Statue of Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg in downtown Grand Rapids. (World Affairs Council)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Jon Huntsman Jr. (Official Photo)
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) announced this week that it will begin awarding an annual Vandenberg Prize to a national or international leader who has been influential in developing global understanding and collaboration on the world stage.
The inaugural recipient of the Vandenberg Prize is Ambassador (ret.) Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former Ambassador of the United States to Russia (2017-19) at the appointment of President Trump, to China (2009-11) at the appointment of President Obama, and to Singapore (1992-93) at the appointment of President George H.W. Bush.
Ambassador Huntsman was also the 16th Governor of Utah (2005-09) and a 2012 candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.
The Vandenberg Prize is named after Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951), the inspiration for founding the local World Affairs Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr.
In addition, the WACWM will present the annual Hillman-Orr Award to a West Michigan individual or institution that mirrors the intent of the Council’s founding leaders to bring global awareness and international understanding to the West Michigan community.
The first recipient will be Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., the regional economic development organization for Greater Grand Rapids, which has from its beginnings featured a global reach and international mindset.
The Ambassador and Klohs will receive the awards at a luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
“Ambassador Huntsman has demonstrated a lifelong interest in forging strong international ties for the United States, and his bipartisan service shows a willingness, like Senator Vandenberg, to bring people together for good of the country and the world,” Council board president Dick Gauthier said in supplied material.
Hillman and Orr were inspired by the life and work of Sen. Vandenberg, an isolationist who became a strong advocate of internationalism in the wake of World War II, the WACWM states. Vandenberg forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and NATO and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the brand-new United Nations. Sen. Vandenberg has always been considered the “patron saint” of the Council, the WACWM states.
“Birgit Klohs credits the work of Senator Vandenberg as a key reason she was able to move forward and prosper after WWII, allowing her to grow up in a peaceful country with opportunity,” WACWM executive director Michael Van Denend said in supplied material. “We in West Michigan are deeply fortunate she chose this area to use her gifts to bring global business to the region.”
More information on the Vandenberg Prize event can be found at worldmichigan.org.
Dr. Mark Fairchild has a lot in common with Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones character. They both are archeologists and they both have made some amazing discoveries.
Other than one being fictional and the other being real, the only other big difference is that there has been been four films about Indiana Jones and none about Fairchild— that is until now.
“The Last Apostle: Journeys In the Lost Holy Land” will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Community Channel 99 at midnight Friday, Dec. 6; 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. The film was produced by local filmmakers Matt Whitney and Logan Bush, both graduates of Indiana’s Huntington University, where Fairchild is a professor of Bible and religious studies.
“When I go to Turkey, I have been there for more than 20 years, and I investigate Biblical sites dating back to the Greek period, the Hellenistic period, the Roman period that is what I concentrate on,” Fairchild said during a promotional video about the film.
“The place is exciting. It’s new. It’s fresh. It is relatively unexplored,” he said. “Turkey is very important. All three of Paul’s missionary journeys were in Turkey. A large portion of the new testament has to do with Turkey and Turkey was the cradle of Christianity.”
For the past 25 years, Fairchild has discovered mysteries in the Turish countryside, including the oldest synagogue in the world. In “The Last Apostle,” the film follows Fairchild as he travels one of the historic routes of the apostle Paul and explores Paul’s origins.
Fairchild noted that the things being discovered in Turkey are transforming the understanding of the scriptures and giving additional insight on what was going on back in the day of Paul.
“Traveling wit Dr. Fairchild is like following Admiral Byrd to Antarctica,” said producer Matt Whiney. “‘The Last Apostle’ brings you along for the ride.”
Whitney said the film would not have been made without WKTV.
“They graciously allowed us to make a long-term reservation of their cameras and take them out of the country to document Dr. Fairchild’s adventures and show them to the world.
“I’ve worked with WKTV for years both because of their access to professional equipment and because of the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always excited to offer their expertise.”
A great way to avoid double-dipping: Place utensils in the dip bowl so guests can scoop a dollop directly onto a plate. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Double-dipping with a dance partner? A skillful move marked by grace and beauty.
Double-dipping with a snack at a party? Not quite so beautiful or graceful.
But definitely risky.
Using partially eaten food items such as vegetables or chips to scoop dip from a container can deposit bacteria from the double dipper’s mouth into the dip, which can make people ill if they dip into that same container, said Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, community nutrition educator for Spectrum Health Healthier Communities. Especially if the individual is sick.
Even a small amount of bacteria introduced by saliva can grow rapidly, perhaps to more than 100 times the initial level, potentially leading to serious illnesses such as a norovirus or herpes if the person has those viruses.
Even if the party guest is not sick, the bacteria they introduce can lead to foodborne illnesses.
While hosts and guests can take steps to protect partygoers from those who act carelessly with food, most of the precautions rest with the host.
Danger zone
For starters, dips that need to be kept cool should be placed on ice.
Dips that need to be kept warm should be placed over the proper heating
source, Corwin said.
“Forty-one to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is the danger zone,” she said. “That’s when bacteria can thrive.”
An extra-thorough host can use a thermometer to check temperatures.
The general rule: Leave food out no longer than two hours. If food is sitting outdoors, limit the time to one hour or less, depending on the temperature.
Also, set out smaller amounts of dip and replace them regularly with chilled dip stored in a refrigerator or cooler.
Some dips will grow bacteria more quickly than others, Corwin said. Runny dips, such as salsa and varieties made from sour cream, pose more of a threat than solid dips such as hummus.
And while it may be more tedious to prepare pre-portioned dip in containers, it could also be a wise move—especially if children are expected to attend the gathering.
“Kids are notorious for double-dipping,” Corwin said. As a mom of three, she speaks from experience.
Hands-free
At day’s end, there isn’t much that guests can do to protect themselves from double-dippers. One option is to bring your own food, or even abstain from eating, but that’s neither fun nor practical.
Still, precautions can be taken.
“If you’re dipping from something more solid, like hummus, take your helping from a portion not touched yet,” Corwin said.
Also, aim for dips that have serving utensils. If the host has set out serving spoons and dishes, people won’t need to double-dip—they can use the utensils to place an adequate amount of chips and dip on their plates.
Corwin emphasized the tried-and-true food safety mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out.
“As a host, anything you can do to take those extra precautions would be advisable,” she said. “You wouldn’t want any of your guests to leave sick, because you want them to come back.”
If you want to surprise your little ones with gifts that keep on giving, go for something that inspires physical activity. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
A simple jump rope is a fun way to get active and you’re not just
limited to jumping rope. Use the rope in many ways to promote
exercise—make a limbo line, walk across the rope like a tight rope, or
jump over the rope while it’s on the ground. Be creative!
2. Frisbee
If you have children or pets, a Frisbee can be a great way to promote
activity. If you have a lot of family, you can play ultimate Frisbee.
It’s like football with a Frisbee, but without the tackling. You can
find official rules at USA Ultimate, make up your own, or just play together and move.
3. Sports ball
Since there are too many to name, we figured we’d just include most
sports equipment in this category. But a tennis ball, football, or Nerf
ball are great for encouraging children to get active. Even better, you
can play together! In the winter, get something you can use in the snow.
4. Hopping ball
You can find these at many toy stores. A hopping ball is a ball with a handle that kids can sit on and hop up and down. Adults should give it a try, too. It’s harder than it looks and oh so much fun. Just inflate and bounce!
5. Hopscotch rug
If there is too much snow for hopscotch, play it indoors with this fun rug. Or make your own by using colorful painter’s tape on the floor.
6. Yoga cards
There are many different versions of these cards. When you draw a yoga card, try to do the yoga pose shown on the card. You can take them anywhere—you just need a little bit of space for yoga.
Alan Steinman, director of Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute, will speak at an event hosted by FLOW (For Love of Water) that will focus on the government’s role in protecting health and the environment.
Steinman, a global expert on freshwater ecosystems and research, will present alongside four other experts on policy that relates to water during the event.
“Perhaps more than ever before, with the threats of climate change, invasive species and legacy contaminants impacting the health of the planet and its inhabitants, including humans, enlightened governmental regulation is needed to help ensure we have clean air, soil, and water not only for the current generation, but even more importantly, for future generations,” Steinman said. “It is an unfortunate fact that when we, as a society, opt for lax environmental regulations, economic development and growth trump environmental integrity every time. Governmental regulation can play a critical role in ensuring that economic vitality and environmental protection complement each other and create new opportunities, rather than being perceived as combatants on the planetary battlefield.”
Resetting Expectations: Community Engagement Session on the Role of Government in Environmental Protection and Public Health
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.
The event’s interactive presentation will trace the history of environmental regulation and illustrate how environmental policies protect individuals, families and communities while fostering innovation and economic gains.
“FLOW’s body of research and reports – Resetting Expectations: Government’s Role in Protecting Human Health and the Environment and the community conversations – is designed to show that the benefits of government protections are both measurable and overwhelmingly favorable in the realm of environmental protection, where the quantifiable benefits of protections greatly exceed the costs imposed on business and the economy,” said Stanley “Skip” Pruss, who authored the reports and is the former director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth and former FLOW board chair.
