative exercises can help you stay fit and active without having to brave the hot sun and risk your health.
8. Find Air-Conditioned Areas!
There’s never a better time to invest in an air conditioner than when you become a senior. Having a source of cold air can be a major help during heat waves, as it can help you lower your body temperature quickly. If you plan on going outside, having a plan in place to stop at air-conditioned stores or cafes throughout the day can be another way to avoid too much heat exposure.
9. Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs!
Knowing what the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are can be the difference between avoiding sickness or becoming a victim.
The major signs of oncoming heat exhaustion include:
Excessive sweating
Dizziness
Weakness
Headache
Tiredness
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Fainting
If you feel any of these signs coming on, immediately cool yourself off with fans, air conditioning, a cold bath, and plenty of cool drinks and water. This will help bring your internal body temperature down and avoid the more serious heat illness, heat stroke. If you feel these signs progressing, get out of the sun immediately and call 911. Heat stroke can lead to seizures and/or a coma if not dealt with.
Avoid these serious symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke by taking the heat and hot temperatures of summer seriously, especially as a senior. By following these tips and monitoring your internal body temperature, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer in healthy moderation.
Research suggests yoga may impart a multitude of health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and lower stress levels. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
For years, aerobic exercise has been touted for its numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better mood, increased energy and stronger bones and muscles.
But there’s another form of physical activity that’s grabbing headlines—yoga.
Some studies suggest the mind-body practice may be good for heart health, from reducing blood pressure and cholesterol to lowering stress and body mass index.
While yoga often is associated with images of limber practitioners, it is more than just stretching and handstands.
Originated in India, yoga includes physical poses (asana), breathwork (pranayama) and meditation. There are many yoga styles, including Hatha, Iyengar, restorative and hot yoga, each with a specific emphasis such as alignment or relaxation.
Recently, more Americans are stepping onto the mat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.3 percent of U.S. adults—or 35.2 million—practiced yoga in 2017, up from 9.5 percent in 2012.
Many take up the practice as a holistic approach to health and wellness and for its stress-busting effect.
“There’s a huge body of literature that says psychosocial stressors such as work and marital stress, as well as anxiety and depression, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Puja Mehta, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
“With chronic stress, the sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive,” which can lead to inflammation and increased blood pressure, Mehta said.
Yoga may help put the brakes on the body’s stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” system, through deep breathing and relaxation, Mehta said.
Cultivating mindfulness also may encourage participants to engage in other habits that boost cardiovascular health by promoting self-awareness and self-care behaviors.
“(This) can have a profound effect on supporting the engagement of healthy behaviors of diet and physical activity,” said Dr. Gloria Yeh, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of mind-body research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Research also shows yoga may lower cardiovascular risk factors.
Yeh coauthored a 2014 review of clinical research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology that found yoga had a significant impact on cardiometabolic risk factors compared to doing no exercise at all.
For example, yoga decreased total cholesterol by 18.48 mg/dl and triglycerides by 25.89 mg/dl more than the change seen in the control group. Blood pressure improved too. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased 5.21 mmHg and 4.98 mmHg, respectively.
The benefits also extend to people with heart disease.
Among people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in which symptoms come and go, doing 12 weeks of yoga combined with deep breathing resulted in a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and higher mental health scores compared to those who didn’t do yoga, according to a 2016 study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.
Mehta said although these and other scientific studies show promising results, there are some limitations, such as a small number of participants.
In addition, because yoga encompasses a variety of elements, there isn’t a standard dose of yoga, which makes comparisons across studies difficult, she said.
Both Yeh and Mehta said more research is needed, including more randomized clinical trials and a better understanding of the exact mechanism behind yoga’s cardiovascular benefits.
“We need to better understand for whom yoga may be more beneficial and how,” Yeh said. “Because yoga is so heterogeneous with many different styles and emphases, we’d like to be able to match the right exercises with the right people at the right time. We need to understand how best to integrate yoga with other lifestyle measures.”
And the biggest research question remains, Mehta said: “Are you going to live longer and not have cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke?”
For older adults and people new to yoga, Mehta recommends looking for gentle, restorative or chair-based classes.
People with heart disease or high blood pressure may need to modify some poses and avoid postures that place the head below the heart, she said. Experts also suggest pregnant women in particular steer clear of “hot yoga,” or yoga classes that take place in a heated room, because of the risk of overheating and dehydration.
The bottom line, Yeh said, is that yoga is exercise and “any exercise is better than no exercise, so the activity that someone will do—and enjoy doing—will be the one that provides the most benefit.”
Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.
The City of Kentwood has a full day of activities planned for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and live music, leading up to fireworks at dusk.
“Kentwood’s Fourth of July celebration seems to grow and improve every year providing a great variety of activities the entire family can enjoy,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We welcome our friends and neighbors to join us in Kentwood as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”
To start the day off right, a pancake breakfast will be offered at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, a new location this year. The $5 breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and include pancakes and sausage. Kids who are five years old or younger may enjoy breakfast for free.
