Category Archives: 3-bottom

Being a tech-savvy senior: Don’t be tricked by malware

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Crime Prevention, Education, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, Tech Trends, , , ,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

 

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message and several phone calls from a friend frantically trying to reach me, “I got a strange notice on my computer saying I had to call or they would disable me!”

 

When I contacted her later, I was relieved to hear she refused to give them her credit card number and they hung up on her. Too often, people who receive these pop-up notices on their computers, tablets or phones fall prey to these scare tactics, losing hundreds of dollars and sometimes their identity as a result. Tossing your computer out the window or smashing your phone with a hammer are not the answer. You can take steps to avoid falling victim to malware.

 

What is malware? When most people call for help, they say “A virus got into my computer!”. The mess that malware creates can certainly make us feel sick, but it is not a computer virus in the traditional sense. Malware, also referred to as Adware or Spyware, is a type of software that is usually embedded in something else. Whether it is a ‘free’ app you downloaded to your tablet, a ‘free’ software you downloaded to your computer, or a ‘free’ game you play through your internet browser, most likely you clicked ‘OK’ and, buried in the fine print you agreed to having the malware files downloaded to your device. When it comes to apps and software, nothing is free.

 

When these files get downloaded to our devices, strange things begin to occur. Like my friend, a message window might randomly open up saying we have a virus or claim that our computer has been hacked and requires immediate attention. We open our internet browser and without touching a key, it will begin bringing us to websites we don’t want to go to or the screen suddenly fills with 100s of popup windows advertising everything under the sun. We could even find our inbox filling up with messages to buy things that normally require a prescription or even our phone begins to ring with telemarketers.

 

What can we do to protect our devices from these types of software?

  • First, don’t download anything unless it comes through an official app store like Google Play or Apple and even then, use caution if it says are there advertisements in the app.
  • When advertisements pop up in your browser, be careful where you click. Many of these are designed to fool you by including a ‘No Thanks’ button or even a fake X button usually on the opposite side of the window. Close the pop up using the X in the upper corner.
  • If you make a mistake and download some malware to your computer, stay calm and know that any threatening messages you receive are not real. Microsoft, Apple or Google will not send a warning message to your screen demanding you call them ‘or else…’. If you’re getting these messages, it’s most definitely fake.
  • Do not call the 800 numbers that appear on your screen, give out any personal information, or allow anyone remote access to your computer.
  • You can often get free assistance by going to the manufacturer of the device. For a Microsoft device you can get virtual assistance at support.microsoft.com, an Apple device support.apple.com or a Google/Android device go to support.google.com.
  • Sometimes we need more than help articles; there are services you can pay for help. Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers support in-home, in-store, 24/7 online and phone support at (800) 433-5778. HelloTech also offers in-home tech support, online support at hellotech.com and help over the phone (888) 485-9455. These companies are reputable, established companies unlike the 800 numbers offered in the popup windows. You may have local tech support companies in your community.
  • Stay in charge of your devices! While your son, daughter or grandchild may seem tech savvy and well meaning, unless they are a certified technology support specialist, they should not be trying to fix your computer, tablet or phone. People of every age fall victim to malware and internet scams and our well-intentioned relatives might make matters worse.

When we run into problems like these, our inclination may be to give up on technology all together, especially if we’re new to it. Technology is engrained in every part of our society though and can actually go a long way in helping us remain independent as we age. Today we can order our groceries and have them delivered to our home, call for a ride, see our doctor through a video call, pay all of our bills and connect with friends and family using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

 

It’s worth sticking with it and to learn more. Local libraries offer technology classes for adults, as well as many community and senior centers. If you’re a member of a group who would like a class on learning about how technology like tablets and smart phones can enhance your life, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will bring a class to your organization. You can contact us at (616) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org for more information.

What do youth sports teach our children, really?

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Recreation, , , , ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Suzanne Pish, Michigan State University Extension 

 

There has been a lot of controversy about whether or not young children should begin to play football. As a mother, it is hard to watch your child be under a pile of other players, wondering if they are going to get up and listening to coaches yelling at them. However, there are some great lessons learned from playing football that go far beyond the hitting and yelling. These young children are learning life skills that they can use the rest of their lives.

 

According to Michigan State University Extension these are the top four life skills children learn while participating in a sport:

1. Social skills

The social aspect of sports might be what entices children to play in the first place. Youth sports participation lets children spend time with friends in a safe environment while practicing social skills that are likely to last a lifetime. Aside from bonding with peers, kids learn to solve conflicts effectively, reach common goals and learn to be more assertive, all while getting much needed physical activity. A child’s communication skills are improved while playing a sport, giving a child needed life skills.

2. Competitive skills

Although there is such a thing as being too competitive, it’s important for a child to understand the positive aspects of competition. Adults are surrounded by competition, from getting a job to moving up in the work force. When children learn the basics of competition early, they have a better chance of succeeding. Sports participation helps children cope with competition in a friendly environment. Working to achieve a goal or being part of a team can help kids gain healthy competitive skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

3. Sportsmanship

Sportsmanlike behavior is a lesson that children obtain from playing sports. Children learn to positively handle both the winning and losing aspect of playing a sport. Good sportsmanship is a trait that carries over from childhood to adulthood. Athletes who focus on mastering personal improvement have a good chance later on becoming good citizens and hard workers. A child who learns to be a good sport can translate that skill to better cooperating with others and making decisions based on their own morals rather than being ego-oriented individuals who behave badly, according to Education World, an online resource for educators .

4. Leadership abilities

Obtaining leadership qualities that range from being a good character to respecting others and being task oriented can be accomplished in both team and individual sports. A solid support system, such as a strong parental involvement and effective coaching can help mold a child into being a leader now, and later in life.

 

The coaching staff for my son’s team told them in the huddle that giving 100 percent on the field will help them to give 100 percent in whatever else they do in life. Do these boys understand that concept at this young age? Maybe not, but having the discipline to play as a team day after day and to give all they can to their team will certainly pay off for them in the long run as adults.

 

Need more parenting information? Check out MSU Extension’s Nurturing Families program.

 

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

Local group hosts event to inform people about electric cars

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Curious about Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids? Join us for a opportunity to see some up close, talk to owners about living with them day-to-day, test rides, potential test drives, and get all your questions answered.

 

The National Drive Electric Car Week event is set for Thursday, Sept. 13 from 2 – 7 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Tesla Supercharger, 5531 28th St. SE.

 

Already an EV owner or want to volunteer? Register atdriveelectricweek.org
Enter “Grand Rapids” in the search bar and follow the instructions on the event info page.

 

The event will be held in the Southwest corner of the Meijer at Cascade parking lot, near the Tesla Supercharger.

Redevelopment of Ferrand Park making an impression with Wyoming residents

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

For many driving on Byron Center Avenue pass Ferrand Park, their reaction might be very similar to that of the wife of Wyoming’s Council Member Kent Vanderwood.

 

“So my wife and I have lived in Wyoming for 13 years and my wife and I were driving by [Ferrand Park] recently and she said there’s a park in there,” Vanderwood said during an August Wyoming Council meeting.

 

Ferrand Park is one of the oldest city park areas in Wyoming having been donated by the Ferrand family and dedicated in 1971. However a deed restriction did not allow the city to remove any of the trees, with the city leaving the park in a natural state with a small playground area.

 

The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Ferrand Park rededication.

“So you see the beautiful trees?” said City Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt. “We can not remove a tree unless it is in imminent risk to the public. So for years, we have to wait for them to die a little bit of their natural death allowing us to have space in the middle, which opened up for play.”

 

Now some 40 years later,  the city was able to invest more than $400,000 into the pocket park with money from the Parks and Recreation Fund and the Revolving Capital Improvement Fund. On Aug. 25, the city hosted a rededication.

 

“We are very excited to be rededicating Ferrand Park, one of our 21 parks in the city of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “We are excited for the major changes that have occurred in this park and we are most thankful for our citizens for once again supporting efforts in our parks that make them some of the most beautiful parks in all of West Michigan.”

 

The park features a number of new amenities such as a shelter, pathways into the park, architectural features that help to identify the park, and a new, expanded playground area. 

 

The new, expanded playground at Ferrand Park.

“I personally love the dragonfly teeter-totter ,” Rynbrandt said. “We try to make something special and unique for each park. 

 

“We also implemented the log and step rocks. We want this to be a marriage of the environment with the landscaping and then with the traditional land features. We added and expanded the playground that is available. There is climbing walls that they never had before. They have never had swing sets at this park, so we have provided an adaptive swing as well as a regular swing.”

 

Another important aspect is the accessible pathways into the park, Rynbrandt said.  

 

“We have an accessible ramp into the park,” she said. “We have a sidewalk area and we have a crush aggregate, so we also have different textures.”

 

There are other details as well such as a table area near the park with a handicap accessible spot facing the playground area, making it easier for all to enjoy the playground space.

 

All of these changes are making residents take notice of the neighborhood park. 

 

The butterfly teeter-totter at Ferrand Park.

“We have already seen an increase in dog-walkers, exercise walkers for health and wellness because now they know the park exists,” she said. “We put the architecture detail along the road of Byron Center so people are saying ‘hey what is there?’ 

 

“Before, the playground sat very low in the hollow in the area. So now people know there is a park and they are walking in, they have a safe route to access the playground and the shelter.