Other speakers will include:
● George Heartwell, former Mayor of Grand Rapids
● Skip Pruss, former director, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
● Liz Kirkwood, FLOW executive director
● Dave Dempsey, FLOW senior policy advisor
The last half-century has witnessed sweeping changes in the public perception of government and its role in advancing the public interest and improving public welfare. Surveys today show public trust in government is in sharp decline and criticism of government has become a bipartisan social norm. To many, “government regulation” connotes undue interference with markets, competition, and the economy, yet, at the same time, surveys show overwhelming bipartisan support for an essential function of government: the protection of air, water, public lands, and natural resources.
On a gloomy winter day, the bright colorful sign on the front of 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW only hints at what can be found when you go through the door.
Inside, you might feel as if you had been transported to the heart of Mexico in the brightly lit shop that is full of clothing, home décor and shoes all carefully curated by the shop’s owner Nancy Quero. Guelaguetza Designs, which opened in the City of Wyoming at the end of October, has always been a dream of Quero.
From home décor to shoes, Guelaguetza Designs features an array of items. (Photo by WKTV)
Quero, who started her business in 2005, said she wanted to make a connection between her home culture of Mexico through its clothing and art. She started by first featuring the work of her mother, who has been an artisan for 30 years. As interested in her mobile shop grew, Quero also cultivated relationships with other artists she has known for most her life.
Her clinetle started “asking more about who made it and that they wanted one. So I started getting more things.”
Soon Quero was once again thinking about a permanent store.
“The idea of the store, it was there in the back of my mind for a very long time,” she said. “I just did not have the time or resources to do it.”
Through a friend, she was introduced to the SpringGR program, which helped her see that her desire to have a brick-and-mortar store could become a reality.
“It is a unique store because Mexican-Americans and our community can have access to unique items from Mexico,” she said.
A new line at Guelaguetza Designs is the black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo by WKTV)
The store features an array of items such as clothing lines for children, women and men. Guelaguetza Designs also features jewelry, purses, and shoes. A popular items is the Alebrijes, the little colorful hand-painted animals from Mexico. Quero also has added a line of black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico, which is distinguished by its color, sheen and unique designs and one of the most popular and appreciated styles of pottery in Mexico.
She selected the DeHoop location because of its close proximity to 28th Street, a street she calls very international.
“You can find basically anything from Africa or South America so that is why we decided to do this in Wyoming, specifically on 28th Street,” she said.
For more about Guelaguetza Designs, visit the store at 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW, the store’s website, guelaguetzadesigns.com, or follow the store on Facebook page, Guelaguetza Designs.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we bring to light the urgent need and community efforts to battle family homelessness in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We talk with Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids.
The local non-profit has the mission of ending “homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging faith-based and community organizations to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are homeless and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.”
Founded in 1997 as the Greater Grand Rapids Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise (familypromisegr.org) now partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and “viable solutions” for families with children who are facing a housing crisis.
Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids, on set with WKTV Journal In Focus host Ken Norris (WKTV)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Americans consume 100 billion single use plastic bags every year, but less than five percent of these bags are recycled, according to the U.S. government. (U.S. Military photo)
By Kent County
The Kent County Recycling & Education Center will no longer accept plastic shopping bags and shredded paper starting Jan. 1, 2020, the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced Dec. 3. Residents are encouraged to return plastic shopping bags to participating locations.
“Our goal is to get all materials that come into our facility into recycling markets,” said Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director. “Over the last several years, it has become increasingly difficult to sort bags from the other recyclables and the bags aren’t able to be recycled after they pass through a system like ours.”
Plastic bags create operational challenges at recycling sorting centers, including shutdowns from the bags tangling around machinery and bags mixing with bales of paper. Lacking a recycling market for bags from curbside recycling collection, Kent County has paid to send them to an engineered fuel facility in Indiana. This is the only recyclable item sorted by Kent County that does not go to a recycling market.
The recycling industry standard is to encourage residents to take bags back to retail shopping centers that offer a clean, dry collection system specifically for bags. If residents have clean, dry plastic bags they would like to recycle, Kent County DPW encourages people to drop off plastic bags at participating stores, such as Meijer.
“All Meijer supercenters accept clean, dry plastic bags which customers can place in receptacles at the front entrances of the store,” said Erik Petrovskis, Director of Sustainability for Meijer. “We send these bags to external partners who recycle them into high-quality manufactured goods. We also encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags or purchase reusable bags which are available in our stores.”
Additionally, the Recycling & Education Center will no longer accept shredded paper which is often too small to get detected and sorted accordingly. Kent County encourages residents to shred and dispose of only what is necessary for security purposes and recycle whole pieces of paper.
For more information about recycling plastic bags and other items, visit reimaginetrash.org/bags.
Having a type of inflammatory arthritis called gout may worsen heart-related outcomes for people being treated for coronary artery disease, according to new research.
The study, published in The Journal of the American Heart Association, sought to clarify older research on the link between cardiovascular disease and gout, which occurs in people with high levels of uric acid in the blood.
In the U.S., gout affects nearly 6 million men and 2 million women, or about 4 percent of the population, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The buildup of uric acid can form needle-like crystals in a joint and cause sudden pain, tenderness, redness, warmth and swelling, often in the big toe. But it’s also associated with a greater risk of kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and sleep apnea.
Researchers from Duke University studied data from more than 17,000 patients, including 1,406 who had gout at the start of the study and were being treated for cardiovascular risk factors. After following patients for an average of 6.4 years, researchers found that “in spite of aggressive medical therapy,” the gout was linked to worse outcomes and death.
“Among patients who had gout at the beginning of the study or who developed it during follow-up, their risk of either dying of cardiovascular disease or having a heart attack or stroke was 15 percent higher than patients who never developed gout,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Neha Pagidipati, a cardiologist and assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C.
Patients who had gout at any point during the study had a twofold increased risk of heart failure death compared to people who never developed gout.
While past research showed people with gout have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, “a lot of those studies were done decades ago, before modern preventative therapy like statins became extremely common,” Pagidipati said. “We wanted to take a more contemporary look at the relationship between gout and future heart disease in patients with known coronary artery disease.”
Many patients don’t even realize a link exists between gout and heart problems, she said, and the new findings show the need for patients to talk to their physicians about added risks.
“Also, from a physician’s perspective, it’s important to consider that patients with gout may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease even if they’re already treating them with all the standard therapies. It’s something to have on their radar,” Pagidipati said.
Although it’s unclear why gout might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, she said possible reasons include increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
“We know that people who have a high level of inflammation are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and we also know gout is characterized by periods of acute inflammation: The link may have to do with that,” she said.
Dr. Jasvinder Singh, who was not involved in the study, said the new research may help the public understand how insidious gout can be.
“Gout is not just a disease of the joints: It’s a disease that causes inflammation in the joints and in the body. It’s not just a pain in the toe, it affects other organs, too, including the heart,” said Singh, a gout researcher and professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Singh said the new study underscores the potential dangers of ignoring even occasional episodes of gout.
“Patients may say, ‘I have an attack every two years, so shouldn’t I wait (for treatment) until it becomes more frequent?’ But in light of studies such as this one,” he said, “patients might want to take that into account and know that leaving gout untreated might be affecting their cardiovascular health.”
He’s made his list, he’s checked it twice, and he’s making a few last-minute stops in West Michigan before his big sleigh ride on Christmas Eve! Here’s a few places you can spot Santa Claus and his friends this month.
Santa’s Central West Michigan stops
All visitors are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Remember to bring your camera for a Santa selfie or a photo with him on his sleigh. Santa will be located in the Peter C. & Emajean (Pat) Cook Entry Arbor Dec. 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 5-8pm.
Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a special morning with Santa & Mrs. Claus for pictures, breakfast, Let it Snow in the Planetarium, a holiday gift, and endless exploration of the museum all day. This holiday fundraiser supports exhibitions and programming at the museum. Celebrate the holidays with the GRPM through this exclusive experience. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700. Breakfast with Santa will have two sessions on Dec. 14th, at 8:30am and again at 10am.
Stop by the Grand Rapids Downtown Market to visit the big guy himself 2-6pm on Dec. 14th and 15th. Bring your wish list to ensure you land on Santa’s ‘nice’ list this year.
Enjoy brunch with Santa at Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails in Grand Rapids Dec. 14th & 15th. The event includes a delicious brunch buffet, professional photos with Santa, cookie decorating, kids activities, and more. Brunch is $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids.
Santa arrives in Downtown Holland, escorted by bands, floats, trucks, family, and friends all decked out in thousands of sparkling holiday lights during the Parade of Lights, Dec. 3rd! More than 80 entries will illuminate the streets of Downtown Holland. At the end of the parade, Santa will greet his fans — young and old alike! The parade begins at 8th Street and Columbia Avenue and continues on to the Eighth Street Market Place, home of the Holiday Kerstmarkt.
Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s House in Downtown Holland through Dec. 23rd. There is no charge to sit on Santa’s lap, but be sure to bring your own camera for photos.
You’ll find Santa in Grand Haven Main Street’s Centertown (7th Street Corridor) 11am-2pm on Dec. 14th at a number of participating merchants.
