Category Archives: 3-bottom

Local twins defy the odds; become political and business leaders

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, West Michigan
Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Keepsake Photos)




By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributor


Despite a turbulent start in life and the odds stacked against them, local twins Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson didn’t let any roadblocks get in their way.

“People look at us and don’t realize everything we’ve been through,” said Monica Sparks, local business owner and Kent County Commissioner covering a portion of Wyoming and Kentwood. “You look at someone and think that they have it all together or have everything, but we had a very rough start.”

Born to a young heroin addict

Sparks and her twin sister, Jessica Ann Tyson, were born to a young girl addicted to heroin. At 16 years old, their mother already had two children and was in the foster care system when she gave birth to them.

Though they recall a few good memories of their birth mother, most memories involve having to care for themselves as far back as preschool.

“We pretty much had to fend for ourselves all the time,” Sparks said. “I never remember her fixing a dinner, ever, except for one time having fried shrimp from takeout.

“We couldn’t get the cereal because the cereal is on top of the refrigerator, and (their mother and guests) are passed out and we are too small to get it,” Sparks continued. “We tried many things to get that cereal down, but it never worked.”

Many, many days of hunger

At times, the sisters would resort to eating out of dumpsters, but Sparks said they remember “going to bed hungry many, many nights.”

Birth mother viewed with compassion

Despite their harsh childhood experiences, Sparks and Tyson view their mother with compassion.

“Neither of us fault her for that,” Sparks said.

Tyson agreed.

“We’re grateful, if anything else,” Tyson added. “She could have made alternative choices and she really loved us as babies. I believe she was just a product of her environment and her generation.”



Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)



Misguided help, that led to a kidnapping

Upset by the lack of care she witnessed from the twins’ mother, their preschool and daycare provider kidnapped Sparks and Tyson in a misguided attempt to help.

“I remember being in the trunk (of her car),” Tyson said. “She was hiding us.”

The police found the twins at their provider’s house and returned the girls to their mother despite the provider explaining about the neglect at home. It was only a few days later, however, when a state worker came to visit them.

“I remember that day like it was today,” Sparks said.

The state worker told the girls that they would need to leave for a time while their mother got some help.

Separated, and lots of tears

“We didn’t know it was going to be forever,” Sparks continued. “They separated us. They put us in two different places.”

Sparks described being separated from her sister as “Sick. Sick. All I did was cry and call my sister’s name.”

After a short time, the twins were brought back together and placed in the foster care system. Unfortunately, it was not a good placement. Once again facing neglect and abuse, Sparks and Tyson found themselves approaching strangers on the street to get food.

“We were little kids, just three or four, on the street, on a corner, hoping that this group of men would feed us,” Sparks said.

Food and safety at school

Tyson remembers loving school because, “school was warm, school let you stay inside, you got free lunch, you could eat.”

Even through these difficulties, compassion flows from both women.

“(Our foster mom) was just a hurting person who hurt other people,” Tyson said. “She was very abusive and was in foster care for the wrong reasons.”

Advocates and angels

Through it all, Sparks and Tyson remember small acts of kindness.

“We had advocates,” Sparks said. “Little angels around that would really take care of us.”

A Muslim family down the street from the twins’ foster home would often give the girls food if they joined the family in evening prayer.

They recalled a lady down the street who left her apartment door open and placed snacks – Sparks remembers raisins and nuts, Tyson remembers Jolly Ranchers – inside the door for them to take at any time.

Finally, a loving, stable home

Sparks and Tyson were seven years old when a school teacher named Joyce Ann Richardson, recently divorced and unable to have children of her own, came to the adoption agency in the hopes of adopting a young child. She found Sparks and Tyson.



The twins’ parents, Joyce and Alonzo Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)



Sparks and Tyson both remember Joyce traveling every weekend to come visit the girls no matter the weather. When the abuse at the twins’ foster home was discovered, Sparks and Tyson were allowed to live with Joyce full-time. For the first time, the girls had their own room and a caring provider.

Encountering difficulties with the state allowing her to adopt the twins, Joyce took them to church for prayer. The minister, also a Purple Heart Korean war veteran, fell in love with the girls — and with Joyce.

Alonzo Edward Sparks and Joyce began dating, were married four months later, and have been married for 41 years. Together, they adopted the twins at 8 years old.


Due to lack of structure and socialization in the twins’ lives, Alonzo and Joyce were intentional in their parenting. Sparks openly calls it “damage control.” Both girls were enrolled in private schools, etiquette training, modeling training, public speaking, Girl Scouts, and more.

“There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us,” Tyson said. She admitted that Alonzo and Joyce were strict in their parenting, but, “What did it hurt?” Tyson said with a shrug.

Local business and political leaders

Both Sparks and Tyson are leaders in their community, both as business owners and politicians, and are dedicated to serving others.



Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Douglas Johnson, Keepsake Photos)



“We have very big hearts and it’s because we want other people to have opportunities,” Tyson said. “We don’t rest on our laurels, and we don’t take excuses. You always continue to strive to do more, to be more, to go further – and take others with you. We are always looking to take others with us.”


Tyson serves her community as Ward 2 Kentwood City Commissioner and is a member of several Kentwood community-minded organizations. Tyson also is owner of several businesses, including JA PR Group, LLC, The Candied Yam—Delightful Southern Cuisine, and Pink Lounge Dry Salt Therapy.


“As a person, you want to do your part in society,” Sparks said. She believes that, whether or not you have a hard life, “it’s the choices you make after that” that matter.






“I can rest on my past and blame, blame, blame, but it’s not going to do anything for me. It’s not going to do anything for the area I’m in, the society I’m in, and I have to make the choice to say, ‘How do I do better?’”

Sparks is serving her third term as District 12 Kent County Commissioner and also has served on several community boards and organizations. Sparks is a multiple business owner, including Urban Sparks Realty and Body Sculpt Better Body Bar & Spa.

Sparks and Tyson both attribute their current success to “good and solid parenting.”

“Parents who were invested and parents who actually cared,” Tyson explained.



Alonzo and Joyce raised the twins to have awareness for “understanding purpose, understanding … that we are in control of our destiny. We are in control of our own fate.”

That awareness instilled a desire to help others in their community.

“Monica and I see more for other people because we are not supposed to be here, statistically,” Tyson said.

Extremely close, but opposing political parties

Sparks and Tyson entered the political realm in an effort to extend that help, but as members of different political parties.

When first running for office, Sparks declared her political affiliation to be with the Democratic party, Tyson, the Republican Party. Both decisions were products of research and personal preferences.

Tyson grew up believing Alonzo and Joyce were Republicans. When Tyson ran for office and had to declare a party, she was surprised to find out they were not. She then asked the question of herself, “What am I?”

“I didn’t want to just check a box, to just assume that I was one thing or another,” Tyson said, “but once I started researching the platforms of the parties, then I tried to see how it aligned with my ‘everyday.’ Once I saw how the Republican party aligned with my ‘everyday,’ and then once I saw how I voted (in the past), I typically voted Republican.”

The reason for voting Republican was not a conscious choice. Tyson said she listened to the message each candidate brought to the table, not their political party affiliation.

“I wish that was something most people would do, but unfortunately we get caught in the cog of being one thing or another,” Tyson said.

Politics don’t drive a wedge between them

Sparks and Tyson believe the political parties are merged in many ways.

“We all say the same thing,” Tyson said. “We want the pursuit of happiness, life, liberty, justice … we want healthy families, healthy schools. Most of the time I find that people are talking about issues and how to solve them.”

However, Sparks and Tyson are not immune to how polarizing politics can be. In an effort to help create hope and understanding between people, Sparks said they are currently working together on publishing a book about “the polarization of America … and how to bridge that gap.”

“There are a lot of gray areas,” Sparks said. “People want you to say something is black or white, yes or no, but there are many different pockets or issues that spawn off one main issue.”

Both sisters recognize a direct correlation between their political and business lives with how they were raised. An example: “Being responsible, making sure we took care of our business financially, things of that nature,” Sparks said.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun.

“We are very close,” Sparks said. “We do a lot of things together. And, we do things that we love to do, so it propels us forward. We don’t feel like we work. We know we work; we don’t feel like we work.”

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author

Saturday is the day, for leaf pick up in Wyoming

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Saturday is the day — the day that the City of Wyoming will host its once-a-year curbside yard waste pick up.

The City of Wyoming’s yearly curbside leaf pick-up is this Saturday, Dec. 3. (Pxhere.com)

Every year on the first Saturday in December, the City of Wyoming hosts a free curbside yard waste pick up for its residents. This year, that falls on Saturday, Dec. 3.

To participate, residents should have all yard waste out on the curb by 6 a.m. Leaves should be in paper bags. Brush should be tied in bundles and not more than four feet long.

Yard Waste site still open

The City of Wyoming’s yard waste site, located at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW., is currently open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Starting Dec. 12, the hours will change to 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

At the site, there is a leave and grass pile and a brush pile. Residents are asked to sort items accordingly. To use the area, residents are required to show proof of residency, such as a photo ID or a utility bill, to the guard shack. Residents should enter the site off of Burlingame Avenue.

For more information, click here.

Undocumented workers could be untapped revenue source

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Kent County,

By Liam Jackson
Capital News Service

Currently, undocumented workers cannot get a driver’s license because the State Attorney General Office has determined an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a citizen of Michigan. (Pxhere.com)

LANSING – Undocumented Michiganders are fighting for the right to obtain a driver’s license, an action supporters say could generate $100 million for the state.

An initiative called Drive SAFE could pave the way.

 

Some advocates say they hope Michigan becomes the 19th state to pass similar legislation. Supporters range from teacher and nurse associations to religious groups and business owners.

SAFE stands for Safety, Access, Freedom and Economy, all of which would be improved by the passage of the bills, said Simon Marshall-Shah, a policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, a nonpartisan policy institute.

“This is a case of people being able to freely get where they need to go,” Marshall-Shah said. “This often can involve supporting their families, taking a child to school or the doctor’s office, getting other health care services for themselves or their families, going to church.”

Concerns about undocumented workers driving

A passionate supporter of the legislation is Rob Steffens, the owner of Steffens Orchards in Sparta, 15 miles north of Grand Rapids, who says he is worried about undocumented workers who have been driving to and from work in Michigan for years.

“They want to follow the law, and they can’t,” Steffens said. “And they are not going anywhere. There isn’t a plant in Michigan – and I don’t care if you are talking about turkey, chicken, apple, cherry or asparagus – that doesn’t have undocumented workers.”

The package contains two bills in the House and two in the Senate. They were all introduced in 2021.

So far the bills are stalled in committee.

“We did have a hearing that was scheduled back in 2021 that was under the (House) Rules and Competitiveness Committee,” Marshall-Shah said. “The hearing was pulled at the last minute.”

Hope for the future

But as 2022 ends and a new legislative session is set to begin, the League for Public Policy says it hopes the bills may be finally heard in committee, Marshall-Shah said. If not, momentum is building to take it up again in the new session.