Also beginning at 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather across from Fire Station 1 for registration and packet pick-up for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The chip-timed race will begin 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish line on Walma Avenue SE near Kentwood City Hall at 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Using the same course route as last year, which can be viewed online, runners will loop through neighborhoods before coming back on the East West Trail to finish.
Hundreds of spectators along the race route are anticipated. For the safety of all participants, no baby strollers, roller skates, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. Awards will be given for the overall fastest male and female racers; medals will be distributed at the finish line after results are posted.
Following the race will be the annual parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route also remains the same as last year, starting at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Road SE, turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School.
Kentwood will host its best carnival yet with bigger rides than before from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, another new location from years past. In addition to a variety of rides, the carnival will feature giant inflatables, games and other fun activities for kids. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.
City Hall will also host the evening celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. Community booths, a beer tent and food trucks will line the lawn behind City Hall. A variety of bands, including the BareNaked 90’s, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues and Main Street Dueling Pianos, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from City Hall and surrounding areas.
Shortly before the fireworks go off, sections of Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue near City Hall will be temporarily closed to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and view the show. Those sections will then be reopened about 30 minutes after the finale. If guests who are parked at City Hall or the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch need to leave while the road closures are in effect, they can either turn left onto Walma and take the roundabout out to Breton heading north, or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on hand to help direct traffic.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers for the Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to visit here or call 616-656-5270 to sign up. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.
Spring in the Midwest, with its growing greenery and flowers, is like a breath of fresh air after a long winter. Unfortunately for some, however, new growth means that the air is also full of pollen, setting off allergies in residents young and old. Whether you’ve suffered spring allergies your whole life, or if your symptoms have worsened as you got older, hafever can be serious for seniors. Here are 6 tips to manage your allergies when there’s pollen in the air.
1. Learn allergy symptoms
As we age, our immune systems tend to get weaker. For some people, this means that their allergy symptoms actually improve or disappear, as their bodies stop recognizing the pollen that enters their systems as a threat. For others, their allergy symptoms can remain unchanged or even worsen.
Learning what seasonal allergy symptoms look like is critical to managing them for yourself or for your loved ones. The main symptoms are:
Runny nose
Watery or itchy eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Dark circles under the eyes
These symptoms may seem harmless enough, but they can cause extreme discomfort and complicate treatment of other conditions. Seniors living with dementia may be unable to communicate their discomfort, so you should always know the signs.
2. Avoid high pollen days
The amount of pollen in the air can vary from day to day, or even hour to hour, so plan your time outdoors to avoid especially high pollen counts. Many weather services report on the pollen count during the weather forecast in spring, and if it’s not broadcast, you can always find it online.
If you’re not near a television, computer, or smartphone, there are some basic guidelines for how high the pollen count will be: stay inside if the weather is warm and dry, or dry and windy. Pollen count is usually highest from 5am to 10am every day, then falls as the day goes on. The best time for people with spring allergies to be outside is after a heavy rainfall, when pollen is stuck to the ground by moisture. By staying indoors and minimizing your exposure to pollen, you can keep your symptoms manageable.
3. Wear the right clothes when you’re outside
Sometimes, staying inside is a tall order when the weather is beautiful, and getting fresh air, sun, and exercise is a good idea for people of all ages. When you do go outside, be sure you’re wearing clothing that can help you keep the pollen at bay. Sunglasses are a must to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes and irritating them. A hat, headscarf, or bandana keeps irritants out of your hair that can fall into your eyes and nose later, and long sleeves and pants allow for easy cleaning when you return indoors.
Even with proper attire, avoiding the outdoors during times when pollen levels are high is always going to be more effective than covering up, but if you can’t plan around it, be sure you’re protecting yourself when you go outside.
4. Keep your house pollen-free
It’s close to impossible to keep all allergens out of your home, especially if you’re always coming and going, but there are several strategies to keep your house as pollen-free as possible.
First, avoid opening windows, even though it may be tempting. If you get too warm, use fans or ideally, your air conditioner, as it can help remove pollen that may have gotten into your home. Second, wash your hands and shower often, especially when you come inside after being exposed to high pollen levels. Pollen on your skin and hair can easily fall off and circulate throughout your house. Third, after being outdoors, change your clothes immediately and put the clothes that have been exposed to pollen in the washing machine. This isolates all irritants, and the wash cycle will get rid of them so your clothes are ready for their next wear.
5. Eat immune-boosting foods
Foods that boost your immune system can help you manage your seasonal allergy symptoms, but none have been proven as a tried-and-true treatment for allergies. Try some of these foods in your springtime diet and see what works for you:
Apples:
Apples, as well as berries, garlic, onions, cabbage, and cauliflower contain quercetin, a bioflavonoid that can help prevent your body’s immune cells from releasing histamines, which causes allergy symptoms.