Santa and his elves are coming to the Cartier Mansion in Ludington on Dec. 7th to help support the Ludington Cares program. Cookies and hot cocoa will be provided, and don’t forget your camera for pictures with Santa! Cash donations will be accepted to help purchase winter gear, toiletries and non-perishable food items for the Ludington and Scottville Cares boxes.
Visit with Santa Claus and have your photo taken at the Ludington Library, Dec. 7th, 10am-3pm.
Santa Claus is coming to the White Lake Christmas Parade on Dec. 7th! Over 50 participants will line up and follow the parade route from Whitehall to Montague along Colby Street. The 67th annual parade promises to provide excitement with floats from area churches, civic organizations, businesses, area neighbors, cartoon characters, clowns, parading fire trucks, and animals of all shapes and sizes, all handing out candy and goodies. As the Grand Finale, Santa will make his entrance with a horse drawn carriage. He will be eager to see children of all ages following the parade at his house outside Montague City Hall located on Ferry St.
There will be plenty of opportunities to visit Santa in Mecosta County. He will be hopping from storefront to storefront through Dec. 21st. All of the times and information about catching Santa in downtown Big Rapids can be found on the Mecosta County community events calendar.
Visit with Santa at his home at Town Center in Downtown Mt. Pleasantthe weekends leading up to Christmas. Click here for the Santa Visits schedule. Stop by to eat pancakes with Santa at the pancake breakfast Saturday, Dec. 7th, during the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration.
Santa’s South West Michigan Stops
The city of Marshall keeps Santa Claus busy. He’ll be popping up at different stores in the quaint downtown all throughout December. Kids will want to bring their wish lists, but it’s also a good excuse to get some holiday shopping done. In locally owned stores, you’ll find outdoor gear, stationary, mandolins, plants, Michigan-themed housewares, natural dog treats, books, and more. For a complete list of Santa sightings, go to choosemarshall.com.
Grandma’s Treats and Toys in Marshallis going to celebrate the elves (not Santa) with an Elf Party — after all, it’s the elves who do the hard work of making the toys. There will be activities and ice cream sundaes. It’ll be held in the toy store’s new Party and Play location. From 9am to 1pm, Mondays through Fridays, kids can use the play stations and toys.
Christmas comes alive during the annual Quincy Lights & Holiday Market in Coldwater Country,Friday, Dec. 6th, as Santa arrives in town. Kids will enjoy cooking, decorating, games, crafts, and of course, visiting with Santa at the Quincy Fire Station.
Head to downtown Coldwater on Saturday, Dec. 7th for the annual Christmas Parade and a visit to Santaland. Tree-lit streets, bands playing Christmas carols, children anxiously awaiting a glimpse of Santa, and more await you during the magic of the holidays in Coldwater.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a steam engine train in the winter with a ride aboard The Christmas Express at Coldwater Country’s Little River Railroad. Visit with Santa on the train, enjoy holiday treats, and a Christmas tour of the depot on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7th & 8th, and 14th & 15th.
Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association
Have brunch with Santa at Plank’s Tavern at The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph Dec. 8th and 21st. Reservations are recommended.
Picture perfect holiday fun is available weekends in December in downtown St. Joseph. Santa’s house, located on the corner of State and Pleasant Streets will be open Thursdays & Fridays 4-6pm, Saturdays noon-5pm, and Sundays 1-5pm through Dec. 23rd.
Airway Fun Centerin Portage will be hosting Breakfast and Bowling with Santa, Dec. 22nd from 9am-noon. Admission to the event is $15 per person and comes with unlimited bowling, shoe rental, and all you can eat breakfast buffet as well as a visit from Old St. Nick. Seats can be reserved in advance or at the door the day of the event.
On Dec. 7th, Santa stops by Crane’s Pie Pantryin Fennville noon-3pm. Come by and whisper in his ear what you want for Christmas!
Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor. (Supplied/Kentwood Police)
By City of Kentwood
The Kentwood Police Department will again partner with local store owners to prevent retail theft this holiday season through Operation P.R.I.C.E., an educational program that has helped area retailers reduce crime during the holidays since 2014. The program educates retailers on how to handle shoplifters and reduce retail fraud.
Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, takes a proactive approach involving education and open communication with business owners and their employees in preparation for the busy holiday season.
Kentwood Police educate retailers on how to discourage shoplifting, how to identify potential crime and what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership also includes an increased police presence in and around the community’s prime retail destinations, assigning plain-clothed officers to businesses targeted for organized retail crime. Additionally, participating retailers display posters and signs declaring their partnership with the Kentwood Police Department.
“Collaboration with business owners and employees early on is integral to the success of the program,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said. “The sooner our officers can make personal connections with employees and equip them with knowledge about how to reduce retail fraud, the better we can ensure employees feel confident about spotting suspicious activity and calling us for assistance.
“Our education efforts along with a larger police presence and the visibility of retailers’ partnerships with us has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud.”
Operation P.R.I.C.E. was first launched by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor, but has since grown beyond 28th Street in recent years, extending to 29th Street and doubling in participating businesses to more than 60. Initially, calls for police services increased, resulting in more retail fraud arrests as store owners and employees used police as a resource. Since the program began, police have seen retail theft decrease during the holiday season.
“Operation P.R.I.C.E. continues to be a highly successful initiative not only for our department, but for the community as a whole,” Roberts said. “The relationships we have built and the knowledge we’ve imparted to our partners within the City’s business districts have helped to create a positive and safe shopping experience for those who live in and visit our City during the holiday season.”
For more information on the program, visit kentwood.us .
WKTV’s Joanne Bailey-Boorsma gets the scoop about SpringGR from Arlene Campbell, chief creator of opportunities and Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment
SpringGR is a 12-week training experience to help entrepreneurs develop their business idea or business. This Thursday, Dec. 5, SpringGR will host its fall graduation at 6pm at 818 Butterworth St. SW. Valet parking is complimentary and available for the event. Six SpringGR entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a group of judges. Go here for the details.
The true spirit of giving
A group of Grand Valley State University engineering students recently delivered a custom-built electric swing to an area family to help their daughter with special needs. The students built the specialized swing for Alexis Truax after her mother, Sarah Truax, contacted the School of Engineering after seeing a story on the local news about a similar project. More about this project here.
Have coffee with this guy
Alan Headbloom tapes his show here at WKTV
‘Feel Like You Belong’ producer and host Alan Headbloom will be the featured guest at Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series Wednesday,Dec. 4, at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, in Wyoming. Headbloom, who has 30 years of experience in cross cultural communication on six continents, will be discussing ‘Immigrants: Your Country Needs Them’ at 2pm. Read all about it here.
Fun fact:
The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ has a frequency only dogs can hear
In an interview in 2013, Paul McCartney said that he added a frequency only dogs can hear to the end of the Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’.
Live, container-grown Christmas trees provide consumers with a real tree option that can be planted into their landscapes following the holidays. Many types of Christmas trees commonly grown in Michigan also make attractive landscape trees. In order to have the best success with a living Christmas tree, Michigan State University Extension recommends following these guidelines.
Choose a tree species that will make a good landscape tree as an attractive Christmas tree. Carefully consider your site and choose species that are well adapted to it. Be sure to allow plenty of room for growth since almost all conifers used as living Christmas trees are fast growing trees. Several types of spruces such as Serbian, black hills, Norway and white spruce, along with Canaan fir, are good choices for most Michigan landscapes. Fraser fir is sometimes sold as a potted living Christmas tree, but it requires sites with good soil drainage or soil pH below 6.0 – conditions that are not typical of most Michigan landscapes. For more information about other other conifers to use, see the tip sheet “Alternative conifers for Michigan landscapes.”
A container-grown tree provides a different option for the holiday season. Photo credit: Bert Cregg, MSU
Remember, your living tree is alive, so treat it like a houseplant and make sure to water it regularly. Place the tree in a cooler area away from heat sources such as fireplaces or furnace outlets to help keep it from drying out. Also bear in mind the tree will lose cold hardiness the longer it is held indoors, which can impact its ability to stand up to cold once you place it back outdoors. Plan on keeping the tree indoors for no more than two weeks.
Many articles on the Internet recommend planting living trees immediately after display or placing them outside and heavily mulching the container to protect the roots. In Michigan and other northern climates, holding trees in a shed or unheated garage and then planting them in the spring is the best solution. Make sure to periodically check the moisture levels and water the plant as needed. Keep the trees in a protected location until spring time and plant them when you would normally plant trees and shrubs in your area.
More information on selecting and caring for your Christmas tree from MSU Extension
The Fourth Annual Antique Snowmobile the Mac will be taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14. This unique event has drawn more and more visitors each year since it first began in 2016 with only about 30 sleds. This year we are anticipating more than 100 antique sleds to cross the Mackinac Bridge at 11am on Saturday.
Sleds must be at least 25 years old or older to participate and must be equipped with wheel kits to keep treads off the pavement of the bridge. To register your sled, please visit www.stignace.com. Under the “Events” tab you will find additional information and registration instructions.
Registration has been extended until 5pm on Monday, Dec. 9th. Onsite registration is not permitted.
All sleds will gather in the Fort Michilimackinac parking lot in Mackinaw City Saturday morning. This is a great opportunity to view the sleds and talk to the owners. The crossing will begin promptly at 11am.
Bridge fare for the crossing itself is also included in registration as is lunch and awards.
