Tuesday, Dec. 4, WKTV will be featuring the launch of the SpaceX CRS-16 Cargo Craft to the International Space Station.
SpaceX CRS-16 will be filled with supplies and payloads including critical materials to directly support the science and research that will occur during the current expeditions.
Coverage begins at 1 p.m., with the launch scheduled for 1:38 p.m. A post-launch news conference will take place after the launch,
Coverage continues on Thursday, Dec. 6, for the rendezvous and capture of the SpaceX CRS-16 at the ISS at 4:30 a.m., with the capture scheduled for approximately 6 a.m. Installation of the cargo craft begins at 7:30 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.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, with a reception to also include surprises and giveaways for passengers flying that day.
The Airport had a total of over 2.7 million passengers served through the end of October. November and December seat totals and flight information are forecasting the three millionth passenger to arrive around 11 a.m. on Dec. 5.
“Our three millionth passenger has no idea they will be greeted upon arrival at our airport with balloons, gifts, and some really fantastic giveaways,” said GFIA Marketing & Communications Director Tara Hernandez. “To hit three million passengers is a first for our airport and we really want to go above and beyond to celebrate it with one lucky passenger, but also for all of those traveling through our airport that day.”
The three millionth passenger will be receiving three $300 travel vouchers and three free days of parking from the Airport Authority, a gift basket of travel accessories from Hudson News & Gifts valued over $300, a Beer City Welcome Basket from Experience Grand Rapids, and much more.
Airport staff will also be passing out cookies, candy, giveaways, and registering people to win three $300 flight vouchers from 9a.m. – 2p.m. that day.
Kent County will be holding three community forums to allow residents an opportunity to participate in the development of its strategic plan. The county is currently developing a strategic plan that will guide its leadership through the next five years, better reflecting the changing demographics, economics, and needs of the County.
Wyman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller. (WKTV)
“Community engagement is absolutely integral to the success of Kent County,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller. “It is important for us to hear the thoughts and ideas from our communities as we renew our strategic plan and effectively plan for the future.”
The meetings will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. as follows:
Thursday, December 6, at the Kent County Health Department (700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Tuesday, December 11, at the Rockford Freshman Center (4500 Kroes St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341)
Thursday, December 13, at the East Kentwood Freshman Campus (6170 Valley Lane Dr., SE, Kentwood, MI 49508)
All three meetings will cover the same information. Due to space constraints, each event is limited to the first 100 individuals and pre-registration is required.
To register for one of the forums, residents should click on this link. If an individual would like to register by phone, please call Diane Kelly at (517) 484-4954.
“Solutions and ideas do not just come from government – they come from our residents who live, work, and play in Kent County,” said Britt. “These forums are another way we can hear directly from the public by allowing residents to provide open and honest feedback on the in our strategic plan, which in turn, will goals and action items that should be included improve our great County.”
Don’t let long shopping lists and holiday parties distract you from your job search this month. Many people pause their search until the New Year, but December is a good month to look for a job. Here’s why:
Fewer people look
Many job seekers put their job search on hold during the busy holiday season. Use this time to get ahead of the competition by applying to jobs and connecting with recruiters. Overwhelmed with your to-do list this month? Balance your job search and holiday activities by blocking out time every day for job search activities.
Plenty of networking opportunities
The holidays are a great excuse to reconnect with people you’ve met through networking. Ask them to coffee or lunch to catch up. These meetings will strengthen your relationship and keep you top of mind as they move into the New Year.
Consider holiday parties as another networking opportunity. Meet someone new and let them know you’re job searching (even if it’s your grandma’s neighbor!). Make sure to leave your resume at home.
Extra time with recruiters
Recruiters are more likely to respond to your email because they aren’t as busy this month. Apply to relevant job postings and follow up with an email to the recruiter. Give them a chance to get to know you now, so they’ll remember you once 2019 hiring begins.
Did you get an Out of Office reply? Great! If they don’t respond to your email upon return, welcome them back to work and then ask your questions.
Keep up your momentum
It’s hard to restart a job search after a lengthy break. Do yourself a favor by continuing to job search this month.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
It’s been several years since Boomers began reaching the age of retirement, and the reality of our society’s lack of preparedness to deal with the influx of retirees over the next decade has become impossible to ignore. This issue has come to be known as “The 2030 Problem,” and one of the main points of concern is the ability of our medical system to address the needs of so many seniors. So what are the current and impending problems with the availability of senior health care services?
Healthcare Professionals
We’re already facing a shortage of primary care physicians in the United States, and the issue is only going to get worse according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. By 2030, we could be facing a shortfall of as many as 43,000 primary care physicians across the country, and the problem is expected to be worse for people living outside large population areas and patients using government health care assistance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
On top of this, it’s not only primary care where shortages are projected, but also specialized healthcare professionals such as surgeons and geriatricians. Demand for specialty healthcare services is projected to require as many as 61,000 more physicians than will be practicing in 2030, an even steeper disparity than primary care.
Caretakers
Not only are healthcare professionals going to be in short supply, the number of both professional and unofficial caretakers may not be sufficient for the rising senior population. Many seniors rely on a network of family and friends to help with activities of daily living as they age, but research from the AARP reports that the ratio of potential caregivers to retirees will fall from 7:1 in 2010 to 4:1 in 2030. Soon-to-be retirees planning to rely on family for care may not have as much success as they hope, and will most likely need turn to assisted living or another formal care option as they find they need more assistance with activities of daily living.
Formal care faces its own challenges in this new population of retirees, however. The United States is projected to become majority minority by 2043, and the current generation of soon-to-be retirees is certainly more diverse than their predecessors. However, projections in senior health care professions speculate that formal caretakers are not on a course to become similarly diverse. Fortunately, studies on the implementation of cultural competency training in senior care settings have shown that culture barriers can be overcome.
Diseases and Conditions
There has been a dramatic shift in the leading causes of death in the last century. From the early 1900s to now, infection-caused diseases such as influenza and pneumonia have given way to noncommunicable, chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer as the leading causes of death in the United States. Elderly populations are at high risk for both of these conditions, as well as other conditions that fall into the ten leading causes, such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, simply due to the way the human body ages. And while rising life expectancies are a triumph for medicine, longer lifespans do present the need for a change in our approach to healthcare.
The issue is that many of these diseases and conditions don’t have cures, and in some cases, don’t even have effective research-based treatments. So, even if the barriers to senior health care access were to be removed, retiring adults are facing the issue of manageable, but not treatable, chronic illnesses.
Care Focuses
Related but not synonymous to the shift in prevalent diseases is the focus of healthcare in senior populations. According to the CDC, about half of all adults in the United States are managing one or more chronic health conditions, with one in four living with at least two. Known as comorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic diseases or conditions presents a unique challenge to healthcare providers, as they need to understand not only how to treat the diseases separately, but also how the diseases present, interact, and even worsen when experienced simultaneously.
This shift in focus to comorbidity requires a much more consistent and frequent approach to seeking and obtaining healthcare, as opposed to the reactionary model experienced by many US adults. While ongoing healthcare may be a better model, the associated costs of frequent physician visits may be prohibitive to seniors who may already be facing a crisis of affordability.
Affordability
According to a report by Fidelity, healthy, retirement-aged couples can expect to spend $245,000 on healthcare costs over the course of their retirement – and other sources suggest that this estimate may be conservative. Baby Boomers have an average of only $147,000 saved for retirement, leading to natural concern about the high cost of retirement living, and experts suggest that government assistance programs like Medicare will not be able to sustain the retiree boom.
The picture of senior health care in the coming decade looks bleak, but it’s important to remember that our society faced similar questions of economic strain when faced with caring for the Baby Boomers as children. While it’s important to keep the challenges of retirement in mind as we move towards 2030, it’s also important to not lose sight of the joy that the Golden Years can bring. By facing projected issues now, we can prepare for the needs of seniors for years down the line.
Jason Bunker likes the idea of living off the grid: hunting, relying on the land and harnessing wind energy.
“I would like not being on a game 24/7, not being inside, actually living how people used to and not having everything handed to you,” he said. “If something ever does happen – if there’s no power or something – you would know how to live and survive.”
Kalani Stowe agreed, envisioning perhaps bubbling brooks, chirping birds and a turning windmill. “I like listening to the sound of nature.”
But Samantha Gross said an unplugged lifestyle is just not for her. “I would never… I want an actual refrigerator. I like cold water.” Added Reagan Passino, “I want my phone, technology.”
Wyoming Junior High seventh-graders recently worked in groups and presented plans, just in case their parents decide a self-sufficient lifestyle is the way to go.
With a limited budget and resources, they devised windmills, water wheels and generators – methods to keep the lights on without hooking up to an external energy source.
Included in their presentations about the devices and how they work were concepts such as electrical force, hydroelectricity, energy transfer, potential energy and kinetic energy.
Nemi Pinos said using electricity isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. “You have to put a lot of effort into these things,” she said. “You have to organize, think through it, and find out what materials and resources you need to make a windmill work.”
On top of that, one must be careful to not impact animal habitats or neighbors, Nemi said.
A New Approach to Science
The students, in teachers Michelle McSorley, Amy Dunn and Kristi Vugteveen’s science classes, were completing a unit within the MiSTAR curriculum, which is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, a set of teaching guidelines for kindergarten through 12th-graders outlined in “A Framework for K-12 Science Education.”