Strawberries:
The Vitamin C combined with the quercetin in strawberries make these sweet fruits a powerful immune booster that also suppress histamines.
Fatty Fish:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a great way to reduce inflammation, and therefore help keep allergic reactions from causing too much damage. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel are delicious sources of omega-3, which is also great for heart health and memory.
Yogurt:
Probiotics, such as the live bacteria found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, are healthy for your digestive system and your immune system. Use caution, however, as dairy and the natural histamines in fermented foods could actually make your symptoms worse.
6. Talk to your doctor
As with all conditions, from
allergies to illnesses, you should always consult your primary care
doctor or another healthcare professional about the best approach to
handling your health. The treatment most commonly used to treat
allergies, antihistamines, are not recommended for seniors as they can
interfere with other medications or have more severe side effects than
in younger adults. A doctor will be able to determine the best way to
manage or treat your allergy symptoms.
Suffering from seasonal allergies can put a rain cloud over the nice spring weather, but by knowing how to manage your symptoms, you can still make the most of the season. And if getting outside does more harm than good during spring? Don’t worry, summer promises better weather and lower pollen counts.
“There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection.”
~Judith Martin
Zach Borichevsky (Supplied/Opera Grand Rapids)
Opera, June 14-15
Opera Grand Rapids presents tenor Zach Borichevsky in the role of Alfredo in the June 14 & 15 production of Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, at St. Cecilia Music Center. The heartbreaking true story of Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis, La Traviata is one of the greatest operas of all time. The classic novella inspired the films, Camille, Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge. For the complete story visit here.
Matt Brewer
Jazz, June 19
Matt Brewer — a big-time jazz bassist who has played with the likes of Terence Blanchard, to name just one — will be featured in the upcoming Aquinas Jazz Camp faculty concert on June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Aquinas College’s Kretchmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Building. Admission to the concert is free.. For the complete story visit here.
Guitar master, June 14
Laurence Juber, who played with Paul McCartney’s Wings, will be at the Muskegon Museum of Art in concert at the museum’s Frey Auditorium starting at 7 p.m., with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m. For the complete story visit here.
Fun fact:
$75
Pop and Rock and Roll Concert tickets are expensive, but not always so. Ticket prices have spiked since the mid-’80s, from a 1985 average of $15.13 to a whopping $74.25 in 2015.
Country music, a guitar-shaped cake, and plenty of cowboy hats helped kick off a celebration at the Ford Airport today. Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) began new nonstop routes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Guests were treated to music from Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, and local officials, staff, and politicians joined in the celebratory event.
“Thank you to Allegiant for investing in this service,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat at today’s news conference. “Nashville has been on the list of nonstops that the Ford Airport has been pin-pointing for some time, so this is a big win today.”
Allegiant flies nonstop from Grand Rapids to Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda, Orlando, St. Pete/Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Sarasota, and now Nashville. Starting tomorrow, June 7, Allegiant is starting new service to Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), marking its ninth destination out of Grand Rapids.
“The Ford Airport has had six years of record-breaking growth, and that growth would not be possible without our airline partners investing in Grand Rapids,” said GFIA Board Chairman Dan Koorndyk. “In those last six years over 15-million passengers have come through our airport.”
In addition to new flights, Allegiant began operating a base in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, June 4. Allegiant’s growth plans in the state include creating 66 new, high-wage jobs, and establishing a two-aircraft base at the Ford Airport.
“Grand Rapids has been a great city for Allegiant, with solid demand and steady growth over the years,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs for Allegiant. “It’s a perfect location for a permanent base, where having locally-based aircraft and crews will open a world of opportunity to expand options for both new service and operational hours. This will make travel even more convenient and affordable for both residents and visitors to the area, and further establish Allegiant as a hometown airline for Grand Rapids.”
Allegiant has served Grand Rapids since 2009. The Nashville flights will operate twice weekly, and flight days, times, and the lowest fares can be found only at www.allegiant.com.
Mistaken beliefs about sleep are common and pose a significant health threat, a new study warns.
Among these myths: some people only need five hours of sleep, snoring is harmless and a drink before bedtime helps you fall asleep.
“Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood and general health and well-being,” lead investigator Rebecca Robbins said. “Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health.”
Robbins is a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
For the study, the researchers reviewed more than 8,000 websites to identify the 20 most common beliefs about sleep.
One of the top myths was the claim of some people who insist they can get by on five hours of sleep a night. The study authors said this poses the most serious health risk due the effects of long-term lack of sleep.
Robbins and her colleagues suggested creating a consistent sleep schedule and getting at least seven hours of shut-eye a night.
And don’t assume your snoring is no big deal—that’s another myth, the study team said. While it can be harmless, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. Left untreated, it can lead to heart problems and other illnesses.