“This event is the culmination of a lot of hard work and collaboration with many organizations. We never thought we could pull it off, but here we are, gearing up for the 4th year!” said Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum owner Charlie Vallier. The popular antique snowmobile museum is located in Naubinway.
Interested in making a weekend of it? Join us for a Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl – Christmas Lights Edition Saturday evening. Registration includes drink and food coupons, $10 free slot play at the casino, shuttle service all evening to and from hotels and bars, and a chance to see St. Ignace decked out it all its Christmas glory.
Lunch will be catered by the Driftwood Restaurant and is available for purchase for non-participants for $10.
Some great places to watch the crossing include Bridge View Park in St. Ignace and the Welcome Center parking lot.
As parents reach their golden years, they often rely on us to maintain a happy, healthy standard of living. Our loved ones need care and support as they age. They face increased physical challenges in everyday tasks we may take for granted.
As these needs arise, family members often step in to help, but this may not be sustainable as time passes. Additionally, dementia and chronic illness often require professional assistance.
Assisted living communities offer an appealing and comforting solution to these challenges. Since assisted living cost is not insignificant, it’s important to ensure you receive the highest value for your financial investment. If you’re considering assisted living for an aging parent, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What do assisted living communities offer?
Some assume that a nursing home is the only option, but there’s a big difference between assisted living and nursing home care. Assisted living residents are more active and mobile than nursing home patients, who are often bedridden and may need 24/7 care. Depending on your location and on the level of care needed by your senior loved one, assisted living cost can be lower than home care or nursing homes in the same area.
There is no federal definition of assisted living, although individual states provide regulation. This means that the amenities, care packages, and pricing at each community will vary. Some states require different tiers of licensing for different kinds of care, so ask about the community’s licenses in order to clearly understand what they offer.
Benefits of community life vs. assisted living cost
There are countless ways that community life will benefit your aging
parent. Remember that you’re not only investing in a living space and
meals, but your loved one’s overall quality of life will be much higher.
Here are just a few ways this takes place:
Social opportunities like movie and game nights are provided. This is essential for retaining mental faculties and communication skills!
Senior safety is a top priority. Precautions such as shower railings and medical alert systems are provided, and physical assistance is always nearby.
Secure entrances prevent strangers or intruders from threatening your loved ones.
Classes and cultural events, such as book clubs or museum trips, keep residents mentally active.
Supervised meals, with a variety of food and a happy social environment, help keep appetites strong. In some communities, staff members monitor meals and provide supplements when necessary.
Housekeeping and transportation are provided, easing demands on family members.
Managing assisted living cost
The best way to keep costs manageable is to research thoroughly ahead of time. Try to plan as far ahead as possible so that you aren’t rushed by a sudden medical development. Taking time to pick the right community will prevent expensive moves later.
Visit potential communities multiple times and get to know the staff. Don’t be afraid to ask about price flexibility and compare options with care packages. Once you select a community, it’s a good idea for an attorney to review the contract. Make sure you understand the costs as well as exactly what care will be provided.
Although it may be more expensive, quality care is worth the financial investment. In an uplifting and empowering environment, your aging loved one will enjoy a more positive, upbeat outlook. You will have time and emotional energy left for more meaningful connections when family members are not completely responsible for your loved one’s care. With proper planning and research, you can help your parent find a community that uplifts and enriches their life.
Arlene Campbell, chief creator of opportunities for Spring GR, and Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment for SpringGR talk to WKTV Journal’s Joanne Bailey-Boorsma. (Photo by WKTV)
Ideas for a business can come from about anywhere: watching a host stress over her event or finding a more affordable option for a custom suit.
Turning those ideas into a profitable business is often the challenge for many. However, in 2015, the third generation of the DeVos family decided they wanted to do something about encouraging entrepreneurship in Grand Rapids. The result was SpringGR.
“At the time, an article had come out and Gand Rapids was listed 51 out of 52 economically for African Americans,” said Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment for SpringGR. “So it was very poor for African Americans, but then it was listed later, in 2018, as the second best city to start a business.
SpringGR is a 12-week training experience that people can apply to help develop their business, according to Arlene Campbell, chief creator of opportunities for Spring GR. It also includes a two-year mentorship program for SpringGR graduates.
“Usually when you have a program like this, you go through the program and you have your mountain top experience and then life happens,” Obande said, adding that the mentorship program gives SpringGR members the opportunity to network and connect with others in the SpringGR program. This also helps the entrepreneurs to not only building a social network, but continue to receive guidance as they develop and grow their business, he said.
With more than 450 people who have gone through the program, SpringGR has had a number of success stories.
“A lot of people have developed a part-time business, quite a few have started a full-time business and some are actually hiring people,” Campbell said.
The results can be seen in the cities of the Kentwood and Wyoming with the newest business in City of Wyoming being Guelaguetza Designs, owned by SpringGR graduate Nancy Quero.
“SpringGR made me realize that what we were doing was worth the shot,” Quero said. “It made me realize that there was a market for the products that we sell and gave me the tools to do what I am doing right now.”
This Thursday, Dec. 5, SpringGR will host its fall graduation at 6 p.m. at 818 Butterworth St. SW. Valet parking is complimentary and available for the event. Six SpringGR entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a group of judges.
For more about SpringGR and some of the entrepreneurs who have been a part of the program, visit the organizations website SpringGR.com.
Alan Headbloom (right) tapes his show here at WKTV. (Photo by WKTV)
“Feel Like You Belong” producer and host Alan Headbloom will be the featured guest at Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, in Wyoming.
Headbloom, who has 30 years of experience in cross cultural communication on six continents, will be discussing “Immigrants: Your Country Needs Them” at 2 p.m.
“Feel Like You Belong” is a show that features interviews of immigrants, refugees, and expatriates faced with the challenge of adjusting to a new culture. Headbloom will show an interview from his WKTV show and lead a discussion with the audience about First Generation Americans, who are aware of the challenges, but also thankful for the opportunities in their new country.
The last Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series for 2018 will be a Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 18 at Marge’s Donut Den. Participants are encouraged to bring a treat to share.
Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series is named after Wyoming’s longtime veteran Sid Lenger, who hosted video series on his travels throughout Europe and India. Lenger died earlier this year. He was 100 years old.
A group of Grand Valley State University engineering students recently delivered a custom-built electric swing to an area family to help their daughter with special needs.
The students built the specialized swing for Alexis Truax after her mother, Sarah Truax, contacted the School of Engineering after seeing a story on the local news about a similar project.
Sarah Truax said her daughter is soothed by the repetitive motion of swinging back and forth, but pushing a manual swing for hours takes up valuable time that she would normally use doing other things, so an electric swing that doesn’t require pushing is a huge time-saver for the family.
The project was organized by assistant professor of engineering Mahdi Norouzi and students in a machine-design class.
Norouzi said students developed prototypes using grant funding, and built the swing with support from the engineering department.
“When I think of this project, I just think our students did a really excellent job and know that the machine we’ve built will help Alexis for a long time,” Norouzi said. “I’m blessed to have been part of this project and help this family meet their needs.”
Norouzi said the project was inspiring to him, as he has a daughter about the same age as Alexis, and he knows how much time child care taking can take. He also said specialized projects provide unique opportunities for students to take what they are learning in the classroom and put it into practice in the real world.
“This lets students get hands-on with the work instead of just engineering the piece in concept and on paper,” he said.
Connor Green, one of the students involved with the project, said this build was the most significant project he had ever done, especially with challenging electrical controls, but said he learned about advanced concepts and said the experience was fun at the same time.
“When this started off I was most worried about getting a good grade, but seeing the family here picking it up, and seeing how it will help them for several years is a really big personal payoff,” Green said.
David Drogowski, a senior mechanical engineering major, said he has a background in machining and fabrication, so he enjoyed the experience of spending time in the machine shop and learning practical aspects of the build instead of just the design and theory.
“It was great to spend time in the shop and watch our design become a successful reality,” Drogowski said. “Seeing Alexis in the swing today was a super cool experience.”
For more information on Grand Valley State University’s engineering program, visit gvsu.edu/engineering
As you continue to age, many seniors struggle to find motivation during the later years of life. Sometimes days can become very gloomy and lonely. Adding a dog, cat, or other animal companion to your everyday life can make a big difference in your mental and emotional health.
Pets for seniors can turn lives around, but it’s important to be realistic about your capabilities for caring for an animal as well. Read below to see our suggestions on if a pet is a good idea for you!
Benefits of having a pet
The number one benefit of a pet is the joy that they bring. It’s the reason that so many people have pets—or want to have one if they don’t currently. But, especially in the case of seniors, a pet can be so much more than just a playful friend.
Pets help seniors feel less alone, and you can experience daily love through the devotion of an animal companion. Pets can also help seniors stay active, by helping you stick to a routine and move around your home, get up at specific times, and get out of the house to buy food and toys to take care of the pet. Animals like dogs also help you get outdoors and socialize with other people.
Types of pets for seniors
All animals provide a sense of purpose, love, and happiness that all people, especially seniors, can benefit from. But what type of animal friend is best for you?