NGSS tasks students to redesign, rebuild and tweak projects as many times as it takes, and to explore open-ended questions. Wyoming Junior High started using the MiSTAR curriculum as a pilot program last school year.
The approach challenges students to think deeply, McSorley said. It’s taught sans textbook, relying on Chromebooks, notebooks and experimentation through hands-on projects. Vocabulary is taught by embedding it in discussion, but not as a list of definitions to memorize.
Students are completing projects around thermal energy and the life cycle of building materials, too. They’ve made an electromagnet, and also visited a skateboard park to explore how to get a skater to go higher and faster.
“It’s a different way of thinking. The thing that frustrates most kids is that I don’t answer their questions,” McSorley said. That can be very annoying. They have to figure it out.”
They are learning a few other life skills too, she said, referring to the off-the-grid project with a laugh.
“They are learning why their parents tell them to turn off the lights.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
"Sing, sing a song,
Make it simple to last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear,
Just sing, sing a song..."
- "Sing" by Joe Raposo, written for "Sesame Street" in 1971
The airport is alive with music
Several Wyoming and Kentwood high school choirs will be performing at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s Holiday Music Festival, which is Dec. 3 – 7. Some of the groups scheduled are Potters House, Legacy Christian, South Christian, Wyoming High School, Lee High School, and East Kentwood High School. Performances are daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. andJe are free.
And the winner is…
Jennifer Lewis and Brian Jirous were declared the newest members of the Wyoming Board of Education this week. Both ran in the Nov. 6 election. Jirous was the only candidate who filed for one of the two open seats on the board. Lewis was one of two write-in candidates. It took a couple of weeks for the write-ins to be hand counted, according to school officials. The two will be sworn in at the Wyoming Board of Education meeting set for Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.
Santa is coming to town
While it is still a week yet until Kentwood hosts its annual tree lighting and parade, set for Dec. 7, and the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Santa Parade, Dec. 8, you can get your celebrating started at Byron Center’s community festivities this Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade portion has been cancelled due to the weather but the chili dinner and holiday concert at Pathway Church, 8350 Byron Center Ave. SW, is still taking place.
Fun Fact:
Light It Up
Ever wonder how many lights you can fit on a Christmas tree? Well a group in Belgium did, managing to get 194,672 lights on a real tree on Dec. 10, 2010. Seven years later, Universal Studios Japan was not about to be out done, so they managed to place 570,546 lights on an artificial tree. You have to admit, that is a lot of lights. (Source)
Looking for a way to add depth of flavor to some food dishes? Why not make flavored vinegar using either herbs or berries from the garden? Michigan State University Extension says that flavored vinegars are easy and fairly safe to make, provided precautions and the directions are followed.
It’s important to know that only glass containers that are free of cracks and nicks can be used to make flavored vinegars. The containers can be sealed with cork stoppers or two-piece canning lids and will need to be washed, rinsed and sterilized.
Herbal Flavored Vinegars
For herbal vinegars, choose fresh picked herbs just before they begin to flower for the best flavor. Three or four sprigs of herbs are needed per pint of vinegar. When picking your herbs, do so in the morning, just after the dew has dried, but before the noon sun and use only the best leaves or stems. Discard crushed, discolored, dried out or nibbled on pieces because these will give the vinegar a bitter flavor, plus the quality will be poor. The damaged pieces may introduce mold spores into the vinegar and if damaged product is put in, less than desirable product will be the result.
After picking, gently and thoroughly wash the herbs and then blot them dry. Next, dip the herbs in a sanitizing bleach solution. The concentration of the chlorine bleach solution should be one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to six cups of water. Then rinse the herbs thoroughly under cold water and use clean paper towels to blot them dry. The step of rinsing in the chlorine bleach solution is needed to avoid introducing food borne pathogens into the product.
Dried herbs may also be used. Three tablespoons of dried herbs are needed per pint of vinegar.
Fruit Flavored Vinegars
Favorite fruits used in vinegars are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, pears and the peel of lemons or oranges. Sometimes the fruits are paired with herbs and spices like mint or cinnamon. Other popular flavorings include peeled garlic, green onions, jalapeno or other peppers, mustard seed and peppercorns.
Preparation of the fruit and vegetables includes washing and peeling, if necessary. Small fruits and vegetables may be left whole, whereas larger fruits like peaches need to be cubed or sliced. Allow one to two cups of fruit per pint of vinegar or the peel of a whole orange or lemon per pint of vinegar.
Types of Vinegar
Not all vinegars are created equal. Distilled white vinegar is clear in color, but has a distinctively sharp flavor of its own. However, distilled white vinegar is the best choice for those delicate herb flavors. Apple cider vinegar is milder in flavor, but the amber color may not be desirable. The apple cider vinegar blends best with fruits.
Even though wine or champagne vinegars are more expensive, they tend to have a more delicate flavor that works well with delicate herbs and light flavored fruits. Red wine vinegar goes well with spices and stronger herbs like rosemary, but most other herb flavors will be masked by the red wine flavor.
Beware that wine vinegars contain some protein, which make them an excellent medium for bacterial growth to take place in. If wine vinegars are used, they need to be handled properly and stored carefully. For safety reasons, use only commercially produced vinegars.
Flavoring Vinegar
The process of flavoring the vinegar involves placing the prepared fruits, herbs and/or spices in the sterilized glass jars. Use three to four sprigs of fresh herbs or three tablespoons of dried herbs per pint jar. For fruits, use one to two cups of fruit or the peel of one orange or lemon per pint of vinegar to be flavored. Do not over pack the jars.
Sometimes it is necessary to slightly bruise the herbs or fruits to help release the flavors. When working with jalapeno or hot peppers, it is wise to wear gloves.
Heat the vinegar to just below the boiling point about 190 -195 degrees Fahrenheit and then pour over the flavoring, leaving a quarter-inch of head space. Wipe the rims with a clean damp cloth and then adjust the lid, corks or screw cap tightly. Allow to cool undisturbed.
Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place for three to four weeks, this will give the flavors the chance to develop. After the time has passed, strain the vinegar through damp cheesecloth or coffee filters until it is no longer cloudy. This may take more than one straining. Discard the fruit, herbs, vegetables and spices because they have served their purpose.
Prepare the jars for the final bottling process and pour the strained vinegar into clean sterilized jars and cap tightly. Label the vinegar and decorate the jar if it is a gift.
Flavored vinegars can add excitement to dishes by the blending of different flavors. Try this new gift of the garden.
For most adults reaching retirement age, finances are looking pretty grim. By most studies, more than half of the Baby Boomer generation isn’t financially prepared for retirement, and as many as 30% have no retirement savings at all. Experts are worried about how new retirees will fare, or if retirement as we currently think of it will even still exist. So if savings can’t save the day, what can?
Why do you need it?
While many of the people who have been retired for a while have managed to maintain their nest egg while enjoying pre-retirement lifestyles and spending habits, younger retirees and adults approaching their full retirement age shouldn’t count on the same fortune. Americans nearing retirement have a median retirement savings of about $147,000, which is more than $500,000 shy of the amount that experts project is necessary for a comfortable, financially stable retirement.
Sources of retirement income are one way that current and future retirees are dealing with their finances. From estimated medical costs as high as $280,000 to cost of living to travel and entertainment, there’s so many aspects of retirement that require financial security. So what can you do?
What are your options?
Social Security
The in’s and out’s of Social Security can be difficult to navigate. If you’ve already claimed your benefits and have been receiving monthly payments for a year or more, the amount you can receive each month is more or less locked in aside from cost-of-living increases. If you haven’t claimed yet, or if you’ve been receiving benefits for less than a year, you have some choices to go over with your financial advisor.
First, the age at which you claim benefits has a huge effect on how much money you’ll receive each month. At the minimum age of eligibility, 62, your benefit could be reduced by as much as 25-30%, depending on your full retirement age (FRA). Then, at your FRA, you can receive your full benefit with no reductions. Or, for every year you wait to claim after your FRA and up to age 70, you can earn an 8% bonus to your benefit. Everyone’s situation is different, so one age is not necessarily always better than another, but many financial planning experts advise waiting and betting bonuses if your health and financial situation will allow.
Employer Pensions
Today, employer pensions are becoming rare, but they do still exist. Public service workers, such as the police force, firefighters, judges, and public teachers have always had pension plans, and other government positions also offer pensions. Because pensions are part of an employee’s compensation package, the amount of retirement income they provide varies based on industry, position, and even from person to person.
Retirement Accounts
While you can open your own retirement accounts, they are generally associated with employer-provided benefits. These benefits, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, deferred comp plans, SIMPLE or SEP IRAs, and more, may not be income like pensions are, but function in much the same way after retirement. You are required to withdraw a minimum amount per year after age 70½, though earlier withdrawals may help reduce your lifetime tax bill. Transfers can be done in a lump sum (though we don’t recommend it), quarterly, monthly, or on a different schedule as long as the minimum is met annually.
Savings Accounts
Your personal savings aren’t actually guaranteed income, but barring emergency expenses, you should treat money you withdraw about the same as you treat Social Security payments or retirement account withdrawals. Budget your spending and pay yourself a monthly paycheck from your savings account, and don’t go over that budget. The main difference is that you can withdraw more money if you need to, in case of an emergency medical expense for example, whereas other sources of retirement income generally pay out a regular amount that you have little to no control over.