 

“In terms of the Drive SAFE bills being able to move forward in both chambers, I do see a possibility for that in this upcoming session,” Marshall-Shah said. “I think that the Drive Michigan Forward Coalition overall has really built up a lot of support among legislators and among advocates.”

Drive Michigan Forward is a coalition of organizations run by immigrants and their allies who believe in the restoration of driver’s licenses for all people, according to the group’s website.

 

In 2008, the Secretary of State implemented an opinion of former Attorney Gen. Mike Cox that said an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a Michigan resident. Since then, undocumented people in Michigan have been unable to receive a driver’s license.

Not everyone in favor of the Drive SAFE legislation sounds as confident as Marshall-Shah.

“The committee process is clearly controlled by the Republicans, and they have been uninterested in moving this forward in the past,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, a cosponsor of the Senate bills. “My expectation is that it is not going to be moving, especially now that it has gotten so late in the legislative calendar, but I don’t really know.”

Improved public safety and reduced insurance costs are key attributes of the legislation, Irwin said.

“Right now, we have a number of drivers who, because of the law, cannot get properly licensed,” he said. “We have a lot of drivers in Michigan who are not paying into the insurance system.”

A potential revenue source

Money is a big selling point, Marshall-Shah said. Undocumented people in Michigan in total hold almost $2.5 billion in spending power.

That money can’t be spent in areas around the state and in local economies if undocumented Michiganders are denied access to a driver’s license, said Marshall-Shah.

On top of that, Michigan would bring in over $100 million over a decade because of these laws, according to the League for Public Policy. The money would come from license fees and revenue from registering vehicles and sales and gas taxes.

Opposition to this legislation has not come from any specific person or group, said Marshall-Shah.

 

“I would say the pushback in general has come from people who are really unaware of the benefits of the bills,” he said. “Certainly we’ve seen a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment at-large over the last few years, particularly at the federal level and under the Trump administration.”

Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.

Updates on Kentwood house fire deaths and homicide at apartments

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


As part of its preliminary investigation into a Nov. 28 house fire that claimed the lives of two people, the Kentwood Fire Department believes the cause was accidental.  

 

KFD, in partnership with the Kentwood Police Department and Michigan State Police, continues to investigate the fire in the 400 block of 48th Street SE. Fire investigators are looking into possible electrical issues after finding a space heater near the fire’s origin.  

 

At 3:23 a.m. on Nov. 28, the Kentwood Fire and Police departments were dispatched to the 400 block of 48th Street SE in response to a residential house fire. A KFD medic unit was the first to arrive and initiated rescue attempts, followed quickly by additional Kentwood and Cutlerville firefighters, who joined efforts to rescue individuals in the home and put out the fire. 

 

The home was occupied by 11 individuals at the time of the fire. Nine of the residents made it out of the home safely. Medical assistance was provided to a 12-year-old female and a 19-year-old female, who were both pronounced dead at the scene.  

 

The cause of death for both individuals was smoke inhalation. Their names are being withheld pending notification of loved ones. 

Kentwood Police Department seeking info on recent homicide

The Kentwood Police Department is asking anyone with information on a homicide that occurred Friday, Nov. 25 at the 5100 block of Wichita Dr SE to call 616-656-6604.

(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Officers arrived on the scene and located a 30-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds in the hallway of one of the apartment buildings. The subject was pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

 

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Wyoming police continue to search for missing man

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

This is the most recent picture of Raymond Tarasiewicz. The photo was provided by his family.

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues to search for missing Wyoming resident Raymond Tarasiewicz and are asking residents to continue sending tips and information.

Tarasiewicz, 69, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. The closet cross streets are Burlingame Avenue and 44th Street.

 

He is described as a white male, 6-foot, 2 inches tall and about 225 pounds. He has white hair and a white beard. He wears black prescription glasses and may be wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.

 

Tarasiewicz has early signs of dementia. According to the Wyoming police, he has been known to wander and go into garages or outbuildings in his neighborhood. Tarasiewicz is known to frequent the 36th Street/Burlingame Avenue area. He has medical issues and requires medication regularly. He does not have known access to money and did not take his cell phone with him.

If you have seen Raymond Tarasiewciz or have information, please call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 1-866-774-2345.

Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have followed up on all leads that have developed since the time Tarasiewicz was reported missing. Detectives have also followed up on all tips received from citizens as they continue to actively investigate this case. Numerous resources have been used to attempt to locate Tarasiewicz and he is listed as missing in both law enforcement and other databases.

Family members have indicated that if anyone sees Tarasiewicz to call out “Hey Ray!” to try to help snap him out of his daze and call 911 to get him the medical attention he needs.

Anyone who may have seen Tarasiewicz or has information on his location that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. 

Winter parking rules in Wyoming start this week

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, West Michigan, , ,

By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

The City of Wyoming does blow its sidewalks after two or more inches of snow. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)

It’s that time of year again, the winter weather is back! With that, the City of Wyoming would like to remind residents of street parking rules and snowplowing guidelines to help keep the roads clear of snow in the winter time.

It is important to note that according to the city’s website, Wyoming has approximately 250 miles (or 600 lane-miles) of streets. 44th and 28th streets are the major streets with the most traffic, meaning they are prioritized and plowed first, then collector streets, and finally, residential streets and cul-de-sacs.

City of Wyoming Winter Parking

The odd-even ordinance is in effect from Dec. 1 (Thursday) to March 31. Ensuring cars are on the correct side of the street means quicker plow times and safer commutes for residents. If the ordinance is not followed, first time offenders can be warned or even given a ticket.

So, how does the ordinance work? Match the day with the street address. On odd days, park on the side of the street that contains odd addresses (those ending in 1,3,5,7,9). On even days, park on the side of the street that contains even addresses (those ending in 0,2,4,6,8). For those who live in cul-de-sacs, you may park on the street on even days.

 

Cars must be on the correct side of the street from midnight to 7 p.m. and residents are encouraged to move their cars to the correct side of the street between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Sidewalks and fire hydrants

Residents are asked to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow by their homes/businesses. Local fire department officials say that having hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire. It is recommended to keep three feet of area on all sides of the fire hydrant clear of snow and ice.

The city plows sidewalks at night after there has been two or more inches of snow. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks clear of obstructions and items (trash cans, cars, signs, etc.) to help the City of Wyoming when plowing the sidewalks.  

Kentwood school recognized for student achievement

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Hard News,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School was one out of five schools in the state of Michigan to receive the 2022 Building the Hope Schools award from the Education Trust-Midwest.

Challenger received the award for consistently demonstrating exceptional progress for traditionally underserved students.

Schools receiving this award are in the top 25 percent for academic proficiency or above average student growth, according to analyses by researchers from the nonpartisan Education Trust-Midwest. The Education Trust-Midwest is a data-driven education policy, research and advocacy organization, works for the high academic achievement of all Michigan students in pre-kindergarten through college.

To determine recipients of this award, researchers from The Education Trust-Midwest examined data for the 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 school years. Analysts and team members also visiting schools and conducted interviews to get a firsthand look of schools’ learning environments as part of the process to select the award winners. Challenger impressed the team by showing excellence in, not just one, but in three areas that included excellence in learning for students of color, English Learners, and students who come from low income backgrounds.

“I want to recognize our students and their efforts in helping our school receive this honor,” said Challenger Principal Teressa Gatza in a letter to families. “We set high expectations for each of our students in many areas, and year after year, our students strive to meet those expectations.”

Gatza also thanks parents and families for their support and Challenger’s staff for their hard work, dedication and genuine care for the students. 

How to stay active during the winter

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, ,

Emily Armstrong
Area Agency of Aging Western Michigan

When it comes to house repairs, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to help. (Pxhere.com)

Fall is in full swing and with that comes cooler weather. As the seasons change, you are more inclined to stay indoors and pass on events you used to enjoy in the warmer months–it happens to the best of us. Yet this lack of socialization, movement, and engagement in the winter can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Winter can be an especially difficult season for older adults. You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you could start feeling a bit defeated during this time. Trying to combat these things can be overwhelming, but just because you aren’t able to get out as much doesn’t mean there aren’t a variety of things you can do to have a winter of wellness.

Here are just a few tips:

Take advantage of open enrollment. Now is a good time to review your healthcare needs. Medicare/Medicaid Open Enrollment is underway, and you can make changes to your plan through Dec. 7. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program can be a great support in navigating this, offering unbiased help at 1-800-803-7174.

Catch a ride. Several transportation resources are available specifically for older adults, and it is great to be able to take advantage of these in winter months when there is inclement weather. In Kent County, RideLink provides seniors 60+ with affordable rides throughout the county.

You can learn more about RideLink at https://www.aaawm.org/ridelink, or feel free to call 616-774-1288 to schedule a ride. If you are outside Kent County, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can connect you to other transportation resources in our nine-county region.

Move your body. An important aspect of aging well is prioritizing both your physical and emotional health. Many community options are available to meet individuals where they are, including the newly renamed Engaging Wellness. All Engaging Wellness programs are designed specifically for older adults, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. Community partners within the nine-county network are dedicated to helping seniors stay active and independent, bringing a holistic, full-circle approach to aging with education on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and fitness classes.

Use your resources. It can be tough to keep up with the maintenance of your home in the winter. When this happens, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A family member or friend was probably always willing but perhaps unsure of what help you need. Or if this isn’t an option, through the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, a number of home chores and repair services are available from yard cleanup, snow removal, lawn mowing, and minor home maintenance.

Connect to your community. Whether it is joining a senior center, a book club at your local library or volunteering for a cause that matters, being involved can help your mood immensely. You get a healthy dose of regular socialization with others, and when you join a group initiative, you are more likely to stick to it as other people can help keep you accountable.

So, what’s your next step? Reach out to us at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan; it is a knowledge hub for services available to seniors. Often we will offer information on local senior centers to join, available exercise programming, and home and transportation resources to help you maintain your independence over the more challenging winter months and throughout the year. Visit www.aaawm.org/services or call 616-456-5664 to get started.

Coping with grief during the holidays

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Kent County, Senior Living,

By Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice’s grief support services are open to anyone in the community on a grief journey regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care. (Emmanuel Hospice/Adobe Stock)

It can be hard handling the holidays – especially if you’re trying to process grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.

But there are ways to make it through this season.

That’s not to say there’s a magic wand available to make your sadness vanish. But strategies and coping mechanisms do exist that can be put into place to make the holidays a little less stressful, even though you’re recovering from a loss.

“One of the first things to realize is that grief is a continuum,” says Ashley Huisman, bereavement coordinator for Emmanuel Hospice. “So, while one person might react very stoically and without a lot of tears, another might be extremely emotional.

“The important thing is not to judge; we don’t know what anyone is dealing with internally in that moment.”

Another thing to consider, says Huisman, is that not everyone processes grief according to the so-called five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, despair and acceptance.

“Grief isn’t a standard, cookie-cutter type of thing,” she says, noting it’s just as common to bounce between these stages or even skip one as it is to follow them in a linear way.