 

Now with Ferrand Park done, the City of Wyoming will turn its attention to its oldest park, Ideal Park, with work scheduled to start on that park soon and a grand reopening celebration set for 2019. 

GR Ballet’s SoFranko, Del Vecchio named Festival of the Arts’ first honorary co-chairs

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Grand Rapids Ballet Executive Director Glenn Del Vechicco, Festival of the Arts Executive Director David Abbott, and Grand Rapids Ballet Artist Director James SoFranko (Photo courtesy of Festival of the Arts)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanen@wktv.org

 

Fifty years ago, the Grand Rapids Ballet made its professional debut at the Festival of the Arts. In 2019, the state’s only professional ballet company will be helping to celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary with the company’s Artistic Director James SoFranko and Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio serving as honorary co-chairs.

 

“I don’t know if everyone understands it but this was one of the first performances we ever did as a professional company, dancing at Festival,” said Del Vecchio during a recent news conference early announcing the honorary co-chairs. “So to to bring it full circle 50 years later and be a part of Festival 2019 is so exciting to us.”

 

Festival Executive Director David Abbot said having honorary co-chairs is a big change for the organization which has have community individuals represent the leadership of Festival over its 49-year history. 

 

“This year what we wanted to do in taking us into our next 50 years is always chose a pairing from a leading arts institution so that we can show the community that we are about collaboration in the arts and we are about partnering,” Abbot said.

 

Abbott said representatives from the Grand Rapids Ballet serving as honorary co-chairs seemed a natural fit given the organization’s history with Festival.

 

The 2019 Festival of the Arts will take place June 7, 8 and 9.

“They are leaders in the community for the arts and in the State of Michigan, this is the only professional ballet company,” Abbott said.

 

Festival of the Arts is a regional celebration of the arts that traditionally takes place the very first weekend in June. Next year it will be June 7, 8 and 9

 

“We are expanding back our Festival so it is on the full footprint of downtown Grand Rapids running from Calder Plaza all the way to Rosa Parks Circle,” Abbott said. “We will have six main stages as well as our five pop up stages that we had last year. So you are going to see performance and music in every corner of our Festival.”

 

And one of course, the Grand Rapids Ballet is already planning its performance for the 2019 Festival of the Arts.

 

“One of the things that we have always wanted to do is to bring a really high quality performance to Festival and so we are going to have our professional dancers dance at Festival, free to the public. It is going to be an unbelievable evening,” Del Vechicco said. 

 

Abbott said Festival of the Arts recently has revamped is website, festivalgr.org, with application process for performance, art sales, the regional arts exhibition, and food sales expected to begin in November. 

Cat of the week: Chanel No.2

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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).

When a Belding resident (and a rescuer herself) contacted us in early July 2018 about this injured little lady, Dr. Jen knew she had to make quick work of getting this kitty into our care; Kathy and the kitty’s caretaker noted this dainty girl’s wounded neck, called around for help and received no assistance locally. Upon arrival at the vet clinic, the cutie-pie (born in early 2016) proved to Dr. Jen that the quite nasty neck wound wasn’t about to dampen her spirit—she purred and trilled the entire exam! However Dr. Jen had to sedate kitty to take a closer look at what the heck was going on (a proliferative lesion known as an eosinophilic granuloma), debride the wound site of the exuberant tissue that was delaying skin healing, and treat it topically as well as systemically with antibiotics.
At that time Dr. Jen had noted a small upper lip ulcer, which can be common for this type of inflammatory condition, but it wasn’t until a few weeks later when Chanel No.2 developed another one (they are commonly called rodent ulcers) that Dr. Jen chose to treat the condition with injectable steroids. This seemed to do the trick in expediting skin repair, as did another gentle debriding at that time.

We also had to come up with creative ways to keep her neck covered so she wouldn’t excessively lick the tender skin as it slowly healed, but that proved to be quite the challenge. After trying (and failing spectacularly) with a sweater and stockinette, our cat care manager brought in a doll bib from home—and it foiled Chanel’s efforts to over-groom. Plus, she look absolutely adorable in it, though it was only needed for a few days.

The leaps and bounds of improvement Chanel made over the next few weeks were absolutely remarkable!
From the get-go, charming lil’ Chanel was a heart-stealer. Not one to ever grumble or hiss at another cat (or human, for that matter, as her lesion was tended to), this perfect little purr-machine lives for belly rubs, and absolutely craves attention. She acts as if she has always been around other kitties and received tons of attention from whomever had her at one point, so it would be to our extreme liking if we could place her in a home that would continue to treat her like a princess, as she really thrives on the pampering she has been receiving. We all have no doubt that once her bio hits the internet, we are going to be receiving inquires and applications almost immediately for our lovely, kittenish girl.

We are known for thinking outside of the box when necessary—and we certainly have a crew of creative folks working with our fur-kids! We will do whatever it takes to get our feline companions up to par so that we can ultimately send them off into loving, long-lasting homes of their own!

More about Chanel No.2:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair; Black & White/Tuxedo
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Chanel No.2? 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.

 

Child passenger safety: Find a seat check event near you 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities,
Not only is the correct seat important, but also the correct buckling of seat and young passenger.

By Michigan State Police

 

The Michigan State Police is seeking to educate parents about how to choose the right car seat and how to install and use it correctly.

 

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children one to 13 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

 

“Car seats, booster seats and safety belts save lives, but their misuse by well-intentioned parents and caregivers is far too common,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller of the Rockford Post. “Be proactive — get your child’s car seat or booster seat checked to ensure their safety.”

 

Car Seat Recommendations:

 

On Aug. 30, 2018, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) published an update to its 2011 child passenger safety policy statement and technical report. The most significant change is modified language around how long children should remain rear-facing. Instead of recommending rear facing to at least age 2, the updated policy statement recommends children remain rear facing until they reach the weight or height limit allowed by their seat. Most current car safety seats will accommodate children rear facing to age 2 or more.

 

Further recommendations by the AAP:

 

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat (CSS) as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more.

 

All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their CSS should use a forward-facing CSS with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer.

 

All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their CSS should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 ft 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

 

When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.

 

All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

 

For more information on child car safety and to find a free car seat check event near you, go to safercar.gov/parents.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Tech Trends, ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it."

                                                  ~Chinese Proverb

Good things come in threes

Three well-deserving organizations recently received grants from the GM Foundation: the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Read all about it here.

 

 

 

The dude abides (er, rides)

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. More here.

 

.

Beam me up, Scotty

Well, maybe healthcare technology isn’t quite that advanced, but still…

 

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required. Read all about it here.

 

Fun Fact:

A sneeze travels about
100 miles per hour.

We're not sure who clocked it or why. Maybe some things are best left unknown.

Health care access subject of medical colloquy at GVSU

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Larry Temkin.

By Michelle Coffill

GVSU

 

Grand Valley State University’s annual DeVos Medical Colloquy will focus on “The Ethics of Health Care Access” as presented by a respected philosopher and a well-known journalist-documentary filmmaker.

 

Larry S. Temkin, distinguished professor of philosophy at Rutgers University, and Thomas R. (TR) Reid, author and filmmaker, will highlight the event set for Monday, September 17, from 6-8 p.m. in the Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

 

Thomas R. (TR) Reid

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Health, the event is free and open to the public; register online at gvsu.edu/colloquy. The colloquy will be webcast live, participants who register will receive a link several days in advance of the event.

 

Continuing education credits will be offered for nursing and medical education.

 

Temkin is the author of Rethinking the Good: Moral Ideals and the Nature of Practical Reasoning (2012); his 1993 work, Inequality, has been touted as an important contribution to analytical political philosophy. Temkin’s individualistic approach to inequality has been adopted by the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation in their measurements of the global burden of disease.

 

Reid is among the nation’s best-known reporters and a contributor to the Washington Post and NPR. He is the author of many books including The Healing of America, a national best-seller that spurred two PBS “Frontline” documentaries. Reid’s recent PBS documentary, “U.S. Health Care: The Good News,” is airing on affiliate stations across the country.

 

Carl E. Ver Beek, labor and employment attorney for Varnum Law, will serve as moderator. VerBeek has served as chairs for the boards of Holland Home, Health Net of West Michigan, Jellema House and Bethany Christian Services.

 

The DeVos Medical Ethics Colloquy is held twice per year. Grand Valley began hosting this series in 2015, after receiving a gift from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation.

Local nursing home helps in CMU research on Montessori program for dementia patients

3-bottom, Senior Living, , , , , ,
Delainey Smyth

By Gary H. Piatek

Central Michigan University

 

​After Delainey Smyth saw her beloved great-grandmother thrive in a nursing home, she decided she would do her best to ensure that all patients with dementia have a similar experience.

 

Now, an education method many associate with early childhood learning is giving her that opportunity.

 

The first year speech-language pathology master’s degree student is expanding on collaborative research that included Central Michigan University at a Grand Rapids’ Clark Retirement Community, a long-term care community. The study applied Montessori methods tailored to nursing home patient care, including meaningful interactions and greater communication.

 

Results showed that, after a year, residents were significantly more positive and had more feelings of self-esteem and belonging. Staff job satisfaction rose, too.

 

Natalie Douglas works with a resident from Clark Retirement Community

“If you can help someone communicate, you can help their overall well-being,” said Natalie Douglas, director of the division of speech-language pathology in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and Smyth’s mentor.