Dogs
Dogs are a great companion animal for seniors. After all, they are man’s best friend! Dogs encourage seniors to walk, play, and stay active. Certain small breeds of dogs can also be picked up and carried, helping you build and maintain muscle. Small dogs are generally a good idea for seniors, as they aren’t as strong and make great lap pets. In the same vein, older dogs are much less work than energetic and excitable puppies.
Cats
If you want a pet that is a little more low-maintenance than a dog, a cat is a great choice for seniors. Cats like to cuddle and have distinct personalities, but don’t take as much time and energy to care for and are generally quieter and cleaner than dogs. They also are a great choice for seniors who don’t have any outdoor space at their residence.
Fish
If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet, then there is no better option than a fish. While you can’t pet or play with fish, they still provide seniors with a schedule and routine for daily feeding and cleaning the tank. Too many fish and large tanks can be a burden for seniors, so a few fish in a 5-10 gallon tank is often the best choice.
Birds
Many seniors enjoy having an avian companion, as birds are colorful, pretty, and play around with toys without as much hands-on care as a dog or cat needs. Some types of birds are able to mimic words, so you have an animal friend that talks back! However, birds still need specific cleaning and feeding routines, so it’s important that seniors understand how to care for a bird before buying one.
Exercise caution before making a decision
While pets provide a lot of benefits to seniors, they are also a lot of work. It’s important for seniors to understand their limitations before making a long-term decision like buying an animal. Pets can take up a lot of energy and time, and if you can’t provide those, it might not be a good idea to have one.
Pets can also become expensive, so it’s important that you know you have the money in your budget to pay for food, toys, vet bills, cleaning supplies, and treats before purchasing an animal friend.
Finally, while it’s not fun to think about, there is always the possibility as a senior that your pet may end up outliving you. Take into consideration who would pick up the responsibility of an animal in the case of an emergency, and make sure that any pet you pick will fit into their lives as well.
Pets at assisted living communities
If you want an animal companion, but aren’t sure you can handle the responsibility of caring for one on your own, consider a community pet at an assisted living home! While some assisted living communities are pet-friendly and you can bring your own friend along with you, others have animals for residents to share and enjoy together.
As you age in place at assisted living, you can enjoy all the benefits of a pet without having to worry about taking care of the upkeep, feeding, and housing of the animal. It’s all of the fun of having a pet without any of the work!
It is a well-known practice — impulse items placed at the checkout line. These items are strategically placed to catch your eye as you unload your shopping cart.
Gum, candy, assorted snacks and a growing assortment of miscellaneous items like pipe cleaners and nail clippers are placed at just the right level along with the array of magazines with “gotcha” headlines. Within the past few years a growing number of gift cards have shown up as well. Many of these items could be considered convenience items, last minute gifts, something to eat on the commute home.
More recently, you are even offered a chance to save money instantly. This is great! You are not adding to your total, you are actually saving money!
What’s the catch?
“Excuse me sir,” says the sales associate. “Would you like to save ten percent on your purchase today?” You think of your budget. Money is tight right now. “I sure would,” you reply. “Great!” replies the associate. “I just need to get some information from you. You will not only save ten percent today. You will save five percent on all additional purchases!” This is beginning to sound better and better. Sure, you have to sign up for a “box store” credit card, but you will really save on the big screen television in your cart. What could be the down side?
Did you know that every time a merchant signs you up for a credit card, they check your credit? Did you know that every time your credit is checked for such an application, it may have an effect on your credit score? According to statistics reported by the Federal Reserve, American consumers hold more than 880 billion dollars in revolving debt. Have you ever heard the saying, “the house always wins?”
The box store credit card offers to save you 10 percent on your purchase will save you money if you pay off the balance each month. What box stores want is for you to buy more box store stuff. If you are not disciplined enough, the credit card offers are not being made to save you money. If box store wanted you to save money with no strings attached, they could hand out ten percent-off coupons at the checkout. Store credit cards are meant for you to spend more money at the store and to charge interest if you do not pay the balance. Be prepared and look for ways to save money. Make a list of the items that you want to buy and sleep on it. Compare prices for the items on the list at a number of stores. Be efficient and plan your trips ahead of time. Resist the check-out line offers.
Credit is not the problem. Too much credit is the problem. Maybe you can resist the extra plastic in your wallet. Michigan State University Extension offers a variety of money management programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information, check out this website .
The Kentwood-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) will host a special “Signing Santa” event this week. (Supplied/D&HHS)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kentwood-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) offers a multitude of programs with the goal to “provide equal communication access, education and advocacy to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing in pursuit of all life’s opportunities.”
And, this time of the year, one of those opportunities often unavailable to local deaf and hard of hearing children is simply visiting — and communicating with — Santa.
So, for the 10th holiday season, a D&HHS event will present a deaf ‘Signing Santa’ on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crossroads Middle School, 4400 Ambrose NE, Grand Rapids.
“To see a child who is deaf have that experience with a deaf Santa who literally speaks their language takes my breath away every time,” Deb Atwood, D&HHS executive director, said in supplied material. “It never gets old. Every time I see it, I see it through the eyes of the child, and it is amazing every single time.”
In addition to Signing Santa, the event also will feature two signed story times at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and will also include holiday crafts, snacks and drinks.
Some of the guests at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) special “Signing Santa” event in 2018. (Supplied/D&HHS)
According to D&HHS, there also will be numerous interpreters at the event so that everyone has access. Interpreters at the entrance, interpreters at the crafts, interpreters for Santa and interpreters for the story. Every station will have ASL to English and English to ASL interpreters.
There will also be gifts will be available to the first 50 children, and gift donations from the public are still being welcomed. People who would like to donate can call 616-732-7358 for more details.
For more information about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, visit deafhhs.org .
Federal health guidelines urge us to spend half an hour each day moving with enough vigor to boost the heart rate. But half the U.S. population fails to squeeze in time for it.
To encourage us to make exercise a priority, Thomas Boyden, MD, a Spectrum Health Medical Group preventive cardiologist, details the many ways physical activity can make our lives better.
His top 10 reasons to exercise can provide a little motivational boost to put down the smartphone and pick up the pace.
Routine exercise:
Lowers blood pressure
Lowers blood sugar
Helps control cholesterol
Builds bone strength
Helps prevent dementia
Fights depression, stress and anxiety
Improves balance
Reduces risk for heart attack and stroke
Aids weight control
Helps you sleep better
Exercise does not have to mean running a marathon, Dr. Boyden said. But it should involve activity more vigorous than a leisurely stroll.
“I say walking the dog doesn’t really qualify as exercise,” he said. “I have a dog and I know how often they stop.
“We want the heart rate to increase and we want it increased for sustained periods of time. That’s proven by research to lower your risk of events like heart attack and stroke.”
Those with physical limitations, because of weight, arthritis or other health issues, can still be active, he added.
“Particularly when you get older and have joint problems, I encourage people to figure out ways to do seated exercises, so they can take the weight off the joints and exercise without pain,” he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to exercise at least 150 minutes a week (two hours and 30 minutes). Doctors often recommend breaking it into 30-minute sessions because it sounds less daunting, said Dr. Boyden.
“It’s possible and usually easy to do 30 minutes of anything,” he said.
Sedentary sickness
More than 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, which can
lead to a number of health problems, Dr. Boyden said. These include:
Diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of cancer, blood clots, depression and early-onset dementia
Problems with menstruation
Gastrointestinal issues
Sleep apnea
Joint problems, leading to a need for hip and knee replacements
“We are getting sicker as a country because we are getting bigger and more sedentary,” he said.
Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle drive heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, according to the CDC.
“The strongest data shows if we all maintained a healthy weight, ate healthy, did just a little bit of exercise and didn’t smoke, at least 80 percent of our country would likely never have a heart problem,” Dr. Boyden said.
“I’m a big lifestyle advocate,” he said. “Everything we do for ourselves is as meaningful, if not more meaningful, than the services provided by a health care system.”
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’
Everyone has that nostalgic picture of the family heading off in the old red truck to get that perfect tree, followed by hot cocoa and holiday singalongs. Well before you head off to the woods (or the local tree lot), the Michigan State University Extension has a few tips to help you find that “perfect” tree, such as what are the best kinds of pine trees and how to make sure they last through the season. For more, click here.
Hark! GVSU Shall Sing!
Grand Valley State University will wrap up its Fall Arts Celebration with a special holiday musical performance featuring groups from GVSU and local school districts. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. And the gift to all? The performance is free. For more information, click here.
Area residents fill the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.
Be Prepared
As you hit those holiday sales this weekend, do not forget that the Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. The annual event collects unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. For every toy donated, a participate will receive a raffle ticket for prizes donated by area businesses. Also, the City of Kentwood will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Light Parade. Those interested in helping may sign up online.
More than 15 million trees
According to the U.S. Agricultural Department, in 2017, 15,094,678 million Christmas trees were cut down in 2017. The Wall Street Journal reported that growing all those trees would require 19.7 miles of square land, which is roughly half of Walt Disney World or 86 percent of Manhattan.
Once freezing temps hit, 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 take its toll on your mood. As an older adult, winter can be an especially difficult season.
You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you may 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 number of things you can do to have a more fulfilling winter season. Check out the tips and resources below that can help you to embrace a slower winter lifestyle.
Become a part of something. Whether it is joining a senior center, book club, or volunteering for a cause that matters, being involved helps 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 are there to help keep you accountable.
