Category Archives: 3-bottom

We the People 2018 General Election: State Senate Candidates

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Politics, WKTV Projects, , , ,

 

State of Michigan 26th District State Senate

 

The 26th District of the State Senate includes the City of Kentwood along with all of Allegan and Van Buren counties. For a district map, click here.

 

Three candidates are running in the Nov. 6 General election to replace term-limited Republican Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker. They are, in alphabetical order, Libertarian candidate Erwin Haas, Democratic candidate Garnet Lewis and Republican candidate Aric Nesbitt.

 

Erwin Haas — Candidate (L) MI State Senate 26th District

https://youtu.be/IwQTYxkDjag

 

Name: Erwin Haas

 

Party: Candidate, Libertarian

 

Occupation: Retired medical doctor and former Kentwood City Commissioner

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I see a lot of disfunction, a lot of programs that are outdated, badly thought-through, badly administered, and operate contrary to the public interest.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

Education, the roads, healthcare. The war on drugs, specifically. I think that the (recreational) marijuana thing is going to go through and the Republicans are going to try to block it, no matter what. They hate people doing what they want to do.

 

Garnet Lewis — Candidate (D) MI State Senate 26th District

https://youtu.be/v-rONxe7q6c

 

Name: Garnet Lewis

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Retired university administrator and real estate business administrator

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

We need a representative for the district who is going to represent everyone, and will actually listen to what all the constituents say.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

My number one issue is education, school funding, then environmental protection, there are all the clean water issues alone. Then healthcare. Medicare, Medicaid expansion and, if possible, expansion so that everyone can can have access … we really need to do a better job of that.

 

Aric Nesbitt — Candidate (R) MI State Senate 26th District

https://youtu.be/GLisx52lxbM

 

Name: Aric Nesbitt

 

Party: Candidate, Republican

 

Occupation: Public Service. (Former cabinet member for Gov. Rick Snyder; former State Representative)

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I want to fight to lower the cost of auto insurance, continue to pay down our longterm debt in the state, and rededicate ourselves to making sure we fix our roads and bridges. our infrastructure.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

In the long term, I want to continue to pay down our debt. And what I hear most, when I knock on doors, is the cost of auto insurance and the condition of our roads.

 

State of Michigan 28th District State Senate

The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford and Cedar Springs. For a district map, click here.

 

In the 28th District State Senate race, three candidates are running in the Nov. 6 General election. They are, in alphabetical order, Democratic candidate Craig Beach, Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewer, and Republican incumbent Peter MacGregor.

 

Craig Beach — Candidate (D) MI State Senate 28th District

https://youtu.be/8fvzpSTX6do

 

Name: Craig Beech

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Retired public-school teacher

 

Why did you decide to run for the 28th District State Senate seat?

 

As a public-school teacher, I have been frustrated with government in the treatment of public education, especially the lack of perspective. I want to bring an insight into education, which is what is needed. I believe education is the foundation that provides to our middle class. … America is a great country and the adults should be able to deal with this issue.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on? 

 

I have four platforms: quality of public education, people before profits, protection of our national resources, and Michigan was recently rated by a non-partisan group as the last for government accountability and transparency and I want to change that.

 

Peter MacGregor — Candidate (R) MI State Senate 28th District

https://youtu.be/dc-LSsdXhb4

 

Name: Peter MacGregor

 

Party: Incumbent, Republican

 

Occupation: Michigan State Senator, previous small business owner

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

Running for reelection because we have moved the state from one of the worst states in the country (to do business) to one of the top 10, and I think there are still a few more things we can do to be the No. 1 state in the country.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

I still think we need to focus on our skilled trade training, on that education part. It is something that I talk to a lot of business owners who are struggling to fill the positions. To make it from No. 9 or 10 to No. 1, we have got to fill that employee gap.

 

Note: Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewery was invited but did not participate in the We the People candidate profiles.

 

School News Network: With teachers in high demand, Godfrey-Lee partners with MSU

3-bottom, ,
MSU College of Education graduate Ryan Culey works with a kindergartner

By Bridie Bereza

School News Network

 

Students at the Early Childhood Center are looking up to four new faces this school year, thanks to a new partnership between Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Michigan State University’s College of Education.

 

It’s the first time the district has had Spartans interning (commonly called “student teaching”) at one of its schools, and it has been a great fit for the school and the interns, said Pete Geerling, center principal. MSU places its education program graduates in schools for an entire year, as opposed to the traditional single-semester internships of most teaching colleges.

 

A second-grader shows Katelyn Kouchoukos, an MSU graduate and teaching intern, her dance moves

“I think that far too often, people go through student teaching and it may not answer all of the questions they have,” said Geerling. “This — being here from the beginning (of the school year) all the way to the end — is huge.”

 

The college of education has about 100 interns, and about a quarter of those are in West Michigan, said Rochelle Hosler, field instructor for the interns at Godfrey-Lee. Other West Michigan districts with MSU interns include Grand Rapids and Kentwood Public Schools districts.

 

“We’ve learned a ton — especially in terms of implementing routines early on in the school year. It’s fun to see how fast (the students) pick them up,” said Ryan Culey, intern in Rebecca Swem’s kindergarten classroom. “There’s a lot of classroom management stuff that you don’t learn in the university courses.”

 

Ryan Culey empties the contents of a new student’s bag

Victory for MSU, and Godfrey-Lee

 

Superintendent Kevin Polston, a proud MSU alum, said the partnership has been a veritable “win-win.” Polston’s link to the MSU College of Education goes back about a decade, to his days at Grand Haven Area Public Schools. There, he worked with MSU’s education program to offer mock interviews to interns, as a way to give back to the profession, he said, and also to meet some up-and-coming teachers. After coming to Godfrey-Lee last year, Polston harnessed that connection to help bring MSU interns to the district.

 

Polston said his district is a great fit for MSU, which aims to prepare future teachers for an urban environment. The program even offers an urban educators cohort, which focuses on challenges unique to urban schools. He added that the research is pretty clear: most new teachers come from a fairly narrow demographic that has more women and is overwhelmingly white. Recruiting a diverse talent pool is important, he said, and so is equipping the current talent pool to work with students of different racial and economic backgrounds than what they’re familiar with.

 

Hosler said that certain factors, such as a high percentage of students in the free and reduced lunch program, made Godfrey-Lee a great fit for the interns.

 

Intern Hayley Browning works on an assessment for her internship at the Early Childhood Center

Moreover, she thought the school was outstanding.

 

“When we toured the school in the spring I was really impressed with the building, the teachers and the things that they’re doing here,” she said.

 

Intern Hayley Browning, who was in the urban educator cohort, said, “I actually hadn’t heard of Godfrey-Lee, and was intrigued by the fact that it’s the smallest district geographically in the state at one-square-mile. It’s pretty cool. I’m glad to be here.”

 

‘A Year-long Job Interview’

 

Polston said that at a time when demand for teachers is high, connections with teaching colleges are important ones to have. Hosler concurred, as she’s seen the number of students going into education decline during her time at MSU.

Teaching intern Katelyn Kouchoukos joins a second-grader as she gets her wiggles out during a “brain break”

“When I was done (with college), finding a job was really hard,” said Hosler, who completed her education internship 20 years ago. Now, she said, “our interns get hired very quickly. What we tell our interns is, ‘This really is a year-long job interview.’ If they want to stay here, it’s not hard to find a job in West Michigan right now.

 

Katelyn Kouchoukos moved to Grand Rapids from her home in the suburbs of Chicago for her internship at Godfrey-Lee’s ECC. Both she and Browning are unsure of their next step after completing the internship. They’ll attend job fairs, apply for jobs and see where they can go.

 

“I could see myself in Michigan, but I might go home,” said Kouchoukos.

 

Culey, however, was ready for a change of pace: “I will not stay here. I love Michigan… but for a little bit, I want to get away.”

 

Whatever path they take, they say they’re gaining valuable experience for whatever they may face as teachers. And, said Polston, the ECC reaps the benefit of another caring adult in classrooms.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

MSU graduate and teaching intern Olivia Fox meets with field instructor Rochelle Hosler for a debriefing after a classroom observation

 

Jane Fonda to speak on economic justice at Fountain Street Church this Friday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Non-Profits, Politics, Upcoming Events, ,
Jane Fonda’s social and political activism dates from the 1960s. (Historic File Photo)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

As part of her efforts to promote race, gender and economic justice in Michigan and across the nation, activist/actress Jane Fonda will talk about her life as an activist in a free-to-the-public event at Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church on Friday, Oct. 26.

 

The event — billed as “An Evening with Jane Fonda to Support One Fair Wage” and hosted by Michigan One Fair Wage Protect and Defend Campaign — is scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

 

Fonda has long been a visible political activist, beginning during the Vietnam War and later in advocacy for women’s issues, workers rights, and other social issues.

 

Jane Fonda (Supplied)

“Fonda will share information on her life as an activist, the recent work that she has been doing in Michigan and across the country to promote race, gender and economic justice for low-income workers, and the importance of building multi-racial alliances to create a more just society for all,” as stated in an event flyer supplied to WKTV by Michigan One Fair Wage.

 

Fountain Street is located at 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. While the event is free and open to the public, they ask for an RSVP at bit.ly/fscofw .

 

One of the Michigan issues Fonda has previously advocated for is the Michigan Minimum Wage Increase Initiative, which gained enough signatures to be on the Nov. 6 ballot and was adopted by the legislature in September — a move which would allow lawmakers to make changes to it with a simple majority instead of a higher threshold should the voters have approved it in November.

 

The legislature’s action was seen by some as giving lawmakers the ability to weaken the law’s requirements during a lame-duck session later this year, or in 2019.

 

One of the groups which advocated for the Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, and now advocates for it not being altered by the Michigan lawmakers, is the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN).

 

“My statewide faith group … supports raising the minimum wage to $12/hour for all Michigan workers,” Randy Block, director of the MUUSJN, said in an email to WKTV. “It’s a moral issue: all workers deserve to earn enough to take care of their families.”

 

The MUUSJN is a statewide faith network that advocates for social justice policies, including raising the minimum wage and supporting a policy of earned paid sick time for all workers. It is part of an Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM) coalition that supports both of these policy goals. According to supplied information, the network includes thousands of justice activists from 26 Unitarian Universalist congregations, including one in Grand Rapids.

 

For more information on the event call 517-588-9646. For more information on Michigan One Fair Wage visit MIOneFairWage.org .

 

For more information on Fountain Street Church, visit fountainstreet.org or visit the church’s Facebook page.

 

School News Network: New building, no new taxes, day Kelloggsville district officials

3-bottom, , ,
Jeff Owen, director of education supports for the Kelloggsville Public Schools district

By Bridie Bereza

School News Network

 

A new third-through-fifth-grade elementary building is on the horizon for Kelloggsville students if voters approve a $19.2 million bond request this fall.

 

The best news? “It would not increase the taxes of any of our community members,” said Jeff Owen, director of education supports for the district. “It would simply be a continuation of an existing levy, so no new taxes and we’d get a brand new building for our students.” The current millage rate is 7.32.

 

The issue will appear at the bottom of the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and is part of a long-term plan to update and modernize the district’s elementary schools, Owen said. The bond cannot exceed 30 years.

 

Taxpayers approved a 2015 bond that allowed for major renovations at the high school. The middle school is 20 years old, and the three elementary schools are about 60 years old, said Owen. East and West elementaries house students in kindergarten to third grade, and Southeast Elementary is home to the district’s fourth- and fifth-graders.

 

District enrollment is at an all-time high, said Owen, with around 2400 students in its schools.