 

Douglas and her CMU team of two speech-language pathology master’s degree students presented their findings in July at an international Alzheimer’s conference in Chicago.

 

“If you can help someone communicate, you can help their overall well-being,” Natalie Douglas, director of the division of speech-language pathology.

Taking the next steps

 

Smyth plans a similar study this year at two Mount Pleasant-area nursing homes that will be the basis of her master’s thesis.

 

Before Montessori introduction at the Grand Rapids facility, residents typically spent their days eating, watching television and doing irregularly scheduled group activities that were not based on anybody’s particular interests or strengths, Douglas said.

 

A Clark Retirement Community resident works on sorting tools.

The team’s goals were to change the environment and practices to enable residents to be as independent as possible, make meaningful contributions to their community and to grow their self-esteem.

 

To achieve those goals, the teams helped rearrange the facility — creating spaces for more free movement and activity, making the environment visually organized, adding aspects of nature, and creating wayfinding cues and invitations for engagement. And they instituted Montessori for Aging and Dementia methods.

 

Those methods include enabling residents of mixed abilities to work together while encouraging them to do as much for themselves as possible. Residents are offered choices of activities that have meaning and purpose and are given uninterrupted blocks of activity time with specialized materials that they can freely choose. The staff also is trained in Montessori methods.

An experience of love and life

 

Learning from the Grand Rapids study and modifying some of those strategies, Smyth said she wants to add nursing home activities that residents normally would do in their own homes, such as cooking, gardening and laundry. Those tasks help the residents reconnect to their life experiences through all of their senses, she said.

 

Residents set a table.

Douglas said part of the cycle of dementia is that as people start to lose memory, they lose communication skills. As a result, they talk to fewer people and do fewer things, which leads to having fewer things to talk about.

 

When nursing home residents do familiar activities, Smyth explained, they are more joyful and freely talk to others about them. If you stop and listen to their stories and tailor care to each person’s experience, they will thrive.

 

“When my great-grandmother entered the nursing home, her experience was one of love and life, rather than sadness and death. I understand that many people don’t feel that way, and I’d like to change that,” she said. “It’s a challenging goal, but people in nursing homes are delightful if you just try to communicate with them.”

WKTV to air NASA special featuring rendezvous of cargo craft

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A view of a Kounotori from the International Space Station.

Kelly Taylor

WKTV Staff
On Friday, Sept. 14, WKTV will be featuring the Rendezvous and Capture of the JAXA “Kounotori” HTV-7 Cargo Craft at the International Space Station. Coverage will begin at 6 a.m., with the capture scheduled at 7:40 a.m. Stay tuned for the installation of the cargo craft at 11 a.m.

 

The Kounotori is an unmanned cargo transporter. It is designed to deliver up to six tons of supplies including food, clothes, and experiment devices to the ISS in orbit at an altitude of about 400 kilometers and return with spent equipment, used clothing, and other waste material.

 

The Kounotori with waste material is incinerated when it makes a re-entry into the atmosphere. This transport operation involves a rendezvous with and docking to the ISS, in a situation requiring a highly reliable transfer vehicle.

 

A Kounotori cargo craft

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.

 

NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

GM Foundation awards grants to three local organizations making a difference in Wyoming

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

With more than a 1,000 traffic fatalities in the state of Michigan, distracted driving has certainly become a concern with law enforcement.

 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, through a recent grant from the GM Foundation, hopes to educate area students about the dangers of distracted driving from alcohol to cell phones.

 

“We are going to be going into all of our local high schools partnering with them and bringing in the Save a Life tour. We will have some presentations and hopefully some interactive displays with the teenagers there just showing them the potential of distracted driving and the consequences that could be,” said Wyoming Chief Kim Koster.

 

An interactive display from Save a Life.

The Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, which received the grant, plans to help the Wyoming Department of Public Safety bring in the program Save a Life, an international campaign  designed to get the message out about the dangers of distracted driving. The program includes highly advanced impaired and distracted driving simulators that give participants a completely realistic, sober perspective on the effects of driving while impaired or distracted.

 

“We are receiving generously from General Motors a check that will be used specifically by our police department for distracted drivers,” said Mayor Jack Poll, who was at the opening ceremonies or the 28th Street Metro Cruise where the grants were presented. The 28th Street Metro Cruise is usually the last weekend in August.

 

For the past several years GM has recognized and supported local organizations that help with a number of projects within the community. The GM Community Grants program, funded by the GM Foundation, is providing about $2 million to hundreds of organizations in 48 communities where GM employees live and work. Of that amount, $30,000 was awarded to the GM Components Holdings LLC in Wyoming to give to local organizations.

 

GM Foundation awards three grants totaling $30,000 recently at the 2018 28th Street Metro Cruise.

That amount was split between three organizations, the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), and Feeding America.

 

WMEAC will use most of its grant money toward its Teach the Watershed program at Godfrey Lee Elementary School, said WMEAC Director of Development Mary Robinson.

 

“We work specifically with fourth graders to teach them about the watershed and air pollution and how then can be actors in stopping pollution,” Robinson said. “We will also have a fall water festival that will include kids from the elementary school but also from the early childhood center.”

 

The last group was the Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank which will utilize the grant to help support 14 school mobile pantries feeding more than 14,000 families. One of the locations is Wyoming’s Parkview Elementary.  

GVSU Economist: West Michigan economy returning to normal

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Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

 

After a minor scare from July’s reading of -3 for new orders, the West Michigan economy has returned to a normal pattern of slow growth, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

 

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

 

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +21, up significantly from -3. The production index tapered to +16 from +23. The index of purchases edged higher to +15 from +13, and the employment index came in unchanged from last month at +21.

 

“After last month’s lackluster report, slow growth has returned to most sectors in the West Michigan economy,” said Long. “At least some of the fears of the trade war have been moderated, and the automotive sector appears to be exempt from some of the tariffs.”

 

Long said auto sales continue to soften in the traditional sedan sector, but the light truck/SUV segments are doing well. He said the office furniture business continues to benefit from the new tax structure, so the outlook for most firms remains positive. The local firms producing capital equipment are also back on track after last month’s hesitation, Long said, and business conditions for industrial distributors remain seasonally flat.

 

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

 

For over 28 years, Dr. Brian Long has edited a survey of local purchasing managers for both the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids areas, which has proved to be a major indicator of current and future business conditions.  This survey appears in many local newspapers and national business publications, including the Grand Rapids Press, MiBiz, and the Grand Rapids Business Journal.  The survey is also a component of the Federal Reserve’s bimonthly survey of business conditions. 

Kent County’s Operation: Safe and Secure planned for National Preparedness Month 

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Are you prepared for an emergency at your house, such as a fire? A countywide program will offer help in planning. (Supplied)

By Kent County

 

September is National Preparedness Month, so …

 

Do you have a plan if you had to leave your home for an extended period of time due to a disaster? Do you know what to do if you have a house fire? What is your plan if the power goes out?

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent is offering a free fun and educational expo for both kids and adults focused on keeping homes and families safe.

 

Operation: Safe and Secure will be held Tuesday, September 18, from 4-8 p.m., at the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW in Walker.

 

“Operation: Safe and Secure is an ideal way for people to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Karla Black, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of the Kent County Health Department. “Our involvement is just another way we collaborate with the many wonderful community partners who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our families across the County.”

 

Presentations include hands-on safety activities for all age groups, drones and the Fire Safety Trailer from the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Walker Fire Department’s ladder truck, American Red Cross presenting Disney’s Pillowcase Project, safety tips for people with disabilities, what to do in an active violence event, free refreshments, giveaways and much more.

 

At the event, there will be vendors and presenters who will provide information on how the community can be better prepared against emergencies.

 

“Kent County has had many emergency situations and severe weather over the past few years,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We have seen tornadoes throughout the County in recent years, and we had a massive flooding incident in February that led to a State of Emergency declaration. House fires and accidents are regular occurrences. How you and your family respond in those initial moments can certainly mean the difference to avoid serious injury.”

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent (EPIK) is made of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kent County/Grand Rapids Emergency Management, Kent County’s Sheriff Department and Health Department, Grand Rapids’ Police and Fire Departments, Walker Fire Department, Kent ISD, Salvation Army, WOTV Operation Save a Life, E.S.C.A.P.E., neighborhood associations and others.

 

“EPIK thanks the DeltaPlex and the partners involved for offering support and sponsorship,” said Leslie Montgomery-Bean of American Red Cross. “There has been a great amount of community involvement in the planning process. People who attend the event will gain information and ideas to be more prepared for emergencies and disaster that they may face at home or in their communities.”

 

How has technology transformed healthcare access?

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Advancements in medical technology have defined the practice of healthcare since a concept of healthcare has existed, from bandages to penicillin to MRIs. Today, we think of technology as digital, and it has permeated practically every aspect of our lives. It’s natural, therefore, that some of the biggest news in healthcare is related to technology and access. The tech that we use every day–our phones, the internet, computers–is transforming how people think about and receive healthcare, making it more convenient and accessible overall.

Telemedicine

One of the most talked-about trends in healthcare access today is telemedicine, which is the use of devices connected to the internet to provide clinical services. Originally, the goal of telemedicine was to make healthcare more accessible in rural regions of the United States, but after numerous studies showed these efforts to be hugely beneficial to both patients and healthcare professionals, healthcare technology companies began to develop more and more applications for telemedicine.