Huisman offers the following tips on how to cope with grief at the holidays:

  • Manage expectations. Just because you’ve always been relied upon to bake that fancy dessert, the grief you’re feeling might compel you to pass this year. Even at the risk of thinking you’re letting someone down, take care of yourself first. “Pick out the tasks or customs,” says Huisman, “that have the most meaning for you.”
  • Make time for yourself. “Take a nap,” says Huisman. “Listen to music. Try to be reflective. Or even try to not remember for a while what you’re dealing with. The important thing is to check in with yourself and be sure you’re getting what you need.”
  • Give to get. When grief overwhelms, make a conscious effort to support others. It can help you create perspective and focus on another’s needs. Says Huisman, “It’s giving your heart a break.”
  • Memorialize your loss. Create a special ornament that honors the person gone. Continue to hang a stocking in their name, and slip a note inside telling them the ways they’re missed. Light a candle. Write a poem. Buy a gift they would have loved and donate it in their name to a cause. 
  • Reach out for help. Emmanuel Hospice, for example, offers workshops and support groups to help anyone in the community manage grief, regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care.

The nonprofit is offering free “Handling the Holidays” grief support sessions at various locations in the greater Grand Rapids area:

  • Monday, Dec. 5 from 1-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2-3 p.m. 
  • Monday, Dec. 19 from 10-11 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10-11 a.m.

     

Those interested in joining are asked to contact Emmanuel Hospice if they plan to attend and get more information at 616-719-0919 or EHBereavement@emmanuelhospice.org. RSVPs are welcome up until the day of the event.

In addition to leading support groups, Emmanuel Hospice provides support through counseling, education and referrals to community resources to help individuals cope with all stages of grief before, during and even after the holidays. More information is available at EmmanuelHospice.org/grief-support.

Though it sounds simplistic, Huisman encourages people grieving through the holidays to “take them one day at a time. Try not to be anxious.

“Most of all,” she says, “look for things that will give you comfort. And let the rest be.”

Kentwood Holiday Light Display Contest Dec. 1-14

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Holidays, West Michigan, ,
One of last year’s entries in the Kentwood Holiday Light Display Contest. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting residents to get in the holiday spirit by participating in the second annual holiday light display contest.

Community members interested in participating are asked to first register online at bit.ly/HolidayLightContest. They can then submit photos of their outdoor holiday light display to eRecreation@kentwood.us or on social media using the hashtag #KentwoodLightContest from Dec. 1-14. 


First Place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Entries must be located within Kentwood city limits or within the Kentwood Public School district. The photos will be posted to the City’s social media platforms, where community members can vote for their favorite display. The three displays with the most votes will earn prizes and bragging rights for a year. 

“After a successful inaugural year, we’re excited to host this friendly, festive competition again,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “This is a fun opportunity for our community to get into the holiday spirit and tap into their creative side.” 

Winning prizes

  • First place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy, and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag. 
  • Second place: A second place trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag. 
  • Third place: A third place trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag. 

Voting will take place Dec. 15-20 on the City’s Facebook Pages – City of Kentwood and City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. The winners will be announced online Wednesday, Dec. 21.



One of last year’s entries in the Kentwood Holiday Light Display Contest. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



From the Kentwood Holiday Light Display Contest 2021. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Worried about interest rate volatility? “Ladder up!”

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com

If you are like many pre-retirees or retirees, you may be hesitant to purchase annuities because you worry you will enter the market at the wrong time and won’t maximize your returns. An increasingly popular technique known as “annuity laddering” may help guard against this situation and make the transition to annuities much easier and less stressful for you.

Building an annuity ladder means that you purchase a series of annuities over time instead of dumping a lump sum into one annuity that locks you into one rate. With a ladder, you split your premium across multiple smaller annuities. For instance, maybe you decide to buy one annuity every two years for the next ten years. Or you buy one annuity per year for the next five years.

The annuity ladder strategy has several advantages

The first advantage is that you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your annuities, you are less susceptible to the fluctuations of the market.

The second advantage is that you can take advantage of changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, you can purchase annuities that have not yet been affected by the market change.

The third advantage is that you can ladder annuities with different payouts. For example, you could buy an annuity with a term period of 5 years, the next year buy another 5-year term period, and up the ladder, you go. When you use the annuity as income, when one matures, simply start converting them to an income stream. Income periods can be any length you wish, even a lifetime. This way, you would have a stream of income that would last for the rest of your life.

Diversifying to reduce risk

Laddering annuities can be a great way to secure your financial future. By diversifying your annuities, you can protect yourself from market fluctuations and take advantage of changes in interest rates. By laddering annuities with different payouts, you can ensure that you have a stream of income that lasts for the rest of your life.

Annuity laddering can help you manage risk. By laddering annuities with different maturity dates, you create a “spread” that can protect you against interest rate risk.

Since predictions of whether interest rates will go up or down are, at best-educated guesses, an annuity ladder lets you bet on both scenarios. A ladder may increase your chances of earning more when rates go up or smooth out losses if rates go down.

Always review to see what’s right for you

There are many different ways to build annuity ladders for yield, including fixed-rate ladders using multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs). You can also use a “mixed-fix” approach combining MYGAs and fixed–index annuities. Deferred multi-year ladders work in a somewhat similar fashion to certificates of deposit (CDs).

Another approach is the deferred multi-year annuity ladder. You take a lump sum to purchase several small annuities in a deferred multi-year annuity ladder, each with a different maturity date. As each annuity matures, you either roll it over into a new annuity or convert it to income.

Creating an annuity ladder may not work for everyone. Still, it is worth bringing up with your retirement advisor, especially if you find yourself considering adding Safe Money products to your portfolio.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Exploring the world of Jim Henson

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kent County, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma with GRAM Director of Art Chris Bruce. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

It was by chance that Chris Bruce was introduced to the world of Jim Henson.

“As a family, we would go to these auctions,” Bruce said. “At one, there was a box of kids toys that we got. At the bottom of the box, there was a VHS (tape) which was the ‘Dark Crystal.’”

It was love at first viewing.

“I just love how he understood the need for kids to face fear,” Bruce said. “That they needed to be able to recognize it and know what it is.”

Fast forward several years and Bruce, who is now working for the Grand Rapids Art Museum, is in New York. A friend tells him about an exhibit of Jim Henson’s work at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI).

Bruce arrived at the MoMI, only to find it closed. But all was not lost as he managed to convince someone to let him in to see “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited.”

“After seeing it, I knew immediately that the Museum needed to bring this exhibit in,” Brue said, adding that staff had been considering it. “It has everything that we were seeking for an installation. It is entertaining. It is diverse. It is vibrant and it is relatable.

“I saw it as something that would speak to everyone.”

It would take a few more years for the Museum to get the exhibit on its schedule and during that time Bruce was named the GRAM’s director of art and is the curator for the exhibit.

And as Bruce moves a small group through the exhibit, you can quickly tell that the GRAM picked the best person to curate this particular exhibit.

Life’s like a movie

Opened at the beginning of October, the exhibit features a broad range of artifacts related to Henson’s career. This includes more than 20 puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, film and television clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and iconic costumes. There are also interactive experiences that allow visitors to try their hand at puppeteering on camera and designing a puppet character.

As the group moves through the exhibit, Bruce tells of of the layout and story behind the exhibit.

Visitors travel through a timeline of Henson’s career with the different sections color-coated. Greeted by a 1978 Kermit the Frog, the exhibit starts with Henson’s early life when he was first introduced to television and puppetry. It weaves through his first television show, “Sam and Friends” leading into his years with “Sesame Street.”

Characters from “Fraggle Rock”
The stuff animals from “The “Labyrinth”


“The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, is featured prominently with all the episodes being run at the sametime on a screen. Continue to follow the path through the hall to discover such iconic shows “Muppet Babies” and “Fraggle Rock” which leads to Henson’s groundbreaking “Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which starred David Bowie. The exhibit ends looking at some of the projects Henson was working on before his untimely death in 1990.

 

“And if you watch the closing monitor, you can even see Jim Henson saying ‘good-bye,” Bruce said.

Joining Kermit are such familiar characters as Grover, Ernie, Bert, and Count von Count from “Sesame Street”; Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and Scooter from “The Muppets”; and Jen and Kira puppets from “The Dark Crystal.” Also on display are the costumes from “The Labyrinth.”

Making a connection

Grand Rapids Art Museum Director of Art Chris Bruce in front of the Jen and Kira puppets from “The Dark Crystal.” (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“It has been an incredible opportunity to be the curator while this exhibit is here,” Bruce said.

As for a favorite section, Bruce said he couldn’t pick one. Each has its place and, while all were made for children, there meanings and theme reach out to what is going on today.

“‘Fraggle Rock’ was about race relations and how people need to work together,” Bruce said, adding that making connections was another them that ran through Henson’s work.

“I think the takeaway from all of this is being together,” Bruce said. “We are all different but we are all in this together.”

The “Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” runs through Jan. 14 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. Throughout the months of December and January, there are several drop-in and adult workshops centered around puppetry in celebration of the exhibit. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.

A local artist uses her creativity to give back

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Recreation, ,

By Maddy Visscher
ArtRat Gallery

Journeè Evans’ passion for Grand Rapids art, poetry and community gained new perspective in January 2022, when she relocated downtown from the city’s southeast side.

“I wanted to know my surroundings more, to expand,” she told ArtRat. “That’s why I love living in Grand Rapids: You’re always going to run into a different crowd and new culture that you can explore and bring in knowledge and connections. We have something special, something a lot of people are searching for.” 

Bringing communities and cultures together is central to Journeè’s work. In our neighborhood alone, Mama Sol’Ja has performed at 106 Gallery’s Thing to Do Thursdays, at GRNoir’s Vino & Verses reading series, and at The Hai-Cuu Experience and Saturday Musicians’ Co-op here at ArtRat. On Nov. 4, she co-hosted Pass the Mic GR at the Wealthy Theatre at the invitation of co-founder Shayna “Akanke” Marie.

At ArtRat, she has sourced West Michigan artists and artisans for ArtRat’s Holiday ArtMart, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Also during ArtRat’s Third Thursday event Dec. 15, she will host a poetry paint-and-pour as part of her new Sol’s Sessions performance series.

“I met some of the most loving, caring and amazing people” at Pass the Mic, Journeè said. “It was one of those opportunities that you don’t get unless you know that this is something you’re supposed to bring to the world. There’s so many amazing things that come through Grand Rapids, and a lot of people don’t get to see them.”

Journeè has also become an ambassador for C4 (the Community Collaboration on Climate Change),a grassroots organization that is working to make Grand Rapids a model city for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and climate justice for its residents.

In her role with C4, Journeè will work closely with the residents of Grand Rapids to learn the specifics of what our community needs to move forward. (You can download more information on C4 here and here.)

Sol’s Sessions

Her experience at Grand Rapids’ art venues inspired Journeè’s latest project: Sol’s Sessions, a collaborative forum for the city’s emerging artists, poets, singers and dancers that she plans to host throughout the city. “The idea was actually born out of the idea for a dance group,” she said, “but I fell back in love with writing poetry. So it became a space for everything: You can come and speak, listen, cry, dance, even paint or sketch!