 

The Specifics

 

Here is a look at what residents can expect to see if voters approve the bond request, authorized by the school board in June:

  • Spring 2020: Construction would begin on the new third, fourth and fifth grade building. Building highlights include two stories, a wing for each grade, a stand-alone cafeteria, separate art and music rooms, and a new playground and soccer field. The proposed location is 4650 S. Division SE, between East Elementary and the middle school.
  • Spring 2021: East Elementary would be demolished and replaced with expanded parking and athletic practice fields.
  • Fall 2021: The new building would open and Southeast Kelloggsville Elementary would reopen as a K-2 building, absorbing students from the former East Elementary. West Elementary would also be a K-2 school.

 

Other highlights of the proposal include new playgrounds at Southeast and West elementaries and safety and security upgrades.

 

One facet that played into the new grade configuration under the proposal is the new third grade reading law.

 

“We have K-3 buildings. Well, if we’re at a 3-4-5 building, if a student is not reading at grade level, they can still move on to fourth grade but still  receive instruction at a third-grade reading level,” Owen said.

 

The district is conducting an informational campaign to let the community know what’s included in the proposal. So far, information has been shared at community events, via a print brochure, and the district’s website and on its Facebook page.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

 

Architectural rendering of the first floor of a proposed new elementary building for Kelloggsville schools

WKTV Journal brings Saudi Arabia — past, present and future — In Focus

3-bottom, Education, Local Faces, WKTV Projects,

 

K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, we present an interview Dr. Abdullah Alrebh an assistant professor of Sociology of Religion and Sociological Theory at Grand Valley State University. He has published a number of academic articles and book chapters focusing on religion, the Middle East, social movements, and education.

 

Described by one expert as being a country Americans “know so much, yet so little” about, Saudi Arabia in much in the news recently, so we wanted to talk with someone who knows the country and the Arabian Peninsula region intimately.

 

With Dr. Alrebh, we discuss the history of the Saudi government, its relationship with the West, especially its military and economic ties with the United States, and what the current controversy triggered by the murder of a prominent Saudi critic could mean in the future.

 

Dr. Alrebh will also be speaking as part of a World Affairs Council of West Michigan discussion series titled “Shifting Sands in the Arabian Peninsula” at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids.

 

He will speak, Tuesday, Nov.13, focused on Saudi Arabia, with the final talk on Tuesday, Nov. 20, focused on Yemen, with Dr. Gamal Gasim, also of Grand Valley State University. For more information visit worldmichigan.org .

 

“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.

 

Cat of the week: Remington

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

August of 2018 sure brought us our (un)fair share of cats that needed our assistance, and our sanctuary head count grew quite a bit due to the number of cats with either Feline Leukemia or FIV that were helpless and homeless. A Grand Rapids resident stumbled across this bedraggled boy, took him in to be checked out only to discover he had FELV AND an owner — who refused to contact her or the microchip company. Sadly the rescuer wasn’t in a position to keep him, and he badly needed further medical attention, so she asked for our help in getting her 6-year-old rescue (born in the summer of 2012) off the streets and into someplace safe.

 

It would be nice to say that Dr. Jen’s first meeting with this guy was love at sight — but it wasn’t. This scruffy orange and white fella wanted NOTHING to do with Dr. Jen and expressed his disdain for the situation he was in by lashing out and lacerating her with his dagger-like nails; what a little pistol he proved to be! Dr. Jen chalked up his less-than-desirable attitude to the fact his teeth were rotting out of his head and considered the fact that he was underweight (probably had tremendous difficulty eating) and had been shaved prior to his arrival in hopes of removing some of the skin-tight mats that caused focal areas of inflammation  scabbing and scaling.

 

So Dr. Jen forgave the ‘hot mess’ his momentary lapse in judgment and let it be known that if he dropped the tough guy act once and for all, life would treat him better than he could possibly imagine.

 

Needless to say, it took Remington several days to simmer down in his new surroundings and realize that not everyone was out to get him, but he took to shelter life much better than we anticipated. He still tends to growl when overwhelmed or if you come near him wielding a brush, but besides his initial attack on the good doc, he is not one to raise a paw to another cat or human to express his uneasiness. He has shown us that the way to his heart is through his stomach via endless bowls of yummy canned food; you can do no wrong when you fill his belly!

 

Remington has calmed down significantly in the month after his arrival, and secretly we think has developed a fondness for his caretakers, as he has been caught sneaking down the hallway after lights out at night to watch his humans as they depart; he may feign disinterest, but deep down we have grown on him. Besides stuffing his cheeks, Remington is most happy when he can perch on a sunny windowsill and watch the birds at the feeder. And although he doesn’t chum around with other cats, he doesn’t go out of his way to pester them, as he believes in keeping to his own space and respecting that of the others.

 

He has slowly learned to trust his food sources and is finding us to provide good company, though we feel that the type of home life that would be suit him is one where he can get comfortable at his own pace. Patience will definitely be the key to a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between him and his person, but the rewards to be reaped will be worth the wait. We can see the potential in our Remi and want him to be able to find a place in this world that will provide him a gentle place for his soul to claim peace and his body and mind to finally flourish.

More about Remington:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without children

Want to adopt Remington? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

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.

 

 

Amphenol Borisch Technologies investing $3.7 million to expand Kentwood headquarters

3-bottom, , ,

The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the City of Kentwood, announced that Amphenol Borisch Technologies (ABT) is investing $3.7 million to expand its operations in Kentwood. As a result, the company, based at 4511 East Paris Avenue in Kentwood, will add 82 jobs at its headquarters campus.

 

ABT builds complex electromechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, circuit cards and discrete mechanicals for the aerospace and defense industries.  The company employs more than 400 people at five North American locations. The Kentwood headquarters campus, which includes two buildings, employs nearly 200 people in manufacturing and administrative positions.

 

The company plans to renovate portions of its existing facility and purchase new machinery and equipment that will assist with its diversified growth.

 

“Amphenol is proud to be reinvesting in West Michigan with this expansion,” said Bob Brunetz, general manager, Amphenol Borisch Technologies. “With the support of The Right Place and the MEDC, we were able to make this project happen right here in Kentwood.”

 

The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company, Kentwood and the MEDC to ensure ABT continues to expand its headquarters operations in the city.  The MEDC is supporting the project with the approval of a $410,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

 

“The Right Place is very pleased to have partnered with Kentwood and the MEDC to ensure ABT’s growth in the region,” said Eric Icard, senior business development manager, and project lead. “This investment is another win for West Michigan’s robust aerospace and defense industries.”

 

“The City of Kentwood is delighted for ABT’s expansion and further investment in the community,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We look forward to ABT’s continued success in the market.”

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , , , ,

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
          - Abraham Lincoln

 

A Side of Facts with that Beer

 

Harmony House might not be that harmonious this Wednesday, Oct. 24, as the Westside brewery will be hosting a segment of Michigan Radio’s “Issues & Ale.”

 

According to supplied material, “Issues & Ale” is an ongoing event series designed to get the public talking about issues in Michigan in an informal environment. The events take place throughout Michigan Radio’s listening area and are always free to attend.

 

Michigan Radio’s “It’s Just Politics” co-host Zoe Clark will host the panel of Grand Rapids political experts. The program is from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the brewery located at 401 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

 

 

And the Wolverines win!

 

It wasn’t just the University of Michigan Wolverines who scored big this weekend but also the Wolverines of Godwin Heights, which defeated Wyoming Lee to secure a spot in the MHSSA’s playoffs for the fourth time.

 

“Hearing the kids scream right now is just a good feeling, especially in my first season as head coach,” said Coach Brandan Kimble after Friday’s game.

 

Godwin Heights is set to play their first playoff game against South Christian at East Kentwood High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, which will be the WKTV featured game of the week.

 

This week’s WKTV Featured Game (which on Oct. 19 was East Kentwood’s home win against Rockford) and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

 

 

It’s a Monster Mash

 

And it has been such a graveyard smash that The Salvation Army Kroc Center will once again be hosting its annual “Monster Mash” Friday, Oct. 26.

 

The event, which is from 5 – 7 p.m., is free and will feature “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot, among other activities. More than 2,000 people attended last year’s event with organizers expecting at least that many this year.

 

Since little monsters are not that fond of the rain, the event will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or lightening.

 

 

Fun Fact:

Name that Sound 

In Hollywood movies, it is often the shrill cry of a red-tail hawk that is used as a stand in for an eagle's high-pitched whistle. Fortunately in Blandfold Nature Center's Birds of Prey Photography class, you will not have to worry about the sound as you snap photos of these beautiful animals. The event takes place on Friday, Oct. 27, and there is a registration fee.

Wyoming, Metro Health partner on fall drug take back event

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

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

National Take Back is this Saturday with the City of Wyoming once again partnering with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide a location for residents to dispose of unused medications safely and property. 

 

Hosted twice a year, National Take Back Day was started in 2010 by the Drug Enforcement Administration to address a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet, accord go the Take Back Day website.

 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unused medications with no questions asked at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or the Wyoming Public Safety Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

 

According to a media release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety “properly disposing of your medications is critically important to protecting individuals in our community, as well as our environment.”

 

Growing concern over pharmaceutical pollution in waterways and the environment also had an impact on creating the Take Back campaign. According to a 2002 analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states it was found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids and reproductive hormones.

 

The City of Wyoming also offers a prescription drug drop-off service 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at its Public Safety office.

 

The Kent County Department of Public Works has established the SafeMeds Program that includes a list of many local pharmacies and law enforcement agencies that will accept unwanted medications. For more on the SafeMeds Program, visit www.reimaginetrash.org/safehomes/safemeds/.

School News Network: STEM fair projects lead to university research spots

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

Brady Strabel and Gabrielle Dykhouse, now University of Michigan freshman, researched gene editing for last spring’s East Kentwood High School STEM Fair (courtesy photo)

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

They may be in Ann Arbor establishing roots as college freshman, but four 2018 East Kentwood High School graduates used their senior STEM Fair projects to gain acceptance into a prestigious University of Michigan research program.

 

Now, as research assistants in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, they are conducting research on the environment, anatomy and magnetics in outer space, while working alongside U of M researchers on an ongoing or new research project.

 

Science teacher Chad VanHouten, in back, challenges students to research topics they are interested in (courtesy Photo)

Last spring, students had the chance to pick their own topics and delve into research for the fair. AP Biology students Brady Strabel and Gabrielle Dykhouse partnered on a project on gene editing in bacteria; Emma Pinchak studied small crustaceans called isopods (think potato bugs) and their dexterity and speed. Dat Huynh researched optimal light intensity for aquatic plants.

 

“The goal of the STEM Fair is to provide an opportunity for students to do research that they are interested in, not necessarily research that we put on them,” said AP Biology teacher Chad VanHouten, who emphasized that giving students free reign of learning can lead to great things. “We have four kids this year that used their STEM Fair projects to get into this elite program, and it is research above and beyond their normal major.”

 

Dat Huynh presents a calculus project he did along with research on aquatic plants (courtesy photo)

Bringing Science to the Next Level

 

The students are now researching complex topics. Gabrielle, a neuroscience major, is studying technology related to cardiac electrophysiology (the electrical activity of the heart).

 

She said her high school experience paved the way for her. “I wanted to pursue research in Michigan’s groundbreaking medical operations. My research experience definitely set me apart from the newbies and my (Advanced Placement course) content knowledge has made the college content transition very easy,” she said.

 

For UROP, Gabrielle interviewed with a Harvard medical school graduate cardiologist, now a U of M researcher, about his project with atrial defibrillation. She said the researcher told Gabrielle that her high school project set her apart.

