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WKTV Staff
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The election aftermath — from the passage of recreational marijuana, to more voting day volunteers needed, to the partisan politics on the Kent County Board Of Commissioners — were some of the discussion items of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Nov. 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
Newly re-elected county commissioner Harold Voorhees, who represents the City of Wyoming as District 8 commissioner, pointed out with the election results the partisan split on the commission went from 13 Republicans and six Democrats to now a 11-8 split.
“It does have its influence, that’s why we go through the election process,” Voorhees said to WKTV. “But on the board it has been very congenial, working together. We are hopeful it will stay that way.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also made a call for citizens to work with the city as election-day volunteers. The mayor pointed out that the high number of absentee battles — expected to be even higher in two years due to a voter approved ballot measure which allows same-day registration and no-reason absentee ballot requests — as well as other reasons, will create the need for more volunteers in the city. For more information contact the City of Kentwood city clerk’s office.
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 Dec. 10 will be at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE, 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 Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
It can be very difficult to be health conscious this time of year as food and festivity will always be a major part of the holiday season. It’s an especially challenging time for those who have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends planning ahead and provides the following tips and guidelines to help those with diabetes enjoy the foods associated with the holidays, while still staying healthy:
Think about the timing of your meal. Holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving, are often served at times that don’t align with our regular meal schedule. Take this into consideration if you are taking medication such as insulin injections or pills that lower blood glucose. Talk to your health care professional about having snacks available if low blood glucose is a concern.
Be physically active. Consider incorporating more exercise, such as walking, riding a bike or visiting the gym when you know you’ll be eating more than usual. Encourage family members to join you in starting new traditions that involve physical activity such as playing a game of Frisbee, soccer or touch football.
Try healthier versions of your favorite holiday foods. Try using fat-free or light ingredients when preparing your favorite holiday dishes. Add less sugar to dishes that already provide natural sweetness such as winter squash casseroles and fruit pies. Check out the American Diabetes Association website as well as other diabetes friendly recipes available online.
Have low calorie foods such as raw vegetables with low-fat dip or cheese on hand while you’re cooking or waiting to eat. Avoid high-calorie and/or fried foods that are often served as appetizers during the holidays.
Be selective. High carbohydrate foods are a staple when it comes to many traditional holiday foods. Choose reasonable portions of your favorite high carb foods and allow yourself to pass on the rest.
Eat smaller portions. Don’t forget to use portion control when selecting foods that are higher in carbohydrates. Be mindful of keeping your total carbohydrate intake within a recommended range.
Eat your vegetables. Incorporate more color and nutrition to the holiday table by providing non-starchy vegetables dishes such as green salads and steamed vegetables to the menu. Vegetables not only fill you up, they can also help prevent you from overeating other foods that are loaded with calories and fat.
Michigan State University Extension recommends that people with diabetes always work with your health care team and offers diabetes programs that educate on proper eating and self-management, such as Dining with Diabetes.
Michigan State University Extension is committed to helping people improve their lives by extending research-based knowledge about a variety of topics. One issue of great concern is the increase of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease, but is referred to as a group of symptoms which show up as a general decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia and is considered a degenerative brain disease.
Data from the 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report states that in the United States, as of 2018, over 5 million people of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Due to people living longer because of better health interventions and the aging baby boomer generation, the number of people age 65 and older is expected to increase to 22 percent in 2050. The number of people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will increase. In Michigan alone, the number of those aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase from 180,000 in 2018, to 220,000 in 2025, with additional projections of 13.8 million in 2050.
Dementia can also be a symptom of other underlying health issues and your doctor has the tools to help sort that out. The following is a list of the ten early warning signs. Each one of these can be explored more by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.
Ten Early Signs of Alzheimer’s:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure.
Confusion with time or place.
Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships.
New problems with words or writing.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
Decreased or poor judgement.
Withdrawal from work or social activities.
Change in mood or personality.
Early warning signs listed above are different from the normal age-related memory changes. Typically as we age, we all misplace things, search for the right word to use and even forget what day it is. One way to explain it is if I just can’t find my keys, I may be experiencing a typical age-related memory issue, but if I don’t know what keys are for or what they are called, I may be experiencing an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. One thing you can do is to know the ten early warning signs. If you think they apply to you or a loved one, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss further testing.
If you are a caregiver of someone who is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s consider signing up for a Powerful Tools for Caregivers series through Michigan State University Extension.
Having a TV or movie day once in a while won’t kill you, but frequent binge-watching ups your chances of developing serious health conditions. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
You’ve just settled in to your well-worn spot on the couch, big bowl of popcorn, chips or other savory snacks and soda by your side, ready for an all-day, TV-watching extravaganza.
But you might want to push pause—according to a new study, your health might be Breaking Bad, too.
In a recent study of people at higher risk of developing diabetes, researchers found every hour spent sitting can increase that risk by 3.4 percent. So sitting through the last season of Mad Men can lead to a 30 percent increased risk, according to studies published in the journal Diabetologia and elsewhere.
“I would echo the beliefs, simply because the information is known,” Dr. Selfe said. “We know that individuals at risk, whether it’s a family genetic component, a history of gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“In my mind, this echoes the things we already know, but it puts a focus on our American lifestyle. Sitting on the couch multiple hours a day, I would suspect, whether it’s reading a book, watching television or what have you, all of those things are going to contribute to further risk of diabetes.”
The risk is very real for a growing number of Americans.
According to 2018 statistics from the American Diabetes Association, one in 11 Americans have diabetes. About a quarter don’t know they have the condition, and the majority of them have Type 2 diabetes.
But a day-long The Big Bang Theory marathon probably isn’t a one-way trip to Type 2 by itself, Dr. Selfe said.
“If you’re talking about one day, I’d take (the study) with a grain of salt,” he said. “So this weekend, you binge-watch Breaking Bad for 12 hours, that means, theoretically, in the next five years, you’re going to get diabetes. I think that’s an overstatement of what they’re trying to get at, but it’s kind of for shock value.”
What the study does underscore, Dr. Selfe said, is that our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are taking their toll on our long-term health.
“From my perspective, (the study) confirms what we already know,” he said. “Engaging in regular exercise, being active on a daily basis—which has become more difficult in American society because we have computers, smart phones, the internet and machines to do a lot of the regular work we used to do even 50 or 100 years ago—really has increased that risk.”
But unlike, say, Dexter, this story doesn’t have to have an unhappy ending. The key is all about balance, Dr. Selfe explained.
“You definitely shouldn’t binge-watch and drink soda and eat Cheetos and all these other things that are prolific in American society,” he said. “I think this study, and studies done in the past, all beg toward moderation, and we are not a society of moderation. We super-size all of our foods, and we binge-watch TV at times. The reality is we continue to do less and less on a daily basis. Some of that is out of choice, and some of that is out of our situation. A lot of us sit behind a desk eight to 12 hours a day.
“The bottom line is, people need to engage in moderation, and they need to realize that incorporating activity on a daily basis is markedly impactful across the board, whether we’re talking about heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol … across the gamut, activity has been shown to be beneficial for everybody.”
So don’t forget to mix in some actual walking, before you settle in to watch the last season of The Walking Dead.
Know your numbers. Get your annual physical, including all of the blood and urine labs your doctor deems necessary. Need help finding a doctor? Call 877.362.8362 to get connected with a provider who will suit your needs.
A welcome home for West Michigan troops and other festivities are on tap for the Thanksgiving holiday, and one of the busiest days of the year at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).
On Wednesday, Nov. 21, airport volunteers including therapy dog teams, and the Patriot Guard Riders will participate in “Operation Handshake,” an event to welcome home returning military members and veterans, and to thank them for their service.
Volunteers will staff both airport concourses from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“We are so appreciative of our military members’ service to our country and we know that not everyone can make it home during the holidays because they are making other sacrifices. For those returning to West Michigan we want to make it extra special and let them know we are thankful for their service,” said GFIA Marketing & Communications Director Tara Hernandez. “The Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan do a tremendous job taking time out of their holiday week to welcome home our military, and we appreciate their loyalty to serving our community through events like Operation Handshake.”
The event is free and open to the public. The media is also encouraged to put a call out to the community, asking family members to notify the Patriot Guard Riders of returning military members’ arrival times and flight information. Information can be sent to Tony VanGessel at 616-862-1984 or tvange58@yahoo.com.
“This is what Thanksgiving is really all about,” said VanGessel, Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan. “What we see each year is an inspiration. We get a thank you from the military members, but it’s also heartwarming for the general traveling public around us to see what transpires.”
The Airport is currently under construction on its Gateway Transformation Project, and along with the busy holiday traffic, lines could be longer than normal. The Airport encourages passengers to arrive at least 90-120 minutes before their flight.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a record breaking number of flyers this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period with more than 25 million passengers traveling through security screening checkpoints around the U.S. from Nov. 16 through Nov. 26 – an increase of five-percent from 2017.
“As Thanksgiving and the holiday travel seasons arrive, ensuring the safety and security of the millions of passengers traveling daily remains TSA’s top priority,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We marked several records over the spring and summer travel periods this year, screening more than 525 million passengers and crew. This upcoming season will be very busy as more passengers choose to fly, and TSA officers will be on duty over the holidays so travelers can enjoy theirs.”
TSA also encourages passengers to stay up-to-date on the latest travel notices and information about what you can or cannot bring on your flight by visiting: www.tsa.gov. Additionally, travelers should keep these top three tips in mind:
Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. As always, passengers can bring pies, cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints; however, liquids such as eggnog and maple syrup, and gels such as preserves and jellies, should go into checked bags. Liquids in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Download the MyTSA app or use the “What can I bring?” tool on tsa.gov. This allows you to type in an item to find out if you can bring it in your carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.
Renew your TSA PreCheck membership. Individuals who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their TSA PreCheck membership online. Individuals who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports, in time for their holiday travel. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, like TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
Ask for passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.
The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools this month continued its series of meetings with business, community, faith and government leaders, along with parents and school leaders — what the district is calling its community Executive Council.
At the first of the meetings, district Superintendent Kevin Polston, who is leading the series of meetings, explained who was attending the meetings and what the goals are. The second meeting occurred early this month. Others are scheduled for January and March 2019.