Annuities
Annuities are somewhat unique in this list, as they can be obtained after you’ve already retired, and some, like fixed indexed annuities, have the option to be truly guaranteed retirement income, meaning that you will always receive income from them regardless of your financial situation, the markets, and other variable factors. There are different types of annuities that may be better or worse for your needs, which you should discuss with a financial advisor.
Part-time Work
And of course, one way to earn retirement income is simply by earning income from a job. There are many part-time work opportunities that allow retirees to supplement their savings while still maintaining a retirement lifestyle, and more retirees are becoming entrepreneurs for enjoyment and income. Continuing to work isn’t part of the traditional picture of retirement, but it’s quickly becoming more common.
While retirement savings across the board aren’t where they should be, a financially stable retirement is possible with enough planning. Take stock of your options for retirement income, and speak with a financial advisor to get the clearest picture of your finances.
In an instant, Julie and John VanderMolen became parents of three beautiful infants.
All boys.
All identical.
Statistically, that’s a rare event―identical triplets occur once in every 100,000 births.
And for the VanderMolens, it’s a triply blessed event.
The babies arrived by cesarean section Nov. 26 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, and the couple eagerly embraced the moment they became a family of five.
“I just was a mess of tears,” Julie says. “The pregnancy was a pretty long journey for me.
“Just having that bond with them in utero, and being able to feel each one of them move separately. And then to see them outside of me, it just felt so surreal. I felt like I already knew them.”
Ivan John arrived first, at 11:28 a.m., weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces. Then came William Lloyd, at 11:29 a.m., tipping the scale at 5 pounds. Third was Harrison Kenneth, born at 11:31 a.m., weighing 3 pounds, 15 ounces.
Each has a full head of hair, and each gave a hearty cry at birth.
“To hear that scream―that moment is indescribable,” John says. “I am just so happy and thankful they are healthy. They are doing great now. We are just very blessed.”
One, two, three heartbeats
The couple found out they were expecting triplets early in the pregnancy. Julie had experienced a miscarriage a year earlier, so she had an ultrasound exam at six weeks.
“You guys are having twins,” the technician said, as she detected two heartbeats.
Photos by Chris Clark
A moment later, she added, “There are three heartbeats.”
Julie began to shake. “Like a leaf,” she says. John became dizzy.
“Things got real very quickly,” he says. “I just was not prepared. I felt like I had been hit by a car.”
It didn’t take long for shock to give way to feelings of excitement.
“We desperately wanted children,” Julie says.
Although John had lobbied for a big family, they hadn’t decided how many kids they wanted. They thought they would start with one and see how that went.
Doctors told the parents early in the pregnancy the infants would be identical because, although they had three separate sacs, they shared a single placenta.
Identical triplets can occur when a single fertilized egg divides in two, and then one of those eggs divides, said Vivian Romero, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Spectrum Health Medical Group.
Julie, a social worker, and John, a former Marine who works for the federal government, are Grand Rapids-area natives who moved to North Carolina for John’s job. After they found out they were expecting triplets, they moved back to West Michigan to be closer to family.
To be able to see him and hold him is an indescribable feeling.
The boys receive nourishment through feeding tubes. They will learn to eat on their own before they are ready to go home.
Perfection
On Monday afternoon, John wheels Julie to the NICU so they can hold the babies, providing skin-to-skin contact. They make sure each boy receives equal cuddle time. This visit, Ivan waits in his crib while his brothers get their turn.
Nurse Bos lifts Harrison from his crib and gently helps Julie settle him on her chest.
“Hi, buddy. Come to mama,” Julie murmurs. Harrison opens his eyes and looks up at her.
John sits in a nearby chair and holds William. The newborn squawks and squirms, then settles in and closes his eyes.
“To be able to see him and hold him is an indescribable feeling,” John says.
“It’s unlike anything you can ever describe,” Julie agrees. “It’s perfection.”
The VanderMolens received a moment of fame with a playful video they created to announce their triple pregnancy. It shows their frantic preparations for parenthood―with John catching three baseballs and Julie filling three baby bottles. It was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America.
Now, they can’t wait to bring their babies to their home in Kentwood, Michigan. Three cribs await the boys upstairs. A triple stroller stands ready. They have piles of outfits, diapers and bottles.
Photo by Chris Clark
Julie looks forward to taking her sons to church. John dreams of playing sports with the boys.
With Julie still recovering from surgery, the couple says they don’t think they have quite come to grips with the challenges ahead.
“The full responsibility has not sunk in yet,” John says.
“But I wouldn’t say we are fearful about it at all,” Julie says. “The connection we have with them is just so instant. And I am so looking forward to being home, on our own schedule, and figuring it out together as a family.”
Third-graders Cameron Blouw and Javier Garcia made their way down the hall of West Godwin Elementary last Thursday, pushing a cart stocked with carafes of coffee, hot water for tea, and a variety of cold, fizzy beverages. They stopped outside a classroom, and Javier entered and approached the teacher.
“Would you like to purchase a beverage from the beverage cart?” he asked.
The beverage cart is a new service at West Godwin, making its first run on Oct.16. It seems like a simple enough undertaking — students selling drinks to staff every Tuesday and Thursday morning — but for the four students who operate the cart, it’s providing valuable lessons that will transfer to other avenues in life, says Jacqueline Pnazek, resource room teacher at West Godwin.
Javier Garcia stocks the cart
Hands-On
Pnazek’s resource room is a classroom for students in special education. There, students receive targeted instruction based on their current needs.
“The end goal is to get all my students back into general education full-time,” she said. “The daily goal is to make sure that each student is able to succeed in general education, whether that be in academics, socially, or behaviorally.”
The beverage cart was Pnazek’s brainchild. She created it, her mother embroidered the aprons for it, and she accompanies the students who operate it.
The idea, she said, is to provide meaningful opportunities for students to work on social skills, life skills and job skills. Talking with staff and teachers and offering them beverages, then serving the beverages and handling the payment hits on all of these skills. It’s not a real moneymaker — the money earned restocks the cart — but that’s not the point.
“Being able to make change and handle money is such a life skill, and some of the students need that hands-on, real-life experience in order to make the connection and really learn,” said Pnazek.
Cameron Blouw and Javier Garcia pose with the coffee carafes and cash box after serving drinks to teachers and staff at West Godwin Elementary
Honing Their Skills
“Wait until she’s off the phone,” Pnazek told Cam, who was eager to offer a beverage to school secretary Kristi Bast last week.
The students who work the beverage cart are in speech and language therapy, so operating the cart is a good exercise, said Pnazek, in using complete sentences and responding appropriately to the adults they are serving.
“The students love being able to go around to teachers,” said Pnazek, “They really loved the aprons on day one; they said it made them feel ‘working,’ which I love.”
Cameron Blouw stirs coffee before serving it to a teacher
Pnazek said careers in the retail and service industries are appropriate future jobs for many of her students. She wants them to begin loving it from a young age so they are excited about it and have some experience to help them should they consider such careers.
Third-grader DeAnvia George and first-grader Colston Minnema operate the cart in addition to Cam and Javier. DeAnvia said operating the beverage cart is fun because she likes to see some of her favorite teachers from past years.
Plus, she said, “I love the clothes you get to wear.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Javier Garcia makes change for a customer
Javier Garcia pours coffee for a teacher.
The West Godwin Elementary beverage cart.
Jackie Pnazek, teacher in the resource room at West Godwin Elementary, ties an apron on Javier Garcia as he and fellow third-grader Cameron Blow prepare of their weekly beverage cart duties.
Cameron Blow sells waters to Cynthia Visco, a paraprofessional at West Godwin Elementary.
Resource room teacher Jackie Pnazek accompanies students Cameron Blow and Javier Garcia as they operate the beverage cart.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, countywide issues that impact public school students educational success rates and also the quality of the environment they will inherit.
We talk with two education experts on the Strive for Less than 5 effort to combat high rates of student absenteeism, and then we talk with the director of the county’s public works department about Kent County’s Sustainable Business Park Master Plan for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center.
Explaining the importance of the “Strive for Less than 5” countywide campaign is Mel Atkins II, Executive Director of Community & Student Affairs for Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Kent ISD data researcher Sunil Joy, who has studied the importance of the reducing absenteeism.
Also on the show is Darwin J. Baas, Director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. Baas will discuss the details of the Sustainable Business Park Master Plan, which is intended to provide opportunity for partnerships and innovative approaches to managing waste in the county, with the goal of diverting 90 percent of trash from the South Kent Land ll by 2030.
“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.
It was not just national elections that had to wait a few weeks for final counts to determine the outcomes, the Wyoming Public Schools has been waiting for two weeks to learn who would win write-in race for the second seat on its Board of Education.
The newly elected board member is Jennifer Lewis, who was one of two write-in candidates seeking the seat in the Nov. 6 election. Brian Jirous had filed for one of the two six-year seats that were being vacated by Tom Mott and Susan Sheets Odo. Jirous received 9,255 votes.
“I’m not sure I can say I know all the people who voted for me,” Jirous said with a laugh. “I am pretty certain some people were just filling in the boxes. But to be honest, I was not that worried about it.”
Brian Jirous
The harder part, Jirous said, was waiting to learn who the other new board member would be. Because write-ins have to be counted by hand, the process can take up to two weeks, according to school officials. The Wyoming Public Schools was notified this week that Lewis, who received 262 of the 762 write-in votes was the winner. The other write-in candidate, Adriana Almanza, received 84 votes. The remaining write-in votes are either invalid names or voters filled-in ovals with no names attached, according to city officials.