 

“He basically said that out of his nine applicants mine stood out by far, and if I’m interested the position is mine.”

 

Emma, an environmental science major, is conducting global warming research in the area of forestry management. She said she was able to tell UROP program leaders about high school lab experience.

 

“Nothing seems too difficult. I’m especially seeing overlap in examples of famous studies we talked about in (East Kentwood biology and environmental science classes), especially to do with pollution and ecology.”

 

Brady, who is considering computer science or aerospace engineering as majors, is working on the project involving devices that measure magnetic fields for extreme environments.

 

Emma Pinchak, right, tells an East Kentwood graduate about her research on isopods (courtesy photo)

“We’re basically developing, packaging and deploying these new magnetometer systems around the poles and in space,” he said. “East Kentwood science exposed me to laboratory experience, helping me to identify my interest in research and strengthening my application for applying to research teams.”

 

The district’s annual fair is open to all STEM classes – middle school students have also participated – challenging students to make posters about the research they’ve done, from building robots to creating rat mazes. Students, parents and community members attend

 

“Kids are teaching kids, which we love,” VanHouten said.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Employment Expertise: A positive first impression

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

Workshop Spotlight on Introduction to Interviewing

West Michigan Works! talent development instructor, Robin, shared with us some insight into her favorite workshop for job seekers: Introduction to Interviewing. Robin has been with Michigan Works! for 20 years and began teaching workshops last year. This is what she told us about her favorite workshop:

 

What is Introduction to Interviewing?

Intro to Interviewing is a free, one-hour workshop open to the public. This workshop provides job seekers with up-to-date interviewing techniques so they can put their best foot forward with a potential employer.

 

Why is this such an important workshop for job seekers?

There are certain aspects of interviewing that job seekers don’t always think about. In this workshop, we don’t take anything for granted. We cover everything from common-sense dos and don’ts to less obvious aspects, like making eye-contact and speaking confidently. Participants will leave the workshop with a good understanding of how to conduct themselves throughout the interview process, including how to:

  • research the employer and job to prepare for the interview
  • practice answering common interview questions as well as difficult ones
  • dress appropriately
  • ask meaningful questions about the business and position
  • practice active listening and clear, assertive communication

What is something job seekers tell you they were surprised to learn in the workshop?

Job seekers are sometimes surprised to learn about the importance of a professional email address and voicemail message. This includes keeping your voicemail cleaned out so you can accept new messages from potential employers. Preparing for an interview can be stressful and it’s easy for things to get overlooked. Spending a little time on details like these can go a long way toward making a good first impression!

 

Visit jobs.westmiworks.org/calendar/ to find and register for Introduction to Interviewing or another workshop near you!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

How to stay healthy during flu season

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

By Kelli DeYoung, Heart of the City Pharmacy

 

Are you one of many people missing out on fall activities because of cold or flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, cough and tiredness? When do you ‘push through the pain,’ and when do give up and get help?

 

Both the common cold and flu are caused by a virus, not bacteria, so running to the doctor at the first sniffle isn’t going to make the flu go away. In general, the flu has worse symptoms than the common cold, meaning fever above 100°, more joint pain, intense cough and extreme exhaustion. The flu is achier and colds are leakier. The common cold usually lasts for two weeks, whereas the flu can leave you flat in bed for up to three weeks, so it is best to do everything you can to prevent getting the flu.

  • Get the flu vaccine: This not only protects you, but prevents you from carrying it to others. You can get your flu shot at any Cherry Health medical site or by going to Heart of the City Pharmacy (walk-ins welcome!).
  • Get rest and nutrition: If you are battling flu or cold symptoms your body needs all the rest it can get to fight off the virus that’s ruining your weekend fun. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to ‘make you chicken soup.’ Studies show those who have people helping them get well actually recover faster, so if you know someone who is sick, a card or meal really does help them recover faster.
  • Zinc supplements: These can help your immune system even more than high doses of vitamin C. Eat fruits or using a juicer can also get you the fresh effect of enzymes in foods. If you’re interested in how the foods you eat can build a healthier you, come to Heart of the City Pharmacy any Thursday or Friday for the latest science on diet and supplement information. Enjoy the season!

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Tackling Alzheimer’s disease

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

By Diana Bitner, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia—a condition that causes sufferers to forget short-term events and names. It also causes changes in behavior.

When talking about Alzheimer’s, it’s important to look at the risk factors:
  • Age—This is the strongest risk factor, with most people being diagnosed after age 65.
  • Genetics—There are genetic links associated with the disease, meaning it can run in families.
  • Environment—The most studied environmental factors include aluminum, zinc, food-borne poisons, and viruses, but there has been no clear evidence of cause and effect.
  • Related medical conditions—These include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It’s also important to note that having many family members with Alzheimer’s does increase an individual’s risk, but it’s not necessarily tied to genes per se. Instead, it can be tied to a genetic mutation or other medical conditions (such as diabetes and obesity) that may run in the family.

 

As doctors, we are learning more and more about how diabetes, heart disease, obesity and dementia are all tied together.

 

These medical conditions all involve blood vessels—specifically how healthy or unhealthy the vessels are.

 

A healthy blood vessel has a smooth inside lining, flexible walls and no plaque build-up. In contrast, an unhealthy blood vessel has a sticky lining, stiff walls and plaque build-up, possibly even buried in the vessel wall. This can result in decreased blood flow to important cells in brain tissue, impacting function and clearance of certain proteins.

 

This build-up is associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

 

We also know that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with certain acquired risk factors—especially when they start in midlife. The greatest risk factors include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Taking control of your future self

What’s the bottom line? Midlife is the time to consider life goals and make important choices.

 

When I talk about Alzheimer’s and risk factors, I think about a patient of mine I’ll call Tania who came into the menopause clinic with some serious concerns.

 

Tania, 53, complained of forgetting things, feeling anxious, having night sweats and simply not feeling like herself. She was worried she had dementia—and for good reason.

 

Tania’s grandmother moved from Mexico to live with Tania’s family when Tania was 12. By the time Tania entered high school, her grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Concerned she had the same thing, Tania needed answers.

 

We began by talking about her current stage in life—early perimenopause. This was clear because of her irregular periods, and symptoms of hot flashes and mood changes around the time of her period. Next, we went over her medical history, which included diabetes during pregnancy and lifelong issues with mild obesity.

 

Tania’s family history revealed some real concerns: Her mom, aunts and grandmother suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity; and her father had high blood pressure. When I took Tania’s vitals that day, her blood pressure was 150/75 and her BMI was 31. Both of those numbers were too high.

 

After gathering this information, I asked Tania what she wanted, and she said she wanted to be healthy—without diabetes or high blood pressure. She also wanted to maintain a healthy weight, be active, and not have to take all the meds her family did. And, most importantly, Tania did not want to get Alzheimer’s disease.

 

When I explained to her that diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity in midlife were all significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s, she wanted to know what she needed to do. We ran her labs, and the results showed she had pre-diabetes and mildly elevated cholesterol.

 

We then put together a plan. And our plan paid off.

 

After three months, Tania walked for 45 minutes every day and had changed her diet. She had lost 8 pounds and, even better, her blood pressure was down to 140/70 and her blood sugar was lower—almost in the normal range. Her periods were regular again and she slept better.

 

Tania felt great and addressed her health issues in time to meet her goals and make a difference.

Worried about your health or brain function? Make an appointment to specifically discuss your health concerns with your doctor. Need help choosing your physician? No worries. Call Spectrum Health at 877.362.8362 day or night to receive assistance and advice about selecting a physician who is right for you.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

On Tap: Harmony Hall goes political, Brewery Vivant eyes Kentwood expansion

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Election, Local Entertainment, Politics, Upcoming Events,
Harmony Hall will host a night of political discussion focused on the highly anticipated upcoming midterm election as Michigan Radio’s next installment of “Issues & Ale”. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Harmony Hall will host a night of political discussion focused on the highly anticipated upcoming midterm election as Michigan Radio’s next installment of “Issues & Ale” will take place in the hall on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m., 401 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

 

According to supplied material, Issues & Ale is an ongoing event series designed to get the public talking about issues in Michigan in an informal environment. The events take place throughout Michigan Radio’s listening area and are always free to attend.

 

“We’ve been talking to so many people who are feeling desperate for constructive, respectful dialogue about politics and the issues that impact all of us,” Heather Van Dyke-Titus, co-owner of Harmony Hall, said. “We wanted to provide a forum for that conversation to happen. … I’m also excited that the theme of the night is a preview for the midterm elections. I can’t remember a time when an election felt more important.”

 

Michigan Radio’s It’s Just Politics co-host Zoe Clark will host the panel of Grand Rapids political experts. On Nov. 6, Michigan voters will elect a new governor and attorney general, candidates in a number of contested races in the U.S. House of Representatives and one Senate race, and vote on three statewide ballot proposals.

 

Audience members will also have the opportunity to pose questions about the election to the panel.

 

For more information visit harmonybeer.com .

 

Brewery Vivant owners eying Kentwood as futures pub/brewery

 

While not written in stone at this time, Jason and Kris Spaulding, co-owners of Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids, have gained initial City of Kentwood approval to opening a new microbrewery after action by the City Commission last month.

 

The Spauldings’ yet-unnamed microbrewery will be housed in a commercial building at 2855 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. Plans were given special land use and site plan approval, as well as a recommendation for a state liquor license, by commissioners at a meeting on Sept. 18.

 

Filed plans for the microbrewery call for 13,400 square feet for production and 3,600 square feet for the tap room and a small retail space, while the remaining 7,300 square feet of the building will continue to house a clothing retailer.

 

For more information on Brewery Vivant, see their website.

 

Kentwood invites community to enjoy South Kent Community Expo

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Food, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events
South Kent Community Expo is this week.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The City of Kentwood is the new home of the annual South Kent Community Expo, an annual effort of the Cutlerville-Gaines Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.

 

With a timely, football/sports theme, there will be more than 60 booths offering products and services for consumers’ needs, many of them sports themed, as well as food trucks, police and fire vehicles, and other kids activities.

 

The expo will be held at the Kentwood Activity Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

“The 3rd annual South Kent Community Expo is excited to host this community event in its new location, the Kentwood Activities Center — we will have something for everyone,” Lorraine Beloncis, assistant director of City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “This year the expo has a football theme, so wear your favorite team’s gear and check out the fun football themed vendor booths.”

 

Beloncis said the event is an ability to learn about the businesses in our community and what services they have to offer including home improvement, home financing, home services, senior services, library services, colleges, fitness, health and wellness, pet care, banks, retail, hospitality, transportation, volunteer opportunities and employment services.

 

“We will have several food trucks on site to satisfy your hunger with a variety of delicious options,” Beloncis said. “Families can check out fire trucks, police and sheriff department patrol cars, go through the smoke house to learn about fire safety and participate in a variety of kids activities. As always, there will be lots of freebies, give-a-ways and a chance to win door prizes.”

 

Flu shots will be provided by Walgreens from 10: a.m. to noon. The cost for a flu shot will be $41 for individuals without insurance.

 

“With 60-plus businesses attending, there’s sure to be a product or service for everyone,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said in supplied material. “The expo is a family-friendly event designed to showcase the broad range of businesses and organizations who make their home in Southern Kent County.”

 

The family-friendly nature of the event was stressed by Drew DeVries, executive director of the Cutlerville-Gaines Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

“We’ll have fire and sheriff’s departments onsite with football-themed games, along with a smoke house simulation for the kids,” DeVries said in supplied material.

 

As of Friday, Oct. 19, vendor space was still available. Interested businesses/groups should contact Beloncis at 616-656-5278 for last-minute registration.