Also at the first meeting, WKTV caught up with Michigan State Board of Education member Lupe Ramos-Montigny, who was in attendance.
One of the key aspects of both the district’s and the state’s educational focus is what is called the six “Cs” … with “confidence” being, maybe, the most critical in the Godfrey Lee School District.
For more information on the meetings, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 616-241-4722.
This and all interviews filmed as part of WKTV Journal’s news coverage are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
It’s easy to gravitate towards the idea that more is better. But when it comes to your loved one’s care, having more people around doesn’t always translate into better quality of care. The impact of one skilled nurse over several personal aides can be the difference.
One of the many misconceptions about assisted living is that it only offers long-term custodial care. However, some assisted living communities are beginning to offer skilled nursing care services to their residents. Here’s what that means.
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
When starting the search for a viable care option you’ll come across different terminology used in the care industry, and it’s important to understand the differences. There is a spectrum of care options ranging from basic needs assistance to medically licensed help. Making the wrong choice could lead to unintended consequences for a loved one. The two main players in the care industry are custodial and skilled nursing care.
Custodial care consists of any non-medical care that can be reasonably and safely provided by non-licensed caregivers. It involves help with daily activities like bathing and dressing. However, custodial care can also include assistance with household duties such as cooking and laundry.
Skilled nursing care is a whole different level of care. Professionals providing skilled care are always licensed health professionals like nurses and physical therapists. In addition to routine medical care, like tracking and administering medication, they have the ability to provide advanced medical services like physical therapy, wound care, intravenous injections, catheter care, and more. Usually, when skilled nursing care is employed, it’s medically necessary or ordered by a doctor.
When is it Needed
Many families ask the question if skilled nursing care is right for their loved one. After all, it’s not only more expensive, but also it may not be covered by Medicaid. Unfortunately, the decision is not always black or white. It’s still best to talk to their primary health provider for a professional opinion. But, here are a few life situations where a loved one could benefit from skilled nursing:
Rehabilitation care due to fractures or joint replacements
General rehabilitation due to weakness or physical decline
Diabetic rehabilitation
What Are the Benefits?
While assisted living communities are often perceived as senior housing designed for those who don’t need around the clock care, communities with on-site skilled nursing care can be a great option whether your loved one is looking for an independent lifestyle or requires near-constant assistance. Some of the benefits include:
Immediate medical attention. We become more prone to sickness with age. It’s not uncommon to experience a sudden change in health. A skilled care provider can be available for 24-hour care. You can rest easy knowing loved ones have rapid access to health care services.
Guidance on diet and nutrition. As we age, nutrition becomes even more important. Our bodies require different levels of vitamins and minerals to stay strong. Making sure our loved ones are getting the right kinds and quantities of food is essential for staying happy and healthy. Skilled providers can also give guidance on diet and nutrition for specifically for seniors.
There isn’t a one size fits all solution to long-term care. At times the best option can seem obvious, but often it can be confusing. Finding the most effective care solutions for a loved one starts with understanding their needs. There is a wide range of benefits seniors can experience from skilled care nursing, which can make this type of care the perfect fit for your loved one.
By Karen L. Pace, Michigan State University Extension
A growing body of reliable, scientific research shows the benefits of social and emotional learning for both youth and adults. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), efforts that promote social and emotional learning improve young people’s academic success and overall health and well-being, while reducing negative behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, violence and bullying.
Learning to navigate distressing emotions and stress are important aspects of emotional growth and development. Kids, like adults, experience daily stressors in their lives that can take an emotional and physical toll. In a national KidsHealth® KidsPoll, young people said the things that caused them stress included grades, school and homework (36 percent); family (32 percent); and friends, peers, gossip and teasing (21 percent). Too often, kids’ reactions to stress are seen as inappropriate negative behaviors that need to be stopped rather than opportunities to teach new skills that help young people learn to calm their minds and bodies.
One way for children and adults to develop self-awareness and the ability to navigate stress is through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a process of active, open, nonjudgmental awareness. It is paying attention in the present moment with openness, curiosity and flexibility. Neuroscience and psychological research suggests that the intentional practice of mindfulness improves the immune system as well as increases gray matter in the brain involved with learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, empathy and perspective taking.
Parents, educators, youth workers and others can provide opportunities to practice everyday mindfulness with the young people in their lives. Everyday mindfulness involves paying attention to our experiences in the moment rather than being caught up in our fearful, angry, anxious or worried thoughts. When we are caught up in these distressing thoughts, we often lose perspective about the best way to respond in a painful, difficult or stressful moment.
Simply notice the sights, smells and things that surround you. Focus on what’s there for you in the moment, right here, right now. If you find your mind starts to wander, that’s okay. Find something in your surroundings to focus on that will bring you back to the here and now.
Count your breaths either aloud or in your head. This is helpful if you’re feeling stressed, nervous or overwhelmed. Breathe in for five seconds, counting 1-2-3-4-5. Breathe out for five seconds, counting 1-2-3-4-5. Simply be aware of your stressed or nervous feelings. Don’t judge those feelings or try to push them away. They will pass as you count and breathe.
Release tension in your body. Sit, stand or lie down in a comfortable position. Simply notice where you feel tense or stress in your body. When you breathe in, picture yourself gathering the stress or worry into a cloud. When you breathe out, picture yourself releasing that stress or blowing the cloud away.
Research shows that practicing everyday mindfulness is good for our physical, social and emotional health and well-being. Even if our experience in a moment is painful or challenging, we can remain open, aware and curious about it instead of running from it or fighting with it. When we remain mindful and in the present moment, we are better able to tap our deepest, wisest self and respond to hard situations in ways that reflect our core values and who we want to be in the world.
Our Westside Service Center is one of three places job seekers can visit in Kent County. We’d like to introduce you to the service center manager, Juan Rosario.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is our intentionality with being part of the community. We are more than just workshops; we are a helping hand and a friendly face. We try to be the neighborhood know-it-all so we can always connect job seekers to resources.
Insider tip: when’s the best time for job seekers to come to the service center?
The best time for job seekers to come to the service center may sometimes be their worst time. We will help guide and alleviate frustrations that come with struggling to navigate through systems on their own.
But if you think the “best time” means when we are the least busy, I would say early morning and late in the day.
What is something we offer that you wish more job seekers knew about?
I wish more job seekers attended our Career Exploration and Employability Skills workshops. These two workshops set the framework for identifying interests and skills and how to align them with a high demand career. These workshops are helpful for everyone, regardless of industry or position.
What energizes you?
My family, and hope for humanity. Among the chaos and conflict all over the world there are acts of kindness being performed but not by people of different races, not by people of different religions, and not by people of different countries, but by one being the Human Being.
What skill would you like to master?
I would like to master carpentry; the ability to build your own home or “tiny” home would be extremely gratifying. That, or speaking every language in the world.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on without any preparation?
How my 9 year old son’s obsession with FORTNITE (video game) affects his ability to do chores, or I could present on TACOS but who can’t talk about tacos for 40 minutes.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Senior Amber Ching has two folders filled with drawings of colorful, expressive, Anime-style people and animals. They could make perfect characters in a graphic novel.
But Amber likes the idea of creating graphics specifically for a story, complementing the plot and theme, as she’s noticed graphic novelists do that as they combine artwork and the written word.
Senior Josh Ypma reads ‘Maus’
“People tend to change their art style because of how they want to have the story written,” she said.
Students in Wyoming High School English teacher Kevin Mulvihill’s Graphic Novels class – many who read “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books and superhero comics as youngsters – are eagerly turning the pages of books that cover many different topics and genres through narratives and drawings. Like Amber, they are learning the different techniques and thoughts behind words and images.
The semester course was introduced last year, along with Mythology and Science Fiction classes, as a way to bring more English elective options to students and expand their reading horizons. Worth half a credit, Graphic Novels appeals to artsy students and superhero fans as well as English-language learners, who study language through pictures and words, and those who need to catch up on credits.
Senior Amber Ching draws characters that could be used in graphic novels
Sketchy Selections
Students are required to read 10 books, seven of their choice and three as a class: “American Born Chinese,” by Gene Luen Yang; “Maus,” by Art Spiegelman, the first graphic novel awarded a Pulitzer Prize; and “My Friend Dahmer,” by John “Derf” Backderf. Choice books must come from the categories of superheroes, nonfiction, coming of age, retelling a classic, and science fiction/fantasy/horror. Students create their own mini-graphic novel for their final exam.
Graphic books are not necessarily easy reads, said Mulvihill, who also teaches English 101 at Grand Rapids Community College. Many of them, like the required reads, present heavy themes. Many include lots of text. Plus, superheroes and their adversaries are advanced in all ways. “These villains have a big vocabulary,” Mulvihill said.
Mulvihill was interested in teaching the course because he knew of the popularity of graphic novels among students — and he loves them too.
“I learned how to read by reading comic books when I was a little kid,” he said. “In the summer, my brother and I would ride our bikes to Argos Book Shop in Eastown and get the 5-cent comics out of the 5-cent comic bin and just read. I kind of just never stopped.”
Some students in the course hope to pursue careers in art, graphics or 3-D and animation.
“I’ve always liked to draw comics,” said senior Stephanie Bricero, who is planning to attend Kendall College of Art and Design next year for graphic design. She said she especially likes reading superhero and horror graphic novels. “English and art are my two favorite subjects. By putting my two favorite things together, I can learn about both.”
Kaitlyn Bernatowicz, who graduated last spring, created a graphic novel last school year
Electives Add Choice
Principal Nate Robrahn said adding new English electives provides students with more choice, gives staff more freedom in instruction, and exposes students to the type of specialized courses they may take in college. Plus teachers love sharing their passion for books.
“I have some staff that are ravenous readers and it’s fun to see that carrying over to the kids,” Robrahn said.
Students are eager to have courses that lead them to books and topics they might seek out on their own.
“The kids have responded well,” said Robrahn, who has made it a priority to stock classrooms with books. “I see them engaging more with books and then having more discussion around them. That’s been pretty exciting.”
The high school has also added Reader’s Workshop, a course for which students read books from various genres, have discussions and post on Goodreads.