“We have some big shoes to fill with Tom Mott and Susan Sheets Odo vacating from the board,” said Lewis, who is a personal insurance agent and an alumnus of Wyoming Park High School. “They have been in the community for awhile. I have been in the community for awhile as well, working on a number of projects in and for the schools. Looking forward to and ready to take on the challenge.”
Lewis said she had considered running for the board but did not put her name on the ballot as her oldest son was graduating from Wyoming Public Schools last spring and heading to Michigan State University.
“I didn’t know how that transition would go, so I did not want to make a commitment to something,” she said, adding that it all went very smoothly. But when she learned that only one person had filed for the two open seats, she reconsidered and decided to seek one of the seats as a write-in candidate.
Jirous, who is an AT&T mobile technician and alumnus of Wyoming Park High School, said while he lives only a few doors down from Mott, it was actually his interest to serve the district in another capacity that made him decide to run.
“I wanted to be more involved, not just in the day-to-day but in a higher level,” Jirous said. “I wanted to learn how a district is run and this is an good opportunity and a good time in my life to do this.”
Both Jirous and Lewis will be sworn in at the Wyoming Board of Education’s first meeting of 2019, Monday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.
“How do I buck the expectations of my parents and a billion people back home?” Chinese students in the U.S. ask this question this every day. “Do I listen to the counsel of my family, as tradition dictates? Or do I follow the passions of my heart?” Creative business strategist Ning Liu talks about her life journey in the context of this cultural conundrum.
One of the best ways to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or Parkinson’s disease is to make a weekly action plan. This will guide you to achieve your health goals. Michigan State University Extension suggests you make sure your action plan has these key ideas:
Make your action plan something you want to do
This is your plan, not someone else’s plan for you. Action plans can help you feel better by successfully accomplishing tasks.
Your plan is something you think you should do and want to do or achieve yourself. An example is if you hate pool water, you shouldn’t make a goal to swim three times a week.
Pick something you can do easily
Ask yourself if your plan is realistic and achievable for you right now. You wouldn’t want to begin walking three miles a day if you have not walked after your knee surgery!
If you feel you will fail at this action, then change it so you can succeed. If you do fail at an action plan, usually you will not try again.
Be action specific
What is it that you are going to do?
How much are you going to do? This can be broken down in minutes or days.
When are you going to do it? Be specific.
Plan ahead for possible barriers
Ask yourself what might get in the way of achieving this goal. If the weather is bad you may not want to walk.
Figure out ahead of time how you will handle barriers, such as plan on walking in an open gym in the evening when the weather is bad.
Know who you can call if you need help. You may like to have a partner when you walk.
Celebrate and evaluate:
Congratulate yourself on what you’ve achieved.
If things went well, the next week you may be able to stretch your goal. Instead of walking a quarter of a mile three days a week, you may walk a half mile four days a week.
If things got in your way, find solutions to help get past the barrier. Perhaps walking through a box store three days a week is better than walking in inclement weather. Keep track of your progress. If things get in your way, think of solutions that can help you achieve your goal.
An example of a weekly action plan to get more exercise
What am I going to do?
I will start taking a water aerobics class.
How often will I do it?
I will do one hour a week.
When will I do it?
I will go to the 9 a.m. class every Friday.
What might get into my way?
The weather, which may make it challenging to get out of the house in the morning.
What might make doing this easier for me?
I will ask a friend to join me; one that has mentioned water aerobics before.
Action plans outline steps you can take to attain a larger health goal. Research shows that such plans are instrumental in bringing about behavior changes in patients. American College of Physicians Foundation gives ideas for some opportunities to use an action plan:
By Krystle Wagner, Spectrum Health Beat; photos by Chris Clark
As her graduating classmates celebrated accomplishments and looked forward to the future, Angela Maurer focused on one thing.
Regaining the ability to walk.
In high school, Maurer stayed active in cross country, basketball and track. She served on student council, in the National Honor Society, in the Business Professionals of America, and, an avid horseback rider, as president of her 4-H club.
She was an achiever, in every sense of the word.
And since running had been part of her life since middle school, Maurer planned to join the cross country team at Aquinas College in the fall of 2014.
Everything changed in her final week of high school.
The crash
On May 22, 2014, Maurer, then 18, was behind the wheel of her Chevy Tahoe, with her younger brother, Nathan, in the passenger seat.
Photo courtesy of Angela Maurer
They had just left the house. When Maurer made a left turn out of the driveway of her family’s home in Williamston, Michigan, she forgot to check her blind spot.
An oncoming SUV broadsided her Tahoe at about 60 mph. Although Maurer’s brother managed to walk away with minor injuries, Maurer sustained serious injuries that would change her life.
Initially, she didn’t even understand the severity of her trauma. She remembers telling her mom she could move her toes, and asking her mom if that was a good thing.
“The entire dash was on my lap,” Maurer recalled.
An ambulance rushed her to the hospital, where an initial evaluation provided more uncertainty. The left side of her pelvis shattered upon impact and her neck had fractured.
Given the extent of the trauma, doctors couldn’t say if she would ever walk again.
Hearing that, Maurer became motivated to make a full recovery.
“It drove me to prove them wrong, push myself harder,” she said.
The work to recover began immediately. Each day for three weeks, she would undergo four therapy sessions—one hour of physical therapy and one hour of occupational therapy followed by half-hour sessions of each.
She first entered therapy on a Tuesday, making a goal of attending her high school graduation ceremony that Sunday.
Maurer remembers the pain when she first arrived at therapy. She needed two people to help her get up. But she was clearly motivated, Rusiecki recalled.
The young woman progressed from learning how to sit up in bed to getting into a wheelchair. When she sat up in bed, her head spun and she couldn’t focus on anything.
Maurer said it was hard to visualize how she would ever reach her goal and someday run again, but her family encouraged her to keep going.
Progress came incrementally.
After days of persevering through pain, she joined her classmates in celebrating high school graduation. As Maurer’s brother pushed her wheelchair across the stage, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Hitting that milestone was emotional, Maurer said. In that moment, she saw the volume of love and support behind her, even as she continued her recovery about an hour-and-a-half away from her hometown.
Her accomplishments didn’t stop there. In two more weeks of therapy, she progressed from a walker to crutches.
Although some days proved to be more challenging than others—she remembers being plagued by soreness—the hurdles became easier to clear once she could walk with crutches.
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
Through occupational therapy, she learned how to get out of bed, shower and use the restroom without assistance. In physical therapy, she learned how to get in and out of cars, walk down stairs and walk across different terrains with her crutches.
When therapists released Maurer from inpatient therapy on June 9, less than a month after the crash, she could walk more than 1,000 feet with crutches over various terrain. She could also maneuver a flight of steps as long as she kept the weight off her left foot, Rusiecki said.
Returning home, Maurer became single-mindedly focused on one goal: Running again.
The finish line
Her medical team cleared Maurer to stop using crutches two days before freshman orientation at Aquinas College. She then worked toward her goal, one step at a time.
“Everything was worth it in the long run,” she said.
Before she got the OK to run, she spent time cross-training, biking and exercising on the elliptical to build up her strength. Six months after the crash, doctors approved her to begin running again.
In November 2014, she become an active member of the cross country team, where her teammates heard her story and greeted her with enthusiastic support.
“They remind me how I’m a walking miracle, and it’s like a blessing to be able to run again,” she said.
In May 2015, a year after the crash, Maurer visited staff at the Center for Acute Rehabilitation to show them her progress.
“It was very exciting to see her again,” Rusiecki said.
Maurer said she’s now in the best shape she’s ever been in. And her experience is shaping the trajectory of her life not just in physical recovery, but in academic prowess.
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
Prior to the crash, she had planned to study either occupational or physical therapy. Given her experience, she has decided to study physical therapy, in hopes of one day working with athletes who may find themselves in similar situations.
She can relate to athletes whose injuries might temporarily keep them from doing what they love. She can help them persevere to reach their goals, and help them return to their passions.
Despite the challenges, Maurer said the journey has made her thankful for every day. Thankful for everything she has. Thankful for still being alive.
For others going through their own struggles and journeys, Maurer, now 20, recommends keeping a positive mindset, because negativity will only make things more challenging.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) will soon be filled with festive sounds of the season. The 24th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place the week of Dec. 3-7 in the Grand Hall. Daily performances run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Some of the groups scheduled to perform are Potters House at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3; Legacy Christian 7th and 8th Grade Choir at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5; Wyoming High Concert Choir at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6; East Kentwood Varsity Voices at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6; South Christian High School Madrigals at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec.6; and Lee High School Varsity of Voices at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7. A full schedule is available on the Airport’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FlyGRFord.
A total of 18 West Michigan schools are scheduled to sing a variety of carols during the Festival. Local choirs representing public and private schools will sing 20 minute song sets throughout the day.
“We love having the schools here during the Holiday Music Festival. The music helps to put passengers and guests in the holiday spirit around the airport,” said GFIA Marketing & Communications Director Tara Hernandez. “We hope to put smiles on passengers’ faces as they listen to the carolers.”
All Festival performances are free and open to the public.
Linus had his “Great Pumpkin” patch, the City of Wyoming has the Great Candy Cane Hunt, which is set for Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop SW.