“Creativity doesn’t take from anything, or anyone — it simply gives. When you gain creativity, you gain freedom and independence. It gives you the courage to live on without fear.”

Mama Sol’Ja will host a “Sunflower World” edition of Sol’s Sessions on Nov. 18 at the Wealthy Theatre Community Media Center. The event begins at 6pm with performances by six West Michigan poets, leading into an open mic. “I want anybody who has a talent to come and show it so they can get their flowers and that love,” she said. “That’s what the Sunflower World is about.” To keep the flame lit as we head into dark winter months, you’re invited to dress in yellow and join the celebration.

Bringing it all to ArtRat

In December, Journeè will apply her community-building talents to ArtRat, introducing new vendors to the gallery at the Holiday ArtMart, then hosting a Sol’s Session that features poetry alongside participatory painting. “I get to bring in this great community of people who became entrepreneurs in their own right,” she said. “They went out and they actually did something! It’s so amazing to me to see that grit.

“COVID really just stopped a lot of things. Now that people are up and running, I want to really encourage us to gain as much as we can gain because we all went through so much. I was thrilled to be able to give people that opportunity, whether it’s local artists, or younger people who want to pursue creative endeavors.

“I’m thrilled that I get to be able to bring people a new, positive way,” Journeè said, “just to show themselves and be able to express whatever thoughts they have on their mind. We’re definitely going to change it over here. It’s important to give voice to change — and that’s what we’re doing here.”

This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.

The Rapid makes improvements to Silverline

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

By WKTV Journal Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Silverline will now include on-board payments. (WKTV)

The Rapid is reintroducing the Silver Line to new and returning customers with on-board fare payments to prepare for contactless payments coming in 2023. The change improves customer experience, avoids expensive equipment replacements, and aligns with how people pay fares on other buses in the system.

As the original ticket vending machines reach their end of life, The Rapid is preparing for convenient payment options onboard the Silver Line buses rather than replacing the expensive equipment. Transactions for fare will look just like the rest of The Rapid’s routes other than the Laker Line. These changes include installing Wave card readers and cash fareboxes onboard. These changes will prepare The Rapid for the contactless fare payment options, including Apple Pay and Google Pay coming in Spring 2023.

“We’re continually reviewing our system and our performance and taking the steps we need to, focusing on how The Rapid can improve mobility and access for all,” said Deb Prato, chief executive officer for The Rapid. “We look at how can we make it easier for our customers to get from point A to point B, how to choose the best route or combination of transportation options, and how to pay for their fares in the most convenient way possible.”

The Rapid launched the Silver Line, Michigan’s first Bus Rapid Transit service in 2014. The Silver Line provided an express route for customers in the Division Avenue corridor and was equipped with the best technology available at the time.

The Silver Line blurs the lines between buses and trains by offering customers more amenities than a typical bus service. Customers have access to the park and ride options and convenient fare vending. The Silver Line stations offer sheltered, accessible platform boarding and real-time arrival information. Traffic signal prioritization, hybrid diesel-electric buses, and high-frequency service are also features of this bus rapid transit service.

Customers will use the same payment methods on Silver Line buses as the rest of the fixed-route bus system. Adult customers pay $1.75 per ride with exact cash or can receive the best value by purchasing a $47 monthly Wave card, The Rapid’s smart transit pass, that launched in 2018 to make fare payments easier. With the Wave card, receive the highest value for the amount with fare-capping and free transfers within one hour and 45 minutes. Specialty Wave cards, like youth and reduced fare, require picture identification and can be purchased at The Rapid’s Information Center within Central Station. Adult Wave cards can be purchased online at wave.ridetherapid.org.  

Student chalks up a research success

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, , ,

By Daniel Schoenherr
Capital News Service

LANSING – A chalk mural by Grand Valley State University student Jacob Yingling depicts what he studies: yellow perch in drowned river mouth systems.

Jacob Yingling’s chalk mural took him two hours to create and many more hours to plan. It reads, “Yellow Perch Condition in Drowned Rivermouth System.” Credit: Jacob Yingling

Through the data Yingling collected for the university’s Annis Water Resources Institute, he discovered that the average weight and health of fish captured at Lake Macatawa is significantly below standard levels.

His artwork was part of a recent Grand Valley Chalk Art Symposium, where dozens of students showcased their work on the Pew Library plaza.

“This was my first time doing something like this,” Yingling said. He said he loves drawing landscapes in his free time and was excited to be a part of the event.

Combining science with artwork allowed people who wouldn’t have otherwise seen his research to see it, said Yingling. “I believe science is really for everyone.”

Attendees approached Yingling throughout the day to find out more about his research.

“A lot of people thought it was cool, and they stopped to ask what it meant and how it was impacting them,” he said.

Great Lakes river mouths are home to ports and cities that have lots of human interaction, according to a 2013 article in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

 

The activity can harm marine health through factors such as runoff and improper waste disposal.

Sharing scientific research through artwork is a growing trend, said Michigan State University Museum Creative Director Mark Sullivan.

“Science gives artists opportunities for an approach they have never taken before,” he said. Artistic expression and interpretation can improve the observational skills of scientists, too.

Science and art have come together all over the scientific community, according to another Annis researcher, Michael Hassett.

 

Institutions nationwide promote seminars through colorful posters, feature artwork in their studies and have even spread water awareness through interpretive dance.

You don’t have to be an activist to take action.

According to Yingling, the people viewing his mural often asked how they could help preserve yellow trout along Michigan’s west coast.

“The best way for us to generate funding is to get the public interested in what we’re doing,” he said.

Just like Yingling, Sullivan’s team gets out into the community with artistic exhibits and performances based on research subjects like climate change, immigration and technology.

“We’re not about sitting on the shelf, but taking action,” Sullivan said.

 

Daniel Schoenherr reports for Great Lakes Echo.

ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Local gallery looks to share the hidden gem of Heartside

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, , ,

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

Sounds of music, song, and poetry rang out for close to three hours in the cozy, art-filled space known as ArtRat.

The event, known as “Saturday Musicians Co-op,” showcased local artists, giving them a chance to practice their craft in front of a live audience and on this fall day, about two dozen people came out to watch singers, musicians and poets all take their turn at the mic.

It is only a sample of the array of activities that has been taking place at Division Avenue’s newest tenant, all of which are designed to highlight just what a hidden gem the Heartside District is.

Heartside’s Renaissance

The Heartside neighborhood has gone through a transformation in recent years. Prices for retail space is very reasonable making it attractive for unique specialty shops and eateries that now dot the landscape of the Division corridor. Once such place is ArtRat.

ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Owned by Matthew Rothenberg and his wife, Nancy Tobin, ArtRat, 46 Division Ave., opened up to the public a little over a year ago. Rothenberg said Tobin, a painter, had already been using the space when the couple saw its potential to build community.

 

“So Nancy first started using this as her studio in 2018,” Rothernberg said. “And then we realized what a beautiful space this would be to have a gallery. So last year, we renovated the space and opened just before ArtPrize 2021.”

Tobin is a Grand Rapids native and graduated from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 1981. She eventually made her way out West, where she met Rothenberg. Years later, the couple moved back to be closer to Tobin’s family.

 

Having spent several years living in bigger cities, like New York and San Francisco, Rothenberg said Grand Rapids has its own unique vibe. One he digs.

“It’s got the kind of intensity and vibrancy that we look for in cities,” Rothenberg said. “Nancy and I are city people. Our kids are too. This feels like that.” 

Building the Community

But it’s not just art and artists’ performances taking center stage at ArtRat. To get people more engaged in the community, ArtRat is hosting more civic minded events. The gallery held a voter registration event in the fall and partnered up with PROACTIVE Project to try to get more citizens registered for the recent midterm election.

ArtRat audience enjoys an evening of music and poetry during the Saturday Musicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

ArtRat was also one of four sites picked to host a voting event for Participatory Budgeting GR. Participatory Budgeting GR was an initiative that allowed citizens to vote on proposals created by residents in order to spend the $2 million that the City was allocated to get because of the American Rescue Plan Act. Residents were asked to come up with ideas on how to spend the federal funds and then they got to vote on their favorites.

ArtRat has also been mixing art with song, music, poetry, and other live performances in an effort to bring in patrons and local artists alike. They’ve hosted ‘The Hai-Cuu Experience’ at the gallery about once a month. The Hip-Hop poetry experience is a collaboration with Cuu JoSama and Kenneth Cortez Productions.

It’s just the cool place to be

Starting in November, a new monthly event, ‘Americana Sundays’ will showcase individual singer-songwriters and bands performing in American roots music styles.

 

Rothenberg said he hopes events like this will help make people aware that this hip, cool scene is happening in the Heartside neighborhood. A vibrant and diverse area that’s starting to attract younger artists and people who enjoy the arts. Rothenberg said he’s confident once people see the potential this neighborhood has, they’ll be back.

“People may not be aware that it has a thriving retail scene with lots of unique things for people to do,” said Rothenberg. “There’s plenty of parking, cool businesses, cool people. Just a cool community to be a part of.”

Building a community through the Arts

Madyson Visscher, a local artist, works for the gallery as its social media manager. The 22-year-old moved to the neighborhood a year ago and like the owners she works for, she fell in love with the area and what it has to offer. She said Heartside has seen an explosion in the art scene, making the gallery a perfect hub for the community and herself.

ArtRat is located at 46 S. Division Ave. in the hear to the Heartside District. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I feel at home here for sure,” said Visscher. “There’s even this strip now. With all of the new retail and like resources that are here. Whether it’s a little space, so someone like me, an artist, I can go work in there. It’s a co-working space, plenty of cafés. We got the new vintage stores that are up and I’ve been spending way too much money in those.”

Visscher has been writing features on behalf of the ArtRat gallery showcasing some of the businesses in the area. The stories are published via email once or twice a week. She’s also been talking and getting feedback from residents in the neighborhood. Visscher said the gallery hopes it can break the stereotype that it only caters to people of a certain status.

 

“I think some art galleries can be a little uppity or sophisticated,” said Visscher. “But we’re definitely trying to change that narrative and be a space not only for artists, but just for the community too.”

Open Mic Night a Success 

Rothenberg, a musician, said he wanted to give artists a place to hone their skills thus that is how the “Saturday Musicians Co-op” came to be.

Eli Winkelman, on drums, was excited to showcase his talent during a recent SaturdayMusicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

That opportunity to showcase his craft is why 18-year-old drummer Eli Winkelman came. The recent high school graduate of Grand Rapids has played a few times in front of people but mainly for school related events. He said the owners are a friend of his dad’s. He said he was happy for the opportunity to jam.

“It was actually really fun,” Winkelman said. “Because like, we actually got like, a lot of people, and it was pretty cool. Made me feel good.”

Some more seasoned performers took part as well. Journeé Evans, 23, is no stranger to performing. Evans is an artist and poet. The audience sat in silence, drinking in the words falling from her lips. She was met with the roar of applause afterwards. Evans said she was happy to be a part of the experiment.