“You see more kids carrying books and more and more kids reading,” Robrahn said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
“I’m a Michigan State graduate, so when I took this job I knew there would be a lot of wearing of blue and gold,” said Strategic Relations Manager Chelsea Dubey as she walked through the halls of the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Professional Building.
Blue and gold are not only the colors of Dubey’s place of employment but of the civic organization that she is very passionate about and recently was named president of — the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
“I guess you can say I am a Rotary junkie,” said Dubey, who is the youngest female to take the helm of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, which has been a part of the city for 105 years.
Yes, we said Rotary Club
“I think people have an image of what Rotary is,” Dubey said. “They think of a group of older, white men and it is very diverse, with members ranging from ages 21 to 92.”
And the professions represented are quite varied as well from small business owners to executives of large corporations with many being like Dubey, mid-level leaders representing their particular company or organization, she said.
“There are people early in their careers, those who have advanced, and those who are retiring or entering a different phase of their career,” Dubey said, adding that one of the reasons she has enjoyed being a part of Rotary is because of the diversity of professions, ages and career levels.
Chelsea Dubey is the Strategic Relations Manager for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Original from Michigan’s thumb area, Dubey and her husband were living and working in Memphis, Tenn., but always knew they wanted to return to Michigan, she said.
“We had heard a lot of great things about West Michigan and basically looked exclusive here to make it our home,” she said.
Six years ago, the couple moved back, settling into the Ada area. While she knew of Rotary due to her father-in-law’s involvement, it was not until Dubey started working for WGVU that she became a member.
“Basically my predecessor Phil Catlett (who is the current president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan) had been a Rotarian,” Dubey said. “My boss said, ‘You have to be a Rotarian.’”
It made sense to Dubey since her job at WGVU was about philanthropy and making connections within the community. So Dubey joined the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and quickly discovered how much she loved being a part of it.
“Rotary gives me so much joy,” Dubey said. “No matter what my mood is, those Thursday meetings just really make my day.”
Like many civic organizations, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has seen a decrease in membership over the years. At its peek in the 1990s, according to Dubey, the club had around 400 members. Today that number is around 220. Dubey said there are a number of reasons for the decline, one being that there are just so many more opportunities for professionals.
“There are organizations more tailored to your profession,” She said. “For example, if you are in fundraising, there is a fundraising professionals group along with the other possible civic organizations like Rotary,” Dubey said. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with many young professional groups to make those members aware that once they age out that Rotary is an option, she said.
People of action, not accolades
Another reason for the decline, is that Rotary Clubs and Rotarians do not “toot their own horn” so to speak.
“People are not really aware of what Rotary has done because we tend to want to do something but are not interested in being acknowledged for what we have done,” Dubey said, adding that Rotarians have been involved in much of the development of Grand Rapids, from its parks to its buildings and many area businesses, with the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids having included such members as Fred Meijer and Gerald R. Ford.
Following the lead of Rotary International, the Grand Rapids club has focused on the eradication of polio and clean water supplies with Rotarians traveling to countries to help install club-purchased water filtration systems.
Dubey said the group is also at the beginning of doing an iconic project for the city of Grand Rapids. What it will be, Dubey said she is not certain yet, but it will be a pretty significant investment into the city.
For now, Dubey is looking at her one-year term, focused on strengthening a couple of the clubs’ committees and inspiring members to volunteer locally and contribute to both the local and Rotary International foundations.
“I believe the reason why the Rotary has been around so long and that people have been able to be in it for 40 years or so is because it ebbs and follows according to your career,” Dubey said. “You can be as involved as you want or you can step back and just come to the luncheons. It’s what you want to do.
“Rotary has done a lot for me. I have grown as a leader from running a board meeting to presenting to about 100 people a week. It is the best professional development I could every have had.”
To learn more about Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, visit grrotary.org.
It is estimated that the United States loses about 600 World War II veterans and 300 Vietnam veterans per day. And as these veterans pass, lost are their stories of some of the most historic challenges the United States has faced. In 2006, the GVSU Veterans History Project began recording veterans’ personal stories. The program not only preserves those histories but serves as a reminder of what many veterans did for our country. Director James Smither visited WKTV to talk about some of the unforgettable stories in honor of Veteran’s Day.
Smither estimated he has completed more than 1,000 interviews since 2007. One that still stands out in his mind today is Francisco Vega, a WWII veteran from San Antonio, Texas. His military career almost didn’t happen because the government didn’t want to recruit him as he was Mexican. On D-Day, Vega was on Omaha Beach in the advanced headquarters for Eisenhower. Vega had many stories to share including dangling off the Eiffel Tower to get a picture.
Michael Woods, a New Orleans native, had an argument with his principal and left school to join the Marines. However, Woods lied about his age and got caught, but his mother later signed for him to join. Without a high school diploma or a college degree, he had a long-standing career in the military that allowed him to travel the world.
Smither believes capturing stores like the two above is just one small way of acknowledging the service that many men and women provided to their country. Additionally, many of these stories provide insights that the world may not have ever known about. It’s just one way to get in touch with our country’s history.
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).
What are the chances that this saucy, spicy kitty that is unable to hear would be discovered and ultimately rescued by an interpreter for the deaf? We couldn’t believe it either, but when former volunteer Kathy relayed the story of how this two-year-old (born around October of 2016) came to be, we were convinced more than ever that fate plays a huge part in our everyday lives.
This wispy little waif was literally starving out in Sandy Pines, taking up residence outside of a pizza joint and running after golf carts in hopes of scoring dinner; after spending far too many days chasing after humans for handouts that never came, and countless cold nights huddled in the rain in hopes of someone taking her in, she was literally begging for a second chance. So kindhearted Kathy took it upon herself to insure kitty had a safe place to go (Crash’s) and armed with cat food and a carrier, headed out to find, feed and cart this hungry kitty off to warmth and safety—and all before an early morning work meeting on Oct. 1, 2018.
Thankfully, adorable, outgoing Aoili had already been spayed before she was carelessly tossed out like the trash, but she was still quite defenseless given the fact she wouldn’t be able to hear danger presenting itself until it could have been far too late. She was filthy, flea-ridden and later developed an ear infection and nasty respiratory virus that caused oral ulceration and a high fever—as if the poor girl hadn’t been through enough already.
However, true to her spunky nature, she rebounded with ease and put much-needed weight back on her undernourished frame. Those first few days at Crash’s were spent filling her belly, sleeping and getting acclimated to her new surroundings, all the while letting her roomies and caretakers get to know what an independent and incredibly intriguing girl she is; suffice it to say she certainly made her presence known!
While she’s not one to physically pick a fight, she sure is one to let out a heck of a growl to let the other kitties know her personal space is important to her. It is safe to assume that because she’s deaf, she easily gets overwhelmed with all the other cats, and tends to be a bit hissy. She’s getting better about being picked up, gets excited when she smells treats or sees the food tray coming, and could spend all day on the window ledge watching the birds and squirrels. She really is an adorable, gorgeous girl with her baby blues and snow-white fur, but she would definitely need a home that understands she is special needs and will need some time adjusting to everything in her new environment that she can only see and smell.
Aioli can run very hot and cold: she can be incredibly sweet when it pleases her, but when she’s done with snuggles and loving she isn’t afraid to slap you. She also gets irritated if she is woken up suddenly as she can’t hear you coming, so it simply scares her. She prefers the other cats to keep their distance but is fine with them if they respect the spatial boundaries she has set up for herself. She would do best in a home without young kids since she does spook easily.
We would love to see her in a place where she could spend the afternoons dozing in the sun, then have her humans come home to spoil her with tasty little tidbits, a few pets here and there and some comfy couch time.
Aioli is going to be a bit more challenging to adopt out given her attitude, but it is her tenacity and take-charge demeanor that got her noticed in the first place, so we don’t fault her for being a bit demanding. Considering everything she has been through and how hard she fought to get to where she is today, everyone who meets her is instantly in awe of her survival instincts and enamored by her charm and beauty. We sure do love our saucy, sassy spitfire—and you will, too!
More about Aoili :
Medium
Domestic short hair
Adult
Female
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Special needs: deaf, spooks easily
Spayed
Not declawed
Prefers a home without children
Want to adopt Aoili? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
Many people use New Year’s resolutions to better themselves and their lives. Goals can also be set at any time in the year to work towards a life improvement. How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution or a life goal only to feel like you were not able to achieve it? To help you be more successful this year, start with a solid, goal-setting plan.
A study at Dominican University of Californiafound that more than 70 percent of the participants who sent weekly updates to a friend reported successful goal achievement (completely accomplished their goal or were more than half way there), compared to 35 percent of those who kept their goals to themselves without writing them down. Writing down your goals and sharing them with someone else matters.
In addition, your written New Year’s resolution or life goal should be SMART to be successful. Michigan State University Extension can help you make those goals SMART, an acronym that stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
When creating a goal, there are a variety of questions you should ask yourself as they relate to specific parts of the acronym:
Specific. What exactly needs to be accomplished? Who else might be involved? Where will this take place? Why do I want to accomplish this?
Measurable. How will I know if I have succeeded? How many steps will it take to achieve this?
Attainable. Do I have the resources I need to make this happen? Is this goal neither too easy, nor too hard for me to accomplish? Will the steps I have planned help me reach my goal?
Relevant. Can I commit to this goal? Will I not be able to reach another goal or do something else I want to do because I am working towards this goal?
Time-bound. When is the deadline? When do I need to take action?
Take time to answer each of these questions as you create your goal. Using the SMART goal process can help you decide if the goal is a good fit for you as it is, or if you need to revise it to ensure success. It is often best to start with the time-bound, specific and measurable and then review them for being attainable and relevant.
An example of a goal that isn’t quite SMART would be, “I want to take a trip to Europe next October for my birthday.” The same goal, after being put through the SMART process by an individual, might look like this:
Specific. “I want to take a two-week trip to Ireland with my sister for my birthday in October of next year.”
Measurable. “I need to save $4,000 to cover flight costs, lodging, transportation and miscellaneous costs based on my research.”
Time-bound. “October is nine months away. That means I need to save $444 a month until October to have my $4,000 set aside to cover costs.”
Attainable. “$444 is a lot of money a month for me to set aside when I also am saving for a car.”