Challenge yourself to pick up a new hobby. Hobbies are a great way to keep your mind sharp and fill those long winter hours. The great thing about hobbies is that there are so many out there, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that interests you. Top hobbies for seniors are reading, crafting, playing cards and games, and exploring family history.
Move your body. Regularly exercising is another great way to boost your mood through the winter months. Maybe you take a low impact water aerobics class at a local gym, walk around an indoor track, or enroll in a wellness class at your local senior center, all options provide you with the means to exercise indoors while getting much-needed endorphins to improve your attitude.
Ask for help around the house. As mentioned, it can be especially hard 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 was just unsure of what you needed help with. 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.
Catch a ride. A number of transportation resources are available specifically for older adults and it is great 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. Recently ride-sharing services such as GoGo Grandparent have also become popular, allowing you to use the popular Lyft or Uber apps without a smartphone. No matter which resource you choose, you’ll have a safe, reliable option to get you to your destination despite unpredictable winter weather.
So, what’s your next step? Reach out to the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan; it is a knowledge hub for services available to seniors. Oftentimes they will offer information on local senior centers to join, available exercise programming, and a number of home and transportation resources to help you maintain your independence over the more difficult winter months and throughout the year. Visit www.aaawm.org.
The later years in life come with many changes. As we age and health concerns become an important part of life, many of us worry that a move into assisted living will mean the end of our independent, active lifestyles. This is where our family plays an essential role. Although physical and mental capabilities may not be what they once were, maintaining an active relationship with family helps aging adults stay engaged with life. Their memories and emotional health are strengthened by reminiscing and connecting with family. However, it’s not always easy for family members to understand how often to visit or how to spend time together during visits. In some cases, poor communication between family and staff can lead to problems with the resident’s care.
As family members, how can we work with assisted living staff members to provide a happy, robust daily life for our aging loved one?
Understand community policies
First, make sure that you are aware of the community’s guidelines. Each senior living facility has unique needs that require unique policies. For instance, some communities choose to restrict family visits due to the nature of care required by residents. It’s essential to understand policies so that your involvement is beneficial, not interruptive, to your loved one’s care.
When families do not understand the needs of the assisted living facility, their well-meaning visits can become a frustration. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind so that your presence is as helpful to your loved one as possible:
Be respectful of staff members’ time. They have many residents to care for in a limited time frame.
Be careful not to take over and dominate the facility. Remember that the person you are visiting is not the only person in the community.
Treat staff members as partners in your loved one’s care, not as subordinates or adversaries.
Staff and residents alike will love families who help out. Take initiative in tasks such as pushing wheel chairs, starting a game of cards with a lonely resident, or volunteering in the dining room.
Socializing and recreational activities
Many senior communities offer social events such as movie or game nights. Ask for a calendar of the activities planned by your community and make a priority of attending. It is not the quantity of time spent with your loved one, but the quality and type of activity. Make sure your visits are filled with worthwhile activities and quality time.
This is a great opportunity to get involved with your elder’s life. The transition to assisted living can make aging adults feel isolated. Taking the time to get involved with their social circle will help them stay connected to the world around them. It’s important to maintain the continuity of the life they had before the move to assisted living.
Working with the community to schedule your own events is another great way to stay connected. Perhaps a grandchild’s music teacher can bring their students for a recital, or your family can help arrange an outing to a local park or museum.
The most important thing to remember is that your aging loved one’s life does not need to stop just because they move to assisted living. Take initiative to help them stay active and alert. These years are a wonderful opportunity to create memories together.
So, if you have a parent or grandparent in assisted living, don’t underestimate what a difference you can make in their life. Come alongside staff members and get involved in the community’s social events. Your support will help your aging loved one enjoy an active, alert lifestyle after the transition to assisted living.
Rose are red, Violets are blue, These students didn’t like poetry, But now, they do.
Until recently, this kind of rhyming verse was what most eighth graders in Betsy Berry’s Language Arts class at Godwin Heights Middle School thought of when they heard the word “poetry.” Now, they are seeing poetry in a whole new light — and sharing their original poems — after their teacher took a new approach to teaching the unit this year.
For Travis Reister, poetry has become an outlet for grief following the death of his mother to cancer. For Nazaria Spears, it’s a way to articulate the pain of a tumultuous family situation. Kierra Stimoff’s poetry with a beat addresses social injustice, and Julian Maysonet shares how racial profiling has impacted his family.
Only a month ago, Travis thought poetry was boring. Kierra thought it was “sad and depressing – it didn’t feel like a good vibe,” she said.
To get students interested in poetry, Berry found culturally-responsive writers who she knew would resonate with students.
“We pulled Langston Hughes, Sandra Cisneros, Jason Reynolds. And we did ‘The Rose that Grew from Concrete’ by Tupac [Shakur]. That was the shift,” said Berry. “They were liking the unit up to that point and I felt like I had a high level of engagement. But we did that poem … and all of a sudden they were so moved, because it was relatable.”
Seeing how the poem moved them, Berry assigned her students to write their own version of “The Rose that Grew from Concrete.” They results were raw and powerful.
“They talked about themselves, they shared their stories, they talked about their trauma. It was beautiful,” said Berry. “Then we had an opportunity to present — even more healing. It was just very, very powerful for them to have an opportunity to express themselves.
Kim Urbanski’s art students created pieces based on poetry from Betsy Berry’s English class
“A lot of them told me, ‘I’ve gone to therapy before. This feels like therapy.’”
Julian said he had been grappling with feelings of injustice after his father was racially profiled by police. He didn’t have words to express this before delving into poetry.
“It’s a way to express how you feel without being judged, and it’s just a good outlet. I probably never would have wrote this poem if I wasn’t in this class,” said Julian.
Grand Slam Finale
At the end of the unit, Berry held a poetry slam in each class of about 25 students. She showed her classes YouTube clips of spoken word performances, and gave them plenty of leeway: They could perform a poem that was three lines or 30 lines. It could be one they wrote, one they had studied, or something else.
“That’s when they blew the roof off,” said Berry. “They performed their poems, they performed Tupac’s poems, some did their haiku. For many, it was their first time performing.”
The synergy around poetry in the middle school has continued, Berry said. Recently, performing artists The Diatribe held a student assembly in the school, and many of her students are now participating in a workshop with the group. Kim Urbanski, who teaches art at the school, worked with students to create artwork based on “The Rose that Grew From Concrete” and students’ poems.
Many students now keep journals, where they jot down new poems. Berry said they were sad to see the unit end, but she has promised them a monthly poetry slam, giving them more reasons to keep the verses flowing.
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, www.schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Following the recipe for food safety is a must anytime you’re in the kitchen—and it starts with clean hands, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says.
“Always wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food,” spokeswoman Isabel Maples advised in an academy news release. “Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling raw meat and poultry to avoid spreading germs through the juices.”
Wash fruits and vegetables, but don’t wash meat and poultry before cooking. Doing so could spread harmful bacteria to your sink and surrounding kitchen areas, she explained.
“Clean your countertops with hot, soapy water. Use paper towels or disinfectant wipes, instead of washcloths or sponges, which can harbor bacteria,” Maples said.
Take apart small appliances—such as can openers and blenders—to clean them, then air dry completely before storing, she recommended.
“Clean your refrigerator every few weeks to rid it of potentially dangerous residue from raw foods. Rid your refrigerator of leftovers after four days. When in doubt, throw it out,” Maples said.
Use a food thermometer when cooking meat—it’s the only real way to know if it’s done, she suggested.
“Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, without it touching the bones or the bottom of the pan, to avoid getting a false reading. Then clean your thermometer with hot, soapy water after each use,” Maples said.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and refrigerate perishable foods within two hours, or within one hour during warmer weather.
Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave—not on the counter. Pathogens multiply fast when foods are in the “danger” zone between 40 degrees and 140 degrees.
“Store foods in the correct area of the refrigerator,” Maples said. “To minimize the risk of raw juices dripping into other foods, put cooked and ready-to-eat foods at the top and raw meats and poultry at the bottom. Plus, place raw meats in a container to catch any drips.”
Many of you have probably started your holiday shopping already, but it is still not too late to avoid money problems this holiday season. It seems that the shopping season begins earlier and earlier, and this year is no exception. However, you still have time to avoid the pitfall that so many fall into this time of year — overspending. As retail sales continue to rise, you can take steps now to avoid money problems later.
Go ahead and do your part to help our economy grow. Holiday sales can define a retailer’s bottom line for the entire year, and they hire many seasonal employees to handle the increased sales. However, do your part without the worry of becoming a negative economic statistic. First, sit down and think about some important questions. Who are all the people you would like to buy presents for this holiday season? Give yourself some time to write them down.
Second, are there any other significant events that are occurring prior to, during or shortly after the holidays. Many people still have birthdays around the holidays, for example. What about weddings or anniversaries? What about baby showers? Ask all the people in your household to join in on the brainstorming session. It could be a fun family activity to get you in the mood to shop.
Third, decide on an average amount that you would like to spend on each gift and then multiply the amount times the number of gifts you want to buy. For example, if you decide to spend an average of $40 per gift and you have ten holiday presents, one baby shower gift and two birthdays within the next two months, you will need $520 (13 X $40) to buy all of your planned gifts.