 

For more information on the event visit southkent.org or the Kentwood Parks and Recreation events page.

 

Hackley Historic Site hosts Obituary Tour to explore deaths, autopsies, and funerals

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Hackley House

By Aaron Mace, Lakeshore Museum Center

 

How much do you know about the deaths that happened in the Hackley and Hume Houses?

 

The Hackley and Hume Historic Site (484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440) will host an Obituary Tour event on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 with two sessions each night running from 7-8pm and 8:30-9:30 pm. Visitors are invited to travel back in time as they tour the houses by candlelight and explore the funerals, autopsies, and deaths that occurred on site during the Victorian Era.

 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience a reenactment of Julia Hackley’s funeral service and become immersed in the practices and traditions of death and dying spanning from 1949-1994.

 

Erin Schmitz, the Historic Site’s Program Manager, explains, “With all the excitement of Halloween just around the corner, we’re looking forward to having the community come out and enjoy this event! It was a huge success last year, and we know our visitors will love learning more about the history surrounding the Hackley and Hume Houses.”

 

The candlelit tours are given twice each night, the first session running from 7-8pm and the second from 8:30-9:30 pm. Due to the elements involved, the event is recommended for adults only.

 

The Obituary Tour takes place inside the Hackley and Hume Houses. Admission to the event is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Registration is required. To RSVP, contact Aaron Mace at aaron@lakeshoremuseum.org or call 231-724-5534.

The sitting epidemic

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Food, Health, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, , ,
Prolonged periods of sitting could lead to serious health problems. Could an anti-sitting campaign gain traction? (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Kim Delafuente, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Here’s a question for the youngsters: Did you know that, up until recent years, most corners of society considered smoking to be socially acceptable?

 

Just 10 years ago, in fact, restaurants in many states still offered smoking sections. It’s truly a silly concept, given that cigarette smoke travels throughout the restaurant anyway.

 

Opposition to smoking began to emerge in the late 1960s and ’70s, but there had been little in the way of enforcements or taboos up until the 1980s, ’90s and ’00s.

 

These days, the smoking rate in the U.S. is at its lowest point in decades, with about 15.5 percent of adults identifying as smokers. (That’s down from a high of about 42 percent in the 1960s.)

 

America’s anti-smoking campaign may come to exemplify how society approaches another topic: sitting.

 

That’s right, sitting.

 

At work, at home, in our cars, watching events and so on, we spend a lot of time sitting. We sit an average of nine to 10 hours each day, not to mention the time we spend sleeping.

 

But just as it was with smoking, sitting has a negative impact on our health.

 

Within an hour of sitting, we see declines in our fat metabolism and our HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

 

So how did we get here?

 

Technology has eliminated the need to manually open our garage doors, get up and sharpen our pencils, play board games, scrapbook or even get up and talk to coworkers. Instant messaging apps and emails make it all too easy to send a quick question to someone just down the hall.

 

We don’t have to make our own meals or go to the store as often—or at all.

 

Throughout this evolution, movement has been minimized from our daily lives. In many cases, movement has become optional and unnecessary.

 

Sitting has, by all measures, become the norm.

 

But sitting too much is not the same as not getting enough exercise.

 

When we hear the recommendations to get up and move every hour, to spend less time watching TV, to take the stairs, etc., remember that even the smallest movements have health benefits.

 

As your muscles contract, fat begins to shift from your blood stream to the moving muscles. This reactivates your fat metabolism.

 

Can you prevent the negative health effects of sitting too much when you’re someone who exercises regularly?

 

Maybe not.

 

Even people who exercise regularly—those who meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes or more a week—may undo some of the positive health benefits of exercise if they simply spend the rest of the day sitting.

 

Add small movements into your day.

 

Find activities that you can do standing instead of sitting: talking on the phone, folding the laundry, reading email.

 

Do you fidget? That’s great! Tap your foot, twirl your hair and stand up to stretch.

 

At its peak, 42 percent of the adult population in the U.S. smoked.

 

Is sitting the new smoking?

 

From a numbers standpoint, it could be worse. A significant portion of the population spends the day sitting, which means this particular problem is systemic.

 

The good news is that poor health is preventable through public health campaigns, personal action and societal awareness.

 

Big corporations are starting to lead the way. In the construction of its state-of-the-art tech campus, Apple installed adjustable desks that allow all employees to choose if they want to sit or stand while working at their computers.

 

If you don’t have an adjustable desk, try to find creative solutions that let you stand during some of the workday. At a minimum, get up and take a break to stand and stretch every once in a while.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Haunted attractions in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Travel, Upcoming Events, ,

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Scary movies have swept the mainstream, and while you may be safe watching from your couch with popcorn in hand, there’s always an opportunity to come face to face with a ghost, mutant, ghoul, or zombie this time of year. Not only does West Michigan have stellar haunted houses, but there are also ghost tours, haunted corn mazes, and real ghost sightings around every corner. You may not want to visit these haunted attractions alone, so bring some friends and see if you can survive.

Actually Haunted Locales

Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo is said to have a handful of ghostly guests. Among these spirits are the castle’s original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson, a Spanish-American War veteran, a little girl, and even a dog. These ghostly figures often interact with guests, speaking to them, opening cabinet doors, even appearing as apparitions.

 

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s also the time of the year when unseen things go bump in the night. Visit Coldwater for the Historical Paranormal Penlight Tour on Saturday, October 20th. Following a presentation by local paranormal experts, the Paranormal Penlight Tour will kick off on the south side of Oak Grove Cemetery.

 

“Jack” is the nickname given to the legendary ghost of a lumberjack who was killed in a barroom knife fight in 1847 at what is now the Grill House in Allegan. Occasionally, lights, radios, and television go on and off at odd times. Doors unexpectedly open and close. Faucets turn on by themselves. Sometimes, you can hear footsteps at night. His blurry presence has even shown up in photos taken at the restaurant. Jack’s legacy lives on over 170 years later.

 

Shadowy figures, strange noises, and mysteriously shifted objects have all been witnessed at the Mitten Brewing Company in Grand Rapids. One night during the second week of operation, owner Chris Andrus was the last person to leave the Engine House, heading home at 2am after mopping the facility. He was also the first one to arrive early the next morning. As he prepared the taproom for opening, he checked the front lobby and noticed a few footprints left from the wet mop water the night before.

 

At first, Chris thought nothing of it, but after a few minutes, he realized no one else had been in the building between his leaving and return, and that the prints were made by bare feet. He returned to the footprints and made a perplexing discovery: they were the footprints of a child. More footprints would show up over the following years, along with shadows, silhouettes, and noises.

Spooky Attractions & Haunted Houses

The Zombie Escape Room in Mt. Pleasant is great fun with friends and family. The escape room is open on Oct. 19th and 20th, so get a group together and test your skills.

 

Now in its fourth year, the Michigan Maritime Museum is transforming into a maze of terrifying thrills and chills that are not for the faint of heart. This event is part of South Haven’s annual Haven Harvest Festival and will be open on October 19th and 20th.

 

The Tri-Cities Museum in Grand Haven is hosting their haunted museum event on Saturday, Oct. 20th. This free event focuses on education and fun while visitors learn about how Halloween was celebrated in the past. The Victorian House exhibit in the museum will remain decorated for Halloween through Oct. 31st.

 

Every fall, the SS City of Milwaukee is transformed into the Manistee Ghost Ship. Explore this enormous ship, but look out for the ghosts and ghouls that lurk around every corner. This experience is available every Friday and Saturday in October.

 

The Haunt in Grand Rapids has been West Michigan’s choice for fear since 2001, and they’re bringing new scares to a new location in 2018. Make your way through dark hallways and zombified nightmares inside the 50,000 square feet indoor facility. Your ticket gets you into each of the four terrifying attractions. The Haunt is open from now until the end of October.

 

The largest haunted attraction in southwest Michigan, Niles Scream Park, continues their mission to terrify everybody that enters the grounds. Visit all five of their main attractions, each of which is uniquely themed and professionally redesigned each year to scare you and your friends. Almost as popular as the Niles Haunted House is the outdoor Field of Screams attraction. It is full of mazes to disorient you and special effects that will dazzle and confuse your senses. Once they have you where they want you, the characters in the field will make sure to maximize the scare effect. Parking and entry to the midway are both free.

Haunted Events & Exhibits

The Haunted Hall in Muskegon, open Fridays and Saturdays in October, is a fun haunted event to check out with your friends and family.

 

It may not be as scary as a ghost or ghoul, but the Hotel Frankfort’s Murder Mystery nights will get your blood pumping. Join them on either Oct. 26th or 27th for an interactive murder mystery dinner, and see if you can solve who shot the sheriff. This elaborate evening can only be solved by you, so put on your thinking cap and see if you can figure out who the murderer is.

 

Promote Michigan’s president Dianna Stampfler is hosting a series of free programs at libraries around the state to promote her upcoming book Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses. The state has more than 120 historic beacons and nearly three dozen are rumored to be haunted. Lighthouse keepers were known to be extremely dedicated to their profession and it seems that many were never able to give it up, even after death. More than 30 lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted.

 

Discover the magic of Victorian Halloween traditions and superstitions this fall at the Cappon House Museum, part of the Holland Museum. Tour the dimly lit rooms of this historic home to learn how Halloween was celebrated 100 years ago. Then, partake in spooky parlor games and broom races, listen to classic ghost stories, have your fortune told, and carve a mini pumpkin to take home. This is a family-friendly event great for families with kids and costumes are encouraged!

Scary Trails & Hayrides

October is a month full of scares and family fun in Mecosta County. The area offers corn mazes and haunted trails all month long. The Haunted Corn Maze is open every Friday and Saturday in October, while the Haunted Fish Hatchery is open on Oct. 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th.

 

Don’t miss an eerie night of history’s most terrifying and gruesome moments as Michigan’s Heritage Park hosts their Annual Haunted Trail in Whitehall on October 26th and 27th. This after-hours event will examine the bone-chilling legends, myths, and tales from the 1600s through the early 1900s. With 10,000 years of horror, nothing is off the table during this two-night event.

 

Get scared and help a local charity with the Forest of Fear in Grayling. The forest is open every Friday and Saturday in October. This event has grown over the past 13 years, and this year is no different.

 

Located in Belmont, Cannonsburg’s take on a haunted hayride includes zombies and paintball. Zombie Paintball is an interactive spooky, action-packed experience designed for all ages. Ride through the Cannonsburg woods blasting zombies with paintballs along the way.

 

Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall has haunted activities for the entire family. A scary barn will keep you guessing around every corner and the hayride through an alien trail is not as quiet as it may seem. See if you can make it through the corn maze, but beware of the signs that you may find along the way! When you’re done, stop by the Turkeyville restaurant and ice cream parlor for a bite to eat.

 

MyNorth is selling tickets for a terrifying haunted house in L’Anse. Teens and adults wander aimlessly through a maze of terrifying rooms and hallways with a scare at every turn.

 

The Michigan City LaPorte area in Indiana is hosting the Hesston Ghost Train every weekend from now until Oct. 28th. The train will take you through a haunted woods, where you may see a ghost or two.

KDL Book Talks: Courtney Summers’ ‘Sadie’ is a real page-turner

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

 

“And it begins, as so many stories do, with a dead girl.” – The opening of “Sadie.”

 

Nineteen-year-old Sadie Hunter lives in one of those small, decaying little towns. Life has not been easy for her as she tries a normal life for her 13-year-old sister Mattie. However, when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s world begins to crumble and she sets out to bring Mattie’s killer to justice and disappears.

 

When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl, starting a podcast to track the Sadie.