Relevant. “I am not sure I can commit to this goal. It might set me back from getting my car; perhaps I should plan for a different trip.”
In this example, having decided this goal is too much at this time, the process can be repeated; this time, the new goal is to take a trip to a Seattle, Washington, for five days and save $1,000. This allows the goal to be more likely to be achieved, aligned with the individual’s other goals and plans, and able to be measured and adjusted as needed along the way.
The SMART goal process works great with financial goals and it can also be used for any goal such as weight loss, reading a certain number of books a year, organizing a room or managing time effectively. By being SMART, you will be on your way to reaching your goal!
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives.
On a cold blustery winter Friday, Feel Like You Belong made a road trip to the Sikh gurdwara (temple) in Ada, Michigan. The members of the Sikh Society of West Michigan greeted us warmly and staged a special worship service with instrumental music and singing–even though their normal worship falls on Sunday. Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious lunch and gracious conversation in their dining hall. Join us for a special edition when we talk with temple priest Bhai Baljeet Singh and temple member Veenu Suri. In a later installment, we will share an absolutely charming interview with octogenarian temple member Kashmir Singh.
By Tyler Becker, Michigan State University Extension
Due to the importance of exercise, there are physical activity guidelines for both youth and adults. Overall, physically active youth have stronger muscles and bones, lower body fat and lower risk for depression and anxiety than physically inactive youth. Physically active youth are usually healthier adults with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and numerous other chronic diseases. The current guidelines for children 6 to 17 years of age include being physically active for at least 60 minutes or more each day with aerobic, muscle and bone strengthening activities.
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is defined as activity in which an individual is rhythmically moving large muscle groups thereby increasing one’s heart rate and use of oxygen. In turn, this increases an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness. Examples of aerobic activity include biking, running, jogging, swimming, jumping rope, etc. Majority of a child’s daily physical activity should be either moderately or vigorously intense aerobic activity, with the latter included in at least three days of the week. Examples of moderately intense aerobic activity includes hiking, biking and brisk walking and examples of vigorous-intense aerobic activity include running, active games with a running component like tag, some sports like basketball or tennis and martial arts.
Muscle Strengthening Activity
Muscle strengthening activity is movement in which the body’s muscles perform more work than is usually done in daily life. When we think of muscle-strengthening activity, we commonly think of lifting weights, however, this is not necessarily the case. Examples of other muscle-strengthening activities for children include bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats or curl-ups, resistance exercises with bands, games such as tug-of-war and playing on playground equipment. Muscle-strengthening activities should be included as part of the 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity at least three days per week. For further information related to muscle-strengthening activity in younger male and female children, refer to the Updated Youth Resistance Training Position Statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Bone Strengthening Activity
Bone strengthening activity is primarily designed to increase bone strength and growth by providing an impact or tension force on the bones. Bone strengthening activities can also be muscle strengthening or aerobic activities as well. Examples of these include jumping rope, running, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, etc. Bone strengthening activities should also be performed as part of the 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity at least three days per week.
What about children under 6 years of age?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that physical activity in children less than 6 years of age, including infants, is important, however, there currently are not any recommended guidelines. The recommendations emphasize that physical activity be performed to promote health-related fitness and movement skills that are age appropriate. For further information, refer to Physical Activity from Birth – 5 years.
Overall, youth aged 6 to 17 years of age should be performing at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day, consisting of primarily aerobic activity, but also muscle and bone strengthening activities at least three days per week. Michigan State University Extension recommends gradually increasing the number of days and time spent being active to help reduce chances of injury.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde
One hot, little number
We don’t know from whence these lists come, but apparently 4 9 5 0 8 is being hailed by Realtor.com as the hottest zip code in the entire US of A. And, it just so happens to be Kentwood’s zip code. Read all about it here.
Gobble, gobble
Mel Trotter Ministries is asking the community to donate frozen turkeys for its 15th annual ‘Turkey Drop’ project — their goal is to collect 1,500 gobblers to distribute to neighbors in need throughout West Michigan during the holiday season. They’re accepting donations Nov. 14th. Go here for more info.
Here’s to your health
Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov marketplace insurance plans ends Dec. 15th, so be sure to act now. There are some changes for 2019, and you know how time does fly when there’s a ridiculously short deadline. Go here for more info.
Fun Fact:
There is a technical name
for the “fear of long words”
It’s called “hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.”
Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces service from Grand Rapids to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) beginning April 5, 2019. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $55.*
“We’re thrilled to grow again in Grand Rapids,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “We’re sure that area travelers will enjoy getting away to beautifulSarasota on these convenient, nonstop, ultra-low-cost flights.”
The new year-round flights will operate twice weekly. With the addition of this new route, Allegiant will now serve seven cities from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
“We are thrilled to add a seventh Allegiant destination to our route map. There is no greater way to please West Michigan travelers than to announce service to Florida’s Gulf Coast right as our winter season is gearing up,” said Tara Hernandez, marketing and communications director at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We are thankful that our partners at Allegiant recognize thegrowth opportunities in Grand Rapids and continue to invest their services in our market.”
“We have had a record-breaking year, and with Allegiant adding another nonstop flight to our 2019 schedule, we’re going to continue record numbers into next year,” said Dan Koorndyk, GFIABoard Chair. “We’re proud to have had Allegiant here since 2009, and we love to see the airline’s continue growth.”
Allegiant offers a unique option to Grand Rapids-area travelers with low base fares and savings on rental cars and hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less.
*About the introductory one-way fares:
Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Nov. 14, 2018 for travel by Aug. 13, 2019. Price displayed reflects purchase of a round-trip itinerary and includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.
It’s hard to focus on school if you haven’t had your z’s, sleep educators from the Farmington Hills-based nonprofit organization Sweet Dreamzzz recently told Townline Elementary students.
First-grader Issabelle Saldivar chose a panda pattern
Sleep helps you learn, grow and be healthy, they told pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students. So, it’s important to follow a relaxing bedtime routine.
Townline staff members raised money to host the program, which aims to improve the health, well-being, and academic performance of economically disadvantaged children by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials. Townline Elementary has a high percentage of students from low-income families.
“Sleep is important for kids physically and socially emotionally,” said Principal Michelle Downs. “We really felt like it was something that isn’t talked about a lot and isn’t explicitly taught.”
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“Sleep is one thing we know, regardless of income, everyone can attain — and it’s free,” added Ann Raftery, director of sleep programs for Sweet Dreamzzz. “We teach ‘that’s when your body and brain grow.’”
Each student received a large fleece blanket, made by students at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, and a toothbrush and toothpaste kit.
Third-grader Syreeion Tyler snuggled his new bright yellow blanket. He said he planned to get to bed on time, read a book and relax. “If you get enough sleep when you go to bed you won’t be tired,” he said. “I’m putting it on my bed.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley — a staunch, vocal advocate for the livability of his city and the interests of its residents — was recently, given another point of pride about the city.
Kentwood’s 4 9 5 0 8 zip code was recently named the Hottest Zip Code in the nation by Realtor.com, beating out hot-spot cities such as Colorado Springs and Kansas City suburb Overland Park, Kansas.
In Focus, Mayor Kepley talks why he is not surprised by the national notice and other special items of note that are happening in the city.
“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). But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
School is is session and all across the nation parents are asking their children the same question, “What happened at school today?”, and the majority of kids respond indicating that nothing happened at school. Where are the details? Parents want details!
Getting kids to share what happened during the school day can be difficult and frustrating. Child care expert Lynn Gibson, offers suggestions for starting conversations that will elicit more than a single word when you ask that important question. Putting all your questions on hold is the first order of business. Give your kids some breathing space when they first get home, they have been following different expectations all day and need to switch out of school mode. Be patient if your child has some ornery moments, eventually they will be ready to share their day.
The period of time between arriving home, having dinner and bedtime is very hectic. Take some time to allow your child to relax and catch their breath to benefit the remainder of the night.
When it comes to asking your kids questions about their day, first ask yourself if you have time to listen. Your child is not on the witness stand so refrain from firing one question after another at them. Less can be more when getting information about their day.
In addition to Lynn Gibson’s conversation starters mentioned above, a blog from Simple Simon & Company offers up a great list of 25 questions to ask kids, here are a few to get you started:
What was the best (and the worst) thing that happened at school today?
Who is the funniest person in your class and why is he/she so funny?
Tell me something that made you laugh today.
What word did your teacher say most today?
How did you help somebody today?
How did somebody help you today?
Is there anyone in your class that needs a time out?
Where do you play the most at recess?
Do not get in the habit of asking the same four questions every day or this important conversation will just stall out after the first few days of school and you are back to hearing that nothing happens at school.
Art work and activity papers that come home are great conversation starters. In fact, a research study by Marvin and Privratsky (1999) showed that when four-year-old children brought home their art projects, they talked significantly more about school activities than when they did not bring home artwork.
Post a copy of the school schedule so you know which day is gym, library day or art. You can ask specific questions about each of those days to keep the conversation going. Example questions may be asking if your child picked out a new library book or asking what they played in gym.
Many kids won’t tell you much until they are all tucked in at night. If this is the case for your child, plan this into the schedule so you can enjoy this one-on-one time and discover what may be on your child’s mind.
Dr. Charles Fay suggests that kids are more likely to talk when they are engaged in something fun like playing a board game, going on a walk or helping in kitchen. The spot light is off the child to report school happenings and focus is on the activity, which helps them feel comfortable share what they experienced during school.
Providing opportunities for conversations, listening and asking the right questions will foster communication and enhance your relationships with your children. These skills will also help children make their way in the world. For more information on healthy relationships, communication and parenting skills, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 22nd, and West Michigan is going all out in celebration. Enjoy delicious food at a buffet, or get a meal to bring home to your family. All of the classics will be there, from ham and turkey to stuffing and potatoes. If you have room for dessert, that will be served as well. There’s more to do after you eat, like holiday tours and early shopping. Enjoy a West Michigan Thanksgiving this month.
Dine in Southern West Michigan
Silo Banquets & Catering in Allegan offers their Thanksgiving Dinner to Go every year. The Silo has the largest catering kitchen in West Michigan, and each of the dinners that they prepare are ready to feed up to ten people. These dinners include everything that you need to have a family Thanksgiving meal, including turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy, pie, and more. Make Thanksgiving dinner a breeze with these ready-to-serve meals.