Children ages 3-14 are invited to hunt for the many hidden candy canes outside. Then everyone will head indoors for games, a craft project, and lunch with the man of the season, Santa. Children will have to the opportunity to meet with Santa and give them their holiday wish list.
Pre-registration is required for the event. It is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents, and $2 parents and others.
To register click, here. For questions call 616-530-3164 or email parks_info@wyoming.gov.
The City of Kentwood has adopted a program to promote the installation of energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems in area properties. (U.S. Air Force Graphic)
By The City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has adopted a program to promote the installation of energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems in area properties.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, program allows owners of commercial or industrial property to finance the upfront cost of energy or other eligible improvements and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment.
Established under the federal Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, PACE relies on funding through loans from private lenders arranged by property owners and developers.
By adopting the program, the City of Kentwood joins a growing list of municipalities striving to promote energy efficiency. According to Lean & Green Michigan, which operates the PACE program in Michigan, 22 counties and 13 cities and townships in Michigan have adopted the financing tool, including the cities of Wyoming and Grand Rapids.
“The PACE program establishes a new mechanism for our business community to finance energy projects,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “This economic development resource produces sustainability for our businesses by lowering energy costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Program applicants may request financing for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, heating and cooling distribution systems, storm windows and doors, caulking, weather-stripping and air sealing. Other forms of improvements could also include the replacement or modification of lighting fixtures and electrical wiring, as well as measures to reduce the usage of water or increases the efficiency of water usage.
Implementation of renewable energy resources could include biomass, solar and solar thermal energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and methane gas captured from a landfill, among others.
The PACE program provides a means of financing such energy projects with property owner-arranged loans from a commercial lender. No City monies, general City taxes or City credit of any kind may be used in connection with any energy project associated with the PACE program.
A PACE assessment is a debt of property. This means the debt is tied to the property as opposed to the property owner. In turn, the repayment obligation may transfer with property ownership if the buyer agrees to assume the PACE obligation and the new first mortgage holder allows the PACE obligation to remain on the property.
More information about Kentwood’s PACE program is available at kentwood.us.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On October 13, 2018, Dr. Jen received this very heartfelt request: “I’ve been trying to avoid writing this email for a long time. I adopted Otter in 2009 and he’s been my best friend from Day 1. My partner and I have been living separately for the past 5 years due to his severe allergic reaction to my cat, but we’ve reached the point where we’d like to start our lives together. I have tried everything to place Otter into a home I trust but nearly everyone in my life has multiple pets and the inability to take on another. I am hoping that, even after all of this time, Otter still can have a place at Crash’s. He means the world to me and I can’t consider him going somewhere his life might be at risk. Please let me know if this is still an option. I’m heartbroken and just need to know he will be safe and loved.
“He’s lived the past 3 years with two rescue pit bulls, as part of the gang we affectionately call ‘Two Pitties & a Kitty’. He’s a little instigator who loved to get the pups to chase and play with him, especially taking on the laser pointer together. Otter has been through probably half a dozen moves with me and has handled change like a champ, always making himself instantly comfortable. His favorite pastimes are sleeping on the windowsill in the sun, chirping at the birds or any other wildlife he can see, and snuggling on your chest while purring in your face (his purr motor never shuts off). He loves catnip probably too much (we have had talks about it). Otter has been my one constant through so much change over the last near decade—he is part of my heart and soul.”
Every time we read this, we get choked up; to love someone so much and have to let them go is one of the most difficult decisions to have to make. We strive for our motto to be ‘once a Crash cat, always a Crash cat’, so there was no question about it—Otter was of course welcomed back into our furry fold. Since he is a senior citizen (born in August of 2008) and had been away from us for such a long time, Dr. Jen was a bit concerned that his world would be turned upside-down, but literally within minutes he was trucking around the place, finding himself a great vantage point on a perch and surveying his surroundings (this was of course after our grand reunion at the clinic where Dr. Jen got to personally greet him and get some long overdue lovin’ ).
He is such a sweet, gentle cat who more often than not can be seen being carried around in the arms of a volunteer, obviously enjoying every second of hands-on time with his new BFF’s. He is going to thrive in a home where he can be showered with attention, both human and canine-kind; you can even throw a cat or two in the mix and all will be right with Otter’s world once again.
He really is the perfect cat, and if you haven’t heard, 10 is the new 5, so age certainly isn’t a factor in considering Otter as your lifelong kitty companion; a full work-up at the clinic deemed him healthy after several teeth were extracted, with sensational lab work to boast about as well. As you can see from how his mom gushed about him and by how smitten our volunteers are with him already, this great guy here really is exactly the type of cat that will seamlessly transition into any happy household and add so much joy to it as well, so don’t let a cat as magnificent as Otter pass you by!
More about Otter:
Large
Domestic Short Hair
Tabby (brown/chocolate, tiger-striped, white)
Senior
Male
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Declawed
Good in a home with other cats, dogs, children
Want to adopt Otter? 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.
This Saturday is Dec. 1 which also happens to be the first day of odd/even parking in the City of Wyoming.
The odd/even parking allows for more effective snowplowing of the streets in the winter, according to city officials.
From Dec. 1 to Mar. 31, residents should park on the side of the street with even numbers (addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) on even number days and on the side of the street with odd numbers (Addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) on odd number days. Residents living in a cul-de-sac may only park on the street on even number days. Streets with “No Parking: signs still have no parking restrictions. There is a grace period form 7 p.m. to midnight every evening when residents can park on either side. Just make sure to move your car to the correct side by midnight.
According to the city’s website, Wyoming has approximately 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets. Streets are prioritized with major streets that have the most traffic, such as 44th and 28th streets, plowed first, then collector streets plowed second, and finally, residential streets and cut-de-sacs third.
Sidewalks are plowed at night after there has been two or more inches of cumulation. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks clear of obstructions such as garbage cans and parked vehicles.
Ryan VerWys, executive director of the Inner City Christian Federation (Frey Foundation). The ICCF was awarded $150,000 to create a Community Homes Land Trust.
The Frey Foundation is pleased to announce Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) as the recipient of its inaugural Housing Innovation Award. ICCF will use the $150,000 award to create a Community Homes Land Trust and support structures designed to create and preserve affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families in Kent County.
“We are honored to receive this award and are excited to expand affordable housing opportunities in our community,” said Ryan VerWys, ICCF President & CEO. “We recognize the need for solutions to affordable housing that go beyond new construction. With the support of the Housing Innovation Award, we will leverage existing assets to bring affordability to both renters and homeowners.”
In the planned Community Homes Land Trust model, homes are sold at below-market prices to income-qualified households who cannot afford to buy on the open market. Upon resale, any home in the Land Trust remains affordable by utilizing a portion of the appreciation to reduce the purchase price for the next owner, preserving affordability from generation to generation.
“A diverse, cross-sector Selection Committee unanimously recommended ICCF’s Housing Innovation proposal for its potential for impact, scale, and ICCF’s intent to share the Community Homes Land Trust framework with other housing organizations whose beneficiaries could be served by this tool. Their proposal included well-vetted ideas designed to preserve affordability and access over the long-term,” said Lynne Ferrell, Frey Foundation Program Director.
Frey Foundation President Holly Johnson (Frey Foundation)
“Our trustees are committed to being at the table and playing a meaningful role in moving the needle on housing insecurity on behalf of ALICE families in West and Northern Michigan,” said Ellie Frey Zagel, third generation Free Foundation trustee and chair of th initiative. “This work can’t be done by one funder or in silos. we are committed to learning and listening for emerging opportunities, and are willing to try new approaches to make an impact on those we seek to serve.”
This is the foundation’s first venture into “prize philanthropy,” a grant making tool designed to spark innovation and engagement for community impact.
The Frey Foundation issued an open call for innovative ideas to accelerate access to sustainable, quality housing opportunities in Kent County in late September. The deadline for applications was October 29, 2018. A range of ideas were submitted by several local non-profit organizations. Submissions were evaluated by an external, diverse and multi-sector Selection Committee of seven coordinated by Executive Director John Weiss and the staff at Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC)
“We designed a process to give community stakeholders license and incentive to get in a room and think creatively and collaboratively. We see this process having broader learning implications for the foundation and others involved with intrinsic benefits that will continue to unfold,” said Frey Foundation President Holly Johnson.
While the Frey Foundation serves the broader West and Northern Michigan regions, the Housing Innovation Award opportunity focused on serving Kent County’s ALICE population.
About the Frey Foundation
Edward and Frances Frey established the Frey Foundation in 1974 out of a deep love of community and their commitment to philanthropy. Since that time, two generations of the Frey family have come along to continue their legacy, working to enhance the lives of children and families, protect natural resources, promote the arts, and build community. Learn more about the foundation and its grant making at www.freyfdn.org.
About ICCF
ICCF is the oldest non-profit affordable housing provider in the state of Michigan. Active in the Grand rapids area since 1974, ICCF serves more than 2,200 households a year through its programs and services. Program offerings include Family Have emergency shelter, 439 units of affordable rental housing, newly constructed homes for purchase, homeownership education and financial counseling. Visit www.iccf.org for more information.
Quick to react with words and fists, Farhiya Abdullahi became a regular in school administration offices. She spent many days suspended, and was eventually expelled.
“The way I reacted was terrible. I had so much anger built up in me… My mouth was terrible,” she said. “My attitude was terrible. I was suspended literally every month.”