“I feel like it is very unique”, Evans said. “And it’s very innovative, bringing in two genres that aren’t usually together, and then making an experience that everybody can enjoy. I feel like that’s a very balanced and awesome way of bringing attraction to any place.”

Journeé Evans, receives around of applause after her poetry reading. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

And that for Rothenberg was the whole point.

 

“Something I can do is create opportunities for people to come here”, Rothenberg said. “And perform here and interact here. You know, just get them down here and they can see the opportunities for themselves.”

For more information about ArtRat’s events, you can follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/artrat.us

It is time to ‘give back,’ Wyoming

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The return of the annual Wyoming Gives Back event will include a new venue and a tree lighting ceremony.

Every year, the City of Wyoming has been able to collect more than a 1,000 toys at its annual Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)

City organizers recently announced that this year’s event, which is from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1, will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. The reason for the move, according to Jennifer Stowell, assistant to the city manager, is for the tree lighting ceremony, which will close out the event.

“Our City Manager, Curtis Holt, wanted to have the tree lighting ceremony,” Stowell said, adding that it has been about 10 years since the city has such an event.

“So none of the city lights will come on until after the tree lighting ceremony,” she said.

It will be the first in-person Wyoming Gives Back in two years. Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID and in 2020, it was a virtual program that was filmed and produced at the WKTV Community Center.

Wyoming Gives Back is Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.

“It’s the season for joy as our community comes together once again to celebrate the holidays,” Wyoming Mayor Elect Kent Vanderwood said. “We encourage Wyoming residents and community members to join the festivities, which will include a great lineup of local school choirs and bands, gift giving, a tree lighting and more.”

The Wyoming Gives Back will be similar to those in the past. Residents will bring toys to the Wyoming City Hall. The toys are donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. For each toy donated, a resident receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.

The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will perform at this year’s Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)

There will be additional prizes this year as several businesses who donated to last year’s event had the city keep their donation for this year, Stowell said.

During the two-hour event, there will be music from the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, Lee Varsity Voices Choir, and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band. All the groups will be performing in the Council Chambers. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there checking in with area children on their Christmas wishes. Also members of the Wyoming Police and Fire departments will be there as well. WKTV also will be there recording holiday greetings.

The City of Wyoming has been hosting the annual Wyoming Gives Back event for 12 years, partnering with local businesses and the community to celebrate the holiday season by helping those in need. For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/givesback or call 616-530-7372.

It is time to prepare your car for the cold

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Hard News, How-To's, ,

By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

Snowy weather is here which means making sure you have checked that your car has all your survival essentials. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)

With the colder months approaching quickly, it is important to stock your car with items that will help you through the winter. Winter weather can leave you stranded and having a kit of essentials can get you back on the road faster or make your time waiting for assistance more comfortable in the frigid temperatures.

Winter essentials for the car can include:

Ice scraper. This is an essential that can be found almost everywhere. Car scrapers with a brush end and scraper end are best (see image right) as they help remove both snow and ice from your car. Not only is it safe for you to clear your car of snow, it is also safe for those around you as snow falling off your car can impair their vision while driving.

 

A car scraper with a brush and scraper end is recommended.

Portable Shovel. Small portable shovels can be helpful when digging a car out from snow or when trying to leave a snowy street in the morning. If you have a big enough trunk, consider keeping a full-sized shovel on hand to make the process smoother.

Cat litter or salt. Did you know that cat litter can help budge a stuck car more than salt? Cat litter absorbs all the moisture around the tire and makes the surface dry to drive on. If you are stuck in snow or ice, pour small amounts around your wheels and slowly accelerate to dislodge your car. This can also be an affordable alternative to keeping salt in your car. Or if you want to keep it classic, salt does the job too. Be sure to have one on hand though as we enter the Michigan winter.

Extra warm clothes. Having extra clothes on hand can be helpful if your car has died and you are waiting for assistance on the side of the road. Put together a tote with a coat, gloves, hat, scarf, socks and if you have the room, a blanket. These items can help regulate your temperature while waiting for assistance and could potentially save your life.

Food and water. Some types of food, like non-perishables, can stay in your car for the winter months and come in handy for those unpredictable winter weather emergencies. Trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and canned foods can be kept in cold temperatures in your car. You should also keep water in your car. Stainless steel bottles are the best method of storing water, just remember to only fill them ¾ of the way as the colder temperatures can make the bottle burst if too full.

 

Take the time now to think about what you need and stock up your car essentials to keep you and your family safe during your winter travels.  

Image from Pxhere.com

He won the Nobel Prize, how about quantum annuities?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com
Image from Pxhere.com

Albert Einstein was ahead of his time. He revolutionized physics thinking, and his theory beginning with the breakout year of 1905, is still the basics of quantum physics today, more than 100 years later. When Einstein is remembered for his work, it is almost always E = mc², the theory of relativity. However, I think a more interesting part of Einstein’s life was his view on compound interest.

Albert Einstein called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time.”

The power of tax deferral

Compound interest allows the account to grow by earning interest on the original investment and any accumulated interest. Here is a generally accepted definition of compound interest.

The interest is calculated on the initial principal and the accumulated interest of prior periods. Compound interest differs from simple interest in that simple interest is calculated solely as a percentage of the principal sum.

Compound interest is offered by banks and savings institutions and is also referred to as “double compounding.” The interest is credited, but it is taxable. The downside is when the interest is credited to your account and comes with tax liability.

Insurance companies offer products that allow for tax deferral and compounding but, under certain situations, can also defer the tax liability. These products are called annuities and life insurance. If the accumulated funds are left untouched, the tax liability is deferred.

This concept is referred to as “triple compounding.”

If some of your savings are placed in an annuity, the benefit of tax deferral provides for:

  • Interest on your principal
  • Interest on your interest and
  • Interest on your tax saving, because your interest is free from current income tax in an annuity, can all continue to compound instead of being withdrawn for tax payments.

And there is more

Is that all there is? No! There is also “quantum compounding.”

Quantum Compounding is building on Triple Compounding by adding features only found on certain insurance company annuities.

·        A bonus of 5% to 10% may be available on funds deposited immediately and guaranteed

·        Long-term care benefit riders may be available

·        Lifetime income provisions

·        Annual moveable minimum guarantees

·        Full guarantees against loss and risk based on the insurance company’s ability to pay.

·        Probate avoidance using a named beneficiary

Consider the use of quantum annuities for added benefits and added value for yourself and your heirs.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Don’t miss WKTV’s 22nd Annual Turkey Bowl

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Sparta defeated Godwin Heights 25-16 in a Sept. 30 WKTV Game of the Week. (WKTV/Nathan Piers)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Our WKTV truck has been busy all season long covering exciting high school football Games of the Week in the Wyoming/Kentwood viewing area.

If you missed a GOTW, or would like to watch one for a second time, be sure to see our 22nd Annual Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day.

The 15-Hour Special, which starts at 9 a.m. Nov. 24, highlights most of our high school football Games of the Week. The Turkey Bowl is streamed live on the WKTV website at wktv.org or using this link:  https://www.wktv.org/live25.html

Individual games also are available as Video on Demand via this link: https://wktv.viebit.com/index.php?folder=WKTV+Sports

Relive the excitement on WKTV 25

9:00 a.m.     Ionia @ Kelloggsville

11:20 a.m.   Jenison @ East Kentwood

1:25 p.m.     Reeth’s-Puffer @ Wyoming

 3:35 p.m.    Sparta @ Godwin

 5:50 p.m.    Godwin @ Kelloggsville 

8:00 p.m.     Tri-Unity @ Lee 

10:30 p.m.   Grandville @ East Kentwood


University of Michigan Health-West adds new 3D technology

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , ,

By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope (Courtesy Aesculap, Inc.)

University of Michigan Health-West (UMH-W) recently announced that the medical facility have obtained an Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope to aid its neurosurgery team and further UM Health-West as an Innovative Healthcare Destination. University of Michigan Health-West serves the Grand Rapids metropolitan area with 18 outpatient centers and more than 500 physicians on staff.

 

Funding for this new microscope came from The University of Michigan Health-West Foundation. This foundation strives to make care more accessible, support professional development, improve patient experiences, and serve the people of West Michigan. 

What is an Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope?

An Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is a next generation, high resolution microscope  that will be used in the operating room to assist doctors. It will aid with robotic-guided positioning of surgical tools, 3D imaging, and provide doctors with a microscopic view of the body during surgery. Another feature of this microscope is the fluorescence capabilities will help guide doctors by lighting up tumors, aneurysms, and tissues. 

Aid for those in the operating room

The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope will provide ergonomic relief in the operating room for doctors. Due to the positioning of the microscope, surgeons will no longer have to hunch over microscopes for hours on end while twisting their bodies in uncomfortable positions in order to reach the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of patients during surgery. Procedures can last from six to eight hours long and having technology to help relieve some of the physical pain for doctors is a great advancement for the hospital and patient outcomes.

Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, said that this microscope will be a huge support for the surgical team.

“In traditional microsurgery, the surgeon might have to keep their head tilted at a 60-degree angle for hours at a time,” Grifka said. “We know they can perform better for their patients – and have greater job satisfaction – if they are comfortable and relaxed when performing these intricate neurosurgeries.”

Another advantage of the Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is its application in education. University of Michigan Health-West is a teaching hospital with eight residency programs. Residents now have the opportunity to view exactly what the surgeon sees and learn from them during surgeries. 

Looking towards the future 

The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope has future applications in the world of microsurgeries.

“This is really the next generation of microsurgery,” Neurosurgeon Bryan Figueroa, MD said. “When we all can anticipate what needs to happen next, response time is faster, and we can stay perfectly in sync to optimize patient care.”

There is hope for its application in other surgeries in the future as well. Plastic surgery, ophthalmology (eye surgery), and even reconstructive surgery are areas where this kind of technology has potential.

If you are still interested in this new technology, you can view a video demonstration here!

Michigan farmers battle invaders as temperatures rise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Food, Local Food, ,

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

LANSING – As warmer-than-average growing seasons caused by climate change become more common, they bring new invasive species to Michigan.

Tar spot is a fungus that attacks corn and causes production losses. Credit: Michigan State University

“Insects that like warm weather are finding that Michigan is becoming more and more life-sustaining than ever before,” said Bruno Basso, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

 

And that requires new ways to fight them.

“These invasive species to Michigan are resistant to pesticides that farmers previously relied upon,” Basso said. “So farmers are looking for new ways to improve the ecology of their crops and improve their resistance.”

Identifying the threats

Two new threats are “tar spots,” in corn, and spotted wing drosophila, said Laura Campbell, a senior conservation and regulatory relations specialist at the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Tar spots are raised black dots on the ears of corn caused by a fungus called “phyllachora maydis,” Campbell said. An outbreak in a corn field causes production losses and economic disaster for the farmers.

Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that attacks soft fruits, a big problem for Michigan’s cherry orchards, Campbell said.

 

The female insects lay eggs inside the fruit, causing brown, sunken spots. As the larva eats the fruit it becomes rotten and non-consumable.