Thanksgiving is a special time to express gratitude for all the blessings of the year. In honor of this celebration, Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall serves turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. Make reservations to have a family Thanksgiving in Schuler’s beautiful dining room, or order ahead and pick up your feast on Thanksgiving Day to share with your family at home.
This Thanksgiving, give the cooks in your family a much-deserved break. Bring your family to the Boulevard Inn & Bistro in St. Joseph for their Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Just choose your favorites from the bountiful buffet, sit back, and enjoy being together.
The Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbyville is hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet and live music on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. The menu includes traditional Thanksgiving fare, like turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie, in addition to pastries, shrimp cocktails, mini mousse, and more.
You’ll find some of the freshest farm ingredients served for Thanksgiving when you visit Saugatuck. They have a variety of Thanksgiving specials and buffets throughout the area, many of which are on Thanksgiving day. Area restaurants will serve a traditional menu with a few added surprises.
Henderson Castle (file photo)
Henderson Castle in is hosting their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 21st. Enjoy all the delicious food that you’ve come to expect from Henderson Castle during this festive season.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo has two restaurants, each offering different Thanksgiving specials and events. Zazio’s is hosting a special Black Friday Brunch on Friday, Nov. 23rd. Over at Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, they’ll be serving up a holiday-themed menu on Thanksgiving.
Dine in Central West Michigan
Double JJ Resort in Rothbury is once again hosting their popular Thanksgiving Buffet at the Sundance Restaurant. The annual buffet is a relaxing way to spend time with friends and family with the beautiful view from the Sundance. This delicious brunch buffet features a unique menu every year.
Chef Tim and his team at SE4SONS Gastropub at Muskegon Country Club will be preparing Thanksgiving dinners for you to take home and throw in the oven. All meals will be sent with cooking and reheating instructions, making it easy to put together your Thanksgiving feast. All orders must be placed by Thursday, Nov. 15th.
Both the JW Marriott and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids are serving up Thanksgiving day brunches on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Reservations are recommended.
Stop by Mt. Pleasant for Thanksgiving and leave the cooking to the professionals. They have both Thanksgiving buffets and easy dinners that you can take home to the family. Enjoy Thanksgiving-themed entrees, sides, and desserts without all the mess and clean up.
The Holland area is going all out for Thanksgiving. The area is home to dozens of restaurants, each with their own Thanksgiving traditions and menus. Check out what the Holland area restaurants have to offer, and find the perfect restaurant to suit your tastes and fit into your budget.
Dine in Northern West Michigan
The popular Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Grand Traverse Resort in Williamsburg is back. Enjoy a wide array of Thanksgiving-themed brunch treats as well as a special buffet for kids. The Thanksgiving buffet menu is available on the Aerie Restaurant website where you can also make your reservations.
If the thought of preparing an entire Thanksgiving meal for your family and friends has you stressed out, let Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire do the cooking and cleaning up. Call today to make reservations for the Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet at The Lakeview Restaurant. This buffet offers a delicious array of everything you’d expect a traditional Thanksgiving feast to include and more.
You’re invited to bring your family to the Thanksgiving Celebration at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls. They have plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages. For your Thanksgiving meal, choose either the delightful buffet or have a complete meal, including all of the holiday favorites, prepared and delivered to your room.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is hosting a Thanksgiving weekend full of family events and activities. Their Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend runs from Thursday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 25th, kicking off with the 4K Turkey Vulture Trot. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved traditional Thanksgiving buffet.
Charlevoix area (file photo)
Thanksgiving brings family and friends together, and Charlevoix welcomes you and your loved ones to come to celebrate this special holiday with them. During the long weekend, enjoy Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants, including Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant.
Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with a stop along the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula wine trail. Drop into one of the nine unique wineries for a wine tasting to decide which Michigan wines you will be serving this holiday season.
Pre-Thanksgiving Traditions
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Lansing is getting decked out with thousands of lights and holiday fun for the Silver Bells in the City celebration. Silver Bells in the City attracts over 80,000 people to the Capital City each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving. This free event brings family and friends together to kick off the holiday season.
Grand Haven Main Street provides a picturesque postcard start to this year’s holiday season. Downtown Grand Haven will be abuzz with festivities and cheer as Light Night gets you in a festive mood on Friday, Nov. 16th. Carolers will be strolling throughout downtown, roasted chestnuts, cider, and hot chocolate will be available to the public courtesy of Grand Haven Main Street and Grand Haven Tri-Cities Historical Museum.
Get in the holiday spirit in Mecosta County with the Festival of Lights parade on Saturday, Nov. 17th. This popular parade features 30 floats and groups of walkers loaded with Christmas lights, live reindeer, and a grand entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Stay at Hotel Walloon for the area’s holiday kick off! On Wednesday, Nov. 21st, the Village of Walloon will come alive with Christmas vendors, an appearance by Santa, the lighting of the village, kids activities, and more. Then, spend a relaxing weekend celebrating Thanksgiving in northern Michigan.
Events Over Thanksgiving Weekend
From Thursday to Sunday and throughout November, Thanksgiving events are taking over many parts of West Michigan. The extended weekend is the perfect time to get out with family and friends to enjoy the festivities.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo has two restaurants, each offering different Thanksgiving specials and events. Zazios is hosting a Holiday Cooking Class on Wednesday, Nov.17th to teach you how to wow your guests this holiday season. They’re also hosting a special Black Friday Brunch on Friday, Nov. 23rd. Over at Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, they’ll be serving up a holiday-themed menu on Thanksgiving.
The Holland area is going all out for Thanksgiving, with events, buffets, and ways to give back to the community. Before feasting upon one of the area’s many Thanksgiving buffets, lace up your running or walking shoes for the Turkey Trot 8K on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Stop by the Kerstmarkt on Nov. 23rd and 24th, or enjoy a post-Thanksgiving concert at the Park Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 24th. From now through Dec. 22nd, the Holland Area Visitors Bureau is hosting a Winter Coat & Food Drive. Get in the holiday spirit and give back by dropping off new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, and scarves as well as non-perishable food items to the WHTC AM radio station or the Holland Area Visitors Bureau.
The Muskegon area has holiday events all month long. Just in time for Thanksgiving, the 14th Annual Festival of Trees at the Muskegon Museum of Art features themed trees and decor from Nov. 21st to Dec. 2nd. While the family is in town for Thanksgiving, take them on the Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour on Nov. 24th and 25th. Experience the Hackley and Hume homes by candlelight to celebrate the holiday season.
You’re invited to bring your family to the Thanksgiving Celebration at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls. They have plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages. For your Thanksgiving meal, choose either the delightful buffet or have a complete meal, including all of the holiday favorites, prepared and delivered to your room.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is hosting a Thanksgiving weekend full of family events and activities. Their Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend runs from Thursday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 25th, kicking off with the 4K Turkey Vulture Trot. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. The Holiday Trail Celebration is Friday, Nov. 23rd, with a Christmas tree lighting the following day.
Thanksgiving brings family and friends together, and Charlevoix welcomes you and your loved ones to come to celebrate this special holiday with them. Before the holiday commences, sign up for the annual Turkey Trot 5K run along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. During the long weekend, enjoy Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants, including Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant.
Thanksgiving Stays & Packages
Take a road trip to quiet Saugatuck and host your Thanksgiving dinner in a vacation rental from Lakeshore Lodging. Whether you have a larger group to host this Thanksgiving or you’re just looking for a change of scenery, choosing to host your Thanksgiving dinner in a vacation rental is a fresh way to do the holiday.
As a thank you to their guests, the All Season Hotel & Resort in Kalkaska is offering a free night when you purchase and stay one night between Nov. 20th and 30th.
The Thanksgiving Package at the Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant in Petoskey includes a two-night stay for two in one of their cozy cottage-style rooms on Nov. 22nd and 23rd.
By Eve Clayton, Spectrum Health Beat; photos by Chris Clark
Kathy Earle had her right hip replaced the first Monday in June. Two days later, she found herself recovering at home and ready to climb the 14 stairs to her second-floor bedroom.
With her daughter, Emily Adamczyk, behind her for support, Earle, 62, recited the rule she learned from the staff at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital, where she had her surgery: “Up with your good leg first, down with your bad leg first.”
The mother and daughter had picked up that tip and many others when, a few weeks before her surgery, they attended a joint replacement class for patients and their caregivers.
Adamczyk heard this tip again just before discharge, at a new class offered for caregivers of hip and knee replacement patients.
Ready to go
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
The pre-discharge class packs a lot of information into a half hour, including cautions and reminders. The class made Adamczyk more comfortable with the idea of being her mom’s at-home caregiver.
“Seeing what she was capable of in the hospital was great, but then it was like, ‘Oh boy, now I have to support her by myself,’” she said. “To have a chance to sit down and hear it all again in class was really helpful.”
In addition to providing information about helping patients move around safely, the class—co-taught by a registered nurse and a physical or occupational therapist—covers several other topics, including:
Wound care
Pain medications and pain management
Preventing blood clots, infections, constipation and falls
The orthopedics team rolled the class out in March to give caregivers more confidence as they take their loved ones home, according to Liz Schulte, MSN, RN, nurse manager.
“Our patients are seeing shorter and shorter times in the hospital, and when they go home they still have a long road of recovery ahead,” Schulte said. “So to prepare that caregiver, who will be the one helping them with their medications, helping them ambulate—all of these hands-on things—it better sets them up for success.”
Consulting her class notes at home helped, too, Adamczyk said. When her mom’s leg began to swell, she checked a class handout to confirm that swelling is a normal part of the healing process.
“I think that if I didn’t know that, I would have been nervous,” she said.
Spectrum Health’s joint replacement program is one of the largest in the country and one of the first that The Joint Commission certified for total hip and total knee replacements.
“Part of the certification process is looking at your whole program and looking at what you can improve,” Schulte said, noting the program’s recent re-certification. The joint replacement discharge class is a step toward improved patient outcomes.