 

Telemedicine has vastly improved patient care capabilities for inpatient healthcare facilities such as small hospitals and for increasing access to specialists, who may not always be on-premises when they’re needed. A recent study from the CHEST Journal reported a reduction in patient transfers in intensive care units (ICUs) that had telemedicine systems in place, buying valuable time and providing specialized care that would have otherwise required a transfer.

 

The more highly discussed and visual aspect of telemedicine is the rise of applications and services that allow primary care physicians, psychologists, pediatricians, and more to examine patients without either person ever setting foot in an office. Doctor shortages around the country have made wait times for appointments longer, forcing sick people in highly-populated and rural areas alike to either pay high bills for urgent care or forgo a doctor visit altogether. Telemedicine has excelled at providing care for minor but time-sensitive health issues such as ear infections and stomach problems, meaning more convenience at a lower cost.

Healthcare portals

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required.

 

Today, practices from primary care physicians to hospitals are making EHRs easily accessible through online patient portals. Visibility into personal healthcare records empowers people to be more active in their healthcare. In addition, some patient portals have other functions, such as a form of telemedicine where patients can ask their care providers questions on a secure platform, or billing statements that people can reference whenever they need to. This increased visibility into the process of healthcare offers people both convenience and insight, giving them the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

Personal and remote monitoring

About 45% of adults in the United States are living with at least one chronic disease; for seniors alone, that number rises to almost 80%. Managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia is a constant part of everyday life, and for many people, chronic conditions mean more frequent visits to doctors and specialists. Healthcare appointments can be stressful for anyone, but for people with limited mobility or debilitating pain, they can be close to impossible.

 

Today, connected devices such as blood pressure and glucose monitoring devices make it easy to track health conditions and determine when intervention is necessary. Devices for home use are usually designed to be easy-to-use and offer clear insights in order to be as useful as possible to patients and caregivers. Some, such as heart rate monitors built into smartwatches and fitness trackers, are even wearable.

 

The ability to connect to the internet also means that remote monitoring is possible. Remote monitoring allows healthcare professionals to track a patient’s biometrics, rather than the patient tracking their condition themselves. While this may seem somewhat invasive, it is a real boon for people with serious conditions, or those who live alone or in an isolated area. Early detection of problems can help patients get the attention they need, sometimes even before they realize they need it.

 

Technology has always been integral to healthcare, but now, convenient healthcare technology is accessible to everybody. Services such as telemedicine and remote monitoring are still relatively new, and studies are still being done on the long-term benefits and drawbacks, but improvements to healthcare accessibility are ensuring better health for people all over the country.

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

An early catch

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Last September, Harvey Hasart went to his primary care doctor for what he thought would be a normal annual physical.

 

Looking back, he credits that day with saving his life.

 

His doctor, Arashdeep Litt, MD, an internal medicine doctor with Spectrum Health Medical Group, suggested he undergo lung cancer screening.

 

For anyone age 55 to 80 who is at high risk of lung cancer, the Spectrum Health Lung Mass and Cancer Care Multispecialty Team early detection screening program recommends one low-dose CT scan each year for a minimum of three years.

 

As a former smoker, Hasart qualified. He remembers the day 50 years ago he caught his older brother smoking.

 

“He made me start so I wouldn’t tell Dad,” Hasart said.

 

A few days after his appointment with Dr. Litt, Hasart went to Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont for his CT scan. Within 24 hours, Dr. Litt’s office called. They had found a suspicious nodule.

 

It was an early catch, which is a big advantage in fighting lung cancer.

 

“The idea with the screening is that we can diagnose it when it’s more treatable,” said Marc McClelland, MD, a Spectrum Health pulmonologist.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Lung cancer tends to have poor outcomes because it usually gets diagnosed at an advanced stage, Dr. McClelland said. The disease typically does not have any symptoms until it has advanced beyond stage one or two.

 

Since its creation in 2015, the lung cancer screening program has identified 33 cases of lung cancer and nine cases of other kinds of cancer, including kidney and liver. Nineteen of the lung cancer cases were found in the earliest and most treatable stage, stage one.

 

The program is currently following 728 patients with annual CT scans.

Harvey’s journey

A few days after receiving the bad news, Hasart met with the Lung Mass and Cancer Care Multispecialty Team. The group of cancer specialists includes a diagnostic radiologist, medical oncologist, pathologist, pulmonologist, radiation oncologist, thoracic surgeon, nurse and social worker, all coalescing to offer coordinated care for patients like Hasart.

 

The next step, a PET scan, revealed the nodule and a lymph node looked suspicious and needed biopsy.

 

Hasart’s case grew more complicated yet. Within days of his PET scan, he experienced chest pain on the golf course. He ended up needing a heart stent and he had to regularly take a blood thinner.

 

The multispecialty team thought it best to admit Hasart to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital for the biopsy, which allowed them to switch blood thinners and monitor his heart closely, Dr. McClelland said.

 

The results of the biopsy held more bad news: small cell lung cancer.

 

Small cell lung cancer makes up only 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers. It is known for growing rapidly and spreading quickly, although it typically responds well to chemotherapy and radiation.

 

Dr. McClelland said the fact that Hasart’s cancer was small cell rather than the more common non-small cell cancer surprised him and the other specialists on Hasart’s team. It didn’t appear to be small cell originally, he said.

 

“That’s the beauty of the lung (multispecialty team),” Dr. McClelland said. “As long as I have been doing this, no case is the same as any other case. There’s no textbook in the world that could include the extensive variety and depth of what we see, so that’s why the team is so valuable.”

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

The team meets together on a regular basis to discuss each case, allowing for effective communication and more streamlined care. This ultimately means patients get answers faster, sometimes with same-day biopsies and results, Dr. McClelland said.

 

The week after Thanksgiving, Hasart started four rounds of chemotherapy at Spectrum Health Cancer Center. The day after Christmas, he started radiation. Both steps were successful fighting the cancer in his lungs.

 

When a scan then revealed a small lesion on his brain, the multispecialty team opted for him to receive radiation treatment to his brain, Hasart said. It’s common for small cell lung cancer to spread to the brain. In early May, a post-radiation brain scan showed the lesion was gone and there was no more evidence of cancer.

Serendipity

Hasart’s girlfriend, Deb Bisel, has been at his side throughout this journey. The two met online when Hasart lived in Wisconsin and Bisel in Newaygo, Michigan. They dated long distance a few years before Hasart retired and moved to Newaygo in November 2016.

 

Bisel lost her husband of 26 years, Ned, to lung cancer in 2011. By the time they found his cancer, it was too late to do much.

 

In a serendipitous twist, Bisel works for Spectrum Health as the manager of cancer program compliance. In this role, she helped develop the lung mass and cancer multi-specialty team. Bisel also helped plan a symposium for primary care physicians to learn more about cancer screening, including lung cancer. Dr. Litt attended that symposium.

 

“We are so thankful (Dr. Litt) ordered the CT scan, and we think it saved his life,” Bisel said. “This validates how important this stuff is.”

 

Those eligible for the screening program are active smokers with a history of 30 or more pack years and former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years. (Pack years is calculated by multiplying packs per day by years smoked.)

 

Patients with lower risk who do not meet those guidelines may speak with their doctors about whether they would benefit from screening outside of the program, Dr. McClelland said.

 

Patients like Hasart, who have quit smoking, can sometimes be forgotten, Dr. Litt said.

 

“This reinforces my faith in primary and preventive care,” Dr. Litt said. “You want to intervene before things go out of control, before things go in the wrong direction.”

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Dr. Litt grew humble when she heard Hasart credited her with saving his life.

 

“I was doing my job as any good primary care physician should be doing,” she said. “I’m grateful and thankful he thinks highly of me, but mostly I am grateful he is doing well.”

 

Hasart is now focused on enjoying his retirement. He works part-time driving cars to the east side of Michigan for auto dealers. Most of the time, however, you will find him on the golf course or in the kitchen baking or cooking.

 

His last day of chemotherapy treatment was Valentine’s Day. He couldn’t wait to get home to make lobster dinner for Bisel.

 

That day, Bisel’s assistant, Diane Ivy, came down from her office in the cancer center with a celebratory gift for Hasart—a mix of cookies, a chocolate rose, a teddy bear and other goodies.

 

“I just wanted to come and see you for the last day,” she said.

 

The teddy bear, she said, was for “whenever you need a hug and Deb is not there.”

 

As Hasart readied to leave, a nurse wished him well and asked how he felt.

 

“I don’t feel sad, that’s for sure,” he said.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Quietly continuing mission, Kentwood bicyclist heads east from GR firehouse

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Travel, ,
Ken Smith got a great send off from members of the Grand Rapids Fire Department this week. (Grand Rapids Fire Department)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

Along the way firemen and fire departments have been offering support, including a welcome home last week at the City of Kentwood Fire Department Station 1 and a send-off Wednesday, Sept. 5, from the Grand Rapids Fire Department’s central station.

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles

 

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, hugged a granddaughter. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, Jan, hugged a granddaughter and was buoyed by the time he was able to spend and support he was able to gain while at home.