The researchers also dispelled the notion that a drink before bed can help you sleep. Alcohol actually makes it harder to achieve deep sleep, which is crucial for proper daytime functioning, they explained in a news release from NYU Langone.
The study was published online recently in the journal Sleep Health.
Study senior investigator Girardin Jean-Louis, a professor in the departments of population health and psychiatry at NYU Langone, said the public needs to be better informed about the importance of sleep.
“For example, by discussing sleep habits with their patients, doctors can help prevent sleep myths from increasing risks for heart disease, obesity and diabetes,” he said in the news release.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is celebrating its 10-year anniversary during this year’s Summer Games. To celebrate the milestone, WMSC president Mike Guswiler, will be participating in 10 sports during the Summer Games.
“It’s a cool idea for 10 years, it’s a fun way to celebrate,” said Guswiler. “We’ve never seen someone take on 10 sports, that will be pretty exciting.”
During the first weekend of events Guswiler will be participating in men’s pickleball on Friday, June 14, and coed softball on Saturday, June 15.
Guswiler will participate in 8 sports during the main event weekend. Thursday, June 20, Guswiler will participate in bocce ball. On Friday, June 21, Guswiler will participate in golf and archery. Saturday, June 22,Guswiler will participate in long jump as a part of the Meijer State Games track and field events, skeet shooting and freestyle swimming. On the final day of the State Games main event weekend, Sunday, June 23, Guswiler will participate in bowling and small-bore rifle.
In the last 10 years, more than $28 million was generated in direct visitor spending due to the State Games events.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan main weekend is June 20-23. (WMSC)
Follow Guswiler’s Schedule:
Friday, June 14
Sport: Pickleball Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Belknap Park, 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids
Saturday, June 15
Sport: Coed Softball Time: 8 a.m. Location: Huff Park, 2399 Ball Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Thursday, June 20
Sport: Bocce Ball Time: 2 p.m. Location: Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
Friday, June 21
Sport: Golf Time: 9 a.m. Location: Cedar Chase Golf Club, 7551 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs
Sport: 3D Archery Time: 3 p.m. Location: Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club, 13218 Long Lake Dr. Sparta
Saturday, June 22
Sport: Track and Field Time: 10 a.m. Location: Comstock Park High School, 150 6 Mile Rd. NE, Comstock Park
Registration is now open for all sports. There is an estimated 8,000+ athletes participating in over 45 sporting events in this year’s Summer Games. For more information about registration, please visit www.stategamesofmichigan.com/summer-games-sports-lineup/. Registration is located on each sports page.
For more information on sponsoring the Meijer State Games of Michigan, visit www.stategamesofmichigan.com/summer-games-sponsors. The Meijer State Games of Michigan sponsors include: Lake Michigan Credit Union, Metro Health, Fox Motors, Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan, Subway, Fifth Wheel Freight, Peppino’s, Lacks Enterprises Inc., SIBSCO, LIFE EMS Ambulance, The GR Shop, Heglund-Sova Realty, Inc.
There are still volunteer opportunities available for the Summer Games. For more information on volunteering, please visit www.stategamesofmichigan.com/summer-games-volunteer/. The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the help of willing volunteers and trusted partnerships. Lake Michigan Credit Union is proud supporter of Meijer State Games of Michigan volunteers.
That means a lot of people will be heading off to visit family and friends as well as checking out destination points such as the Bahamas; Virginia Beach, or Miami. With that in mind, the Transportation Security Administration or TSA recently hosted an informational event to remind travelers what they can and can not take on the airplane.
During June and July 2018, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport had about 550,000 passengers move through the airport. Those numbers are expected to increase this year as the Ford Airport was recently named the second fastest-growing airport by Airline Weekly.
TSA worker Russ Faase talks about some of the items that TSA has seen come through the security check point at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (WKTV)
Needless to say, TSA officials and employees have seen a lot of interesting items that people have tried to bring on to the plane in their carry-on bags. Items have ranged from an electric hotplate to a dead squirrel.
“By far the most common thing we see by far is your oversized liquids, your 3.4 or greater size liquids, gels and aerosols,” said Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for TSA. “Those are OK in your check bag but if you want to take those on a aircraft, they need to be limited to 3.4 ounces or less in one quart size bag and each passenger is allowed one of those.”
Other items not allowed are kubaton pens, a self-defense keychain weapon, according to Ross Faase, a TSA worker at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Another item not allowed are replica weapons.
Replica weapons such as this toy grenade are not allowed on an airplane. (WKTV)
“This would be a great item to leave at home,” Fasse said. “Bringing a replica grenade like this through the check point could cause delays for you, your fellow travelers, and it could shutdown the check point until we are able to get the item resolved.”
Knives of any size need to be in checked luggage, Faase said. Scissors are allowed if the scissors are four inches or less from the pivot.
“As we get more into the summer, we are going to see a lot more bike tools,” Faase said. “Bike tools need to be seven inches or less. Any tools greater than seven inches must be packed in checked bags.”