Farhiya sat at the desk of Crossroads Alternative High School Assistant Principal Ian Gibson, the administrator who expelled her two years ago and welcomed her back last fall.
Turns out, a lot can happen in a year: Gibson recently recommended Farhiya for a School News Network article about how far a student can go after deciding to change.
Farhiya Abdullahi says time to reflect and the realization that she was out of options led her to change her ways
Farhiya now has 16.5 of 19 credits required to graduate and could earn her diploma as early as December, before her peers. Compare that to a year ago when she had earned just four total credits.
Farhiya immigrated to Kentwood as a toddler with her mother, Nunay Ali, and six siblings, as refugees from Kenya. Farhiya does not remember Kenya. She and her family speak Maay Maay, a Somali dialect.
“My mom ended up coming to America to make not only her life better, but her kids’ lives too. She wanted us to get our education. In Kenya, there aren’t that many opportunities. This is the place she felt her kids needed to grow up.”
Farhiya’s father, who emigrated from Africa separately from the rest of the family, moved away completely when Farhiya was young. “My mom was struggling; she had seven kids and was new to the country… She was a single mom and she had to raise all of us by herself.”
Farhiya had a few negative early experiences in school; her resentment grew and she began getting in trouble. She got in many fights at Crestwood Middle School, and, at East Kentwood High School, her fists landed her in long-term suspension.
She enrolled at Lighthouse Academy briefly, then at Crossroads Alternative High School in 2016. “I stayed in school for a month and got expelled,” she recalled.
Learning to not react to drama was a key to getting on the right path
Leaving Behind Anger and Resentment
Being out of school gave Farhiya time to reflect. She knew her options were limited and she had passed few classes at school. She realized her self-created predicament was sad, but she also knew she could get herself out of it.
Farhiya re-enrolled at Lighthouse and passed a couple classes. Last October, a Lighthouse staff member asked Shirley Johnson, the district’s assistant superintendent of student Services, if she would meet with Farhiya to talk about reinstatement. Johnson agreed.
“In my mind I was like, ‘I don’t deserve it. I got long-term suspended and I got expelled, and she’s still willing to talk to me?’ ” Farhiya recalled.
At the reinstatement hearing, Johnson asked Farhiya why she wanted to go back to Crossroads.
Her answer: “I sat down this summer and thought about everything. I shouldn’t be putting my mom through this. I shouldn’t be putting myself through this. My mom brought me here for better opportunities and I’m just putting it to waste.
“On top of that, I’m trying to graduate. I want to be successful. I want to make a better living for myself and my family. I don’t want to sit here and struggle. I see a lot of people in my family struggling because they have no education. They are working, breaking every bone in their body, just to survive.”
Johnson said students including Farhiya need champions and an advocate for a second chance. “I saw her heart and her authentic self in the process,” she said. “Farhiya has really made significant gains since returning to school, and I couldn’t be more proud of her maturity and growth.”
Farhiya was all in.
Back at Crossroads, she ignored drama, avoided conflict and soon realized she could excel. “Teachers are motivating here. Teachers will help you,” she said.
She completed 12 classes in a matter of months, often working at home into the wee hours. She was soon Crossroads’ No. 1 student and last spring earned a science award.
Mom Nunay Ali stands with Farhiya Abdullahi after Farhiya received her U.S. citizenship Oct. 31.
“She’s a model student now. She’s got that grit we talk about here in Kentwood,” Gibson said. “She has this positive vibe about her… She is absolutely college-bound.
Added Principal Rick Hatfield, “She’s done a phenomenal job. Farhiya has had exemplary behavior, academically and emotionally, since she was reinstated.”
Farhiya recently received her citizenship from U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, with her mother by her side.
Farhiya plans to go to Grand Rapids Community College. She said she is interested in healthcare or social work.
Her mother, who once was more accustomed to her daughter being out of school than in, is now proud of Farhiya, and says their relationship has improved.
That matters a lot.
“If I could buy my mom the world, I honestly would. The only way I can do that is to further my education.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Gift-giving adds up fast, both financially and emotionally, during the holiday season. The stress of finding just the right thing may be easier than you think and you can keep your loved ones health in mind at the same time.
Michigan State University Extension suggests these healthy ideas to be used for any age group and they promote physical activity and healthy eating along the way.
Health related magazine – Give a recipe magazine or one related to overall health. There are magazines for children, women or men as well as magazines specific to physical activity.
Healthy recipe and ingredients – Do you have a favorite healthy recipe that everyone always asks you to make? Copy the recipe and purchase the ingredients and you have a great gift.
Meals for someone home bound – Prepare a meal for someone who has just had a baby or surgery, to an elderly person no longer able to get out or anyone else you feel is in need. As you cook for yourself or your family, simply take out one serving. These meals could also be frozen and used as needed by the person receiving them.
Coupon to host a sledding party – Sledding is a great way to promote physical activity during winter months. After sledding, serve healthy snacks like cheese sticks and apples with low-fat hot chocolate.
Physical activity items – Purchase exercise equipment either new or used that can be found at second-hand stores. If kids are on your list, look for soccer balls, bats, skates, scooters, snowshoes, sleds, exercise bands or helmets to keep kids thinking of physical activity all year long.
Gift certificate to swim at a local hotel – Swimming is appropriate for any age group and could be used for those older adults who have everything. Many hotels have designated public swimming hours with daily or monthly passes available.
Gardening supplies – Gardening supplies might not be as easily found in large stores this time of year, but local hardware and farm supply stores will have a rake, shovel, hand tools, gloves or knee pads, many items to make a gardener happy and ready to plan for next year’s garden.
Coupons to walk with a friend – Have you been meaning to join friends on a daily walk? This gift benefits the giver and the receiver. Keep yourself and your friends motivated to take that healthy walk each day, create a coupon in the shape of your favorite walking shoes. On your way out the door grab a can of soup for each hand and work those arm muscles while walking.
Gift certificate for roller-skate rental – When is the last time you went roller-skating? Roller rinks are still available and are a great way to spend time participating in physical activity as a family.
These gifts don’t take a lot of time, are low or no cost and send a strong message of caring because they promote health and well-being to those you care about, great reasons to choose from this list when finishing up your holiday gift-giving.
Not sure you’re crafty enough to create all these great gift certificate ideas? Pinterest can help! Simply fill in the information and print the certificates at home. For family nutrition information, Choose My Plate online has a wealth of information to stay healthy all year long. To find out more about physical activity and healthy eating for the whole family try the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Research conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving estimates over 1.4 million youth ages 8–18 are taking care of ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members. They are taking care of parents, grandparents and siblings as well as dealing with the most prevalent conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart, lung or kidney diseases, arthritis and diabetes.
What kind of care are they providing?
Kids are not just performing day-to-day household chores such as laundry, dishes, vacuuming and fixing simple meals, they are handing out medications, bathing, dressing, toileting and feeding family members. Some are even responsible for communicating with health care providers.
While it may seem inappropriate for kids to take on caregiving duties, changes in family structures, such as kids being raised in single parent homes or by their grandparents, increase the number of older people and multi-generations in households. Healthcare delivery has also changed so that home visits have decreased and an increase of care is becoming the responsibility of families instead of hospitals and doctor offices.
Why are kids in the role of caregiver?
Not everyone agrees that a child should be in the role of a family caregiver, however, changes in family structure and how healthcare is delivered impacts children. Economic hardships also play a part in multi-generation households, with married adults returning home with children. Regarding healthcare, medical facilities are no longer providing complex care, instead, it is being done at home by family members. Adults may be identified as the primary caregiver, however due to job obligations, children end up providing care.
How do caregiving responsibilities affect these kids?
Roger Olson, a clinical child psychologist at St. Luke’s Children’s Center for Neurobehavioral Medicine in Boise, Idaho, states that low level caregiving (helping with chores, running errands or spending time together) helps youth with character development. This type of caregiving fosters kindness, generosity, compassion and nurturance. The other, more personal side to caregiving including feeding, bathing or changing adult diapers, can take a toll and may be traumatizing to a child. Children have the coping skills of children and are not equipped to handle these stressful roles.
What can we do to help youth caregivers?
We can help young caregivers by knowing behaviors that may be signals of concern:
School: tardiness, missed days, incomplete assignments, lower participation in after-school programming, poor behavior and dropping-out
Emotionally: anxiety, depression, grief and feelings of being overwhelmed
Socially: difficulties getting along with others, loss of social activities and friendships
Physically: exhausted, lethargic and lack of interest in appearance
We can also bring awareness to our communities that kids are in this role. We can help by providing resource information for kids in our local schools, religious organizations and public libraries. Starting a local coalition can bring more attention and support for these families. Every caregiver needs and deserves support.
For information on youth caregivers visit the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) at www.aacy.org or call 800-508-9618 or 561-391-7401 for direct assistance. The AACY website has suggestions and links that can help families, professionals and school-based staff to assist caregiving kids. Visit the Michigan State University Extension website for additional information related to caregiving.
"At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
- Actor Denzel Washington
Wyoming Gives Back
Mayor Jack Poll near the truck during a previous Wyoming Gives Back event.
You have just over a week to purchase a toy and help the City of Wyoming stuff a truck with donations for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall. Residents are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event and every person who does, will receive raffle tickets for prizes provided by local businesses. There will be holiday cookies, music and the biggest gift-giver, Santa, is planning to attend.