 

“Part of the book is told like a script from a podcast, like you are reading his narration and his interviews with the people Sadie has come in contact with, with his news producer, and things like that,” said KDL Youth Library Courtnei Moyses. “The other chapters are Sadie, what is actually happening in Sadie’s life.

 

“This was a book that I just couldn’t but down because it was written so well and it was such a thriller it kept me turning the page.”

 

Warning: the book does deal with very adult topics including sexual abuse and drugs.

 

For more great reads, visit kdl.org.

 

Explore the secret life of trees in KDL Kelloggsville upcoming book discussion

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Trees will be the focus of the KDL Kelloggsville branch’s first-ever book talk Nov. 8 as the Wyoming Tree Commission will help lead the discussion on Peter Wohlleben’s groundbreaking book “The Hidden Life of Trees.”

 

“As we worked on increasing the tree cover in Wyoming, I came across this book and it is an amazing book,” said Tree Commissioner Jim Ward who will be leading the talk with KDL Kelloggsville’s Mike Zurgable.

 

Released in 2016, “The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, Discoveries from a Secret World” is the first book in The Mysteries of Nature Trilogy by Wohlleben, a German forest ranger. The second book, “The Inner Life of Animals” was released last year and the third book, “The Secret Wisdom of Nature” has just been released.

 

In “Hidden Life of Trees,” Wohlleben shares his love of the woods and forests, discussing the process of life and death. He gives the trees human qualities as parents with children, communicating to each other, and supporting each other. Wohlleben draws from new discoveries, presenting the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities. 

 

“He talks about things about the trees that no one ever knew,” Ward said. “How the trees take care of each other. That they actually make noises and they actually make a smell to identify who they are to other trees and to defend themselves against critters chewing or invading them.”

 

So impressed with Wohlleben’s book that when approached about hosting a book talk at the KDL Kelloggsvile branch, it was the book on the top of Ward’s list.

 

“We are so honored to be able to participate in the book talk,” Ward said. “It is an opportunity for us to promote what we are doing in the City of Wyoming and our efforts to increase the tree canopy.”

 

Ward said the talk will generate discussion on the value of trees and what they offer a city beyond just beautifying it, serving as a launch pad in the city’s continuing efforts of being a Tree City U.S.A.

 

Copies of “The Hidden Life of Trees” are available at the KDL Kelloggsville branch, located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 S. Division Ave.  The book discussion will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the KDL Kelloggsvile branch.

 

For more on the Tree Commission activities, click here. For more on KDL programs, visit kdl.org.

School News Network: She got an early jump on college in high school; now she resides on campus

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Lauren Kramer heads to her economics class in Sneden Hall

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

Outside Grand Rapids Community College’s Sneden Hall before her morning “Principles of Economics” class, Lauren Kramer reflected on ways she’s benefiting from being both a Wyoming High School and GRCC student through the Wyoming Middle College.

 

They include a transcript already stacked with 30 GRCC credits; free tuition, books and materials; experience with college courses and expectations; and the discovery of a program she’s highly interested in: culinary arts.

 

The accomplished student, who started the Middle College as a Wyoming High School sophomore, said she’s making a smooth transition from high school classroom to college lecture hall. Though she’s now attending classes full-time at GRCC, Lauren is considered a fifth-year high school student. Still, she’s halfway through requirements for an associate degree.

 

She’s enjoying the bustle of city life as she spends her days on campus.

 

“It’s really great being downtown and the classes are fantastic,” she said.

 

Exploring downtown and the GRCC campus is part of the fun for Lauren Kramer

‘The Best Thing Going’

 

Wyoming Middle College, which started in 2012, was the first partnership for GRCC of its kind. It works like this: Students start in 10th grade taking college courses taught by GRCC faculty members at Wyoming High School. They take on a fifth year (also referred to as a 13th year in K-12) as a Wyoming student, but it’s spent entirely at GRCC. The cost is paid for through the per-pupil foundation allowance from the state.

 

Upon completion, students graduate with a high school diploma and a GRCC associate degree.

 

“It’s the best thing going,” said high school Principal Nate Robrahn, who this year expanded the cohort of sophomores starting Middle College from 50 to 65. About 150 students have graduated the program since it started.

 

“Students continue to be successful at the next level too,” Robrahn said. “A lot of those kids are going on to four-year universities, doing well and even graduating early from them.”

 

Students take one college class along with high school classes each semester sophomore year; two classes per semester junior year; and three per semester senior year. It’s a full schedule of college classes for the fifth year at GRCC.

 

Because of that experience, Lauren’s already used to the expectations, rigor and freedom of college. She knows what a syllabus is and how to follow it.

 

“(Wyoming Middle College) really helped with knowing the setup,” she said. “Here in college, most professors are very focused on the syllabus and they really stick to it, so if you need to know what’s due, when it’s due, the expectations, you just go through the syllabus.”

 

She plans to tackle 15 credits each semester, which means she will be a junior at the end of the school year, a full year ahead of many of her peers. Many of her general education classes are finished, and she has mostly electives left that align with her interests.

 

Lauren Kramer, who is a fifth-year Wyoming High School student, will have 60 college credits at the end of this school year

Programs Continue to Grow

 

GRCC has also established middle colleges at Cedar Springs and Ottawa Hills, and East Kentwood High School launched one this fall. Also through GRCC, Ottawa Area ISD offers a certification program at Careerline Tech Center and Kent ISD offers Launch U, where students earn an associate degree in mechanical design.

 

Dan Clark, GRCC dean of Academic Outreach, said about 500 students are involved in the middle college opportunities and interest is growing statewide.

 

“When we first started with Wyoming we were the 25th middle college in the state,” Clark said. “Now, in fall of 2018, there are over 150 middle college programs in the state.”

 

“We have more and more families that continue to say, ‘We want to do it,’” added Robrahn. Along with getting associate degrees before moving on to four-year institutions, he sees his students are earning certifications and discovering what’s possible on the GRCC campus.

 

“They have all kinds of options for kids, connections to culinary arts and to tech programs,” Robrahn said. “It’s not just an associate’s degree. You can get all those trainings and certifications. There are big jobs right now, $50,000-a-year jobs, and kids can walk out of (GRCC) and get them.”

 

Clark said GRCC offers extensive student support all the way through programs. Students regularly meet with college advisers and success coaches.

 

“The important thing we are hearing from these students is they have been able to learn and navigate the college process while they were in high school,” he said. “Now they have tools and maturity in understanding what college is all about.”

 

According to a study by National Center for Restructuring Education, School and Teaching, of 20 pilot schools with middle college programs followed over six years in Michigan, 997 students in 2016-2017 finished their 13th year with an average GPA of 2.94 and earned an average of 52 college credits. More than 11,000 Michigan students are in middle college programs.

 

Saving on Costs, Big Time

 

The most obvious benefit is cost savings, Clark said. At a minimum, students are saving the $114 per credit hour in 2018-2019 basic tuition rates at GRCC, plus the cost of books, fees and other materials.

 

Lauren said it would have cost at least $40,000, including room and board, had she enrolled directly into a four-year university and paid full tuition to tally up the number of credits she has earned from GRCC. All she has to pay for through the end of this school year is parking and food.

 

“We don’t have to pay for tuition, or books. I got a kit for my cake decorating class that would be $60, but with Middle College it’s completely taken care of. I get my own chef’s coat for my class and don’t have to pay for it.”

 

Icing on the Cake

 

Lauren excitedly talks about her “fantastic” Culinary Art and Design class, where she’s learning from renowned chefs and instructors to decorate and design pastries. She said enrolling in GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education might be her next step.

 

She said wouldn’t have pursued that idea had she enrolled directly into a four-year university, adding, “It is definitely helping me figure out what I want to do.”

 

Lauren was unsure if she wanted to join Wyoming Middle College when she was a 10th-grader. It meant giving up her freshman year living in a dorm, marching in a university band and having “the basic college experience.” She also didn’t have many classes in high school with friends who aren’t in the program and missed out on some great high school teachers.

 

But she’s found other ways to branch out and enjoy her passions, like traveling and performing all summer as a color guard member with the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps.

 

Now, when she thinks about savings, the path she’s on and what she’s learned, she puts it succinctly:

 

“This is the greatest program.”

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Diabetes and your mouth

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, , ,

By Nicole Kooiker, DDS, Heart of the City Health Center

 

Q: Does diabetes really affect my teeth?

 

A: If you are one of the nearly 30 million people living in the U.S. with diabetes, you have special oral health needs. As a dentist practicing in Grand Rapids, I see first-hand how diabetes affects the mouth. It can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and it can cause periodontitis, the most severe and common dental disease affecting those with diabetes. If left untreated, periodontitis may cause you to lose your teeth or have them pulled. It also reduces your body’s ability to regulate the level of sugar in the blood. High blood sugar can make diabetes harder to control and contribute to worsening gum disease.

 

Below are tips for keeping your mouth healthy while living with diabetes.

  • Control your blood sugar level.
  • Brush and floss daily.
  • If you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily.
  • Visit your dentist regularly; in fact, deep cleanings can help lower your HbA1c.
  • Watch for signs of gum disease, including red, swollen, tender, and /or bleeding gums when you brush or floss; bad breath; permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from each other; and gums that have pulled away from teeth.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Tell your dentist and hygienist any time there is a change in your medication or the severity of your diabetes.
  • Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in control.

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

The 22nd — and FINAL — Annual Grand Awards to honor theater excellence Oct. 21st at Fountain Street Church

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

 

A lot of talent has been fêted over the past two decades as the Annual Grand Awards have celebrated and rewarded inspired performances from top productions of a given year, from children’s theater to community and college musicals and plays. This event, comparable to the Tony Awards, is complete with performances, awards, and most importantly the handing out of scholarships to young students pursuing a career in theater.

 

After reveling 22 theater seasons with the Grand Awards, this will be the last year that it continues under its current format. Stay tuned in the coming years because something new and revamped will take its place highlighting the scholarship recipients.

 

The night will celebrate the scholarship recipients, enjoy some repeat performances from the 2017-2018 theater season, acknowledge stand-out performances from the year with awards and enjoy the company of some of Grand Rapids’ MOST talented all under one roof. 

 

This year’s Grand Awards ceremony will be held at Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) in downtown Grand Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 6pm. Following the ceremony, there will be an after party in the fellowship hall of Fountain Street Church complete with a DJ, food, drinks, and fun going until 11pm.