With summer, there are a number of passengers who do not travel that often and therefore do not know what is allowed and not allowed, Howell said.
“People try to avoid the check bag fees by just taking a carry-on bag with them, but when you do that you have to know the difference of what’s allowed in a carry-on bag versus what’s allowed in a checked bag,” he said.
Howell said TSA does not confiscate items but will give passengers the option to get rid of things when they come to the check point.
“Unfortunately people wait until the last minute to come to the security check point and don’t want to go through security again, so they end up surrendering the item at the security check point,” he said.
TSA does have a no cost contract with the Michigan state surplus office which will either dispose of the item or resell it. All monies raised from the resell goes to that agency, Howell said.
So if you are planning a trip that involves heading to the airport, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through the TSA check point. The recommended time is about 2 hours from departure. For more information about items that are allowed in carry-on bags and on the plane, visit the TSA website, tsa.gov.
Water is a critical component of our body’s structure and all its functions.
It makes up approximately 55 percent of the female body.
Key organs—muscles, heart, brain and lungs—are made up of more than 75 percent water.
So what happens when we get busy and don’t take the time to hydrate?
If we leave water out of our daily habits, the results can be subtle but significant. Hypo-hydration can take its toll in ways that affect our normal daily function.
A patient I’ll call Sally is a prime example of what can happen when we don’t hydrate enough.
When she came to see me in the Spectrum Health Midlife and Menopause Health Clinic, she wondered if she was going into menopause because she felt so terrible. She had attended one of my talks and remembered me mentioning the symptoms of menopause—fatigue, hot flashes and irritability.
She had been experiencing all these symptoms, as well as suffering headaches and feeling short-tempered with her husband and kids. Her periods were also irregular, but not entirely indicative of menopause.
After gathering Sally’s information, I had a very good idea what was going on with her.
Dried out
As Sally talked, I noticed her skin and hair were dry. She looked tired and quite thin.
To confirm my suspicions, I started by asking Sally if she practiced her SEEDS (Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success) every day, especially the first one—drinking plenty of water.
Sally said she drank only about one or two 8-ounce bottles of water most days, but she hoped her five cups of coffee and nightly glass of wine would make up the difference. Wrong!
Unfortunately, Sally wasn’t doing very well on the rest of her SEEDS either. She only slept about five hours a night. She didn’t eat balanced meals. She rarely exercised because she was too tired. She barely practiced any meditation or gratitude.
Instead, she found herself rushing to the next event or handling another emergency at work or at home.
When we finished discussing the SEEDS, I told Sally her symptoms were not the result of menopause or her hormones.
She asked why I focused on water and diet. I explained how body function depends on water, especially for cooling and energy. When the body is dehydrated, the muscles can get hotter more quickly, causing them to get tight like beef jerky.
Without adequate water, women can experience hot flashes, muscle spasms and fatigue.
Dehydration can also cause constipation, because the colon removes all the water from the bowel movement to keep enough for survival, causing the bowel movement to be dry and slow-moving.
Why was Sally’s skin so dry? Without adequate water, skin dries up like a sad houseplant. It can look old and tired before its time.
I asked her to think about the water-coffee balance. Her body requires about 80 ounces of water per day. Because coffee and alcohol are dehydrating, she needed to drink an additional glass of water for each cup of coffee or glass of alcohol she consumed, just to stay in balance.
Sally began to realize that her inadequate water intake, combined with her diet poor in complex carbs and protein, had been contributing to her poor energy, bad mood and lack of motivation to exercise or play with her kids.
Lots of libation
Sally’s story is similar to those of many women who come to see me.
She got out of the habit of self-care and thought she did a better job by focusing first on work and others. Wrong again!
Unfortunately, the result is just the opposite of what she strove for. Everyone, including herself, ended up worse off because she neglected herself.
All women, including Sally, must include themselves on their list of people to take care of.
We used the list of SEEDS to make a plan to get Sally back on the road to feeling healthy again.
She agreed to drink two glasses of water before she left the house in the morning (and before her first coffee), another one in the car, one in her office with her second cup of coffee and one more before lunch.
She also committed to drinking another glass of water at lunch, one in the afternoon, one in the car on the way home and a glass at dinner. She even agreed to sacrifice her nightly glass of wine and only drink one or two glasses on the weekend—at least until she felt better.
In addition, she said she would start eating at least two small meals of things like Ezekiel Bread with peanut butter, bananas (for potassium) and a salad with a protein for dinner.
These were all small changes, but at least it would be a start.
I suggested waiting until she felt a little better before beginning a strenuous exercise program. Instead, we talked about incorporating yoga and stretches into her daily routine and focusing on getting more sleep and taking walks with her family.
Sally was surprised when I told her it would take her body at least three days to really catch up on hydration, noting that her muscles, skin and hair would take some time to soak it all up.