 

“First of all, the arrival at Kentwood Fire Department took me totally boy surprise,” Smith told WKTV as he prepared to ride out of town. “Friends came over to the house, to meet me. They all said ‘Well, you lost a little weight.’ I lost about 10 pounds.

 

“Relatives called, just to say, ‘Boy, that’s great, I could never have done it. The fact that you did is really making a statement for Jakob.’ The family is excited that I am continuing, that I can continue.”

 

Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.

 

On Thursday, Sept. 6, Smith wrote from the road, as he crossed Michigan:

 

“I left St. Johns at 8 am and decided to take the rail trail to Owosso to get off hwy 21. It was a good ride on gravel. The trail from Owosso to Flint was not a good trail. Much of it was mud, a walking trail along the river very narrow but it did get me to some county roads. This slowed me down tremendously. My goal was to get past Flint and get as far as I could to hopefully get to the ferry to Canada by tomorrow night. Will see. Total miles travelled today 81 for a total distance of 2563 + 81 for 2644 miles. … I’m looking forward to the ride across Ontario to Buffalo next week.”

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

 

Quote of the Day

"You get to a certain age, where you know you can’t go over the wall, but I’ll never get to the age where I can’t go through it." - Actor Burt Reynolds, 1936-2018

 

 

Lending a Hand

 

Local nurses were on a hike at Dead River Falls, in the U.P.’s Marquette, but their day hike became a case of being in the right place at the right time. (Supplied)

When a group of local emergency nurses on vacation in Marquette, Mich., learned of an injured hiker they did what anyone with their training and background would do: they went to help. “I fully believe God placed nine ED nurses on that trail for a reason,” said Rylee Kuiphoff, one of the nurses in the group.

 

 

Are You Ready for the Challenge?

 

 

FIRST Power Up, the theme for the 2017 FIRST challenge, was based on a Mario game.

Hundreds of young technology enthusiasts will gather at Grand Valley State University September 8 to celebrate the beginning of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge season. The event is set for 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Eberhard Center and Keller Engineering Lab building on the Pew Grand Rapids campus. Competitions will take place in the winter.

 

The Rebels Who Are Turning it Around

 

 

Wyoming Lee faces NorthPointe Christian this Friday. The Wyoming Lee team has struggled in years past but last year, Coach Tom DeGennaro credited much of that success to the students: “It’s just the kids buying into the system, working out in the weight room and committing themselves to being here every day. It has nothing to do with coaching. All of the success goes to the kids.”

 

 

 

Killer Light Show

 

 

Well you have about a month and a half until “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the film about epic rock band Queen and its frontman Freddie Mercury, hits the theaters. Until then, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has got your Queen-fix as it will be opening “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love” Sept. 15. The show will feature laser lights dancing to 10 of Queen’s greatest hits. And yes, that does include “Bohemian Rhapsody.” For more, visit grpm.org/Planetarium.

 

Fun Fact:

33.9 Million Miles

Or 54.6 million kilometers. That is the closest Mars and Earth come to each other. Still the distance has not discouraged a love affair with the red planet, which Grand Valley State University explores in its new exhibit "Mars: Astronomy and Culture." The exhibit is set to open Sept. 13 and will feature 140 photographs, drawings, movie posters, book covers and more spotlighting Mars.

Congressional challenge designed to get students to develop coding skills

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By WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

Congressman Bill Huizenga announced the start of the 2018 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

 

As of last week, the Congressional App Challenge had reached 10,000 students signed up to code an original, functional app since the program began less than three years ago. The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representative, where Representatives challenge students in their respective districts to create apps.

 

“The Congressional App Challenge is the largest series of student coding competitions in the world,” said Tim Lordan, Executive Director of the Internet Education Foundation, which was appointed as the CAC’s official sponsor by the U.S. House Of Representatives. “For students, it’s the most prestigious prize in computer science.”

 

So far this year, over 200 Members of Congress have launched an App Challenge to inspire students in their districts.

 

“By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress can help shine a light on the growing importance of these skills,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Today’s economy is rapidly changing and we need to ensure students across West Michigan are equipped with the tools to succeed. I believe the Congressional App Challenge can foster that development and I look forward to seeing the innovative and creative apps West Michigan students come up with.”

 

“Students from 43 states have created apps which address on an array of themes, including bullying, food waste, health and safety, search and rescue, learning and education, and gaming,” said CAC Director Rachel Décoste. “The only limit is the student’s imagination and commitment to learning computer programming.” Apps can be submitted in any programming language (such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, Ruby, “block code”, etc.) using any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, Raspberry Pi, mobile, etc.)

 

The winner(s) of each Congressional district receive:

  • recognition from their Member of Congress,
  • their app is displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC,
  • a number of prizes (To be announced),
  • an invitation to #HouseOfCode in Washington, DC (Spring 2019).

 

The 2018 Congressional App Challenge is currently accepting registrations from middle and high school students across the nation.

 

This competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. Students of all skill levels can participate. Students are encouraged, but not required, to register online by Sept. 10. Interested students should submit their app by the noon, Oct. 15 deadline.

 

To learn more about the competition or to submit an app, visit the Congressional App Challenge’s website. Questions regarding the Congressional App Challenge may also be directed to Congressman Huizenga’s office in Grandville by calling 616-570-0917.

Hundreds to attend FIRST Tech Challenge kick-off at GVSU

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Color coordinated fans are ready to cheer on their team at GVSU’s FIRST Robotics competition held last spring.

By Leah Twilley

GVSU

 

Hundreds of young technology enthusiasts will gather at Grand Valley State University September 8 to celebrate the beginning of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge season.

 

More than 400 area middle school students will gather on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus to learn about this year’s spaced-themed challenge and game, Rover Ruckus.

 

FIRST — a national program founded in 1989 — challenges teams of students to work together to design, build, program and test robots to play a floor game. Teams are guided by coaches and mentors while developing STEM skills and practicing engineering principles. The kick-off event at Grand Valley is one of 13 events in Michigan taking place on Saturday.

 

FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off

Saturday, September 8

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Eberhard Center and Keller Engineering Lab building, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

 

At noon, the challenge will be revealed in the Eberhard Center, room 215. After the reveal, students will head to the Keller Engineering Laboratories building see a replica of the game arena and network with other teams. In the morning and afternoon, students will participate in several workshops to discuss planning and strategy for this year’s competition.

 

Sara Maas, outreach coordinator for Grand Valley’s Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, said the event is an opportunity for students to experience what it’s like on a college campus.

 

“For some, it may be their first time on a college campus, and for others, it allows them to see and work in a real-life engineering space,” she said.

 

The West Michigan teams will compete in regional tournaments in November and December to advance to the national championship in Detroit in April.

Four money-saving home maintenance tips

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By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension

 

The majority of U. S. households, 63 percent, have equity in their own homes. For many, it’s the largest piece of their asset portfolio, according to U.S. Census data and University of Illinois Extension. Regular maintenance and repair should be in your plans so that you can retain the value of your home. It requires time and money, whether you do the work yourself or hire someone else.

 

Home maintenance should be done monthly, seasonally or annually, so the expenses should not be a complete surprise. Prepare by setting aside money each month toward a home maintenance fund so that it will be there when you need it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau monthly payment worksheet says a common rule of thumb is to plan to invest one percent of your home value in home maintenance each year. For example, if your home’s market value is $100,000, then 1 percent is $1,000. This amount may vary depending on your home and needed repairs.

 

It’s a good idea to walk around inside and out monthly to visually inspect for potential issues. Look up as well as down. Use a checklist such as this one from the University of Georgia Extension.

 

According to Mint.com, the four key concerns are:

  • Water Drainage/Damage: Rain (and snow in cold climates) can cause serious water damage to insulation and drywall. Be sure gutters and downspouts are working. Look for stains and mold growth, damp carpeting, loose tiles, and cupping wood floors.
  • Heating/Cooling Issues: Yearly cleaning plus regularly change the filters (monthly is recommended by experts) for both long life and efficiency of these systems. If you have a fireplace, annual flue cleaning is essential to prevent the considerably higher expense relining the flue.
  • Roof Damage: Heavy snow, heavy rain and high winds can influence roof quality. Look for signs of damage on the roof and in the attic for water leaks. Asphalt shingles generally last about 20 years, and aluminum or steel shingles last about 50 years. Avoid walking on the roof and do not store heavy items in your attic.
  • Windows: Although aluminum windows are less costly, wooden windows last about ten years longer. Check regularly for peeling paint, cracks and chips in the glazing.

Several government assistance programs are available to better afford repairing and improving your home.  Home improvements such as the cost of insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows, and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems qualify for IRS residential energy tax credits. Installation costs do not qualify. Visit the Energy Star website, energystar.gov/taxcredits for details.

 

Plan ahead to fit home maintenance tasks into your schedule and expenses in your budget.  Find tips in Jinnifer Ortquist’s article on Planning Home Improvements and Costs.  Doing small repairs promptly can save you from large, costly repairs later. For example, small leaks in a roof can lead to significant damage in internal walls over time.  Also learn about assistance programs and energy tax credits to stretch your dollars.  For more information about homeownership in Michigan, go to the Housing link at www.mimoneyhealth.org.