Pretty Lights
The Christmas Lite Show returns for its 21st year at Fifth/Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Drive, Comstock Park. Billed as West Michigan’s largest, animated, drive-through light show, the attraction maintains almost two miles of lights, tunnels, and animated displays and entertained more than 70,000 visitors last year. The popular Memory Lane Train will returns this year giving visitors a choice to drive through the display or ride the train. The display is open every day from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31.
Today is actually the 48th Tuesday of 2018. It is the 48th Tuesday of the 48th week. There are only 34 days left to 2018 and, despite yesterday's storm, 24 days until winter, which officially begins on the Winter Solstice, which is Dec. 21. (Source)
With more spending comes more opportunities to get swindled. Michigan State University Extension recommends these tips and suggestions to avoid being scammed.
Only give to charities you trust and know. Holidays are a time for giving and some people can take advantage of your good will. Give smarter by learning about the charities you plan to give to, making sure they are legitimate. Look them up on the Charity Navigator who rates charities based on financial health, accountability, transparency and other factors.
Be cautious of contests. Many scammers use telemarketing to tempt consumers with prizes from fake contests. Be skeptical if you get a call out of the blue about winning a big ticket item like the newest iPhone or luxury vacation. Don’t put down a deposit or provide the caller with your personal information.
Beware of bait and switch. Peddlers of fake merchandise items do a booming business during the holidays as people shop for the most popular, high ticket items like watches, designer handbags and electronics. The rule of thumb here is one you’ve heard before: “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Check the authenticity of purchased gift cards. Gift cards have been increasingly popular, so make sure your gift card has not been tampered with. Check the scratch-off personal identification numbers to ensure it is still intake. The Better Business Bureau also urges caution if you buy your cards from an auction or third-party website (a site that doesn’t belong to the retailer offering the cards). The card may have already expired, has no value or was obtained illegally.
Limit your chances of identity theft. While identity theft is an issue throughout the year, it happens even more often during the holidays. You’re probably giving out your personal information more often and freely than you even realize. Many retailers are now asking for your zip code, phone number and email address at checkout. None of this is necessary to complete a retail transaction. You can politely decline to give this information. It is best to keep sensitive information private.
Secure your online shopping. When you are buying online, make sure to shop on your home or other secure Wi-Fi network. You will also want to stick to secure web pages when making your purchases. Be careful of giving personal information when clicking on email links. It is better to type the company’s URL into your browser instead. This way you can see if it is a secure web page (it would have a padlock symbol and “https:” at the beginning of the URL). Make your computer is safe by using firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Keep all software and browsers updated.
Unfortunately, there are new scams each year and it’s hard to keep up on all of them. Protect your wallet, purchases and identity by shopping safer and smarter this holiday season.
Are you looking for help to pay off student loans or save money for college? Do you need to add relevant work experience to your resume? Are you trying to enter or re-enter the workforce? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider becoming a member of AmeriCorps or Senior Corps. If you answered yes to any of those questions and would like to accomplish that feat within Michigan 4-H, consider joining 4-H STEAM Corps.
Michigan State University Extension will be expanding its 4-H programming impact through 4-H STEAM Corps, an AmeriCorps program that will place 30 full-time members in MSU Extension 4-H offices across the state to provide science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) enrichment programming via 4-H SPIN Clubs and 4-H Tech Wizards. Through this program, MSU Extension will expand 4-H SPIN clubs by potentially creating 600 new SPIN clubs in 30 counties across the state reaching over 3,200 youth. Members will serve from September 2018 through July 2019. The program is contingent upon funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Michigan Community Service Commission. Contact Rachel Puckett at pucket21@msu.edu for more information.
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs are operated by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency established in 1993 whose mission is “to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.” The Corporation for National and Community Service employs 75,000 individuals across the United States in a variety of public service assignments aimed to meet critical needs in the community. At 21,000 locations nationwide, national service members are making a difference in their community through projects focused on disaster preparedness and relief, the opioid epidemic, youth mentoring, college access and readiness, conserving our environment and improving the economic opportunity of our veterans and limited income families.
In addition to making a positive impact on others and serving your country, there are many other benefits to becoming a national service member. Full-time members typically receive:
Modest living allowance or volunteer stipend
Limited health benefit option
Student loan deferment
Educational award to pay for college, technical school or repay student loans
Skills and training
Furthermore, the Corporation for National and Community Service found service work also spurred personal and professional growth. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service Office of Research and Evaluation 2013 study, volunteering is a positive pathway to employment. They found volunteers in general were “27 percent more likely to find a job after being out of work, and that number jumped to 51 percent for volunteers without a high school diploma” and 55 percent increase for those in rural America. The Corporation for National and Community Service 2017 State of the Evidence Annual Report also found:
9 out of 10 alumni reported their experience increased their problem-solving abilities.
8 out 10 alumni indicated their experienced benefitted their career path.
79 percent are, or plan to become, actively involved in their community after service, compared to 47 percent prior to service.
According to the National Service 2018 Impact Report, locally Michigan has 1,710 service locations with 9,360 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members hard at work improving lives and communities, with the Corporation for National and Community Service contributing 63.1 million in program funding.
Winter may be harsh on the spirit, but it’s also rough on the skin.
From getting pelted by blowing snow to being cooped up inside without the benefit of outdoor activity, our skin takes a beating.
Kim Delafuente, ACSM-PD, a Spectrum Health community health educator, offers up some tips on how to get through this cold weather season looking (and feeling) a whole lot better.
15 surefire ways to get your glow back:
1. Exercise saves your skin
“There are a lot of small blood vessels on the surface of the skin,” Delafuente said. “As you exercise, the blood flow rises to that level. With the blood comes oxygen. It’s actually the oxygen that helps rejuvenate the skin and helps to get rid of toxins.”
2. Sweat often
Sweating is often viewed as a negative thing, especially for women.
Delafuente suggests we wipe away this perception.
“As we sweat, we’re able to release unwanted impurities from our skin,” she said. “In some people, those impurities can lead to acne or other skin-related conditions. Sweating is a good thing. It’s a natural thing. It’s really the way our body cools itself off. This is an added benefit of exercise that helps to clean out pores.”
3. Wash after exercising
Sweating is great, but don’t forget to wash after exercising.
“The idea is to get the sweat and salt off,” she said. “If you don’t, you’re kind of defeating the purpose. You’re releasing impurities from your pores, but if they just sit on your face, you’re not getting the complete cleansing effect of exercise.”
4. Elevate your heart rate
Anything that boosts your heart rate is a skin-pleaser.
“Walking, running, any type of cardio activity is good for your skin,” Delafuente said. “Dancing is great. As your heart rate goes up, more blood is circulated. With lower level activity, there’s less blood circulating. It’s the aerobic type exercise that’s going to have the most impact.”
5. Sleep is good for the skin
Don’t use this as an excuse to sleep the day away, but the more we exercise, the better we sleep.
“Sleep is a time when our body repairs itself,” Delafuente said.
6. Reduce stress
Exercise reduces stress hormones like cortisol, according to Delafuente.
“As those levels decrease, it can have a positive effect on the skin,” she said. “Stress releases cortisol, which can be damaging to our bodies. It can cause weight gain and is responsible for belly fat. In the case of skin, it can lead to acne and eczema. There have been studies that show exercise can actually help reduce the incidents of those types of skin conditions.”
7. What is “the glow?”
Exercise not only keeps your body fit, it does wonders for your skin. As you exercise, blood flow intensifies and moves toward the surface of your skin, which is known for giving that infamous “glow” to your skin.
“You work out and your skin gets a little more reddish,” Delafuente said. “That’s how your body is cooling itself. As your blood comes to the surface, it helps to keep your body cooler. After a workout, when you cool down, that blood flow is still going to be intensified.”
And that look, for some people, is a motivator to exercise more.
“It’s an added benefit of exercise that sometimes people don’t think of,” Delafuente said. “For some people, this might be a draw. It seems regular exercise has the potential to keep the skin at its best.”
8. If you feel good, you’ll likely look good
Exercise provides mental as well as physical health benefits, according to Delafuente.
“Some of that glow comes with a positive attitude and feeling good,” she said. “The other thing is, exercise does improve immunity. When we have less chronic disease or colds and flu, our skin will naturally look better because of that as well.”
9. Remember that your skin is an organ
You may exercise to keep your heart healthy, but remember your skin is an organ that directly benefits from a workout, too.
“I think people are conscious of their skin, but they don’t think of it as an organ,” she said. “I think when we think of organs, we think of internal organs, but we don’t think externally.”
1o. Remove makeup before exercising
Leave your foundation and blush on, and you risk clogging your pores when you sweat.
Instead, remove all traces of makeup before you begin.
11. Wear proper sunscreen
If you’re exercising and sweating, make sure you wear sunscreen that is sweat resistant or that you are reapplying often.
“I think we all know it’s important to wear sunscreen,” Delafuente said. “But I don’t know that people always think about it when they’re exercising. They’ll say, ‘Oh, I’m going to to walk for an hour,’ but they may not think of that as a time they need to use sunscreen. People can also wear a hat to shield their face from the sun.”
12. Forget about tanning booths and spray tan products
“Never a good idea,” Delafuente said.
Enough said.
13. Treat your skin kindly in the face of cold weather
“Make sure you’re covered up appropriately,” she said. “If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to wear a scarf over your face.”