She was relieved to hear she would not have to urinate so much after three or four days.
Back to basics
When Sally came in for her recheck four weeks later, I almost didn’t recognize her!
She actually laughed at herself for thinking she was in menopause and not realizing how she had let her health go. She came in hoping for a hormone patch or magic pill to make her feel better, but she was pleasantly surprised to discover she simply had to get back to the basics and recognize the power of hydration.
In the past four weeks, Sally drank plenty of water and felt so much better that:
She was no longer depending on coffee to give her energy. She still
drank coffee but did so just because she enjoyed the taste, instead of
using it as a vice.
Her muscle cramps were gone.
Her mood improved and everyone noticed. She didn’t even miss her nightly wine.
Her night sweats had improved to the point she only experienced them the night before her period started.
Her hairdresser commented how much better Sally’s hair felt and looked.
She began to think about how she could put daily exercise back in her schedule.
She began to have more fun with her kids than she had in a long time.
Things are definitely headed in the right direction for Sally and her family—and it all started with going back to the basics!
CEO Gray Granger jokingly admits that his company, The Granger Group, is kind of getting evicted from its current location at 2221 Health Dr. SW.
“[Metro Health-University of Michigan Health] is expanding and growing so much that they really just need this space,” Granger said of his company’s current home during a recent interview. “It is really exciting to see that and to see the hospital continuing to grow and meeting the needs of the residents.”
It is an exciting time at the Metro Health Village, which has been rebranded to The Village, according to Granger. If you have driven by the site located near the corner of 54th Street and Byron Center Avenue, you can not help but notice all the work that has been taking place there.
Site plan for the Village Life Marketplace. The Village Market Place is located on the corner of Byron Center Avenue and Health Drive. (Supplied)
The Granger Group is currently constructing the Village Life Marketplace, located on the northwest corner of Health Drive and Byron Center Avenue, across from the current structure that contains the Starbucks, Posh Nails, and Marcos Pizza.
“We are very focused on health and wellness,” Granger said. “Everything ties together here. There are open site lines. People can see where they want to go to. They know that can get from one point to another point in the village without getting into a car.”
One of the goals of The Granger Group has been to create a sustainable and walkable community, Granger said. The marketplace is about half of the 190-acre Village, totaling 80 acres. Being that Metro Health is the center point to the entire Village, Granger said the company wanted to incorporate as much healthy lifestyle options as possible.
“What we are going to see is just a lot of activity that will build on some neat amenities like the village green,” Granger said. “It is just a fun place.”
The Granger Group has built the first two buildings, totaling about 20 square feet of retail. Last summer, the group broke ground on the construction of four more buildings.
The current project includes a two-story, 20,000-square-foot mixed-use building with first-floor retail and second floor office space, which will be the new home of The Granger Group. The project also includes two single-story retail totaling 10,000 square feet. With that, the project will add more housing to Granger’s First & Main, an assisted-living retirement community. This will be a four-story, 65-unit independent living complex that will face toward Health Drive.
The Granger Group is negotiations with several financial services companies and restaurants. (WKTV)
The Granger Group is currently in negotiations with several financial services companies and restaurants with Granger noting they are hoping to have a restaurant facing out on the current waterfall area at the Village.
“I happen to think this is one of the projects that is going to make a major difference within the city we live and its gonna to be a great addition for those who live within the City of Wyoming,” Granger said.
The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall. It is estimated that the entire Village project is around $2 billion. The project is a partnership between The Granger Group, Metro Health-University of Michigan Health and the City of Wyoming.
East Kentwood senior Kyle Dent has not only excelled in football and baseball for the Falcons; he also has succeeded in the classroom.
As a quarterback, he passed for 1,800-plus yards with 17 touchdowns. This spring in baseball, he sported a .300 batting average with 13 runs and nine stolen bases.
East Kentwood standout Kyle Dent looking to score from third base during a Falcon baseball game (courtesy photo)
In the classroom he carried a 3.88 GPA, and earned all-academic honors throughout high school. He’s also involved in coaching EK football camps for students in grades 2-5.
“He demonstrates leadership on and off the field and embodies what a Falcon should be,” baseball coach Marty Jackimowicz said of his two-year captain. “He has a great work ethic in practicing and tries to help others around him to also elevate their play.
“Beyond baseball, Kyle is a really great person,” Jackimowicz added. “He is always there for his teammates and classmates and wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed it. He has a great personality and people are naturally drawn to him because of it.”
A four-year letter winner in baseball, Kyle played shortstop and pitched for the Falcons, and also was the team’s leadoff hitter.
East Kentwood senior Kyle Dent had a .300 batting average with 13 runs scored and nine stolen bases this spring (courtesy photo)
Gridiron Standout too
Football coach Tony Kimbrough said Kyle also was a captain on his team last fall because of his strong work ethic and overall leadership abilities.