Freedom from pain
From Earle’s perspective, her outcome has been “amazing.” Just nine days after surgery—about a week ahead of schedule—she abandoned her walker and began using a cane to get around the house.
“Each day there’s something that gets a little easier. Each day it gets stronger,” said Earle, a retired elementary school teacher who lives outside Rockford, Michigan. “It’s amazing what the human body can do.”
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
Her right hip replacement has gone so well that she even plans to ask her surgeon, Thomas Malvitz, MD, about moving up the date of her eventual left hip replacement, she said. After dealing with arthritis pain for more than two years, she’s excited about the prospect of being free of pain.
“She loves to travel and has gone a lot of places with this sore hip, but it has slowed her down a lot,” Adamczyk said. “It was affecting her quality of life.”
Once Earle’s post-surgery driving restriction is lifted, one of her first trips this summer may well be to Lake Michigan.
“I definitely am looking forward to walking on a beach,” she said. “I think that would be an awesome thing.”
By Dr. Nancy A. Pattison, FAAP, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Heart of the City Pediatrics and Westside Health Center
Parents need to understand the behaviors they see are not on purpose. Their kids aren’t acting “bad” on purpose. All kids are born “people pleasers” and are trying to do the best they can. When they are not acting the way you think is healthy, please find out why they are acting this way and what you can do to help them. A good child therapist can help if you need to change how you parent your child in order to get the best out of them. Without being rude, I would ask you to consider how dogs are taught to not potty in the house. You train them with kindness and attention to let you know when they need to go outside. The same goes for kids in many ways. As kids don’t come with an instruction manual at birth, getting “training” advice may be helpful! Here are some ways to keep your child healthy:
Make sure they get 8-10 hours of good sleep (if your child snores talk to their primary care doctor and get that fixed!).
Eat food that is pulled off a tree, off a bush or out of the ground – not out of a box. Processed foods (food out of a box like cereal and mac and cheese) are bad for the brain.
Eat good protein (eggs, nuts, beans, chicken, turkey and some fish) and good fat.
Avoid fast food.
Help them go out and play in a green space (and away from video games and TV).
If medication is prescribed, know that it will work better if you do all of these things listed! Enjoy your talented, think outside the box, creative child!
The Northrup Grumman “SS John Young” Cygnus CRS-10 Cargo Craft will head to space Nov. 15.
On Thursday, Nov. 15, WKTV will be featuring the launch of the Northrup Grumman “SS John Young” Cygnus CRS-10 Cargo Craft to the International Space Station.
The cargo craft, which is flying critical American science experiments and crew supplies to the ISS, has been named in honor of John Young, NASA’s longest serving astronaut who passed away earlier this year.
Young began his impressive career at NASA in 1962, when he was selected from among hundreds of young pilots to join NASA’s second astronaut class, known as the “New Nine.” He walked on the moon during Apollo 16 and commanded the first space shuttle mission. In early 1973, he became chief of the Space Shuttle Branch of the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center. The following year, Young, who retired from the Navy as a captain in 1976 after 25 years of military service, was named chief of the Astronaut Office, a post he held until May 1987.
Coverage begins at 4:15 a.m., with the launch scheduled at 4:49 a.m. from the Wallops Flight Facility.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Solar Array Deployment beginning at 5:45 a.m.
Coverage of the Post-Launch News Conference begins at 7 a.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
Experience the joy of the holidays at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition on display from Nov. 20 through Jan. 6, 2019. Guests from all over the world visit Meijer Gardens to experience 42 Christmas and holiday trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe. The always favorite and enchanting Railway Garden and the holiday wonderland that encompasses it will once again wind its way through three lush indoor garden spaces, including the recently renovated Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.
Guests are invited to ring in the holiday season with our most beloved winter exhibition. It’s the season of joy! This year Meijer Gardens celebrates how our community and communities around the world joyfully commemorates the diverse and generations-old traditions that remain vibrant today. Visitors will experience a world of cultural celebrations, represented across 42 different displays that explore folklore and fact, past and present.
In many cultures, the holidays bring people together in distinct and memorable ways that are difficult to capture in a display. New this year, Meijer Gardens is presenting a wonderous original film, joy, that explores the diverse festive fabric that is holiday life across our local communities. This film will be shown continuously in the Hoffman Family Auditorium and is available on the Meijer Gardens YouTube channel as well.
“This year we take note of how our community joyfully commemorates the diverse, generations-old traditions that remain vibrant today though joy, a new film exploring the festive fabric that is holiday life across our local community.” said Maureen Nollette, Annual Exhibitions Assistant Designer.
Each winter, Meijer Gardens transforms into a botanic wonderland with fresh poinsettias, orchids and amaryllis. The smell of evergreens as visitors enter the building and the sounds of carolers make it a place to reflect and enjoy the holiday season. Indoors and out, trees sparkle with 300,000 colorful lights. More than 500 volunteers lovingly decorate the trees and displays.
The unique horticultural artistry of the beloved Railway Garden complements the model trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 30 Grand Rapids landmarks. Visitors will find familiarity in the Fifth Third Ballpark replica building with its light posts made of willow, as well as striking hydrangea petals that make up the iconic glass tower of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Five landmarks from Grand Rapids sister cities around the world are also represented in the Railway Garden.
“This holiday season, guests have a special opportunity to see how our community joyfully celebrates a variety of traditions from centuries ago that remain vibrant today,” said Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture. “These traditions are wonderful, celebratory aspects of West Michigan’s diversity and community.”
Mainstays of the exhibition include the Germany tree, adorned with handmade glass ornaments and homemade springerle cookies, the England tree—with antique Christmas cards and mistletoe—and the beautiful Eid ul-Fitr display, which celebrates the end of Ramadan.
A variety of family-friendly activities are offered throughout the exhibition.
Exhibition Activities
Extended Holiday Hours: Open until 9 p.m. on December 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29. (Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
The Original Dickens Carolers: Tuesdays: Nov. 20 and 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 6-8 p.m.
Santa Visits: Tuesdays: Nov. 20 and 27, Dec.4, 11, 18, 5-8 p.m.
Rooftop Reindeer: Saturdays: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 1-4 p.m.
Winter-Time Walks: (Nov. 20-Jan. 5, 2019) Tuesdays 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., Saturdays 11:15 a.m. Winter in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. We’ll explore different winter themes and gather in a cozy spot to learn about winter with stories, kid-friendly conversation and other activities.
And Christmas and Holiday Themed Classes: Enjoy festive learning opportunities for adults and families. Fees apply.
With fall’s colder temperatures across Michigan signaling the start of the deadliest season for carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings, Gov. Rick Snyder and Michigan’s two largest energy providers last week urged residents to protect themselves against toxic gas known as the “silent killer” because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
“Carbon monoxide can be deadly and is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning in the United States and we applaud Gov. Snyder for declaring Nov. 5 – 11 Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week in Michigan,” said Charles Crews, vice president of gas operations for Consumers Energy.
“At Consumers Energy safety is our top priority. We are committed to helping families stay safe by sharing information to prevent this life-threatening hazard that can occur almost anywhere – including homes, businesses, RVs, hunting blinds and when using portable generators,” Crews said.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
CO poisoning occurs when appliances and consumer products are improperly operated or vented and fuel does not burn properly – including oil, propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene and diesel. December, January and February are when the most carbon monoxide poisonings occur because furnaces are operating and buildings are more airtight.
“DTE urges families to protect themselves against CO poisoning by installing an Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-approved audible carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Businesses should install carbon monoxide alarms in main areas to protect their employees and customers,” said Dan Brudzynski, vice president of Gas Sales & Supply for DTE Gas. “We also recommend interconnecting all CO alarms, so that when one alarm goes off, they all will sound.”
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often flu-like and can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and stinging or burning of the eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause loss of consciousness and even death.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms and suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the affected home or building immediately, call 9-1-1 for medical attention and stay out of the building until the problem has been corrected. Other important tips to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Inspect furnaces annually, and have regular tune-ups performed by a qualified service professional.
Change or clean furnace air filters at least once a month (more if pets are present) during the heating season.
Inspect chimneys and vent pipes regularly to be sure they are free of obstructions like leaves and animal/bird nests.
Keep generators at least 25 feet away from enclosed areas and away from doors, windows and fresh air intakes. Never use a generator in a basement, enclosed garage or covered porch.
Vehicles, power lawn equipment and snow blowers should only be operated where there is adequate ventilation, never in enclosed spaces.
Never use gas stoves or charcoal grills for heating a room. Never leave a supplemental heater or fireplace unattended.
Setting family rules is the first step to establishing boundaries for your child’s behavior. Rules tell your children what you value, what is important to you and your family. When rules are enforced, it is an opportunity for children to practice making decisions and dealing with the consequences of their choices. Boundaries that you set will help guide your child’s behavior.
Keep the rules simple. The more complicated a rule, the harder it is to remember. Keep your rules short and simple so it is easier for young children to learn and remember. Rules for young children should be very easy to understand and there should be as few rules as possible.
Make sure rules are enforceable. Rules or boundaries should be connected to consequences, or what will happen if the rule is broken. Set consequences that are fair and reasonable and give your child the opportunity to learn to make better choices in the future.
Enforce rules consistently. If a rule is only enforced some of the time, your child will notice and they will learn that the rule doesn’t need to be followed. Make sure you enforce rules consistently and as soon as possible. This helps build a cause-and-effect relationship for your child (if I do this, then this will happen). This will help them learn to make better choices in the future.
Remind the rule. Kids need lots of reminders about rules and boundaries. Post a picture chart for your family rules in the house where your child will be able to see them regularly. Remind your child of the rules often, and give the warnings so they have the opportunity to change their behavior before facing consequences.
Remember that rules are for everyone. If you set a rule for your family and you break it, you are sending a message to your child that you do not value that rule. It’s important to practice what you preach and impact upon your child that the rule is so important, even you will follow it.
Family rules can help calm the chaos and set limits that will help your child understand boundaries and learn to make good choices.
For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
To learn about the positive impact children and families experience due to MSU Extension programs, read our 2017 impact report. Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension positively impacted individuals and communities in 2017, can be downloaded from the Michigan 4-H website.
By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension
For more information contact Brenda Long.