Fourth, you may need to make some adjustments. Do you have $520 on-hand? If not, how soon can you save that amount? Do you have room in your monthly spending plan to save for $520? Do you need to decrease the average spent on each gift? Do you even have a spending plan? If not, Michigan State University Extension offers a variety of money management programs throughout the state of Michigan. You can also find help with making a spending plan at mimoneyhealth.org.
Finally, once you have an amount that you can afford, set the money aside either in cash or in your bank account. You may use an envelope to save the cash at home or deposit your savings into a holiday or savings account at a financial institution. Keep track of each gift purchased and if you overspend on one, make adjustments where you can. If you stick to your plan, you will contribute to the economy and not have a pile of debt left over for the New Year. Next year, start earlier and you may be able to do more for the economy and save money in the process.
Senior abuse in the form of financial scams is a huge problem—especially as scammers are changing tactics and taking advantage of fears and uncertainties. In fact, recent reports say anywhere from 3 billion to 30 billion dollars are lost every year as a result of senior financial scams. With these high numbers in mind, it’s important that you do your part to help protect your loved ones.
1. Visit elderly family members regularly
One of the best ways to prevent fraud is to keep in contact with your senior family members. By visiting and talking with them, you can stay up to date on their daily lives and be the first to hear about suspicious new “friends” who might be having an undue influence on their financial decisions.
Seniors who are isolated from their families and don’t have active social lives are often the first targets of scammers, since a senior without a strong support system is more likely to believe a lie and fall victim to fraud.
2. Warn your loved one about common scams
Most scams happen over the phone or online, as scammers can impersonate people of authority. Scammers will either act charming to influence seniors, or act like there is a serious emergency in order to trick them. Here are a few of the most common elderly scams you can warn your loved one about.
Social Security & IRS scams
A common scam involves a perpetrator pretending to be an authority from the Social Security office or the IRS. They will tell a victim that there is a major problem with their account, and if they don’t immediately give out personal information to clear up the problem they could face legal action or arrest.
This scam can scare seniors into giving away their Social Security number or banking information to avoid threats. However, it’s important to explain to seniors that the Social Security office and IRS will never threaten someone over the phone, and often don’t reach out by phone at all—especially when asking for personal information.
Charity scams
Some scammers try and take advantage of kind-hearted seniors by pretending to be from a charity asking for donations. Assure your loved one that if they get a call from a charity and want to contribute, there will be other ways they can donate or volunteer their time than by giving out information over the phone.
Internet & tech support scams
Scammers like to take advantage of the lack of knowledge many seniors have surrounding technology. For example, seniors can receive a phone call or pop-up claiming their computer is infected with a virus, and the problem can’t be resolved until the victim verifies their identity by handing over a Social Security number or other piece of information.
Remind your loved one that they should never give out personal information to an unverified source, especially if the other person is making the situation seem suspiciously urgent.
Lottery & fake prize scams
Another set of scams are lottery and prize scams. These will try to convince seniors to hand over a small amount of money for “taxes and fees” with the promise that a larger amount of winnings and prizes will be given to the victim after the first transaction clears. Tell your loved one that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Grandparent scams
These scams involve a perpetrator pretending to be a family member who is in an emergency and needs quick money. Often they say that they need money immediately to cover rent and expenses, lawyer fees, bail, or medical bills. They will request that the victim keep this transaction a secret from the rest of the family out of shame or embarrassment.
To protect your loved one, tell them to ensure they are speaking to someone they know and can verify that the situation is legitimate. If they aren’t certain, have them hang up and call a trusted family member.
3. Always advise caution with finances
While you don’t want to frighten your loved one into never making a transaction again, it’s important they are aware of the dangers of financial scams and that they can be a target. Come up with a plan together, and include things like:
Blocking solicitation calls with the help of an app or phone provider
Having your loved one call you before agreeing to anything suspicious
Talking to their bank to see what measures can be taken to limit the damage of a scam
Creating a separate bank account that houses a majority of their savings that isn’t connected to a card or their primary checking account
Setting a spending limit on debit cards
Remember:
While seniors can be targeted by strangers, most elder financial abuse comes from other family members, so keep an eye on anyone who becomes too invested in your loved one’s financial situation. If you or your loved one believes they have been targeted by a scammer, report it to the police immediately or call the number below to talk through the options for reporting fraud.
While it’s true that supplies of some species, particularly Fraser fir, will be tighter than in past years, consumers that want a real tree will be able to find one. Michigan farms and tree lots offer an array of great Christmas tree choices. Whether you look for a pre-cut tree at a local tree lot or bundle up the family for the choose-and-cut experience, you will find a wide variety of tree types that offer something for everyone.
Scots pine. Photo credit: Bert Cregg and Jill O’Donnell, MSU
How do I find a real tree?
As with most things, shopping early will ensure the best selection. If your holiday tradition is to put the tree up closer to Christmas day, you can store your tree with its cut end in water in your garage or other protected, unheated space until you are ready to move it into the house. (See “3 easy steps to make your real Christmas tree last this holiday season.”) Consumers will also have an easier time finding a real tree if they are willing to expand the menu of trees they choose from. Michigan Christmas tree growers produce a diverse range of Christmas tree types, and this might be the year to consider something different for your holiday tradition.
To help you pick the perfect tree, Michigan State University Extension has developed a description of the main types of trees grown in Michigan:
These Christmas tree species can be found at nearly every choose-and-cut farm or tree lot.
Fraser fir
Fraser fir continues to increase in popularity for good reason. Fraser fir has blue-green needles with silvery undersides. The branches are stiff and hold up well to ornaments. The trees have a pleasant scent and needle retention is excellent. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s Fraser fir Youtube video. (Photo credit: Bert Cregg and Jill O’Donnell, MSU.)
Scots pine
Scots pine is the tree species that has long defined the Michigan Christmas tree and is still a favorite for traditionalists. Scots pines are dense trees with dark-green needles. Stiff branches hold up well to ornaments and needle retention is excellent. Scots pine is also an economical choice. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s Scots pine YouTube video.
Douglas fir
Douglas fir is a dense tree with soft, light green needles. You’ll need to stick with lighter-weight ornaments since the branches are not as stiff as some other species. Another good choice for budget-conscious consumers. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s Douglas fir YouTube video.
Blue spruce. Photo credit: Bert Cregg and Jill O’Donnell, MSU
Blue spruce
Blue spruce remains a popular Christmas tree because of its bright blue color. Branches are stiff and hold ornaments well. Blue spruce needles are quite sharp, so be sure to wear gloves and long-sleeves when handling. While the needles may make the tree hard to handle, some people choose blue spruce to keep pets away from the tree. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s blue spruce YouTube video.
Black hills spruce
Black hills spruce have needles that are shorter and softer than Colorado blue spruce. Black hills spruce have excellent color and have a very traditional Christmas tree appearance. Branches are stiff and hold up well to ornaments.
White pine
White pine is one of two Michigan native conifers commonly used for Christmas trees, along with balsam fir. This is a dense tree with soft, green needles. This tree will require light-weight ornaments. For consumers that have a high ceiling and want a larger tree, white pine can be an economical choice. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s white pine YouTube video.
Balsam fir
Balsam fir has long been a preferred species for many consumers because of its strong Christmas tree scent. It has dark green needles and excellent form.
Concolorfir
Concolor fir have longer needles that may be as blue as a blue spruce. The big draw for this species, however, is the strong, citrus-like scent of its needles. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s concolor fir YouTube video.
Korean fir is native to Asia, as noted by the name, but grows well in our climate and soil. It has dark green needles with striking silvery undersides. The form and unique texture add to this species’ appeal. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s Korean fir Youtube video.
Canaan fir
Canaan fir does combine many of the characteristics of balsam fir with better needle retention of Fraser fir. It is sometimes described as a hybrid between balsam fir and Fraser fir, but is actually a specific seed source from balsam fir from the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s Canaan fir Youtube video.
Want to find a Christmas tree farm near you? Visit the Michigan Christmas Tree Association website to see choose and cut farms, retail lots, and wholesale farms in your area!
More information on selecting and caring for your Christmas tree from MSU Extension
While the biological processes are still a bit murky, researchers suspect a proper night’s rest gives your brain a chance to rid itself of toxic molecules. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
The deep stages of sleep may give the brain a chance to wash itself free of potentially toxic substances, a new study suggests.
Researchers found that during deep sleep, the “slow-wave” activity of nerve cells appears to make room for cerebral spinal fluid to rhythmically move in and out of the brain—a process believed to rinse out metabolic waste products.
Those waste products include beta-amyloid—a protein that clumps abnormally in the brains of people with dementia, said researcher Laura Lewis, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Boston University.
Lewis stressed that the findings, reported in a recent issue of Science, do not prove that deep sleep helps ward off dementia or other diseases.
But the ultimate goal of research like this is to understand why poor sleep quality is linked to higher risks of various chronic conditions, from dementia to heart disease to depression, she said.
Researchers have known that cerebral spinal fluid helps clear metabolic byproducts from the brain, so that they do not build up there.
They’ve also known that the process appears to amp up during sleep.
But various “hows” and “whys” remained.