 

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

 

 

 

Local nurses hiking in the Upper Peninsula help man injured in fall

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Local nurses were on a hike at Dead River Falls, in the U.P.’s Marquette, but their day hike became a case of being in the right place at the right time. (Supplied)

By Micah Cho, WKTV News Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

A group of emergency department nurses from the Grand Rapids area ran into a scary situation recently when a planned vacation to Marquette, Mich., turned into an emergency medical incident.

 

The day, Aug. 25, started off as any other: 10 nurses packed up the supplies they would need for the day and drove to Dead River Falls, in Marquette, for a hike.  After getting their start, bystanders who were witness to an emergency situation a half-mile up the trail flagged the nurses down. Because of their emergency medical training, the nurses determined they were could possible help.

 

A young man who was visiting the falls with friends that day ended up with serious injuries because of a fall off one of the cliffs while peering over the water.

 

Rylee Kuiphoff and Nicole Schoenborn, two City of Grand Rapids residents who were part of the group of nurses, sat down with WKTV to talk about their story.

 

Kuiphoff recalled the incident as a challenge. With little to no resources that a standard emergency department nurse would usually have, making the best out of the situation is all they could do.

 

“Initially, it was hard for us because when you see the patient there’s a list of things at work that we go through …,” Kuiphoff said. “But when you’re in the wilderness you don’t have any of that.”

 

Schoenborn said the most important thing, to her, was keeping the young man calm.  Holding him still, she made sure he was awake, stayed still, and was talking.

 

After the young man was stabilized, it was time for the group to assist local emergency medical providers in getting the boy out of the trail area. With the use of a backboard to transport the young man, the team brought him back to the mouth of the trail, a process that was not easily accomplished. Walking up hills, trudging through water, and navigating rocky terrain, the hike back up took about an hour.

 

“It was a lot of communication …,” Schoenborn said. “We couldn’t see where we were stepping so the fact that everyone was really great at communicating to get this boy and ourselves out safely was amazing.”

 

Once back back home, the nurses said they were thankful that they were there to help. But Kuiphoff and Schoenborn wanted to make it clear that they did what anyone else with their type of training would have done.

 

“We were just doing what we were trained to do” Kuiphoff said.

 

Although it was a tough situation, Kuiphoff doesn’t believe it was a just coincidence that they were on the trail at the right time.

 

“I fully believe God placed 9 ED nurses on that trail for a reason,” she said.

 

‘Bark in the Dark’ is just around the corner!

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, ,
We’re only one month away from Bark in the Dark 2018!
This family and dog-friendly glow-in-the-dark 5k and 1 mile fun run/walk is bound to be a blast! Before the race, attendees will enjoy family activities including balloon animals, face painting, and a pup-a-razzi photobooth! Afterwards, enjoy local beer, wine, hard cider, treats, and music with your fellow animal lovers.
All proceeds from the event benefit Humane Society of West Michigan, a 100% donor funded 501(c)3 non-profit that promotes humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement, and protection. Be sure to register for the event, enter your pup in the costume contest, and start fundraising for great prizes!
Humane Society of West Michigan is 100% donor funded so participants are encouraged to help our animals by asking friends and family to make donations which help to provide the daily care our furry friends need until we find their forever homes. When you sign up for the event a fundraising page is created for you which makes it super simple for friends to make a donation online on your behalf!
Your donations at work:
  • $10 provides a behavioral evaluation for 1 animal
  • $20 provides microchips for 5 animals ensure proper identification and help unite owners with lost pets post-adoption
  • $30 provides 1 day of care for 1 animal at HSWM
  • $50 provides for the spay or neuter of 1 animal
Event Details:
  • Saturday, Oct. 6
  • Riverside Park
  • 5:00-6:30pm: Registration/Check-In and Family Fun Activities (including: balloon animals, face painting, live canvas painting of pets, the Independent Bank dog costume contest, and a pup-a-razzi photobooth)!
  • 6:30pm: Run/Walk Begins
  • 6:30-9:00pm : A celebration complete with a beer tent sponsored by Alliance Beverage featuring beer, wines, and hard ciders, complimentary snacks from Herb & Fire Pizzeria, Yesterdog, Flo’s Sports Bar, and more, plus doggy approved music by DJ Shannon Williams!
Registration Fees:
  • Adults 18+: $35
  • Youth Ages 5-17: $10
  • Children under 5: FREE with registered adult

Register here.

West Michigan’s many zoos and animal encounters

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Pets/Animals, ,
The Red Panda at the John Ball Zoo

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Get up close and personal with animals in West Michigan! Here, you’ll find animals that are native to the area, educational zoos, and even collections of extinct species. No matter what you’re looking for, West Michigan is sure to have a unique animal encounter for your entire family.

West Michigan zoos

John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is home to over 1,400 animals including lions, tigers, grizzly bear, chimpanzees, penguins, and many more. During the summer months, they even offer a zipline, ropes course, petting corral, and many up-close animal encounters.

 

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park in Alto is a unique, hands-on experience for the entire family. The park boasts a distinct collection of exotic animals and reptiles, making Boulder Ridge anything but your average zoo!

 

Even if you’re visiting Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek when they aren’t hosting an event, they’re still a great place to bring the family. Discover spectacular views of wild animals from elevated boardwalks, and get nose-to-nose with one of the largest giraffe herds in the country as you explore Wild Africa.

West Michigan wildlife hotspots

The city of Lansing is a great spot to take in some beautiful nature and unique animal encounters. From zoos and parks to exotic pet shops, there is something for everyone in Michigan’s capital city!

 

Looking to enjoy some Pure Michigan wilderness? Michigan State Parks are always a safe bet. From nature trails filled with deer and birds to lakes and rivers bursting with local fish, you are sure to see some astonishing nature on your next trip.

 

There are some great zoos not far from the city of Sault Ste. Marie. This summer, stop by to tour a couple of the state’s best zoos that the kids will surely never forget!

 

If you think that the bustling city of Grand Rapids doesn’t have much noteworthy wildlife to take in, then think again! Sit outside on the patio at JW Marriott’s restaurant, six.one.six, or The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck to take in local dogs being walked, birds flying by, and even potential fish jumping out of the Grand River.

 

The city of Bellaire is the perfect place to get your animal and wildlife fix this summer! Stop by the Grass River Natural Area to catch a glimpse of rare birds, turtles, snakes, deer, bobcat, fox, and much more. Or, head on over to Shanty Creek Resort. With 4,500 acres to explore, the resort offers a variety of options to get outside and be one with nature. Grab a pair of hiking boots, walking shoes, or even a bicycle to enjoy the on-site trails.

 

Gull Meadow Farms in Kalamazoo will be opening this September and you will not want to miss out! They offer an exceptional petting zoo, family-friendly activities, an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and more. This is the perfect spot to kick off your West Michigan fall.

The city of Charlevoix is a great spot to take in some beautiful West Michigan nature and animals! Whether you decide to brush up on your reptile facts and stop in one of the historic museums in the area, or simply go for a stroll through a park, you are sure to see some wildlife, along with everything else the beautiful destination has to offer.

 

Head on over to Muskegon to take in some wildlife like never before! The area has some great animal rehabilitation centers and animal sanctuaries that you will want to have on your summer bucket list.

 

Coldwater Country is home to some must-see animal sanctuaries and wildlife gardens. From being able to feed alligators to enjoying guided tours, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Other unique ways to interact with West Michigan wildlife

Critter Barn in Zeeland is the perfect spot to learn all about farm animals and have the chance to get up and personal with chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and so much more!

 

Stop by Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland to visit their adorable and friendly petting zoo and have the rare opportunity to take a goat for a walk!

 

This summer, take the family to enjoy pony rides, hayrides, fishing, barn animals, and feed the sheep and goats at Teusink’s Pony Farm in Holland.

 

Take the kids to the Grand Traverse Butterfly House in Williamsburg where they can learn all about the wonders of butterflies and their bug relatives. Stop by to take part in educational presentations, classes, outside nature walks, or even host your next private party or wedding in the beautiful and scenic garden!

 

Stop by Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the horseback riding adventure of a lifetime! From riding lessons to scenic trail rides, there is something for every experience level.

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is sure to blow you away with their beauty! They have many informative animal exhibits, not to mention the hundreds of exotic butterflies fluttering around.

 

Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney is the place to be this summer. This remarkable youth camp offers a variety of great outdoor activities, including fishing, a petting zoo, and local favorite, horseback riding.

Turning ‘a disability into an ability’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Faces, , , ,
Lauren Whitaker is a musician and a lung warrior. (Courtesy photo)

By Jason Singer, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Lauren Whitaker spent long stretches of her childhood in the hospital.

 

Minor colds turned into pneumonia. Even when she wasn’t hospitalized, “my parents basically ran a hospital at home,” she said. They treated her daily with lung exercises, breathing treatments and a special mechanical vest that helps move fluid through her respiratory system.

 

“I was kept away from kids, play dates, birthday parties,” Whitaker, 17, said. “And no preschool. They didn’t want me to be exposed to viruses. I was prone to getting sick often and for a long time. And it happened so much doctors were worried my lungs would become damaged.”

 

Whitaker was born with tracheomalacia, a condition in which the cartilage that keeps open the trachea, better known as the windpipe, is soft and frequently collapses.

 

The condition restricts airflow, which allows fluid to frequently build up in Whitaker’s respiratory system. And when Whitaker coughs, the trachea can close, which prevents the fluid from clearing out.