“He led our team to a record of 9-2 and (we) went undefeated in the OK Red Conference,” said Kimbrough, who played football at Western Michigan University, in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League. “Great teammate and one of the most positive players I have ever coached. He is the model for the term student-athlete.”
Kyle, who completed 60 percent of his passes and was named First Team All-Conference last fall, will continue his football career at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He plans to major in athletic training with hopes of attending physical therapy school thereafter.
“As for football and baseball, I’ve been playing them ever since I was able to,” said Kyle, who also wrestled for a couple years in high school. “I picked up the sport of wrestling in about third grade, really only to better my agility and conditioning for my other main sports.”
He said he doesn’t stray far from sports no matter what time of year it is.
“Whenever I am not in practice or in a season, I find myself doing a lot of training for them, intense training and more relaxed and fundamental training,” he said. “I love to just go out and throw, whether it’s a baseball or a football. I find this to be a great way to relieve stress for me as well as keep me occupied.”
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Moving to an assisted living facility doesn’t mean giving up on the important things in your life and it most certainly doesn’t mean losing your independence. An assisted living community is meant to enhance life and offer residents the chance to relax and enjoy life. But that doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you want to be doing.
Many communities, like Vista Springs, are flexible in how much assistance they offer their residents. With the option to use as much or as little as you need; use the following tips to help maintain your independence after making the move to assisted living.
Get involved in activities
Most facilities offer a wide range of activities both inside the facility and outside meant to engage the residents and bring the community to them. Even if you are leaving a familiar community, you can build a new one within the walls of your new home by simply participating in the activities offered by the facility. From dances and card clubs, to viewing parties and game nights, many facilities offer a full calendar to keep residents busy and engaged.
Get involved in activities outside the facility
Don’t cut yourself off from the community you love when you move to assisted living. Just because there are plenty of activities happening within the facility doesn’t mean you are limited to those. As long as it’s possible, engage in activities put on by the community surrounding the facility. Volunteer at local schools or food banks, join book clubs at local coffee shops or join a walking group. Leaving the facility on a regular basis can help you feel engaged with the community.
Maintain your daily routine
Before moving to your new community, what was your daily routine? Did you take a walk before breakfast and then have coffee while reading the paper? Maintain that routine within your new community. Whether you have a coffee maker in your room or walk down to a cafe or cafeteria, continue to do the things you did before the move.
Visit old stomping grounds
When you’re out in the community getting involved, make sure to stop by the places you enjoy visiting. If you’re in a new neighborhood, make plans to visit familiar places once a week or once a month. Organize transportation through your facility, ask a family member, or drive yourself if you’ve brought your car. Don’t cut off your old life simply because you’ve started a new one.
Exercise
Maintaining independence means maintaining your physical health. Avoiding injuries that mean confinement or assistance to get around will help guarantee that you can do the things you love to do. To avoid those injuries, be sure you are exercising on a regular basis. Many communities offer exercise programs to assist in this but if you feel you need more, build a routine on your own. Walk, do yoga, even get out to a gym, gather friends who want to do the same things, just get out and move.
Stay organized
Of course many facilities will maintain a schedule for residents to keep them on top of their everyday activities, but maintaining your own can add an extra level of independence. Keep a calendar, date book, and set up the meetings and activities that are important to you.
No matter where you choose to spend your retirement years, maintain the lifestyle you want to lead by choosing a community that fits with your life.
Contrary what you might have recently smelled at local concert venues, if not on the main streets of Michigan, smoking marijuana is legal but — currently — not if you bought it or if you are lighting it up in public.
Didn’t know those facts? Don’t feel alone.
With extensive government regulation and rules still being written, it still a little cloudy on the laws surrounding the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, which Michigan voters approved last fall and which legalized adult recreational marijuana use.
To find out just what is legal and what is not, currently and possibly in the future, WKTV sat down with Christopher R. Becker, Kent County Prosecuting Attorney. And from what he said, smokers are not the only ones a little hazy on the subject — to some Michiganders it is unclear if legal marijuana use it is actually the law of the land already.
“Legalization actually went into effect in December (2018), just about a month from it being passed,” said Becker, who was elected to the position in 2016 and leads the prosecutor’s office team of more than 30 attorneys. “The best description would probably be that it is in a transition stage right now.”
As far as the current laws governing several situations of illegal use and possession, Becker said, “for the vast majority of cases it is a civil infraction … There are some unique things, criminally. But then for the rest, the infrastructure if you will, the dispensary, the system to distribute it … the state is still working through getting that all set up right now.”
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the government body drafting the state’s rule and regulations. But at this point, it is legal to possess marijuana but there is no place to buy it — legally.
“Essentially, that is what it is,” Becker said. “If you are over 21, you can have it in your possession, you can smoke it in your own house, you can share it — and that is a very important term. … (selling it, or supplying it ‘with remuneration’) is still illegal.”