So the investigators recruited 11 healthy adults for a sleep study using noninvasive techniques: advanced MRI to monitor fluid flow in the brain and electroencephalograms to gauge electrical activity in brain cells.
Sleep is marked by REM and non-REM cycles.
During REM sleep, breathing and heart rates are relatively higher and people often have vivid dreams.
Non-REM sleep includes stages of deep—or slow-wave—sleep. During those stages, there’s a slow-down in brain cell activity, heart rate and blood flow, and research has found that deep sleep may aid memory consolidation and allow the brain to recover from the daily grind.
“There are all these fundamental things your brain is taking care of during deep sleep,” Lewis said.
Her team found that housecleaning may be one.
When study participants were in deep sleep, each pulse in slow-wave brain activity was followed by oscillations in blood flow and volume, which allowed cerebral spinal fluid to flow into fluid-filled cavities in the central brain.
The spinal fluid moved in “large, pulsing waves” that were seen only during deep sleep, Lewis explained.
Based on what’s known about the work of cerebral spinal fluid, experts said it’s reasonable to conclude that slow-wave sleep promotes the flushing of waste from the brain.
The study “elegantly” illustrates the importance of deep sleep, according to Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep medicine specialist not involved in the work.
It “helps to explain how and why sleep is important for keeping neurons healthy—facilitating the removal of toxic molecules,” said Zee, a professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago.
“One can think of sleep as a top way to take care of your brain,” she said.
Another sleep medicine specialist agreed.
“There is growing evidence, with this study and others, that sleep plays a role in clearing toxins from the brain,” said Dr. Raman Malhotra, an associate professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Other research has suggested that sleep loss can promote the buildup of “unwanted proteins” in the brain, said Malhotra, who also serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
A recent government study, for instance, found that one night of sleep deprivation triggered an increase in beta-amyloid in the brains of healthy adults.
“As we learn more about this role of sleep,” Malhotra said, “it may help explain why individuals who don’t get enough sleep, or suffer from sleep disorders, are at higher risk of certain chronic health conditions.”
The latest study involved younger adults with no health problems.
Lewis said that it will be important to find out whether healthy older adults, or people with certain health conditions, show any differences in cerebral spinal fluid dynamics during deep sleep.
A big question for future research, she said, will be whether alterations in those dynamics precede the development of disease.
Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.
A mentor has the ability to coach, guide and support his or her mentee for career development because they can teach more in-depth from their personal career experiences. A mentor can also share his or her network and connections to connect the mentee to other professionals in their career field of interest.
The article “Exploring Careers through Job Shadowing” on The Balance Careers states that job shadowing is a career exploration activity that offers an opportunity to spend time with a professional currently working in a person’s career field of interest. For mentoring, a mentee interested in the same career field as their mentor makes a good match for a job shadowing experience. If a mentee is interested in a different career field, a mentor has direct and indirect career connections to assist mentees for a job shadowing match. A job shadowing experience will allow the mentee to observe their potential career field of interest, get a sense of the work environment and learn about the level of education for that career.
To build on the job shadowing experience and depending on the level of education needed or desired by the mentee, making visits to post-secondary institutions is helpful. These visits allow the mentee to not only observe but also ask questions relating to his or her postsecondary plans or desires. On these visits, the mentee will observe the post-secondary learning environment, learn the requirements for admission, learn about financing their post-secondary education and visit with students and faculty.
In preparation for visits, mentors and mentees can work together to research the institutions. For example, to take a college visit to Michigan State University, they may go to the Office of Admissions webpage and search for scheduling a college visit. This type of educational activity can be a learning experience for mentors and mentees.
For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education, or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.
It was a record breaking year for Wyoming Gives Back in 2018 with the annual fundraising collecting more than 700 toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.
“It was awesome,” said City of Wyoming Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stowell, who helps to organize the annual event which this year will be Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. “Because its our eighth year and people are aware of the event, attendees will go the day after Christmas to purchase the toys that are on sale and then they bring in garbage bags of toys to the event.”
Each year the City of Wyoming partners with local businesses to celebrate the holiday season and collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Event attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.
Last year, local businesses donated about $4,000 in gift certificates and/or items to be raffled off as prize packages.
The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will once again close out the Wyoming Gives Back event. (Photo by WKTV)
“The businesses are extremely generous,” Stowell said. About 1,800 letters are sent out to Wyoming businesses in July and once again the businesses have put together some amazing prize packages for this year’s event, such as a tool chest full of tools donated by Rogers Plaza and a 40-inch TV donated Car City.
About 20 local businesses and organizations will be at the event. WKTV will be providing an opportunity for residents to record a free Holiday Greeting that will be available on the station’s YouTube channel, WKTV Videos.
Hosting this year’s event is Mayor Jack Poll who will be joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt and WOOD TV’s Eva Aguirre Cooper and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping in for a visit. Also on hand will be firefighters and police officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety along with other city officials and staff.
Several school choirs and bands will be performing during the event. The Salvation Army Band will kick things off followed by the San Juan Academy. The Godwin Heights High School Choir will take the stage next, followed by the Kelloggsville High School Choir and then the Lee High School Varsity Voices Choir. Wrapping up the evening will be the Wyoming High School Jazz Band.
Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided by the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
The Dec. 5 event is free and open to the public. Rogers Plaza is located at 972 28th St. SW, along 28th Street between DeHoop and Clyde Park avenues.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a previous meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The Kent County Board of Commissioners last week unanimously adopted Fiscal Year 2020 budget of $475 million and includes $12 million for capital improvement projects, $6 million in Ready by Five millage funding for early childhood development services, and $422,000 for the addition of five Sheriff Deputy positions to decrease response times.
The approval came at the Commission’s Nov. 21 regular meeting and it takes effect Jan. 1, 2020, the start of the county’s fiscal year. And both Kentwood and Wyoming’s representatives, Commissioner Monica Sparks (District 12) and Commissioner Harold Voorhees (District 8), praised the budget after passage.
Commissioner Harold Voorhees
“This is my 17th year on the county budget committee and, again, this has been fantastic working together to meet the needs (of the county) and to make sure we spend the money wisely,” Vorhees said to WKTV. “And we do it all within the restraint of a balanced budget.”
For details of Kent County ’s approved 2020 budget, visit here.
An operating millage of 4.2571 was used as part of the revenue estimating process, which is the same rate that was levied in 2019.
While most of the county’s income is flow-thorough funds — from the State of Michigan, for example — and expenditures are mandated, the approved 2020 General Fund budget for both operating and capital needs includes $187.9 million in spending, which is a 4.6 percent increase over the 2019 budget including operating expenditures of $140.2 million.
The General Fund budget supports the approximately 1,790 employees, which includes 16 new positions in the offices of the Clerk, Community Action, Friend of the Court, Health, Public Works, Sheriff and Administrator’s offices.
Other highlights of the county’s budget detailed by county officials included: $1.6 million to enhance parks and trails; $2 million allocated to support community homeless services programs; $75,805 to support a partnership with health care organizations to establish a community-wide mental health crisis system and approximately $127,000 for a Community Health Strategy position to these support health initiatives; more than $1 million for programs that identify sources of lead contamination in homes and to seek, reduction of lead poisoning in children and $500,000 to address emerging public health issues including PFAS.
“The budget insures we have continuing services for our constituents,” Sparks said to WKTV. “Our job it to make sure that we have a high quality of life for our constituents here in Kent County.”
Coming home for the holidays and wish you could just stay? Have a love one you would like to convince to move back home? Then Hello West Michigan has the event for you. Wednesday night Hello West Michigan and 49 local business will host the eighth annual ReThink West Michigan. The event is from from 5:30-8 p.m. at several locations in West Michigan: The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids; Walldorff Brewpub, 105 State St., Hastings; Sterns Hotel, 212 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington; The Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon; Double JJ, 5900 S. Water Rd., Rothbury; and Lake 23 Restaurant and Pub at the Watersedge Gold Course, 1100 Ramshorn, Fremont. The event is free, but people are asked to register at www.rethinkwm.com.
Operation Handshake
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will be hosting its Operation Handshake, patriotic welcome home for West Michigan troops and other festivities. If you have someone coming home from the military via the airport, contact Tony VanGessel at 616-862-1984 or tvange58@yahoo.com. Also, Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest time of the year for the Gerald R. Ford Airport, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through the TSA check. Click here for some other helpful tips.
What’s a Thanksgiving Without Football?
The Wyoming offensive line — including Logan Cox (61), Dion Parks (70) and Sawyer VanDyke (64) — opened holes for running back Cam Simon (34) all night in the Wolves game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
WKTV’s Turkey Bowl returns featuring 13 hours of football (and two hours of soccer, also called football in many countries) on its Channel 25. So grab that turkey leg and relive some of fall’s finest football moments as brought to you by the WKTV Sports crew. The program starts at 9 a.m. For more information on the complete schedule, click here.
49 Million Turkeys
Americans will be gobbling up a lot of turkey this Thanksgiving. In 2018, 88 percent of Americans surveyed by the American Turkey Federation ate Turkey on Thanksgiving. The organization estimates that 49 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving and of course, Thanksgiving ranks as number one for turkey consumpation. Christmas is second with 22 million turkeys and about 19 million turkeys are eaten at Easter.