 

Tickets for the 22nd Annual Grand Awards can be purchased here using credit cards for $40 (general admission and seating). General admission tickets at the door will be cash only. All ticketing for students (with proper ID), nominees, and Grand Awards event performers will be handled at the door the night of the event (cash only):

  • Grand Awards event performer: $30
  • Students: $20
  • Nominees: $10 (must be an individual nominee)

And, the nominees are…

Outstanding Play

  • The Whale at Actors’ Theatre
  • A Few Good Men at Circle Theatre
  • Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • All the Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • Fool for Love at Heritage Theatre

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play

  • Jason Stamp as ‘Charlie’ in The Whale at Actors’ Theatre
  • Todd Lewis as ‘Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep’ in A Few Good Men at Circle Theatre
  • Spencer Tomlin as ‘Leo’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Jon March as ‘Lyndon Baines Johnson’ in All The Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Shane German as ‘Arnold Beckoff’ in Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play

  • Isaac Thornson as ‘David’ in Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • David Houseman as ‘Butch’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Jason Stamp as ‘Florence’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • GM (Bud) Thompson as ‘Senator Richard Russel’ in All The Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Eddie Stephens as ‘Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’ in All The Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

  • Chelsea Pummill as ‘Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men at Circle Theatre
  • Liz Brand as ‘Meg’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Brooke Bruce as ‘May’ in Fool for Love at Heritage Theatre
  • Lori Jacobs as ‘Olive’ in Olive and The Bitter Herbs at Jewish Theatre
  • Mary Brown as ‘Toinette’ in The Imaginary Invalid at Master Arts Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play

  • Madeline Jones as ‘Ellie’ in The Whale at Actors’ Theatre
  • Emily Wetzel as ‘Audrey’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Margi Hankins as ‘Ladybird Johnson’ in All the Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Shavonne T. Coleman as ‘Wendy’ in Olive and The Bitter Herbs at Jewish Theatre
  • Bernice Houseward as ‘Mrs. Beckoff’ in Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play

  • Isaac Thornson as ‘David’ as Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • David Houseman as ‘Butch’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Jason Stamp as ‘Florence’ in Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • GM (Bud) Thompson as ‘Senator Richard Russel’ in All The Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Eddie Stephens as ‘Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’ in All The Way at Grand Rapids Civc Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Play

  • Fred Sebulske for The Whale at Actors’ Theatre
  • Tom Kaechele for Leading Ladies at Circle Theatre
  • Bruce Tinker for All the Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Rachel Finan for Fool for Love at Heritage Theatre
  • Michelle Urbane for Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre

Outstanding Musical

  • If/Then at Actors’ Theatre
  • Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • On the Town at Circle Theatre

Outstanding Actor in a Musical

  • Nathaniel Beals as ‘Narrator’ in Passing Strange at Actors’ Theatre
  • Jason Morrison as ‘Bruce’ in Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Matt Tepper as ‘The Baker’ in Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • Scott Mellema as ‘Shrek’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Jason Morrison as ‘Daddy Warbucks’ in Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical

  • David Houseman as ‘Lucas’ in If/Then at Actors’ Theatre
  • Darius Tq Colquitt as ‘Mr. Franklin’/’Joop’/’Mr. Venus’ in Passing Strange at Actors’ Theatre
  • Charles Hutchins as ‘Alfred P Doolittle’ in My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Titus Hankins as ‘Donkey’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Kyle Cain as ‘Lord Farquaad’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Cullen Dyk as ‘Pinocchio’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

  • Molly Jones as ‘Elizabeth’ in If/Then at Actors’ Theatre
  • Evangelie Vander Ark as ‘Small Alison’ in Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Kelly Carey as ‘The Witch’ in Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • Carly Uthoff as ‘Princess Fiona’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Alyssa Bauer as ‘Eliza Doolittle’ in My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical

  • Caitlin Cusack as ‘Helen’ in Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Madeline Jones as ‘Medium Alison’ in Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Morgan Anding as ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’/’Gingy’ in Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Kira Alsum as ‘Grace’ in Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Darla Carrier as ‘Madame Dilly’/’Little Old Lady’/’Club Singer’ in On the Town at Circle Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

  • Jolene Frankey for Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Todd Avery for Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • Bruce Tinker for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Allyson Paris for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Penelope Notter for On the Town at Circle Theatre

Outstanding Choreography

  • Torrey Thomas for Passing Strange at Actors’ Theatre
  • Torrey Thomas for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Melissa Sefton for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Erin Kacos for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • William Schutte for On the Town at Circle Theatre

Outstanding Musical Direction

  • Scott Patrick Bell for If/Then at Actors’ Theatre
  • Brendan Hollins for Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • Charles Hutchins for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civc Theatre
  • Charles Hutchins for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Wright McCargar for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Sound Design

  • Sam Johnson for Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • Sam Johnson for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Sam Johnson for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Steven Nardin for Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • Sam Johnson for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Lighting Design

  • Catherine Marlett-Dreher for Fun Home at Circle Theatre
  • Catherine Marlett-Dreher for Into the Woods at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Catherine Marlett-Dreher for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Catherine Marlett-Dreher for Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • Catherine Marlett-Dreher for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Costume Design

  • Bill Dunckel & Kelly Lucas for On the Town at Circle Theatre
  • Robert Fowle for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Robert Fowle for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Karen Larabel for The Book of Job at Master Arts Theatre
  • Robert Fowle for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding Scenic Design

  • Don Wilson for Into the Woods at Circle Theatre
  • David Len for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Christian Poquette for Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre
  • David Len for All the Way at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • David Len for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • David Len for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

For Outstanding Properties Design

  • Michael Wilson for Shrek at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Jennifer Smith for A Few Good Men at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Michael Wilson for Annie at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Michael Wilson for My Fair Lady at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Camille Hickade for Torch Song Trilogy Act III: Widows and Children First at Jewish Theatre

Outstanding Theatre for Young Audiences

  • Seussical The Musical at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • Akeelah and the Bee at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • School of Rock at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Outstanding College Production

  • Equivocation at Aquinas
  • Rhinoceros at Aquinas
  • A Year with Frog & Toad at Aquinas
  • Detroit ’67 at GRCC
  • Oklahoma at GVSU

Outstanding Lead Actor in a College Production

  • Casey Huls as ‘Curly’ in Oklahoma at Grand Valley State University
  • Brock Gabbert as ‘Berenger’ in Rhinoceros at Aquinas
  • Kaeleb Cogswell as ‘Toad’ in A Year with Frog & Toad at Aquinas
  • Michael Francis as ‘Lank’ in Detroit ’67 at GRCC
  • David Dekens as ‘Warren’ in This is Our Youth at GRCC

Outstanding Lead Actress in a College Production

  • Bryanna Lee as ‘Minnie’ in The Terrible Girls at Aquinas
  • Trisha Bond as ‘Penelope Sycamore’ in You Can’t Take it With You at Cornerstone University
  • Marqea Lee as ‘Chelle’ in Detroit ’67 at GRCC
  • Lindsey Normington as ‘Sally Bowles’ in Cabaret at GVSU
  • Alyssa Veldman as ‘Ado Annie Carnes’ in Oklahoma at GVSU

For Outstanding Direction of a College Production

  • Randy Wyatt for Rhinoceros, at Aquinas
  • Kathy Gibson for A Year with Frog & Toad, at Aquinas
  • Sammy A. Publes for Detroit ’67, at GRCC
  • Carrie McNulty for This is Our Youth, at GRCC
  • Christopher Carter for Oklahoma, at GVSU

Merrell invites Grand Rapids residents to celebrate fall hiking and hit the trails

3-bottom, Health, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Urban-thru-hiker Liz Thomas

By Lauren King

Merrell

 

The Merrell team will be out and about on local urban and traditional trails this Saturday, Oct. 20 with the goal of surprising Grand Rapids residents along the way. As part of their “Merrell Magic” campaign that’s been happening across the nation this year, hikers that come across the Merrell crew at parks and trails including, but not limited to, Ada Seidman and Fallsburg, will be delighted to receive items such as swag, gift cards and more.

 

Merrell believes in the profound power of the trail and is looking forward to celebrating the fall trails in their own backyard here in greater Grand Rapids.

 

Coinciding with the Merrell team dispersing around the city and surrounding areas to spread “Merrell Magic” on the trails, the brand has also teamed up with Liz Thomas, the queen of urban thru-hiking, to hike West Michigan’s “Ale Trail” starting Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Cedar Springs (North Country Trail) and ending Saturday, Oct. 20 in downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Liz’s four-day urban hike will make stops at 25 breweries in and around Grand Rapids and showcase that hiking can be done in an urban setting with the added experience of exploring the local beer scene.

 

Liz Thomas’ Urban Thru Hike Schedule:

 

Wednesday, October 17 (14 miles, 3 Breweries)

  • Start: Cedar Springs Brewing; End: Comstock Park
  • Breweries: Cedar Springs Brewing Company (11 a.m.), Rockford Brewing Company (2 p.m.), Bier Distillery (4:30 p.m.)

 

Thursday, October 18 (24 miles, 9 Breweries)

  • Start: Comstock Park; End: East Grand Rapids
  • Breweries: Perrin (11 a.m.), Hideout (1:30 p.m.), Creston (3:40 p.m.), The Bob (5 p.m.), Fountain Hill (5:45 p.m.), ELK Brewing (6:45 p.m.), Brewery Vivant (7:30 p.m.), East West (9 p.m.), Harmony (9:40 p.m.)

 

Friday, October 19 (21 miles, 4 breweries)

  • Start: East Grand Rapids; End: Grand Rapids near Brass Ring
  • Breweries: Thornapple (11 a.m.), Schmolz (12:30 p.m.), Jaden James (2:30 p.m.), Brass Ring (5:45 p.m.)

 

Saturday, October 20th Team Merrell Magic Day (13 miles (2.5 miles to Outside Coffee Co.), 9 breweries)

  • 9 a.m. Start at Outside Coffee Co. @ Woosah Outfitters (Merrell Ambassador Erica Lang’s place).
  • Breweries: Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (10am), HopCat (10:30am), Founders (11:25 p.m.), Atwater (1:20 p.m.), City Built (2:30 p.m.), Greyline (3:20 p.m.), The Mitten (4:10 p.m.), Jolly Pumpkin (5:10 p.m.), New Holland Knickerbocker (5:40 p.m.). Times may vary based on the Michigan-Michigan State game.

 

Godwin Heights football joins HQ to help youth facing housing crisis

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Non-Profits, Sports, Upcoming Events,
HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis. (Supplied/HQ)

By Godwin Heights Football and HQ

 

As a special feature of Friday night’s football game at Godwin Heights High School, the Night to End Youth Homelessness, Godwin Heights will admit attendees to the game for a donation of vital items for youth facing housing crisis.

 

On Oct. 19, when Godwin Heights host Lee, the two teams will be facing off with more than football on their mind. They will also be supporting local youth who are struggling to find safe and stable housing.

 

Staff and students at Godwin Heights saw that there are youth in Wyoming, and across Kent County, that are struggling with safe and stable housing, including at their own school.  This is an opportunity for the team and the community to step up and make a difference.

 

You can gain entry to the game with a donation of any of the following items:  liquid body soap, natural/urban hair products, deodorant, boxes of cereal, men’s and women’s underwear, packages of socks, white undershirts, toothpaste/toothbrush, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves.

 

“At Godwin Heights Public Schools, we have a number of students and families currently experiencing homelessness. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with HQ to help raise awareness and bring additional resources to this community issue,” according to a spokesperson for the school.

 

Godwin Heights High School currently has over 650 students and strives to build a legacy by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff and community partners.

 

HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis — staying in a shelter, a car, a tent, with friends or in a home environment that no longer feels safe. For each of these youth, access to resources, safety, and support from caring adults is no longer a given. This is where HQ comes in.

 

HQ exists to help young people find a place to rest, build connections, and receive support through relationship and professional skill building. We are a transformative space where everyone is welcome and diversity is celebrated. Youth are the experts of their own lives, and are encouraged and supported, with no strings attached, as they realize and achieve their goals and dreams.

 

For more information on HQ, please visit www.hqgr.org. To learn more about Godwin Heights high school, visit https://www.godwinschools.org/ .

 

Gerald R Ford International Airport opens new cell phone lot

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , , ,
The new Cell Phone & Ride Share Lot at the Gerald R. Ford International Airpot.

With an eye towards helping to reduce congestion at its terminal building, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has opened a new parking area for those waiting to pick up passengers.

 

The Cell Phone & Ride Share Lot includes 30 spaces for individuals waiting for passenger arrivals, along with 30 spaces to accommodate staging for ride share providers.

 

 

The new lot is located off Patterson Avenue as you enter the airport headed north, making an immediate right on Van Laar Drive, and another immediate right on Pederson Court. Directional signage is in place to guide new visitors to the area.