Becker, in the WKTV Journal In Focus interview, also went on to detail the current laws of public consumption, the evolving laws — and flaws in the laws— associated with driving in possession and while under the influence, and other current and possible legal aspects of legal recreational marijuana.
In the interview, Becker also talked about his office’s work with new and innovative justice system programs in Kent County, including Restorative Justice for Juveniles, and courthouse therapy dogs for children and vulnerable adult victims.
He also addressed recent criticism of Michigan’s prosecutors from the Michigan ACLU, associated with the group’s Smart Justice Campaign, focused on the rights of poor and minority persons charged with crimes but not convicted. See a WKTV story on the ACLU’s Smart Justice campaign here.
Background on MRTMA and local reaction
On Nov. 6, 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-1, which created the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA) and legalized adult marijuana use for recreational purposes. This law automatically “opts-in” all municipalities, but each municipality can decide the extent to which it may limit or prohibit state-licensed recreational marijuana establishments prior to a December 2019 deadline.
Many municipalities across the state are waiting on their “opt-in or opt-out” decision until the state finishes writing the rules for the new adult-use marijuana industry, expected to be in draft form in June. But Wyoming and Kentwood did not wait around.
The City of Kentwood City Commission, in November of 2018, just after the proposal was approved, voted in favor of an amendment to the city code to prohibit marijuana establishments within the city, according to media reports.
The City of Wyoming’s City Council, in December of 2018, adopted a pair of ordinance amendments: one prohibits the operation of both recreational marijuana establishments and medical marijuana facilities; a second updates the city’s guidelines on recreational marijuana so that is might be regulated the same as alcohol in the future.
One in 3 women and 1 in 5 men older than 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Hip fractures often require surgery and may lead to loss of independence, and vertebral fractures lead to loss of height, pain, nerve compression, and sometimes deformity.
A bit about bones
Our bones are constantly remodeling, with steady building and breakdown, and we reach a peak bone mass in our late 20s.
After our peak, we lose a bit more each year than we build, and when the bones get to be too porous and weak, we are at risk for a fragility fracture, or a break that occurs with minimal trauma such as stepping wrong off a curb or a low-impact fall.
Osteoporosis is the condition when the bones are thin enough to increase risk of fracture to the point that treatment might be indicated, and our goal is to keep osteoporosis from happening.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease, and has no symptoms. The good news is osteoporosis can be prevented, and also predicted if you know the risks.
The basic concept is we want to support our bone-building cells by supplying adequate calcium in our diet. This includes four servings of dairy or leafy greens, adequate vitamin D to allow for calcium absorption (about 2000 IU per day for most adults), and enough weight-bearing activity to let the bones know they are needed. Research shows we need approximately 20 minutes of weight-bearing activity per day.
Midlife wellness
As a busy obstetrician and gynecologist, I should have been thinking about my patient’s bone health way more than I did, but it was not on my radar for those years of delivering babies.
As I started to care more for women approaching midlife and thinking about how I could support wellness, I started asking my patients about risk factors.
I soon met with an internal medicine physician who is passionate about bone health and supports our patients on how to avoid fracture and disability. He taught me about prevention, diagnosis and treatment options.
Also at that time, I had a patient who underwent a bone scan and, when I called her with the bad news that she had osteoporosis, she felt absolutely floored. How could she, a healthy 52-year-old, have osteoporosis?
We went through the risk factors, and she probably never took enough D like the rest of us, avoided dairy due to lactose intolerance, was active but perhaps not enough, and occasionally took oral steroids for asthma.
She decided to start hormone replacement therapy for her menopause symptoms, which is also indicated for prevention of osteoporosis as it supports the good bone she still had. She also became serious about vitamin D and calcium supplements, and exercised every day or at least did her 50 jumps.
A followup scan three years later showed stable bones. Further, her fitness regimen had improved her balance so she was less likely to fall. Thank goodness we found her osteoporosis before she had a fracture.
Supporting your skeleton
We support bone health by knowing what risk factors to avoid. If we have other health conditions that put our bones at risk, we should be aware of the issues and do what we can to make up for the risk.
Lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis include more than two alcohol drinks per day, cigarette smoking, inactivity, low body weight, and inadequate calcium and vitamin D.
Genetic factors for osteoporosis include family history and conditions such as cystic fibrosis and other metabolic conditions. Hormone conditions— such as menopause, especially if premature, diabetes, Cushing disease and parathyroid dysfunction—are also factors.
Medical conditions such as anorexia and bulimia also put people at risk, as well as celiac disease, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, gastric bypass surgery and lupus. Many cancers also put people at risk for accelerated bone loss such as multiple myeloma, treatments for breast cancer, and medication use to include oral steroids, antacids and anti-seizure medication.
The good news is, if we look, we can get information in time to act and help slow or prevent bone loss. The results from a scan, together with risk factors, help us make recommendations for potential treatment.