Using technology in the fight

Farmers attack new insects with technology, Basso said. Drones can pinpoint where an insect or weed is on their farms. Then they spray the specific area before it worsens.

Another example of emerging technology is the advancement of Enviroweather, a Michigan State -based weather service that can help farmers anticipate threats to their crops,  Campbell said. The site tracks invasion trends, warning farmers ahead of time if pests are headed their way.

“Preventative pesticide spraying is best, because it will deter the invasive insects and weeds from being able to attack the crops,” Campbell said. “This greatly reduces the amount of pesticides needed, which is good for the farmer and the surrounding land and water.”

Scientists are also making advances in the kinds of products used on farms, Basso said. Biodegradable plastic mulch is replacing synthetic mulch that does not decompose. More plant-based pesticides and herbicides are becoming available.

A local perspective from Ada

Heather Anderson, the owner of Green Wagon Farm, in Ada, uses all-natural products to combat insects and weeds on her certified organic farm.

 

Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that lays its eggs on the inside of fruit, like this raspberry, causing it to rot. Credit: University of Minnesota Extension

“We are constantly vigilant for new threats to our crops,” Anderson said. “We don’t do preventative spraying, instead we scout the farm ourselves, and pick weeds by hand.”

At 18 acres, Green Wagon Farm is much smaller than the average U.S. farm size of 211 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Removing weeds by hand becomes more difficult on large farms.

 

“It’d be nice if all farms could be fully biodegradable and have no waste, but sometimes synthetic products are unavoidable,” Basso said.

This is not to say that farmers aren’t looking for more sustainable methods.

“Pesticides are incredibly expensive, and it would be more cost-effective to spray one small area than to have to spray an entire field,” Campbell said. “There’s a notion that farmers want to spray pesticides everywhere, and don’t care about the impacts on the land and water. But the land and water is their livelihood.”

Keeping the lines of communication open

A challenge is the communication between farmers and scientists, Campbell said.

 

Scientists lack the hands-on experience of being a farmer, and this makes it difficult for farmers to trust that their advice is best.

Money is also a big factor, according to Basso.

“Farmers have historically been more conservative when it comes to implementing new practices,” Basso said. “They have a financial risk, because if they change a way of doing something and it doesn’t work out, they lose that money that they would’ve made before.”

But as the weather gets warmer, farmers understand that their practices have to change or they will not be able to survive, Campbell said.

“Farmers want to do the right thing,” Campbell said. “I’ve never met a farmer who said they don’t care when it comes to the environment.”

ABOUT SARAH ATWOOD

Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

GVSU survey shows West Michigan entering ‘shallow recession’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, ,

By Chris Knape
Grand Valley State University

West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” in October. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” as area manufacturers are reporting inflation-related headwinds and a slow-down in demand, according to an October survey of purchasing managers by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at Seidman, said the downturn came as no surprise, with local results mirroring national ones.

“If we compare our statistics with those being collected at the national level, we see a pattern of economic erosion with higher interest rates around the world and the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Long said. “We can probably expect both our local and national statistics at the industrial level will probably continue to soften.”

The key new orders index made a turn into double-digit negative territory for the first time in 30 months, amid inflationary pressures, softening demand and uncertainty in the market.

Employment and purchasing indices also were in negative territory, with an increasing number of companies reporting investments in those areas were down versus the previous month.

Meanwhile, production, or gross output, grew during October as some manufacturers continue scrambling to meet demand in sectors like the auto industry, where supply chain issues have hampered business growth.

“Just like last month, the market for office furniture has continued to soften, but pent-up demand for new cars will most likely keep our West Michigan auto parts suppliers and the assembly lines running for the foreseeable future,” Long said. “The comments from our survey participants have now turned increasingly tenuous, and some firms are openly bracing for an impending recession.”

More information about this month’s survey results and an archive of previous survey data is available at the Seidman College of Business website.

New 49507 Project piece reflects hope for its community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , ,

By Renee Karadsheh
WKTV Contributor

Alynn Guerra’s mural for the 49507 Project adorns the side of Cisneros Tire Service located along Division Avenue. (WKTV)

On a pleasant day in September, the smell of warm tortillas and the music playing at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Division Avenue probably left some drivers and pedestrians wondering what is being celebrated at the parking lot of Cisneros Tire Service. Then again, one look at the shop’s wall along Division Avenue and it did not taking much to figure out the reason for the celebration.

Sept. 3 was the unveiling of one of the newest pieces in The 49507 Project, which is a public art project coordinated by the non-profit The Diatribe. The 49507 Project is designed to bring together Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ artists to paint murals and emulate how underserved residents in the 49507 area are.

Redlining, the practice of denying a person a loan because the area they live in is deemed poor, is one of the issues reflected in Alynn Guerra’s piece, “Flight,” which is featured at Cisneros Tire Service, 800 Division Ave. S.

According to Guerra, the mural has a literal and metaphoric meaning. The red on the far left represents redlining, a practiced started in 1933 when the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation began redlining in major American cities. On the far right is a shade of green to represent green lining, an advocacy that seeks to advance and empower communities with people of color. In the center of the background is a sunny yellow tone with a grinning skeleton swinging forward on a swing as white birds fly the opposite direction over the red paint in the background. The birds represent white supremacy reversed as Guerra describes it. The skeleton is  a traditional Mexican symbol of rebirth.

“We don’t need to  glorify our struggles,” said as she presented her mural to the public. “We can look into the mural and be hopeful.”

Taking on this dynamic form of activism through art, Guerra is a believer her art can create change. Whether you are on the stuck in traffic on the busy street of Division or a customer who needs a tire changed at Cisneros Tire Service, you cannot escape curiosity when studying her mural. This vivid, humorous, and truthful work of art shows immense hope for Grand Rapids to think outside our redlines and educate ourselves on social injustice. What Guerra believes about public art is it communicates a message in a constant way in the present day and future generations to come.

The 49507 Project was launched in 2021 with seven artists completing pieces. For 2022, the project had eight artists complete murals in and throughout the area. Those locations are:

  • Samaria J’s Salon Suite, 701 Grandville Ave SW 
  • Load A Spud, 1721 Madison Ave SE 
  • Farmers Insurance, 2435 Eastern Ave SE 
  • Mr. B’s Party Store, 1216 Kalamazoo Ave SE 
  • Aleman Auto Repair, 1801 Division Ave S. 
  • Cisneros Tires, 800 Division Ave S. 
  • 1956 Eastern Ave. 
  • 1935 Eastern Ave.

The project has been well received. In fact, as part of it, Peterson Research Consultants conducted a survey of the community attitudes both before and after starting to assess whether perceptions of the neighborhood might change. After the first year, that survey showed residents felt the art represented how “we see things – colorful, vibrant, and a beautiful side of our culture.”

Funded by a coalition of nearly a dozen businesses, foundations, neighborhood groups and city organizations, The 49507 Project is scheduled to go through 2023.

WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this article.

Kentwood schools break ground for new early childhood center

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard News, Kids Activities, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Four-year-old Legende Gray (thrd from left) helps with the groundbreaking ceremony for Kentwood’s Early Childhood Center. (WKTV)

Out of everyone there to mark the start of construction for Kentwood Public School’s new early education center, four-year-old Legende Gray captured the excitement the best.

He waved to the crowd when introduced by Superintendent Kevin Polston and immediately ran up to grab a shovel when it was time for the symbolic turning of the soil for the groundbreaking ceremony.

“No, I want one of the big ones,” Legende said as Polston tried to hand him a smaller shovel. “I’m ready to dig the hole.”

A building just for preschoolers

About 30 people turned out on the chilly Tuesday morning for the official groundbreaking ceremony that signaled the start of construction for the 40,000-square-foot facility. The state-of-the-art building designed for three- and four-year-olds in preschool programs will be next to the district’s Townline Elementary, located just east of the intersection of Division Avenue and 60th Street.

The project is the first from the $192 million bond request that was approved by voters in 2021. Besides the early childhood center, the bond included a new K-8th grade building along with enhancing various spaces in the district’s school buildings and funding the district’s technology needs.

“Quality early childhood has many benefits but most importantly provides the building blocks for education for our most vulnerable learners,” Polston said, adding that research has shown students who attend preschool have improved academic outcomes and are socially and emotionally more prepared for school.

The facility will house several preschool programs such as:

Early On, which assists families with infants and toddlers who have a delay in their development or diagnosed disability.

Great Start Readiness Program, a state-funded preschool program

A design of common areas features nooks where students that include interactive activities and a place for students to take a break. (WKTV)

Head Start, a non-profit agency that provides holistic, family-centered services at no costs to quality families in Kent County.

Bright Beginnings, which provides services to families with children birth to kindergarten entry throughout Kent County through such services as personal home visits, playgroups, and parent meetings.

Early Childhood Special Education, a Kentwood Public Schools program that offers evaluations, home services, outpatient therapy, and classroom programs to preschool students with special education needs.

Tuition-based preschool, a nonprofit program that is offered through the Kentwood Public Schools. 

Designing around the youngest learners

The needs of the students are being considered throughout the design, said K’Sandra Earle, the director of Kentwood’s Early Childhood Center. For example, technology is being considered not only to support all learners but to meet a diverse student population that includes students with special rights and special abilities, Earle said.

“There will be heated floors,” she said as an example of the details being considered. “In preschool, we spend much of our time on the floor so making sure students are made as comfortable as possible is important.”

Through a collaborative with Bright Beginnings, Early On, and Kentwood Public Schools, the district has housed a community playground that brings children of all abilities together in a general education setting. The new facility will allow for more opportunities to provide inclusive programming, Earle said.

Other features in the building will include small group rooms in the classroom for sensory needs and the community space will have garage doors that can be rolled up to provide students with outdoor activities.

The layout design for the new Early Childhood Center. (WKTV)

“The building of this new early childhood center demonstrates Kentwood’s investment in intentionality as it relates to our youngest community members,” Earle said at the groundbreaking. “This center will be a place where children’s natural curiosity will be provoked, their sense of imagination broaden, and who they are culturally and linguistically will be nurtured.”

Construction is scheduled to start in November and be completed in either late 2023 or the beginning of 2024. Architect for the project is TowerPinkster with construction headed by Fritz Wahlfield Construction.

Kentwood winter street parking restrictions begin Nov. 15

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


From Nov. 15 through March 15, parking is not allowed on any public street from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. in Kentwood. Additionally, parking is not allowed during times when street parking could make it difficult for, or prevent snow removal.

To file a complaint about a parking violation, residents can submit the complaint online, by phone 616-656-6574 or in person at the Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE.

Clear fire hydrants

Kentwood is asking residents to help keep fire hydrants near their homes or businesses clear of snow. It is recommended keeping snow and ice at least three feet away from hydrants on all sides. Keeping hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire.

Keep sidewalks clear

In Kentwood, it is the property owners responsibility to clear the sidewalk when there are two or more inches of snow.

More money pumped into Michigan school board races

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

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

LANSING — Michigan saw a dramatic increase in funding for school board races for the Nov. 8 elections, election watchers say.