14. Stay hydrated
“Make sure you’re drinking enough water,” Delafuente said. “If we’re dehydrated then our skin isn’t going to be as healthy. We should drink to our thirst. In the winter, especially, we may not be as thirsty.”
15. Wear proper clothing when you exercise
Loose fitting clothing is the best choice.
“Make sure you wear clothing that wicks away the sweat and moisture,” she said.
If your clothing traps sweat in, it may clog your pores, leading to unhealthy skin conditions.
The City of Wyoming will be encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by hosting its 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back event Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m.
“We look forward to a great night as we celebrate the Christmas season with this Christmas kick off here in the City of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll.
“It’s exciting for The Salvation Army Kroc Center to be part of great collaborative efforts like Wyoming Gives Back,” said Senior Krox Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “It’s one of the reasons we were also proud to help launch the Wyoming Winterfest event a couple of years ago. I think that, as a community, we understand that no one person or group can create positive change on their own — but that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Seeing local government, businesses, school districts, and other organizations all working together to fight for good says so much about the city of Wyoming.”
The annual event encourages residents to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Tree. Every person who donates receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.
“We have a city truck here where local people from our community can fill that truck up,” Wyoming City Council member Dan Burrill said. “It is a great time to support our community.”
The City of Wyoming partners with a number of local businesses who provide the prizes. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected for donation with nearly $5,000 in prizes raffled.
“I think it is important for businesses to say thank you to all the people who have supported us all year long,” said Marge Wilson, of Marge’s Donut Den, a longtime sponsor of the event.
With Lillian VanderVeen from Lenger Travel Center, Inc, stating that “It’s a nice start to the holiday season.”
More than 20 businesses are hosting tables this year. WKTV will be there again this year to record Christmas greetings for the community to air on channels 25 and 26 and on WKTV’s YouTube channel, WKTVVideos.
The Salvation Army will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to event attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring their children to meet and visit with the Wyoming Police Department, the Wyoming Fire Department and, of course, Santa Claus!
A lineup of local choirs and bands is scheduled to share the sounds of the season. The lineup includes the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.
By Nicole Kooiker, DDS, Dentist at Heart of the City Health Center
Q: One of my teeth hurts when I drink ice tea. Do I need to see a dentist?
A: As a dentist practicing in Grand Rapids, I can tell you that pain in your mouth is not a feeling to ignore. While it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, you should contact your dental office if you are experiencing any of the following five symptoms:
Mouth pain could be caused by a cavity, gum disease, an abscess or impacted tooth. If not treated by a dentist, your tooth could die, causing an even bigger problem.
Experiencing pain in your teeth when you drink hot or cold beverages could indicate tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel, or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment options depend on the source of the sensitivity as determined by your dentist.
Bleeding or sore gums could simply be caused by brushing too hard or overzealous flossing; however, this could also be a sign of gum disease that only an oral health professional can address.
Mouth sores could indicate an infection, virus, fungus, or simply an irritation from dentures or a sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Consult your dentist if you’ve had a mouth sore for longer than one week.
Bad breath can indicate poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, or a medication’s side effects. If you brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss daily, but still experience bad breath, consult your dentist to rule out an underlying medical condition.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues or have other concerns, please contact us today. We’re here to help!
The transition of summer to fall is not many people’s favorite time of year as it brings on physical and mental fatigue. Muscles often tense due to the cooler weather, the decreasing daylight triggers an earlier bedtime, skin is drier due to lower humidity and appetites spike. The beautiful fall colors are a welcoming and enjoyable distraction from all the mentioned bodily reactions to this transitional time, but for some, these seasonal changes may be a trigger that leads to Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder. During the fall and winter months, people with Seasonal Depression experience having a lack of energy, sleeping too much, overeating, weight gain and a craving for carbohydrates.
Other forms of depression that can occur, no matter what the season, can be more difficult to identify. One way to help notice your moods is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention or focusing on your senses in the present moment without judgment. If a depressed mood is noticed for more than two weeks or there is a loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, one should consider speaking to their primary care provider or appropriate professional, or at least, a trusted friend. Depression oftentimes occurs with anxiety or substance use disorders, and once a person has had an occurrence of depression, they are more susceptible to subsequent episodes.
Symptoms of depression affect one’s emotions, thinking, behaviors and physical well-being:
Emotional symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, anger, mood swings, lack of emotional responsiveness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and irritability.
Symptoms of depressed thoughts: frequent self-criticism, self-blame, worry, pessimism, impaired memory and concentration, indecisiveness and confusion, tendency others see you in a negative light, thoughts of death and suicide.
Behavioral symptoms of depression: crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities, loss of interest in personal appearance, loss of motivation and using alcohol or other drugs.
Physical symptoms of depression: chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, over eating or loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, weight gain, headaches, irregular menstrual cycle, loss of sexual desire and unexplained aches and pains.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any form of depression, talk about what you are noticing. If you are concerned about others, ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts, listen to them non-judgmentally, give reassurance and encourage them to seek medical attention. Offering to take them to their appointment may increase the likelihood that they will attend. If they dismiss or deny your help, tell them you will check in on them over the week. It is important to keep your promise to do so. Remember, people in depressed moods have impaired memories, they lose track of time and have difficulty recalling how long they have been feeling blue. If symptoms persist, ask others who are close to the depressed person to help you in the intervention process.
Helping people recognize their moods can be a stressful and scary task, especially if you do not practice being mindful of your own well-being. Attending a program that can help you become more aware and/or improve your mindset could be a starting point. MSU Extension provides a community-based program series that teaches the basics of mindfulness to help participants be more aware of their thoughts, emotions and physical self as they encounter stressors. Mindfulness is proven to help relieve stress and pain and improve health and well-being, to learn more, sign up for a class near you.
You submitted your resume, got an interview and left the interview feeling great. Before you celebrate, there’s one last step to your job search:
A thank you note.
One in three employers think less of a candidate who doesn’t send a thank you note. One in ten wouldn’t hire someone if they don’t send a thank you note, according to Career Builder.
Here are some tips to help you write a memorable thank you note:
Keep it short, professional and sincere.
Send the note within 24 hours of your interview.
Hiring managers are busy. If they receive your note a day or two after your interview, it shows them you are organized. And, it helps them remember you as they make hiring decisions.
A hand-written note is best.
The average hiring manager receives 100+ emails a day. Make your thank you note stand out by sending it through the postal service instead of their clogged inbox.
Choose a thank you note that is simple and professional.
Avoid cartoons, silly sayings and bright colors.
Use the three sentence rule:
#1: thank them for the interview.
“Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday.”
#2: Add something personal from your interview.
Reference a specific conversation or a question they asked. Or, talk about something you liked from the interview.
“I really enjoyed hearing more about your company culture.”
#3: Repeat your interest in the job.
Remind them you’ll be a great addition to their organization.
“I look forward to working with you in the future. My background will help [name of organization] continue to grow.”
Don’t forget to add “Dear [their name]” and the beginning, and “Sincerely, [your name]” at the end.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Common perceptions about fats are often not true and avoiding all fats is not healthy because it is important to have healthy fats in our diet. There are fats that contain essential fatty acids that are necessary for good health and fats that help the body to use certain vitamins.
The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes the following recommendations in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
Keep trans-fatty acid consumption as low as possible, especially by limiting foods that contain synthetic sources of trans-fats, such as partially hydrogenated oils, and by limiting other solid fats.
Reduce the intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars. Such as:
Butters, stick margarines, and animal fats from beef and pork. These are all solid at room temperature.
Soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies, fruit drinks and ice cream. These are all processed foods that have added sugars and syrups.
Here are some actions you can take every day to keep your consumption of saturated fats, trans-fats and cholesterol low while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.
Check the Nutrition Facts label to compare foods. Our interactive label can help you find what to look at on the label.
Choose alternative fats. Replace saturated and trans-fats in your diet with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive and canola oils. Sources of polyunsaturated fats include soybean, corn, sunflower oils and foods like nuts.
Consider consuming fish and cuts of lean meat. Examples include:
Poultry: chicken or turkey white meat or ground meat
Beef: flank steak, top loin, sirloin, lean ground beef
Pork: pork tenderloin
Seafood: salmon, trout, cod, flounder, mackerel, mussels and clams
Choose foods such as dairy products, lean meats, fish, skinless poultry, whole grain foods and fruit and vegetables.
Beware of diets that tell you to eliminate a nutrient, such as fat.
Daily essential fatty acid consumption contributes to our overall daily health in moderation. For more information please contact your local MSU Extension office or visit the MSU Extension Health and Nutrition site.
"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
- President Calvin Coolidge
Holiday traditions at Meijer Gardens
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)
Experience the joy of the holidays at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition on display 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. For the complete story, click here.
A winter’s night hike at Blandford
Nothing is quite as crisp as a sunset in December.
Enjoy a crisp, evening hike through Blandford’s woods. Practice using your nocturnal senses of hearing and night vision while enjoying a winter’s night at Blandford Nature Center Trails on Saturday, Dec. 1. For the complete story, click here.
Are you ready for some floor checks?
The high school hockey season is now in action.The high school hockey season is just starting, for one of the best Wyoming/Kentwood teams will be on the side this weekend as East Kentwood hosts a tournament. Drop the puck! For the complete story, click here.
Fun Fact:
25 percent
The historic chance of snow (or rain) on Dec. 1 in Grand Rapids is 25 percent. Average high and low temperatures? 40 and 29 degrees. (Source)