 

 

“This expanded area will give those customers looking to enter and exit quickly, an opportunity to park in this new lot for a short time period while waiting for their arriving guest to call them,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “In addition, we are excited to finish a partnership with our rideshare partners to work together to solidify that added service at our airport.”

 

The new Cell Phone and Ride Share lot is located in the lower left corner of the map.

The Ford Airport board approved the construction project in April. Increased passenger and construction traffic prompted the relocation and construction of the new lot.

 

 

“We are excited to open this new, expanded space for our growing passenger base,” said GFIA Board Chairman Dan Koorndyk. “At the Ford Airport we are all about making things easier for our passengers so when it comes to giving them more transportation options, we are happy to make that happen.”

 

 

Other renovations in the area include new LED lighting to improve safety, and updated signage. The lot is free with a limit of 30 minutes which will be enforced.

3 Activities to keep kids active this fall

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, ,
Courtesy Cherry Health

By Kelsey VanderLaan, RN, Heart of the City Health Center Pediatrics

 

Did you know about 1 in 5 children in the United States has obesity? Children who are overweight are more likely to have serious health problems. Our goal as health care providers and team members is to encourage children to be more physical active and maintain a healthy weight. One way to help prevent obesity is being physically active. As it gets colder outside, it can be harder to keep children active. Here are three ways to keep children active in the cooler weather:

  1. Create an indoor obstacle course: You don’t need anything special to do this — a chair, box, couch cushions or no objects at all. Here are some ideas: hop on one foot, run around a chair, do somersaults, squats, touch toes, jump between or over couch cushions, carry a box, etc. Kids seem to like to race to get things done. Time them and have them try to beat their own time.
  2. Take a walk: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. Just bundle up! Check out this website for a list of local trails. You could also take a walk through your neighborhood. Parents, this is also a great opportunity for some one-on-one time with your child.
  3. Go to the park: There are a lot of parks in our community. Not all of them have play equipment, but you could bring a ball or Frisbee to play with. In the winter, some of these parks may have sledding areas. Kids can make snowmen, forts and snow angels too.

Here are even a few more options: Dancing, swimming lessons, indoor sports teams, consider activities through schools in your area, and your local YMCA has great fitness options and activities for kids and adults in the cooler months. There are options for scholarships and reduced prices as well.

 

References:

 

Kentwood holiday season to start with disc golf tournament, Ugly Sweater 5K 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,
Disc golf is big in West Michigan and is now on WKTV cable television. (U.S. Air Force photo)

By City of Kentwood

 

The City of Kentwood is hosting two events in November to say farewell to fall and kick off the holidays: Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, a disc golf tournament, on Saturday, Nov. 10, and an Ugly Sweater Cross County 5K run on Saturday, Nov. 17.

 

Community disc golfers of all levels are invited to join in the Fall Fling at Old Farm Park (2350 Embro Dr. SE), a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. The first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. The cost to pre-register online is $40, along with one canned food donation per team.

 

Proceeds raised will go towards the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season. Food donations will go to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, where area residents are encouraged to take or donate food and household supplies for community members in need.

 

“We had a great turnout for the first disc golf tournament we held last February, called, Freeze Fest. Participants from that event expressed an interest in doing another, and we were happy to oblige,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “In addition to being a fun way to soak up fall weather before winter comes, the Fall Fling is for a good cause.”

 

The Freeze Fest disc golf event held last February included over 120 participants. In addition to restocking Little Free Pantry with canned goods, the event raised nearly $2,300 for the Youth Scholarship Fund and an additional $235 for the pantry.

 

The Ugly Sweater 5K run will feature a route that showcases two Kentwood parks and a portion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Check-in, on-site registration and packet pick-up will all take place at 10:30 a.m. the morning of the race at East Paris Nature Park, located at 5995 East Paris Ave. SE. The race will begin at noon.

 

“We’re looking forward to seeing people flaunt their best ugly sweaters on the cross-country course” said Romeo. “The race route will allow runners to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and weather. Most of the course will be on a paved path that weaves through two of our 14 parks.”

 

While the 5K is intended to be a fun run, volunteers will be timing participants. Results will be online after the event is complete. Water stations and medical aid services along the course.

 

Registration costs $25 until Oct. 31, after which the price will increase to $30. Proceeds from the race will also support the Youth Scholarship Fund. Individuals interested in racing can register online.

 

Agri-tourism: Farms provide some fall fun in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Agriculture and tourism are Michigan’s top two economic drivers. Agri-tourism provides a way for farmers to diversify their offerings, helping to protect against challenging weather conditions and market fluctuations. 

 

Michigan Agri-tourism is a non-profit association that supports the agri-tourism through promotion, education, advocacy, problem resolution and networking. The goal is to keep family farms sustainable, support local economic growth and provide rich and unique experiences for visitors to make lasting memories. 

 

Friske’s Farm Market

Residents can being their journey by visiting local farmer markets, roadside stands, cider mills, u-pick farms, corn mazes, petting farms, ranches, educational farms, farm stays, wineries and more throughout West Michigan. 

 

In fact, one of the most well-known Grand Rapids orchards is Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery, 3142 4 Mile Rd. NE, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. Currently, Robinette’s is making fresh cider using a blend of apples with the combination changing as the season progresses. However the cider is only the starting point as the orchard provides baked goods, and a selection of wines and ciders that are all Michigan-made and available for sampling in the winery.

 

Or make it a day trip adventure by heading north to Ellsworth where you will find Friske’s Farm Market, 10743 US-31. There you can treat your sweet tooth to one of their famous donuts, a piece of Grandma Friske’s pie or MOOMer’s Ice Cream which is made in Michigan and has been voted number one in America. There is a variety of meal selections as well from house-smoked pulled pork sandwiches to handcrafted specialty pizzas.

 

Chocolate-caramel-covered apples from Chocolates byGrimaldi.

If Ellsworth is a little to far north to roam, then head to Williamsburg, where you will find Farmer White’s, 11373 US-31 which is considered a piece of Northern Michigan heritage. The market is operated by Mary Cooper’s family for three generations offering an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, jams, jellies, and pieces all made from secret family recipes to customers since 1958. There also is a selection of signature baking mixes, dried fruits, handcrafted gifts and more.

 

Of course nothing says fall more than a caramel apple and Grand Haven’s Chocolates by Grimaldi, 219 N. Seventh St., will be offering its limited edition chocolate caramel apples that start with hand-picked apples from local orchards that are drenched in buttery caramel and coated with chocolate and then topped off with nuts or other toppings.

 

Tempted? Find more such temptations in the West Michigan Tourist Association’s Travel Guide and Lighthouse Map which are available at the WKTV station or check out the guides online at WMTA.org. 

Of ghosts and beers: The Mitten Brewing Co. has some tales to share

3-bottom, Beer, Citizen Journalism, , , , , ,

By Zac Sgro

WKTV Intern

 

What is it about ghost stories that makes them so compelling? Is it the spine chilling effect, the adrenaline, or maybe it’s an inherent love for the supernatural and anything that goes bump in the night? Whether you believe them or not, one thing is clear, there are some things that just can’t be logically explained. Whatever the case may be for the staff at The Mitten Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, ghost stories have become something a little too real at times.

 

“The exact moment at the ghost footprint the light (points) above started flickering,” said Drew Vanhartsvelt, The Mitten Co. sale representative. “Not like weird current issues, straight up the conjuring movie flickering.”

 

The building on 527 Leonard St. NW, which is now The Mitten Brewing Company, used to be Engine House Number Nine and housed four to six firemen at a time operating for nearly a century before it was decommissioned in 1966. After serving as an office building and apartment complex for 46 years, The Mitten Brewing co-owners Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler acquired the building in 2012. Soon after their purchase of the property suspicions began to arise that something was amiss.

 

The ghostly footprint preserved in the upstairs bar at The Mitten Brewing Co.

“Well my business partner Max and I did most of the renovations and demolitions ourselves,” Andrus said. “We were here every day for the better part of nine months, and right away we started to see things that weren’t right, shadows moving, and noises at night.”

 

Shortly after that night, following a last-one-out first-one-in shift, Andrus noticed what would become the first of many odd occurrences at the bar. A set of footprints left in the mop water from earlier, roughly the size of a child’s, even more troubling was the fact that Andrus stated the prints lead to a wall and just disappeared. Once the first Facebook post was made the story blew up and the brewery became a huge attraction for those who wished to experience the supernatural or even just hear the stories of what might be in that old firehouse.

 

In the years since, numerous accounts of paranormal activity have been reported by customers and staff alike from a single speaker having music to a light that flickers over the bar where one of the mysteries footprints has been preserved. The Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters has investigated the brewery confirming what the owners and staff already knew.

 

The original lockers of Engine House No. 9, now The Mitten Brewing Co.

“Whatever it is, I believe is playing pranks on us,” Andrus said. “It is appearing oneway to one and appearing another way to someone else. And maybe there are multiple entities here, an old man, a tiny child, I’m not sure. All I know is that I know this building backwards and forwards, I’ve been here since the beginning and I have found something that is not right and on more than a few occasions the being here has made its present felt.”

 

Interestingly, there is no beer named after the ghosts, however Andrus did point out that there is one paying homage to the last to horses to serve at the fire house, Ned and George. That oatmeal stout might just be a good choice to swap a few stories over, whether they be haunted tales or not.

School News Network: Women in skilled trades hone skills, explore careers, network with industry experts

3-bottom, , , ,
(Courtesy photo) Driving big equipment is a highlight of Project Accelerate

 

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

(Courtesy photo) Women in Project Accelerate, pictured with an engineer, visit a worksite

Camille Reed is a business owner who wants to learn more about the construction industry. Brenna Mosley is a 2018 East Kentwood High School graduate with a dream to run an architecture and construction firm. Serena Small is a stay-at-home mother pursuing a degree in construction management. Elma Balic is an architectural drafter who wants to get away from from her desk and into the field.

 

The women, all with different backgrounds and goals, are exploring careers in construction, engineering, design and skilled trades by visiting businesses, seeing fieldwork up close and getting into the driver’s seats of big machines. They are completing Project Accelerate, a seven-week, once-weekly course offered through The Build Initiative, a Pontiac-based program that works to build knowledge for women interested in construction and related fields.

“My goal is to get as much information about the industry as possible,” Mosley said. Grand Rapids Community College is hosting the 10-woman cohort, the first for Grand Rapids, in space at the GRCC Leslie E.Tassell M-TEC. GRCC instructors lead sessions on carpentry and safety. Another cohort is planned for next fall.

 

 

 

 

“Our participants are entry level to CEO,” said Program Director Rita Brown, as participants attended a Friday session on construction law in a GRCC classroom. “What they have in common is they’re women and they want more knowledge. You can lead better with more knowledge, (and) you can learn better when you know where to get that knowledge.”

 

Women are networking, aligning talents and learning the scope of jobs available in the traditionally male-dominated fields, she said. They drove Caterpillar construction machines with help from Michigan CATand Operating Engineers 324 representatives, read blueprints with an engineer from Soils and Structures and listened to speakers in the industry.

 

“This program is about gearing up; it’s about exposing strengths we didn’t even know we had, reinforcing areas that need to be reinforced,” said Brown, who relies on volunteers to run the program. “Not a single bit of this is about lack at all. This as about the fact that we can do it for ourselves. It’s about accelerating our careers.”

 

Julie Parks, GRCC executive director of workplace training, said GRCC is excited about the partnership and to bring women into the building who are involved in construction and related fields. “We have women in our skilled trade programs and this is a way to connect them with people in the industry,” she said.

 

GRCC is exploring ways to provide articulated credits for Project Accelerate experiences in the future. “What we are really trying to do is help find pathways,” Parks said.