Health insurance helps provide financial protection. It is for managing the risks of very high medical expenses for potential future health problems. Plan your choices during health insurance open enrollment for 2019. If you obtain health insurance from your employer, ask about the enrollment dates and options. The information below is for people buying health insurance on their own.
Changes for 2019 include the following:
1. Premiums have flattened out for 2019 Health Insurance Marketplace plans after several years of spikes, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Consumers should find more affordable, more comprehensive coverage. In Michigan, nine companies will be competing for policy holders to purchase Qualified Health Plans in the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace:
Blue Care Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
McLaren Health Plan Community
Meridian Health Plan of MI, Inc
Molina Healthcare of MI
Oscar Insurance Company
Physicians Health Plan
Priority Health
Total Health Care USA
2. The repeal of the individual mandate requirement to pay for health insurance is still in effect in 2018 but will not be included in 2019. This means when you file federal income taxes for 2019, you will not pay a penalty for not having health insurance.
3. Short-term, limited-duration plans are allowable to cover an initial period of less than 12 months with renewal options, and up to 36 months total. This provides for new, more affordable options. These plans can provide coverage for people transitioning between jobs, students taking time off from school, and middle-class families without access to subsidized ACA plans. These plans offer lower premiums than comprehensive health insurance, but also cover less. They do not have to take people with pre-existing medical conditions. They may not cover maternity, mental health, prescription drugs and substance abuse treatment. Read the fine print if you are considering this coverage.
Not new but important to mention are Health Savings Accounts (HSA), which can be set up through your employer or by an individual. These tax-exempt accounts can be used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses not covered by traditional health plans. HSAs must be established with a high deductible plan so that the HSA pays for routine health expenses and the health plan for more significant costs. Individuals can go to many banks and credit unions in Michigan to set up an account.
Know the dates of the Open Enrollment period. The Health Insurance Marketplace has a 45-day enrollment period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2018. The Medicare open enrollment period is different from the Marketplace time frame, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2018. If you qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid or MiChild, you can enroll at any time of the year.
Ask your employer if it offers health insurance as a benefit. Some employers make use of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) for employees. If not, you may need to get coverage through the Marketplace, or directly from a health insurance agent or company.
Make a list of questions before it is time to choose your health plan. Do you want to stay with your current doctor? Will the plan provide coverage when you are travelling? This will help you compare multiple plans. Have you received a notice from your current health plan about changes to its provider network, co-pays, co-insurance, or prescription drug coverage and what does this mean for you? Read the notice carefully.
Gather your household income information. With the Marketplace, many people qualify for tax credits to save money based on family size and income. Find your most recent W-2, pay stubs or tax return.
Set your budget. You need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums each month. Think about your health care needs, how often you visit the doctor, the number and cost of prescriptions. If you expect frequent visits, prescriptions or medical services, you might want a plan that has higher monthly premiums but pays more medical costs when you use them, so you have fewer out-of-pocket costs. For more information about managing plans with high deductibles, see my February 21, 2017, news article.
On Veteran's Day: "It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. ... It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.”."
- President Barack Obama
Wyoming to host Vets Day breakfast
Veterans lay a wreath during Wyoming’s 2017 Memorial Day ceremony.
This year, the City of Wyoming has decided to switch things up when it comes to its annual Veterans Day program, replacing its outdoor evening ceremony for a morning breakfast event. Set for Nov. 12 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, the breakfast is free for veterans, $5 for non-veterans. For the complete story, click here.
Santa and more headed to Mall
There will be plenty of photo ops with Santa for kids at Woodland Mall this holiday season.As the holiday season nears, Woodland Mall is preparing for Santa’s arrival, setting up decorations and hosting a series of events to help shoppers spread holiday cheer this winter. And all the fun starts this weekend. For the complete story, click here.
A weekend of holiday cheer near
Scenes from the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, returning Nov. 15-17 to downtown Grand Rapids. (Supplied)It doesn’t matter if your a chardonnay sipper or a porter pounder, there will probably be something to your taste at the 11th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, returning Nov. 15-17 to DeVos Place downtown, with food, beverage and culinary-themed entertainment presented by area chefs, restaurants and purveyors of the spectrum of libations — including of the caffeinated variety. For the complete story, click here.
Fun Fact:
2,252 brewpubs
At the end of 2017, there were more than 6,266 craft breweries subdivided into 2,252 brewpubs, 3,812 microbreweries and 202 regional craft breweries. (Source)
Carolina Rodriguez and Edgar Aguillon pair up during an icebreaker in Katie Hoffman’s third-hour advisory class, which is focused on respect on this particular day
By Bridie Bereza
School News Network
Twice a week, science teacher Katie Hoffman spends third period teaching not biology or physics, but civility. Last week, after some icebreakers to get students talking and a brief video on respect, she asked her students how they could make respect a habit.
When you see someone, offer “a smile and a hello,” said one student.
“Instead of saying, ‘Hey you, hey you,’ say their name,” suggested another.
Keymoni Williams shares an answer during a lesson about respect
The character-building curriculum, developed in part by Hoffman and a team of Godwin Heights administrators, teachers, counselors and support staff, is taught around the school during what’s known as advisory period.
The curriculum focuses on what students should do instead of what they shouldn’t: as in, yes to holding the door, picking up trash on the floor and welcoming a new student at the lunch table.
It has the obvious benefit of teaching students important life skills and values like self-control, integrity, responsibility and perseverance.
But since its implementation last year, the program’s effects on student behavior in the school have been nothing short of amazing, said Assistant Principal Mike Porco. And the proof is in the data.
Plummeting Problems
The advisory period has been around for some years at the high school, but a grant to participate in Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative made it possible to develop the current decorum-focused curriculum. Once implemented, the payoff was almost immediate.
Senior Laciana Gonzalez has seen a positive change in student behavior and attitudes since her freshman year
“After the first week or two, this was just a different place,” said Porco, who quickly noticed less noise in the halls and less traffic in the office. “There’s a feel to data, and then there’s the real data. We tried to match that feeling with numbers, and were staggered on how big of a change that really was.”
The goal was to reduce by 5 percent discipline referrals in each of five categories: disrespect, disruption to the educational process, fighting, insubordination and verbal confrontation.
After one semester, the school saw drops of 45, 54, 52 and 32 percent, respectively, in the first four categories. Verbal confrontation, which had the lowest number of all categories to begin with, increased from the same semester the previous year, from 12 to 30.
By the end of the year, the school had seen double-digit decreases in disciplinary referrals for three of the five categories.
A poster created during an advisory period is one of many that outlines behavioral expectations
Less Disruption, More Learning
“It has definitely impacted my job,” Hoffman said of the curriculum. “Although we do still have disciplinary incidents, there are many less than in years’ past.”
Focusing on character education, she says, gives her more time to spend on teaching. It also allows teachers to walk alongside students and encourage them to make positive choices that will impact their future — lessons, she says, that will last a lifetime.
Students see the difference too. “Freshman year, everybody was goofing off and yelling at teachers because they thought it was cool,” recalled senior Laciana Gonzalez.
But the introduction of the curriculum and the school’s emphasis on values known throughout the school by the acronym “PRIDE” (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Engage), have changed the whole culture, she said. Now, incoming freshmen catch on pretty quickly.
Science Teacher Katie Hoffman high-fives student De’Amontae Clark during a discussion on respect
“PRIDE teaches kids to be a little bit more mature, and once one person shows it, everybody else kind of follows,” Laciana said. “You see someone holding a door for you, and you hold it for the next person. You don’t think about it; you just do it. It’s something you’re expected to do.”
So what happened over the summer? Have the lessons of last year stuck?
While Porco hadn’t yet crunched the numbers for each focus category, he was encouraged to see that, at a glance, disciplinary referrals were down again from the first few weeks of last year.
“So far, so good,” he said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Earning a degree in your later years isn’t just a matter of career advancement or personal achievement—it’s another way to stay sharp. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Shawn Foucher, Spectrum Health Beat
Researchers have long held that a heart-healthy diet and an active mind are among your best defenses against dementia.
But evidence continues to mount that you should also strive for a life of learning.
Recent studies suggest that mental stimulation at any age—from teens to post-retirement—is apt to improve the odds of enjoying a sound, healthy mind well into your twilight.
JAMA Neurology recently published results from a Minnesota study that found people ages 70 and older could decrease their risk of developing mild cognitive impairment by engaging in activities such as books, crafts, computers, games and socializing.
Interestingly, crafts and computers were especially associated with a decreased risk, according to the study.
Perhaps more compelling, however, is a separate JAMA Internal Medicine study that found an increase in educational attainment when you’re young may lead to a healthier brain in later ages.
Helmed by professor Kenneth Langa, the study reinforces what other researchers have been noticing—an unexpected but encouraging decline in dementia rates among the aging population in the U.S.
Langa and his team uncovered the association between dementia and educational attainment.
They measured dementia rates in two groups, one with an average age of 75 in 2000, the other with an average age of 75 in 2012. They found the dementia rate at 11.6 percent in the first group, 8.8 percent in the second group.
While those in the first group had attained about 11.8 years of education, on average, those in the second group attained about 12.7 years—almost a full additional year.
Coincidentally, the increasing value Americans have placed on education is borne out in the historical data. Prior to World War II, about 38 percent of those ages 25 to 29 had completed high school. By 1960, more than 60 percent in this age group had completed high school.
In comparing earlier generations to subsequent ones, it may suggest a greater return than expected on education: brain health benefits.
The notion that education could promote longer-term brain health is certainly not lost on the legion of gerontologists and neurologists responsible for treating some of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more suffering from various forms of dementia.
“We know from other studies that education does appear to be a protective factor, so folks with more education are less likely to develop dementia,” said Maegan Hatfield-Eldred, PhD, a neuropsychologist with Spectrum Health.
“The idea is that education, learning new things, stimulates the parts of the brain that produce new cells and grow connections between cells,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “So people with more education have more brain matter that they can lose, and still maintain normal functioning.”
The implication here, of course, is that this brain stimulation and development occurs in youth and continues to benefit people into old age.
The takeaway: Brain health isn’t something to ruminate post-retirement.
It’s something parents should keep in mind for themselves and their children from the get-go, with consistent emphasis on education and intellectual development.