 

For every 100 children with asthma, about two or three have Whitaker’s condition, said John Schuen, MD, division chief of pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

There are no good surgical options, Whitaker was told. There are no long-term cures.

 

But after years of suffering—hospitalizations every four to six weeks, missing kindergarten, missing out on playdates with other children—Whitaker and her family found a remedy in an unlikely place.

 

The music room.

 

Whitaker learned to play the flute in fifth grade. She fell in love with it a couple years later. It has not only contained—and mostly solved—her medical issues, it has given her a life path.

 

“She’s really turned a disability into an ability, and it seems to be a tremendous ability,” Dr. Schuen said. “Now she’s on the cusp of launching a brilliant, brilliant career.”

‘Like beavers building a dam’

Dr. Schuen first met Whitaker at age 4. Her family had been struggling with her recurrent pneumonia.

 

“She was in and out of hospital, in and out of our office, in and out of her primary doctor’s office when we first met,” Dr. Schuen recalled. “This has been something that’s been ongoing ever since she was born.”

 

In a healthy person, Dr. Schuen said, the airways produce thin watery secretions, which are constantly moved and which provide defense against germs and trap inhaled particles such as dust and dirt. The secretions eventually move to the throat and mouth, where they’re coughed out or swallowed, thereby protecting the lungs.

 

“The airways are like tiny streams or streamlets that join up to bigger rivers, until they dump into Lake Michigan,” the doctor said. “That would be what’s normal.”

 

But with tracheomalacia, “it’s kind of like beavers building a dam in the middle of the river,” he said. “The water doesn’t move normally. It pools behind the beaver’s dam and it just stands there. It’s great for beavers trying to make a home, but not good for homeowners.”

 

The buildup of fluids in the respiratory system makes infections and bronchitis much more likely, he said.

 

Dr. Schuen had a suggestion: In addition to daily chest exercises and use of the vest, he recommended Whitaker learn a wind instrument. It could strengthen her lung function.

 

If the lung muscles were stronger and produced more air and pushed that air through Whitaker’s system more forcefully, she could more easily blow through that dam, reopening the river of air.

 

Whitaker and her parents took his advice.

 

In fourth grade, her school had a presentation about joining fifth-grade band. Whitaker jumped at the chance.

 

“Dr. Schuen said it would be a good thing for me to play an instrument,” she said. “He said the quality and quantity of life would be better with an instrument. But honestly, I just wanted to do it. Obviously there were health benefits, but I was like, ‘Oh, an instrument, that sounds cool!’”

 

She originally chose the clarinet, but couldn’t produce a sound. But she was one of only two children who could produce a sound on the flute, so she said, “Let’s do this one.”

 

By seventh grade she began taking it seriously, practicing more and more each day. And sure enough, her health slowly improved.

 

“I started getting less sick with colds,” she said. “It wouldn’t hit me nearly as hard. … When I get sick now, it’s just a minor cold, not 15 days in the hospital.”

Aiming for a career

Whitaker has turned her condition into a strength.

 

Before her senior year of high school, she enrolled at Interlochen Center for the Arts, a boarding school with an acclaimed music program.

 

“I went to their summer camp for one week and liked it so much I wanted to stay the whole year,” Whitaker said.

 

The flute program has only 14 students, half of them international. Only two are from Michigan. Most of the curriculum is arts-based. She takes two academic classes and the rest of her curriculum is courses like music theory, band, chamber music and orchestra.

 

She plays the flute as many as eight hours per day. She won two concerto competitions in 2017. And she was recently accepted into the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

 

She hopes to make a career as a flutist.

 

“We keep our fingers crossed,” said her mother, Laurie Whitaker. “It’s a very, very competitive field. But it’s really been neat. She got to play at DeVos (Performance Hall). She got to do a solo. It was quite an honor.

 

“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Laurie added. “Her health has been so great, partially because she’s playing a ton. When she gets sick, she picks up the flute and she feels like she can breathe better. And now she sails through colds and viruses like her peers. … I’m just so proud of her.”

 

Dr. Schuen called Whitaker’s story inspirational. The idea that a disability can be turned into an ability with the right mindset and commitment, he said, could resonate with a lot of patients.

 

“She’s turned a negative into a positive,” he said. “She could wind up going to Juilliard, Boston Conservatory, she could play with national or international fields.

 

“There are many people who have problems like Lauren. But she and her parents were, (1) proactive, and (2), very positive and innovative. When we made suggestions, they ran with it. … Lauren’s an incredible young woman. I’m really happy and excited for all of them.”

 

Learn more at the pediatric specialty care available at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, including the nationally-ranked pediatric pulmonology program.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

WKTV’s Metro Cruise 2018 coverage included a look at possible ‘future’ classics

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, ,

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

While the 2018 Metro Cruise was all about classic cars of the past, a scan of this year’s Cruise entries, especially the muscle cars and sports cars, makes evident that what was once futuristic in style and technology has always been part of what has made a car an eventual classic.

 

As part of its DreamWheels 2018 coverage of the Metro Cruise event, held Aug. 23-25, WKTV took a look at how technological advances in automobiles have always been, and continues to be, a desirable element of classics cars. We also looked at electric cars, delving a bit into the past but more so into the present and future.

 

It would not be far-fetched to say early 2000s cars such as the Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT and Corvette Z06 are all destined to be considered classic cars. And one thing they all had in common: evidence of the expansion of carbon fiber body parts from being a Formula 1 racing advantage to being a way to make street-legal muscle cars lighter in weight and, some would say, a bit cooler.

 

WKTV visited one local company — Walker’s Plasan Carbon Composites, Inc. — which makes carbon fiber body parts for a wide range if cars and talked with Adrienne Stevens, President & CEO of the company.

 

Then WKTV looked at the past, present and possible future of electric cars, ultimately asking the question: Is Tesla a classic-car must-have of the future? To find out, we asked a young — real young — car collector, Byron Center’s own Blake Dahlquist.

 

View both segments below:

 

 

Cat of the week: Bunsen Honeydew

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

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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).

 

Beguiling, handsome Bunsen Honeydew is the coolest boy—we kid you not! Even if you ignore his twisty half-tail that curves to the right and those gorgeous ocean blue-green eyes of his, you can’t overlook his charm and the super-chill, surfer-dude vibe he gives off.

 

This fabulous four-year-old (born in the summer of 2014) came to us from the west side of Grand Rapids in late July 2018, after he was wrangled and whisked to Focus on Ferals to be tested for FELV and FIV (both negative, thank goodness) and neutered. He was initially thought to be a bit of a wild child; he appeared a bit rough around the edges (just look at his tattered and torn ears) from living on the streets for so long, had an upper respiratory infection and was terribly flea-ridden.

 

Once rescued, the boy gobbled down two entire cans of food in a flash — proof-positive that the way to a wayward boy is through his stomach.

 

At our free-roaming facility, Mr. Honeydew here instantly meshed with his new surroundings; in fact he is so laid back that he literally hangs out on top of our intake cages (doors are always open) and simply waits for a volunteer to approach him, make eye contact and wander on over to receive kisses! He is oblivious to the presence of the other cats as it is human companionship that he craves with every ounce of his beautiful being.

 

We would LOVE to be able to place him in a home where he can be the center of attention; though he won’t demand it, he will reciprocate with the sweetest gestures of gratitude and affection. If you are looking for a people-pleasing, sweet and stunning cat to be your cuddle buddy, Bunsen Honeydew is exactly whom you need to take home with you!

More about Bunsen Honeydew:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Bunsen Honeydew? 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.

Preparing your garden this fall for next year’s bounty

3-bottom, Education, Food, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

By Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension

 

It is hard to believe it is time to start putting our gardens, lawns and flowers to rest for the winter. Michigan State University Extension offers these tips to make next year’s spring and summer vegetable and herb gardening easier and more fruitful.

 

As you pick and preserve your garden’s current crops, take time to prepare your soil for next year’s growing season. Remove all non-bearing, dead and diseased plants as you harvest your current crops. After frost has blackened the leaves on the remaining plants, pull them up and compost them. If they are diseased, take care not to add them to your compost pile, as many pests are able to overwinter and come back with a vengeance next spring.

Easy-to-do fall gardening chores for your vegetables

Remove all weeds and debris. This reduces homesteads for overwintering insects and diseases.

 

Till the soil. Fall is a great time to oxygenate the soil.

  • Tilling should be done once in both directions—a rough till is fine in the fall.
  • Tilling in the fall reduces the need for tilling wet, spring soil. Tilling wet soil is never recommended. Soil can be too sticky in early spring.

Add organic matter.

  • Adding organic matter, humus and manure in the fall allows time for it to become married to the soil. Organic matter is not immediately available for plants, so giving it time will have your plants functioning at peak performance earlier next spring.
  • Microorganisms are not as active in early spring; feeding them in the fall gives your garden a head start in the spring.
  • You may also choose to till in the organic matter.

A cover crop can be planted as an option to help improve your soil.

  • Winter wheat and cereal rye are good options for a Michigan garden cover crop.

If you have a very unruly area that has just gone to the weedy side, cover it with black plastic or cardboard and leave it until it’s time to plant in the spring to kill all sprouting seeds.

Easy-to-do fall gardening chores for your perennial herbs

Keeping your herb healthy during the growing season with well-drained soil, regular watering, fertilization and pruning is key to their winter survival.