Michigan saw quite a bit of money spent on local school board elections this year. (Pxhere.com)

“Normally school board races fly under the radar,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations at the Michigan Association of School Boards. “This amount of attention is unheard of.”

One reason: Nationwide, conservative groups have called for more “parental rights” over what schools are teaching their children, Smith said. These same groups donated thousands of dollars to Michigan school board races. These groups, or political action committees, do not normally pay that much attention to school board races.

For example, this is the first year that the Great Lakes Education Project has spent money on school board races, Beth DeShone, executive director of GLEP, told  the Detroit News. The group spent about $100,000 this year across 20 races.

The group, formed by Betsy DeVos, a former U.S. Secretary of Education and prominent Republican donor, usually donates to statewide races, but is now involved in local races to “‘empower these citizens’ voices and take a chance to engage on these races to create a more transparent system,” according to DeShone.

GLEP could not be reached for additional comment.

More attention could be a good thing

“Previously, these races were community funded,” Smith said. “A candidate would fund themselves, or fundraise with other community members.”

More attention to school board races can be a good thing, said Thomas Morgan, a spokesperson for the Michigan Education Association.

 

“But this election, the attention we saw was largely spreading conspiracies and misinformation,” Morgan said. “Luckily, these candidates largely were not successful, and voters chose candidates who would be best for improving children’s education and collaborating with teachers.”

One of the biggest polarizing issues was the belief that schools indoctrinate children by teaching critical race theory and gender theory, he said.

Such beliefs can drive attention in local campaigns.

“Some parents are scared that schools are teaching their children things that they themselves do not believe in,” said John Lindstrom, a former publisher at Gongwer News Service Michigan, a news organization focusing on state politics.

Candidates are nonpartisan, causes are not

“More money than ever before is going towards supporting these candidates,” said Lindstrom, a board member of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. “Now that people know these races matter, I don’t see an end to the increase in money.”

School boards have little authority over curriculum which is set at the state level. (Pxhere.com)

Although school board candidates are nonpartisan, the causes they may champion are not.

 

But school board members lack the power to do a lot of things candidates ran on, Smith and Morgan both said. Their main duty is to select a superintendent.

Curriculum standards are set at the state level, and enforced by curriculum directors at schools.

It’s unclear if political action committees funding school board candidates were aware that school board members have little authority over what schools teach children, Morgan said.

“These groups may have just been trying to get attention on fake issues in order to distract from real ones,” Morgan said. “However, the large majority of voters are focused on the truth and what’s best for their children, and that’s what we saw in this election.”

Tracking finances not easy

Tracking who finances a school board candidate can be difficult, according to Morgan.

 

While some county clerks post the information on their websites, that is less common in areas with fewer resources to do so.

“It comes down to how well-staffed a county clerk’s office is and what their IT department can do if these records can be searchable online,” Morgan said.

Improvements in finance tracking might be necessary if the trend of spending a lot of money on school board races continues, Morgan said.

 

But Smith says that this attention might not continue into the future, especially after how so few candidates funded by political action committees won. She argues that since these races are so local, local community members should be the ones financing them.

“I hope the attention goes away soon,” Smith said. “It’s a distraction and the hyper-politicization of schools is not what we need.”

ABOUT SARAH ATWOOD

Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

Lawmakers could change certification to ease paramedic shortage

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Our Cities, , ,

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

LANSING – Paramedics and emergency personnel are sharply divided over a plan that addresses the shortage of Michigan paramedics by creating a statewide certification program that would deviate from the national accreditation program.

 

Michigan looks at creating a statewide certification program for paramedics. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

A bill sponsored by Rep. Jeff Yaroch, R-Richmond, would allow the state to make its own requirements to be certified as a paramedic.

 

Yaroch previously spent 25 years as a firefighter and paramedic in Clinton Township. The bill recently passed the House, 102-6, and now goes to the state Senate, where it is likely to pass with bipartisan support.

To become licensed as a paramedic in Michigan, a person must be nationally accredited. The cost of becoming a licensed paramedic in Michigan can range from $1,400 to $12,000, according to Paramedic Training Spot, an online resource for those looking to become licensed paramedics.

With its own accreditation program, the state would no longer need to adhere to the national standards.

Trying to balance cost with need

Paramedics would still need to pass an examination proctored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

 

That agency estimates $2 million would be required to establish a training program, with yearly costs of $1.6 million. Michigan now spends $2.3 million per year on EMS funding.

“Right now, a person needs national accreditation to be a paramedic,” said Angela Madden, the executive director of the Michigan Association of EMTs, which supports the bill. “That costs a lot of money, and needing national accreditation makes it harder for small paramedic departments to pay for certification.

“This means that these small departments won’t have paramedics and will have to shut down, leaving the people in that area without that care,” Madden said.

Shoring up the paramedic shortage

There are more than 1,000 open positions for paramedics in Michigan, and two paramedic departments have had to shut down, Madden said.

 

One is in Mason, in rural Ingham County. The other is in Pickford Township, in Chippewa County. The people living in these communities now have to wait longer for emergency care, which could be a life or death problem, she said.

“There’s no real difference between what this bill would do and the national accreditation program,” Madden said. “Students will still need to pass the Michigan test to be accredited.”

“The goal of this bill is to get more people to become paramedics,” Madden said. “I believe that this bill will enable more people to become paramedics and benefit communities across Michigan.”

But not everyone agrees.

Cost not the only issue

“I don’t think that, if passed, this bill will do much in terms of recruitment,” said Anthony Cerroni, a paramedic instructor coordinator in Dearborn Heights.

“It’s not an issue of money. It’s a generational issue. Kids aren’t choosing to become paramedics, just like they’re not choosing to become police officers or other public safety officials,” he said.

Cerroni said he is unsure if much can be done to encourage more people to become paramedics. Benefits have increased over the past five years, but not even the better pay is enough, he said.

“Another concern I have about the state having its own accreditation board is that a paramedic’s license might not be transferable to other states. A national requirement makes it so anyone can practice in any state without this concern,” he said.

Bryan Harmer, a full-time professor of emergency medical services at Lansing Community College who spent nearly 20 years as a paramedic, testified in a House committee hearing that the bill does not address the real causes of the paramedic shortage.

“This bill fails to address the root causes of our workforce shortage: low wages, bad working conditions and lack of professional advancement,” said Harmer. “It isn’t uncommon for EMS providers to work multiple jobs and well over 60 hours a week to make ends meet and feed their families.”

Making sure standards are met

It would be a waste of taxpayer money to create a state accreditation program when a national one exists, he told the committee last May. A state accreditation program could put lives at risk if it fails to adequately train paramedics.

“The most egregious error I ever encountered in EMS resulted from a paramedic who had recently graduated from a paramedic program in Michigan, back when unaccredited programs were permitted in Michigan,” Harmer testified. “This error resulted in the death of a young mother with two children.”

The bill does not mean paramedics could practice without a license from an accredited program, Madden said. She disagreed that paramedics would receive subpar training.

“Paramedics will be held to high standards through the Michigan state accreditation program,” Madden said. “My agency would never support a bill that could put patient lives in danger.”

Bill cosponsors are Reps. Terry Sabo, D-Muskegon, Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock and Kelly Breen, D-Novi.

Supporters include Lake Michigan College and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union. Opponents include the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians and Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Wyoming police arrest two in connection to Nov. 1 robbery

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News,

By WKTV Journal staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recently stated that detectives were able to locate and take into custody two suspects for a Nov. 1 robbery at a Division Street store.

The two suspects are allegedly involved in the 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1 robbery at 3530 Division Ave. Three suspects were involved in the robbery with one being shot during the incident by an employee at the store. The 15-year-old suspect who was shot was funday’s short distance from the business and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He currently remains under medical care at this time.

Police noted that the suspects arrived at the store in a Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen earlier that day. The vehicle was recovered at the robbery scene. In the original police report it stated that information found in that recovered vehicle provided leads regarding to the other two suspects who had fled the scene.

Both suspects were juvenile males ages 14 and 17. they were taken into custody without incident by investigators.

Once the investigation is complete, the Kent Count Prosecutor’s Office will review the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing the store.

Update on Indian Mounds Drive shooting

Earlier on Nov. 1, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting along Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in an 18-year-old male being struck by gunfire. The victim died at the scene.

At this time, the department spokesperson said the department does not have an update on the case.

The department continues to appeal to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Environment links to cancer focus of new Michigan study

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Environment, Great Lakes, Health, , ,

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

A new University of Michigan study aims to understand how environmental exposures in Michigan contribute to cancer.

Sara Snyder is project director of the Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study, or MI-CARES. (Credit: University of Michigan)

The Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study, or MI-CARES, is largely motivated by Michigan’s history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice, said Sara Snyder, the project director.

Researchers are recruiting 100,000 ethnically diverse, cancer-free Michiganders ages 25 to 44. It’s a statewide survey, but they’ll focus enrollment on what they’ve identified as six major environmental injustice hotspots: the Detroit metropolitan area, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Flint, Snyder said.

Environmental injustice refers to people who belong to groups that are discriminated against and are disproportionately exposed to contaminants and other health hazards.

June 1 marked the soft launch to test the website used to recruit candidates. People enroll every day, but the study’s full launch was earlier this fall.

A first in Michigan

“Nothing like this has been done in the state of Michigan before, which is almost shocking if you know about the levels of environmental injustice that have taken place,” said Lilah Khoja, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan on the MI-CARES team.

“There isn’t a community in Michigan that hasn’t been impacted in some way by environmental injustice,” she said.

It dates back decades: the PBB contamination of dairy products in the 1970s, the Flint water crisis, industrial pollution in Detroit and now PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, Snyder said.

The project, funded by the National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan, will track participants through annual questionnaires for at least six years, Snyder said.

 

They’ll be asked about employment and residential histories, race, ethnicity, major health and life events and overall lifestyle to gauge participant health and previous exposures to industrial chemicals or other contaminants, Snyder said.

 

Beyond cancer, the surveys might also shed light on how exposures to chemicals in the environment cause heart disease, asthma or even Alzheimer’s disease, said Dana Dolinoy, the principal investigator of biomarker evaluations for MI-CARES.

Compiling the data needed for change

Such surveys have a proven track record. For instance, cancer rates are significantly higher in Flint compared to the rest of Genesee County and the state after lead contaminated the city’s water supply.

“My cousin, my aunt, my friend have all died of cancer,” said Arthur Woodson, a Flint resident and community activist. “People are dying in high numbers here of cancer.”

 

Community activists at the Pittsfield Farmers Market offer information about MI-CARES. Credit: MI-CARES.

Such anecdotal reports can be reinforced by hard data produced by health studies from the Genesee County Health Department proving elevated cancer levels in the area.

A study recently published in JAMA Network Open found that 1 in 5 Flint residents have presumptive major depression and another 1 in 4 have presumptive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“They fixed the water, but they didn’t fix the people,” Woodson said.

Providing people with the data they need

A large goal of MI-CARES is to give people access to data that will help them advocate for a cleaner environment and a healthier life, Khoja said.

“You can’t advocate for change if you don’t have the numbers to show that this is why it needs to change,” she said.