“It really emphasizes the importance of thinking about brain health over your lifespan,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “This isn’t something you should think about when you turn 70. It’s really a lifetime thing. The things you do over your lifespan impact whether you may develop dementia down the road.”
Ponder it
A question remains: What can you do now, as an adult, to increase the chances you’ll have a healthy brain into your 70s, 80s and beyond?
While age is the biggest determinant in the development of Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia, genetic factors also play a substantial role. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although some medications can alleviate the symptoms.
“The No. 1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is your age,” said Iris Boettcher, MD, chief of geriatrics for Spectrum Health. “The older you get, the higher the risk.”
You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle.
Activities that require mental concentration are all apt to help with cognitive function, Dr. Boettcher said.
“The advice I give, even once the diagnosis of dementia is made, is we know that regular mental stimulation is helpful in reducing the progression of the disease,” she said.
Dr. Boettcher is especially keen on discussions and activities that encourage higher-level thinking.
“People say reading, and reading is OK, but it’s really discussing what you have read,” she said. “You can read things over and over again, but it’s not necessarily constructive brain stimulation.”
While that’s no call to run out and enroll in the physics track at your local university, it is a call to challenge yourself mentally.
“It’s not a cure-all,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “But in general, we know that people who stay (mentally) active have lower (dementia) rates. It may prolong the onset of dementia if you are someone who was going to develop dementia. Maybe you’ll get it later than you would, or maybe it will progress more slowly than it would have without those activities.”
Drs. Hatfield-Eldred and Boettcher also emphasize the importance of regular exercise—at least three times a week, about 20 to 30 minutes each time—and a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
“It’s been shown in multiple studies: It reduces the progression of dementia and it’s healthy for the brain,” Dr. Boettcher said. “You don’t have to be a marathon runner or work out in a gym. It’s very simple.”
The take-home message from these studies: “There’s no one magic activity,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said.
Many of West Michigan’s towns, cities, and counties have their own rich history. While you’re traveling throughout West Michigan, take the time to learn more about the area you’re staying in or visiting.
Historic Areas in Southern West Michigan
Long known as “the art coast of Michigan,” the Saugatuck community traces its creative roots back 100 years to the day when The Art Institute of Chicago established its Ox-Bow School in the area. Today, dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists call it home, enriching the community with an open-minded outlook and an appreciation of art that spills over into the galleries around town.
Courtesy Saugatuck/Douglas
As the capital of the state, the Greater Lansing area is filled to the brim with history. One of the big attractions in downtown Lansing is the Michigan History Center which houses the Michigan Historical Museum, the State Archives, and the Library of Michigan. In the historical museum, visitors can find three floors of Michigan History, strolling through eras beginning in the prehistoric times and finishing up in the Motown days in Detroit.
With 19th century architecture showcased in the town, you’ll find hundreds of year’s worth of history in Coldwater. To put everything in one place, check out their historic walking tours with over 20 stops. One must-see location is Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest operating theatre in Michigan. Built in 1882, Tibbits serves as the arts and cultural center of Branch County and the surrounding area.
Battle Creek’s cereal history exhibit is a great place to learn about Cereal City USA. Located across the street from the Battle Creek Welcome Center, the exhibit has pieces from Post and Kellogg, including old advertisements, collector plates, memorabilia, and much more.
Find and create your own history in Southwest Michigan. The area is home to many antique markets. Visit towns like Baroda, where you’ll find buildings filled with an assortment of antiques, including a parts department for do-it-yourselfers. You’ll even find vintage and antique garments, hats, purses, and shoes from the late 1800s through 1970.
Historic Areas in Central West Michigan
Rich in history, Lake County has a historical society that has gathered historical items from all over the area. This includes the Marlboro Cement Plant, Idlewild, and nearby logging towns. They also put on a free program once a month about the notable citizens of Lake County and the area’s upbringing.
The best history in Mecosta County can be easily found in a few notable areas. The local historical museum shows how the area has changed, with most of its inventory donated from locals. Two more unique spots are the Old Jail in Big Rapids and the Jim Crow Museum located within Ferris State University.
The Muskegon area has thousands of years of history for you to discover. The Lakeshore Museum Center is preserving and interpreting the history of Muskegon through exhibits, education, and programs. Located in nearby Whitehall, the Lakeshore Museum Center’s Michigan’s Heritage Park has over 10,000 years of history that you can walk through. Jumping forward quite a ways, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum takes you inside a restored WWII submarine and a Prohibition-Era Coast Guard Cutter. Self-guided tours let you experience what it was really like to sail a sub trolling the waters of the South Pacific 60-plus years ago.
Courtesy USS Silversides Museum
The Mt. Pleasant area was established in 1831, and since then, they’ve developed a rich Native American history and culture. The Treaty of 1855 relocated the Native American Ojibwa (Saginaw Chippewa Tribe) from Saginaw, Swan Creek, and Black River to land in Isabella County. Today, Mt. Pleasant is home to the popular Soaring Eagle Casino, Ziibiwing Cultural Center, and many other American Indian cultural aspects. With celebrations like the Annual Saginaw Chippewa Pow Wow, the area continues to celebrate the rich history and culture of the American Indian.
If Ludington was your favorite vacation spot in the late 1970s, it’s time to come back. On the same property as Ludington’s first Holiday Inn is the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites, featuring much of the original infrastructure and offered amenities. As advertised in the Ludington Daily News in 1975, stay in one of 116 beautiful, tastefully decorated, carpeted rooms featuring a color TV, in-room telephones, and individually controlled heat or air conditioning. Today, each room has the modern conveniences of a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, and, of course, free WiFi.
Historic Areas in Northern West Michigan
Unique history and architecture can be found throughout Charlevoix. The Mushroom Houses, designed by Earl Young, have received high praise and recognition for their natural beauty and amazing characteristics. Self-taught builder Earl Young began building houses in 1919 and continued his work until the 1970s. Young created over two dozen homes, buildings, and structures using natural materials. Earl Young’s houses feature wide, wavy eaves, exposed rafter tails, and a horizontal emphasis in design. These buildings are creatively known as Gnome Homes, Mushroom Houses, or Hobbit Houses.
Located throughout Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, all four of the Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites have their own history. A visit to any of these four locations, Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, are sure to be a hit for any family looking to learn about the history of northern Michigan on their next trip.
You found a great sale on meat and bought more than you can use within a day or two. You can preserve it by canning, drying or freezing. Freezing is by far the simplest method of preserving meat. Michigan State University Extension has some helpful tips when freezing meat.
You can freeze fresh meat and poultry in its supermarket wrapping if you will use it in a month or two. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that you add a second wrapping for long-term storage to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Overwrap the package of meat with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper or place the package inside a freezer bag. While it is safe to freeze fresh meat or poultry in its supermarket wrapping, this type of wrap allows air to pass through, which can lead to freezer burn. Foods with freezer burn are safe to eat, but will be dry and may not taste good.
Keep your freezer at 0º Fahrenheit or lower. Put no more food in your freezer than can get frozen in 24 hours.
Spread out the bags of meat in your freezer when you are first freezing them. You can neatly stack and organize them in your freezer once they are completely frozen.
Do not stuff any kind of meat or poultry before freezing it. Harmful bacteria can grow in the stuffing before it gets completely frozen and then it can once again grow when it is being thawed.
Thaw all meats in the refrigerator for the very best quality. Cook the meat once it is thawed.
Freeze meat in meal size portions. Label the package with the kind of meat, the amount in the package and the date it was frozen.
Freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, but the quality and nutritional value decreases over time. Recommended storage times from the United States Department of Health and Human Services are for quality only.
He echoes the sentiment that cold weather is particularly tough on lungs and provided some of his top advice for how to stay active.
4 easy ways to help combat the wheeze:
1. Cover your mouth and breathe through your nose
Before heading outside make sure to cover your mouth with a scarf, turtleneck, neck gaiter or whatever you prefer. Covering you mouth helps warm up the outside air before it enters your lungs.
Dry and cold air is a prime trigger for airway narrowing, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and focusing on warming and humidifying the air you breathe is key.
Breathing through your nose helps.
That may sound like a request from Ms. Manners, but breathing through your nose will help warm the air before it enters your lungs.
“We prefer that children stay active and involved in sports, even in the winter,” Dr. Schuen said.
He works with kids and teens who have cold-induced asthma to avoid issues when braving the outdoor temps. Sometimes that means suggesting the use of inhalers and medications “before going out into the cold Michigan winter.”
“This is in addition to covering your mouth with a scarf or face mask,” he added.
2. Take your exercise inside
Up to 90 percent of people with asthma encounter breathing difficulties while exercising. When you exercise, you generally breathe through your mouth, and the symptoms will only get worse if you’re breathing in cold or dry air.
For some people, this might include limiting activities like shoveling snow or playing outside in the winter months.
Consider taking your exercise indoors. Join a gym, invest in indoor exercise equipment, or learn some indoor routines that will keep you feeling great.
Definitely talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent flareups while working out, such as warming up, pacing yourself, taking your medication prior to exercising, or the specific types of exercise you might want to consider. Sometimes short bursts of exercise or more leisurely exercise like walking or swimming work best.
3. Skip the cozy wood fires
We all know that cigarette smoke irritates asthma but did you know that fire smoke can have the same effect?
Wood smoke contains benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. Small particles from the smoke can lodge inside the lungs, sometimes deep, aggravating asthma and causing other breathing issues.
Gas fireplaces are a bit better, but they still release nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the lungs.
Another note in this area: Make sure to replace your furnace filter and vacuum your indoor space frequently during the winter to keep allergens such as smoke particles, mold and pet dander low.
4. Keep germs at bay
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as eight out of 10 asthma attacks in children and four out of 10 in adults are triggered by viral infections.
Between RSV, the common cold, and the flu, winter is rife with viral hurdles. Get vaccinations, when possible. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer frequently, and try to steer clear of those who are sneezing or coughing around you.
Sometimes an infection can’t be avoided, so if you start to fall ill, stay home and keep yourself well-hydrated. Talk with your doctor about when you should seek medical care, or consider a MedNow video appointment so you can get treatment while at home. Try to keep your cold from turning into something more serious.