 

Most herbs will also benefit from a good 2-to-4-inch mulch cover. Do not mulch heavily until after the first heavy frost—doing so before can actually weaken plants. Winter mulches help maintain soil temperatures and reduce frequent freezing and thawing.

 

It is a good time to cut dead wood from sage, oregano and thyme. Trim off dead flower heads.

 

Windbreaks or a covering of evergreen branches may also aid in the survival of many herbs, protecting them from harsh winds that tend to dry out less cold-tolerant herbs.

 

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

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood you need to know

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

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

 

Quote of the Day

"Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving."- Albert Einstein

 

 

Love to Ride His Bicycle

 

Kentwood resident and avid bicyclist Ken Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for his grandson Jakob. He returned home last week, riding more 2,500 miles. He is set to continue the journey soon. Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

 

Food for Thought

 

 

Hank Meijer

Meijer Chairman Hank Meijer, along with Richard Norton Smith, will be the featured lecturer this Friday for the Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. The topic is “Mackinac Conference at 75,” which will be presented at 7 p.m. at L.V. Eberhard Center, Room 215, 301 W. Fulton St. The series, which continues through Dec. 5, will feature eight speakers who will encourage meaningful discussions about leadership and the search for common ground at a deep level, without the heated political rhetoric of the day.

 

 

 

And While We’re Talking Food

 

You might want to put a big food truck doodle on Sept. 15 as that is when Kentwood will be hosting its third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival. Nearly 30 trucks are expected to participate at this year’s event. We know it will be the end-of-summer celebration you won’t want to miss because Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma is still talking about last year’s event and all the food choices. Oh, and for the beer lovers, there will be a beer tent running from noon to 10 p.m. featuring a selection of craft beers.

 

Fun Fact:

88 Years Old

And the Grand Rapids Symphony is still going strong. Started in 1930, the orchestra kicks off its 88th season on Sept. 14 and 15 with the classical concert "Beethoven, Barber, and Bernstein" - which is quite the mix of music. For more on the Symphony's season, visit grsyhphony.org.

School News Network: Free meals for all means no more lunch-money worries, or breakfast either

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Carlos Mejia and Sophia Johnson chat over lunch

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

Districtwide, all students are receiving free breakfast and lunch this school year, and they say it’s a big benefit to families.

 

“It’s helpful because a lot of people don’t have a lot of money and they have to use money for other things,” said Wyoming Junior High School ninth-grader Carlos Mejia as he ate a healthy lunch of leafy-green salad and fresh fruit. Around him, in the cafeteria, students noshed pizza, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and submarine sandwiches.

 

“Now, my parents don’t have to worry about paying for me,” said ninth-grader Hayde Rodriguez.

 

Joining Grand Rapids and Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, approximately 4,400 students at Wyoming’s four elementary schools, the fifth- and sixth-grade Intermediate School, the junior high and Wyoming High School now have the opportunity to eat school meals at no charge. Also, Godwin Heights Public Schools, which has already offered free breakfast and lunch for kindergarten through eighth-grade students, is expanding free meals to all high schoolers.

 

Mike Slager, Wyoming and Godwin Heights food service director, said Wyoming has become eligible through the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. CEP allows schools with a high percentage of low-income familie to provide all meals free without collecting household school meal applications.

 

Food service workers Cheri Arend and Debbie Sheick serve up lunches, now free for all students

Feeding Hungry Students

 

“I anticipate we will serve more children,” Slager said. “It erases any sort of a stigma that kids who are eating lunch in the cafeteria are the free-lunch kids. Clearly it is going to enable folks to have more disposable income.”

 

About 73 percent of students districtwide qualified for free or reduced-price lunch last school year. According to 2018 data, Wyoming Public Schools served 52,417 breakfasts schoolwide, of which 36,140 were free and 5,016 were at a reduced price. The district served 62,805 lunches, 45,242 of them free and 6,669 reduced.

 

Full-priced lunches were $2.75 for fifth- through 12th-grade students and $2.25 for kindergartners through fourth-graders. Reduced lunches were 40 cents. Breakfast was already free for kindergarten through ninth-grade students and $1.50 for high schoolers.

 

Principal Jon Blackburn said some families who did not qualify for free or reduced lunch were right on the cusp of qualifying. Also, students would run out of money in their school meal accounts and not reload it.

 

“This will have a huge impact,” Blackburn said. “Some families were so excited. … It is nice to know every kid will have access to a lunch.”

 

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

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Kentwood’s plans food truck festival, games, music for end-of-summer celebration

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events
Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

 

By City of Kentwood

 

The City of Kentwood will host the third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival, with nearly 30 food trucks scheduled to be on hand, on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event is in partnership with GR Loves Food Trucks.

 

The free-to-attend event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.

 

“We think there’s something for everyone at the End of Summer Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “It’s meant to be an event you can spend the whole day at enjoying food, drinks and live music and meeting your neighbors.”

 

Food trucks attending the event include: Blue Spoon Catering and Event Planning (kabob, Tex-mex); Maui Wowi (Hawaiian smoothies and frozen coffees); Ice Box (gourmet ice cream bars); Ananda Ice (rolled ice cream, shaved ice); Doughrunts (miniature topped doughnuts); Patty Matters (gourmet burgers and fries); Silver Star Café LLC (sandwiches, wraps); Moochies (popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy); Fire and Rice (vegan and gluten-free paella); Pig Out on the Fly (pulled pork topped fries); Tamale Rose (tamales, burritos); Coffee Rescue (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Kona Ice (shaved ice); Porters BBQ (barbecue); Rise and Grind (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Crepes by the Lake (sweet and savory crepes); PorkFat Slim’s (barbecue); Saladino Smoke (barbecue); Do Your Wurst (brats, hot dogs); Underground Cookie Club (gourmet ice cream sandwiches); Lazy Man BBQ (barbecue); Daddy Dough (cookies, with gluten-free and vegan options); D&D Gluten Free (topped fries, rice bowls, chicken tenders, all gluten-free); Summer Pops (gourmet ice pops); Babatuck (gyros, kabobs); D&W Eatery (smoked tacos, smoked vegan options); Detroit’s Original Coney Island (hot dogs, chili dogs); Yochef (gyros, tacos).

 

“Food trucks offer foodies a delightful mix of talented chefs and fast-food time frames,” said Alan Stone, president of GR Loves Food Trucks. “When we have an event like this where so many food trucks come together, you can really feel a bustling community atmosphere.”

 

Local live music will be featured on stage starting at 1 p.m. with bands such as Allie Garland, Erika Scherry, Kari Lynch and Orquesta Ritmo.

 

A beer tent will be open from noon to 10 p.m. and feature craft beer and cider.

 

Teams of two will be able to compete in a corn-hole tournament during the event. Anyone can register by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5317.

 

While the festival includes free-entry, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

 

For more information visit here.

 

Employment Expertise: Three West Michiganders who make a difference every day

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By West Michigan Works!

 

You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time.

 

In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen Joseph, Dave Janes and Chris Testillo interact with many people every day. They’re on their feet all day, working long hours, yet they serve their patients or customers with care, respect and a smile. Their service has been so impactful to others that they have been recognized for it!

 

These three outstanding employees are Essential Service Awards winners. Here is some of what their employers/customers have shared about them:

 

Jen Joseph, nurse aide, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, 2017 winner

For almost 30 years, Jen has worked tirelessly with our staff and patients to ensure the best care possible. She approaches every situation knowing exactly how to help or what to say. For example, there was a family whose mother was not making a lot of progress. The family was upset. Once Jen walked in, the patient lit up and the family’s mood shifted.

 

Dave Janes, post office clerk, US Postal Service, 2016 winner

Dave makes going to the post office a delightful experience. He provides true customer service to each individual waiting in line, regardless of their attitude. I’ve seen Dave diffuse tense situations with angry customers through humor. He genuinely cares about his customers and attempts to connect with each one personally.

 

Chris Testillo, CNA, Sunset Retirement Communities & Services, 2015 winner

Chris will pick up shifts on the schedule even when she doesn’t want to, to ensure her team is always staffed. She is often helping others once she knows her assigned residents are well taken care of. Our follow-up satisfaction surveys always mention Chris by name as someone who went ‘above and beyond’ for them for their stay.

 

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their service industry job? Nominate them for a 2018 Essential Service Award: westmiworks.org/esa.

 

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

 

The Truth About Computer Vision Syndrome

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Courtesy of Cherry Health

By Joy Fountain, Vision Technician Supervisor at Heart of the City Health Center

 

Do you use a computer, cell phone or tablet at work, school or home? You may have noticed symptoms related to excessive use of these digital devices. Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is the combination of vision and eye problems associated with the use of any device with an electronic display.

 

Some of the most common complaints reported with computer vision syndrome include:

  • Eyestrain
  • Tired eyes
  • Glare
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision

The good news is an eye exam can help make your eyes more comfortable while using these devices. Anti-glare lens coatings are available for glasses. This will significantly decrease the computer screen glare (as well as glare from headlights). Often times, a person experiences blurry vision, because the eyes do not focus well. In this case, making the text larger on your device or using glasses would help.

 

If you experience any of these uncomfortable side effects with use of a digital device, please schedule an appointment to get your eyes checked today.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.