 

Brenna Mosley, a 2018 East Kentwood High School graduate, is exploring careers in construction

Showing the Way for Women

 

Brown knows how to navigate the industry. She owns a steel detailing company and is the north central regional director for National Association of Women in Construction. She started Project Accelerate about six years ago after realizing the need. It also has cohorts in Detroit and Flint.

 

During the economic downturn, Brown had to downsize her staff. Her female employees were unsure of their next move.“The men seemed to be at least a little bit more sure of what they could possibly do, but the women were not as sure,” she said.

 

According to information from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 9 percent of U.S. construction workers are women. Jobs are in high demand. According to West Michigan Works 2018 Hot Jobs list, jobs in construction are all projected to grow by at least 11 percent and as much as 22 percent by 2024.

 

Project Accelerate can help launch women into those jobs. “We are not trying to populate one single area of the industry. We are trying to make sure that women have the knowledge and opportunity to decide what their next best steps are,” Brown said. “From this program they will move to actual training programs, certification programs, degrees, jobs or will become better at the work they are already doing,” she said.

 

Participant Camille Reed, who co-owns a multi-service company that specializes in painting, carpentry and facilities management, said she wants to meet other professional women through Project Accelerate.

 

“For me, it’s the empowerment they are giving ladies to enter the construction field,” she said. She also was part of a Detroit cohort of Project Accelerate in June and July, and has learned everything from bricklaying, engineering, work-site development and road construction. “This is just giving me another insight of the construction field, and it gives me the change to network,” she said.

 

Serena Small, of Lansing, never considered a career in construction until she met Brown at a program called Women In Skilled Trades. She is currently enrolled at Lansing Community College majoring in construction management, which she knows will connect her to many different opportunities. She said Project Accelerate is another way to build her construction savvy.

 

“It’s opening my eyes to the construction industry as far as it’s not just manual labor. There are a lot of different careers in the construction industry,” Small said.

 

“This is definitely what I needed. I needed more information on the possibilities and the different careers that there are.”

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kent District Library goes mobile to reach underserved areas, improve reading proficiency

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

In Kent County, about 50 percent of the third grade students are at a grade level reading proficiency, and 50 percent are not. It is odds that the Kent District Library hopes to improve upon with the launch of its new bookmobile.

 

“There are several studies that have shown that if [students] hadn’t hit reading level proficiency by third grade they have a deficit that actually kind of hobbles their ability to be successful in further schooling efforts especially after they get done with high school,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “They face a struggle pretty much for the rest of their lives.”

 

However, by getting reading materials to students before or as they enter third grade, KDL hopes to help make a dent in the area’s third grade reading issues. To help with that, KDL decided to turn to an old program it offered about 30 years ago  — a bookmobile.

 

KDL Executive Director Lance Werner in the new KDL Bookmobile.

“A lot of people say, why not just use technology, and the honest God truth is not everybody has access to technology and sometimes taking a low tech solution makes sense,” said Werner during a recent unveiling of the bookmobile at Steelcase. “We want to make sure people have access to physical materials and actual books as well as technology.

 

“That’s the whole purpose of the bookmobile. It is literally a library on wheels.”

 

The bookmobile was made possible through a $208,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation with a Frey Foundation grant covering the bookmobile’s materials and J&H Family Stores covering a full year of fuel.

 

The bookmobile is 36 feet long, 11 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide. It weighs about 22,000 pounds with the collection inside. That collection includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and video games. The bookmobile itself is a hotspot and will also have hotspots available for checkout as well as iPads and computers. Additional, from April to October, the bookmobile will have two bicycles available for checkout.

 

The white, green and blue vehicle has a TV screen on the outside to allow for movie presentations. There is also a lift on the back of the bookmobile, so it is handicap accessible.

 

The new KDL Bookmobile was unveiled at a special event at Steelcase. The Steelcase Foundation helped to launch the project with a $208,000 grant.

The bookmobile will be visiting a number of locations from area schools to retirement centers. KDL Community Engagement Manager Sara Proano said materials can be tailored to a specific location. So if the stop is at a school, age appropriate items will be available, and if the stop is a retirement center, materials, such as large print books, will be geared more towards that age range.

 

Werner said the biggest focus is the areas that are underserved because they are rural and/or there are not libraries available.

 

“There are a lot of areas of Kent County that are underserved and we want to make sure we are able to reach people where they are at,” Werner said, adding that the bookmobile will be visiting schools in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas.

 

“We aim to be a part of the campus and have stops on their campuses to make sure that kids not only have excellent services from their media centers in the school, but excellent services from the Kent District Library and a lot of times school kids have the biggest transportation issues out of all of us and really for some of those kids the only chance they will get to visit the library will be to visit the bookmobile when it comes to their school.”

 

The bookmobile will run Mondays through Thursdays plus Saturdays. Fridays are reserved for special events and maintenance. The bookmobile will return to locations so that people have time to return materials, Werner said, adding that materials can be returned to any KDL branch.

 

For the bookmobile schedule visit kdl.org and go to events, clicking bookmobile under branches or go to kdl.org/bookmobile where people can request a visit from the bookmobile.

 

Cat of the week: Ruger

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Pets/Animals, , , , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

In August of 2018, Dr. Jen received an email from a woman who came across this gorgeous gray and buff boy (all boy, if ya know what I mean) hanging around her workplace. She took him in to her vet to have him looked over and discovered, besides the obvious frayed ear tips, greasy stud tail and enlarged jowls, that he suffered from some significant dental issues and was FIV+. So she reached out to us to see if we could help him, offering to drive him up to the vet clinic in Wyoming and pay for his additional medical costs; we didn’t even need to see the picture of his long and lanky body sprawled out on a blanket, or gaze upon his goofy grin to know that he belonged with us at Big Sid’s.

 

Dr. Jen set to work on addressing his multitude of medical needs AFTER smooching his adorable face: neutering him, treating him for fleas, tending to a nasty nail fracture/toe infection, and extracting the broken roots of his upper canines (his upper incisors were already missing, more than likely due to the same trauma that snapped his fangs) along with several other rotten teeth. Once all was said and done, Ruger (born in early 2015) looked—and smelled—absolutely remarkable, and a few days later he bopped on down to our sanctuary with a smirk plastered on his face that elicited the same from every volunteer who crossed his path.

 

Our terrific tabby proved to be one of the happiest little campers around after settling and making himself at home; the benefits of indoor life seem to suit him immensely. Of course he appears to be smiling given his lack of choppers, but the more time Ruger spends in our care the more you can truly see how giddy he is, the glee just bubbling up inside of him, so the smile he boldly wears on his face does actually reflect how he feels with every fiber of his fabulous being.

 

Ruger still is a bit skittish when there is a lot of commotion going on, so a home with noisy dogs or boisterous kids may be too much for him, but he absolutely loves the company of the other cats, Craig in particular, so placing him in a home with another feline friend is a must. And he is a lover, not a biter (that would be quite difficult in his case), so the risk of viral transmission is minimal. He isn’t one to constantly seek out attention but will hand it over readily when you want some one-on-one kitty-time; he will also ask for your hand to bestow upon his the best belly rubs you can offer. Simply put, he is content to just BE a cat—an indoor, spoiled cat but a chill, laid-back cat.

 

It is a shame that his ears look like someone took pinking shears to them, and it upsets us that his adorable facial features came about due to the fact his health was neglected, but we choose to see the silver lining in instances like this, to look at the positive versus focusing on the negative. Our beautiful boy is emotionally none the worse for wear and he sports his unique physical traits with the pride of a survivor. Ruger is pawsitively one of the coolest cats around, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to make him your very own!

More about Ruger:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair (Buff/Tan/Fawn/Gray/Blue/Silver Tabby (Tiger Striped))
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats
  • FIV+

Want to adopt Ruger? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

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.

 

 

School News Network: Space to breathe, move and reflect

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education,
Margie Muñoz practices yoga with eighth-graders Gio Mendoza, Dave Hill, and Shawn McClerkin

By Bridie Bereza

School News Network

 

Margie Muñoz led three eighth-graders through the halls of the middle school, down a winding staircase and into a windowless basement classroom. Once inside, she flipped open her laptop and started some relaxing music as students Dave Hill, Shawn McClerkin and Gio Mendoza kicked off flip-flops and tennis shoes and took a seat on a yoga mat.

 

After a quick “check-in,” during which two of the boys shared that they were feeling “cloudy” due to upcoming tests and other worries, Muñoz began.

 

“Breathe in… and out. In… and out. Child’s pose… down dog.”

 

Over the next 40 minutes, Dave, Shawn and Gio followed along as Muñoz led them through a series of yoga poses, breathing exercises and a meditation. Shawn requested a pose called “Warrior 1,” and at some point Dave rattled off the sequence along with her.

 

“Up dog, down dog, left foot forward. Warrior 1, warrior 2, plank and hold… ”

 

This is Room 301, “the dungeon,” Muñoz jokes. Last year it housed the Restorative Thinking Center, a place for students with behavioral challenges to regroup. When the center moved to a bright upstairs room, Muñoz, community school coordinator for Kent School Services Network, saw potential in the dimly-lit space. Now it’s a yoga studio.

 

Eighth-graders Gio Mendoza and Dave Hill relax during a meditation

A Tranquil Space

 

Muñoz says she has long been interested in the effects of yoga and meditation on children. She introduced the concept at her previous job as a direct care counselor at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s home. There, she said, she saw how it relaxed some of the children in her care.

 

“Negative behaviors were learned somewhere and positive, calming behaviors can be learned as well.” — Godwin Heights Middle School Principal Bradley Tarrance

 

Muñoz has practiced yoga on and off for about 10 years, and every day for the past two years. When the Grand Rapids studio where she practices offered a lesson on how to use yoga and meditation with children, she jumped at the opportunity. Then, with the support of Principal Bradley Tarrance, she got to work transforming the room, decorating the space and reaching out to friends from the yoga studio, who donated nine mats.

 

“Kids want that space and want to be able to do that in the middle of their day,” she said. “It’s pretty cool to be able to offer that.”

 

The principal agrees.

 

“I was ecstatic when Margie brought up yoga to help our children with reflection techniques and calming techniques,” said Tarrance, who had seen success after implementing something similar at a school in Texas. “I love that Margie can share her love and the benefits of yoga with our children.”

 

Dave Hill moves into a yoga pose

Training the Brain

Currently, she targets students with challenges in the classroom or who are experiencing conflict with their peers. Sometimes asking students to do yoga together for a week, she said, can help them rebuild relationships.

 

Muñoz said yoga helps students reconnect with the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for, among other things, judgment and self-control.

 

These days, Muñoz keeps a spare set of clothing in her office to quickly change from professional attire into yoga gear. She said she uses the space with students daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

 

“Kids don’t like to get in trouble,” she said. “It’s hard for them to sit in the classroom for seven hours. They want to do well in school; they just don’t have that control because they’re developing, and that’s where they are in that development.”

 

Giving them a little time and space to breathe, move and reflect, she said, can be just what they need to return to class and focus on learning.

 

“When we realize as educators that everything is learned, we have to be able to rethink how we address behavior,” Tarrance said, “Negative behaviors were learned somewhere and positive, calming behaviors can be learned as well.”

 

Muñoz is still tweaking what use of the room will look like, long-term. Many students have shown an interest in participating, she said. One thing is certain: the students who currently practice in the space approve.

 

“I like that it can keep you relaxed when you’re having a rough day,” Dave said. It was only his second session, but he said he was already looking forward to the next one.

 

Shawn agreed.

 

“Whenever you have a bad day, you can just come down here, let it out, and then you can go back to class and you don’t have to think about it.”

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.