Cancer-centric studies like this one, whether linking it to smoking, a lack of physical activity or poor diet, played a role in a 29% drop in cancer death rates between 1991 and 2017, according to the American Cancer Society.

 

MI-CARES’ data will help improve Michiganders’ health while informing policy to reduce environmental injustices and harmful exposures, Snyder said.

 

Researchers looked at what was going on in the state and narrowed the study’s focus to the most prominent of the 80,000 chemicals in the environment: exposure to metals, like lead, chemicals in personal care products, air pollution and PFAS, Dolinoy said.

Addressing the issues

Michigan has the highest known PFAS levels of any state.

To measure some contaminants like lead, participants from the six environmental injustice hotspots will send in blood and saliva. These measurements, called intermediate biomarkers, show if a past environmental exposure changed the epigenome – the instruction book telling genes how to behave – to make them more susceptible to cancer and other diseases, Dolinoy said.

The study focuses on a younger population so that researchers might recognize any diseases before they manifest, Dolinoy said.

 

“This gives us time to intervene and treat individuals, because when the disease is already on board, it’s really hard to reverse it,” she said.

There’s evidence, though, that relatively easier things like changes in lifestyle and diet might reverse changes to that epigenetic instruction book, especially early in life, Dolinoy said.

Building a better tomorrow

The hope is to inspire policy intervention with MI-CARES findings, forcing industry and other institutions responsible for poisoning the environment to change. That is a challenge that the health survey hopes to meet.

“It’s very difficult to translate some of this science in a way that will directly change the economics of a company,” Dolinoy said. “But studies like MI-CARES can provide a weight of evidence that shows our environment can negatively contribute to disease status.”

 

To apply to be part of the survey, visit https://micares.health and click “Join the Movement!” Applicants must be 25 to 44 years old and cancer-free.

Cameryn Cass reports for Great Lakes Echo.

How to protect your pets from the cold this winter

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

While Michigan law does not prohibit dogs from being left outside in the cold, state law requires that all dogs who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter, fresh water, and dry bedding. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

The weather is turning colder and before it does, the Kent County Animal Shelter is reminding residents to make sure their pets have appropriate shelter.

While Michigan law does not prohibit dogs from being left outside in the cold, state law does require that all dogs who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter, fresh water, and dry bedding. The statute also stipulates separate shelter requirements for livestock.

“The best place for our pets is in our home but we know that is now always possible,” said KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead. KCAS is working in collaboration with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division to remind residents of the special care their pet needs during the cold weather. “We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long stretches of time.

“Many pets are not equipment to handle the effects of cold temperatures so we want to remind pet owners of their responsibilities to care for them during the winter.”

A few of the cold weather requirements in state statute include:


Maintain adequate shelter, which can be one or more of the following:

Inside the owners’ home

An enclosure or shelter with at least three sides and a roof that is appropriate for the size and breed of the dog.

A structure, including a garage, barn or shed, that is sufficiently insulated and ventilated to protect the dog from exposure to extreme temperatures, or if not sufficiently insulated and ventilated, contains a doghouse inside the structure.

Structures or natural features such as trees or topography for livestock

Provide dry bedding, such as straw when the temperature is or predicated to be below freezing. Avoid using blankets or cloth bedding as these materials will likely get wet and freeze.

Provide water that is safe to drink and suitable for age and species of the animal. Owners are encouraged to check every few hours to ensure the water is not frozen.

Although Michigan law does not directly address free-roaming cats, the KCAS encourages residents to also be mindful of their needs. Cats are typically well adapted for living in colder climates but they greatly benefit from having access to a shelter. Simple cat shelters made from a storage tote lined with foam and stuffed with straw make great places for cats to escape from the cold.

“It someone suspects an animal is being neglected or is in danger due to cold weather, we encourage them to contact Animal Control,” said KCSO Lt. John DeGroot. “The KCSO is prepared to investigate all reports of animal neglected throughout the winter.”

All reports of animals being kept outside for an extended period without adequate shelter, water, and bedding should be reported to Animal Control at 616-632-7310.

“Michigan winters are certainly beautiful but an be dangerous fo some animals if they do not have appropriate resources,” Hollinshead said. “If you cannot keep your pet indoors and need resources, please call the KCAS to see how e can help.”

Spacewalk to be featured on WKTV

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,

By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Manager


On Tuesday, Nov. 15, WKTV will be featuring live coverage of the U.S. Spacewalk to install an IROSA (ISS Rollout Solar Array) modification kit on the starboard truss on the International Space Station.

The Artemis 1 mission will be televised Nov. 15 by NASA. It will air on WKTV 26 Governement Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99. (Courtesy, NASA)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. with the actual spacewalk scheduled to start at 8 a.m.

Following the spacewalk at 4 p.m., there will be live coverage of the cryogenic fueling of the Space Launch System for launch on the Artemis 1 mission.

 

Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that will pave the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.

The live coverage continues at 11 p.m. with the launch of the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis 1 mission. The actual launch is scheduled 1:04 a.m. with the post launch news conference tentatively scheduled for 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Stay tuned for the Artemis/Orion outbound trajectory correction burn scheduled at 7:51 a.m., with the first imagery coverage starting at 10 a.m.

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

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

Kentwood hosts annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade Dec. 1

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan, ,
A previous Kentwood Holiday parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony and parade on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The festivities take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The evening includes outdoor activities for all ages, including carriage rides, take-home children’s crafts, food trucks, live music and a visit from Santa. Entrance to the event and all activities are free of charge.

Student essay competition determines Grand Marshal

New this year, a student essay competition will determine the parade’s grand marshal, who also will help light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts are eligible to participate. 

To enter, students can submit an essay that is 1,000 words or less answering the prompt, “Why do you love living in Kentwood?” Entries are due Nov. 17 and a winner will be chosen and notified by Nov. 24. Essays may be submitted online at kentwood.us/TreeLighting or in-person at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. 



Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley at a previous tree lighting. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“The annual Tree Lighting event provides a welcoming place for friends, family and neighbors to gather and usher in the celebratory season of peace and joy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “I am especially excited to have one of our local students as the grand marshal participating in this memorable event.”  

Parade at 6 p.m.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. and travel from the City’s Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Ave. SE north to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma will be closed from 5:50 to 6:25 p.m. for the procession.



A visit from Santa is planned at Kentwood’s holiday event on Dec. 1. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.

The tree lighting ceremony will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the library. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, mail a letter to the North Pole, go on carriage rides, take a stroll through a luminary walk, enjoy live holiday music and a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and more.

Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry

Attendees also have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. A list of suggested items is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete an entry form online. The cost to participate is $15. 

More information about the event is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.

Guess what is coming to a bank near you?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , , , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com/ Alan Levine

What appears foreign will become commonplace, and you might as well prepare for it. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance are all the rage right now, and you’ve probably heard of things like Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, the real story lies in the mechanism that drives these new technologies and forever changes the digital landscape. This is where blockchain enters the picture, the novel technology that enables things like cryptocurrency to exist in the way they do.

What is a blockchain, and what is with all the hype?

Blockchain is a digital database used to catalog all kinds of information (e.g., money, goods, properties, and services). The power behind these databases lies in their ability to create blocks of data which are then chained together with timestamps attached for easier tracking purposes. This makes an unbreakable audit trail documenting every action taken on the platform – from transfer payments between users to how many calories were burned during your morning run! Digital databases are powered by a computer network that is either part of a centralized or decentralized network.

Bitcoin, for example, uses blockchain to record peer-to-peer transactions through a distributed database. This distributed database exists between the computers of all users of the cryptocurrency. The idea is that having the database distributed amongst all the users allows for greater transparency and enhanced security. It enables users to access, audit, trace, and verify digital assets without working through an intermediary. By cutting down on intermediaries, blockchain cryptocurrencies put the power to control data back into consumers’ hands.

Why are cryptocurrencies more secure?

The adage “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” sums it up. Like banks and universities, many institutions with valuable and personal consumer information operate using a central database. This information is stored within a centralized computer network housed in one location. All that data is controlled by one entity and is more vulnerable to hacks because it would require only a single point of failure to gain access. For a potential attacker to compromise a distributed database like Bitcoin, they would have to gain control of at least 50% of the computers within that network. Even then, the other 50% can fact-check and sniff out discrepancies, making it very unlikely that a hack would ever occur.

Why is this important when it comes to managing digital assets?

· No third-party involvement

· Transactions of authenticated digital assets made via blockchain are typically available in 10 minutes, versus a traditional bank transaction that may take 24 hours or more to complete, not including weekends and holidays

· Blockchain technology guarantees the data’s integrity through cryptography and a distributed database.

Why is this important to us now?

This is the evolution of our data future, and the future of all banks is being reshaped by new technology. Protecting and maintaining control of data is more critical now than ever. In the past few years, major companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Morgan Stanley have been impacted by massive data breaches affecting millions of users. Blockchain technology is making waves in the digital world by providing much-needed security measures and by giving them the power to control data back to consumers.

Digital?

Yes, your bank is now 100% digital; it is now our future. Be informed.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Green is the color to support veterans

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Health, Non-Profits,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Journal Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

University of Michigan Health-West celebrates veterans by participating in Operation Green Light. (Courtesy, University of Michigan Health-West)

In observance of upcoming Veterans Day, the University of Michigan Health-West has joined Kent County by changing its illumination of its hospital tower to green for this week.

The project is part of Operation Green Light, which runs through Nov. 13 residents, business and organizations are encouraged to change their exterior lighting to green. The new national initiative of the National Association of Counties is to show support of military veterans and to raise awareness about the resources available to them through the Kent County Veterans Services.

“There are nearly 40 thousand veterans in Kent County who deserve to be recognized and honored for their sacrifices and services to our country and community,” says Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services. “We want our veterans to know that their service mattered, and there are available resources to assist them and their families.”

There is a connection University of Michigan Health-West to veterans as it shares its hospital campus with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Wyoming outpatient clinic. The VA clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, treatment for hearing loss, cardiology, dental care, gastroenterology, pain management, physical therapy, podiatry, women’s health services, and more.

“We are proud to show our support for the many veterans we serve as patients — and those we work with as colleagues,” said Steve Polega, chief nursing officer at University of Michigan Health-West and a military veteran. “Respect for veterans runs deep in our culture.

“Our hope is that Operation Green Light helps raise awareness about services from the VA and others, including Kent County Veterans Services, just as we send a message of respect to all veterans.”

Many veterans struggle with the transition from military life to becoming a civilian. Kent County Veterans Services serves as a connector to programs and services that can help address everything from housing insecurity to applying for benefits to providing financial assistance in times of crisis. While every program has different qualification requirements, many veterans who honorably served qualify for programs after the completion of their service. Unfortunately, many veterans and their families do not know that the programs exist, or they have never inquired about them. Operation Green Light hopes to illuminate this issue and encourage more veterans to use the programs that best their needs. Green was chosen for the initiative because green is the color of hope, renewal, and well-being. The term “greenlight” is also commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple act of changing one light bulb signifies that movement.