By Ruth Van Stee, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
Nicole Mazzarella’s story, beautifully written and wonderfully told, takes place in the 1960s, when family farms in the Midwest were in crisis and many were lost to expanding cities and suburban development. Dottie, at the center of This Heavy Silence, works and fights to keep her father’s farm, trying to prove to her deceased father, herself, and the community that a woman can be a successful farmer.
Dottie’s work is interrupted by the death of her friend and the arrival of that friend’s eight-year-old daughter, who lives with Dottie for the next ten years. Even with the child present, the farm is Dottie’s main focus and all decisions and dreams she holds for the child are based solely on keeping the farm going. This finely developed main character is often not very likable, and readers will want to shake and yell at her, but once in a while, when Dottie makes a small, warm gesture or when her pain rises to the surface, readers will want to comfort her.
Mazarella teaches creative writing at Wheaton College in Illinois, but while this novel falls within the Christian fiction genre, it is not a “safe” book, nor the kind of story with an improbable happy ending. Instead, with a desperate hope for the girl’s forgiveness, Dottie takes a step towards change and grace abounds.
Anna Trujillo was referred to West Michigan Works! after returning to Michigan from California in August 2017. Anna was worried about finding employment; she didn’t have a credential, interview clothing, transportation funds or a Michigan driver’s license and registration. She needed a way to support herself and her three children.
Anna was interested in a career in the health care field. Through West Michigan Works!, Anna received a scholarship to attend CNA (certified nurse aide) training, a high-demand occupation in West Michigan. Anna’s CNA training and exam as well as CPR and basic life support training were paid for. She also received support services including interview clothing and mileage reimbursement.
Anna excelled in all of her trainings and soon found employment with Thornapple Manor as a CNA. She is also attending Kellogg Community College, taking pre-requisite classes with hopes of starting the nursing program in January 2019. After she completes her first year of the program she will be eligible for a promotion as a licensed practical nurse. After her second year, promotion as a registered nurse.
“I fell into Michigan Works! at a time when my life was turning upside down. I had moved to Michigan with my three young children and no idea what I was going to do, except that I needed to find a job,” Anna said. “Michigan Works! didn’t help me find a job; they gave me the tools I needed to find a career. A career that I am passionate about, that I believe in and that is truly fulfilling. The employees built me up and gave me confidence in a dark time. I have a new future for myself and my children now.”
According to Anna’s Michigan Works! career coach, “You never know what life is going to throw at you and there are no guarantees. No matter what challenges come her way, Anna tackles them head on!”
See the West Michigan Works! Hot Jobs list for all of the high-demand jobs that are available to scholarships at westmiworks.org.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Across the nation, youth are finding their voice in change-making and expressing it across a variety of platforms. Fed up with what they perceive as ineffective policy-making, youth are using their voices to make change. From walkouts to protests to editorials, youth are making their voices heard.
But are youth equipped with the knowledge needed to make a difference in politics and government? The answer may vary depending on the youth you ask, their experiences and the quality of their government and civics education in high school. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, “Students who recall having received better civic education are more likely to be engaged.”
At least one youth feels under-prepared for participation in government. Despite attempts in her high school government class, Mackenzie Hubbard used her voice to write an editorial in the Ludington Daily News on her lack of understanding of government. Is Hubbard’s experience an anomaly? Or does it point to a broader problem? Are there better ways to engage youth in civic education and find their voice to be effective change-makers?
4-H Capitol Experience is a pre-college program that takes youth out of the classroom, providing a hands-on experiential opportunity to learn more about state government in Michigan. The four-day program held annually in Lansing, Michigan, engages high school youth throughout the state in exploring the process of making public policy. Youth who participate in this program learn about our state’s public policy through multiple experiences including mock bill writing, committee meetings, and house and senate “votes,” as well as visits with legislative aides, lobbyists, and state and community agencies.
Nominees for the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards were announced LIVE on Monday, April 2, and round two of judging has begun!
By WKTV Staff
Local personalities Aaron Noble and Jessie Hollett announced the 2018 Eclipse Award nominees on WKTV and Facebook LIVE Monday, April 2.
Each year, the Eclipse Awards celebrate West Michigan filmmakers and the films they create. Filmmakers can enter in several main Categories, such as Cinema Trailer, Documentary, and Narrative Short. There are also craft Categories focused on the expertise in creating a film, such as Acting, Directing and Original Score.
“The Eclipse Awards is a one-of-a-kind event in Michigan,” said Tom Norton, WKTV general manager. “Now in its seventh year, the Awards continue to recognize outstanding content and content creators right here in our state. The quality of the work submitted continues to be top-notch, proving that the Michigan production community continues to develop and retain incredible talent and skill.”
Aaron Noble and Jessie Hollett announced this year’s Eclipse Awards nominees on April 2 (photo courtesy of Jessie Hollett)
After an intense screening process, judges from across the country have narrowed the field down to the nominees listed below.
Nominees and their guests may attend the Certification Reception Monday, April 30, and winners will be announced at the Excellence in Craft Eclipse Awards Presentation LIVE, Thursday, May 3, from The Ballroom at McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids.
CONGRATULATIONS to the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards nominees!
Categories
Documentary Feature nominees are: Co-Operatively Yours–Kristin Ojaniemi, Jim Kurtti, producers; Newcomer Legacy: A Vietnamese-American Story–Alan Headbloom, producer.
Music Video nominees are: Nottingham–Jacob de la Rosa, Kathryn Postema, Joshua E. White, producers; Never One Thing–John Hanson. May Erlewine, DJ Viernes, producers; Small Town–Zachary Clark, Nick Turske, Andy Westra, producers; Flight School: Don’t Know–Chris Mac, producer
Narrative Feature nominees are: Into A Dark Mind–Harley Wallen, producer; Moving Parts–Harley Wallen, producer; Return of the Scarecrow–Adam Mikrut, Walt Lodes III, producers; Kid Brother–Bryce Cameron producer; The Incantation–Dan Campbell, producer; Thaw of the Dead–David Marek, Matthew Von Dayton, producers.
Narrative Short nominees are: Model No. Human–Harper Shecter, producer; Mino Bimaadiziwin–Carese Bartlett, producer; Drilling Dad–Jeff Vega, producer; Frankie— Josh Martin, producer; Four-Ninety–Scott Magie, producer; The House on Oak Street–Kyle Misak, Don Chase, Jesse Charles, producers; Deadbolt–Michael McCallum, William C. McCallum, Patric J. Arnold producers.
Promotional segment in television or online nominees are: Challenge Day 2017–Caleb Carson, producer; Memphis the Musical–Angela Peavey, producer; Benjamin’s Hope – Welcome Home–Eric Schrotenboer, Sara Hogan, producers.
Television and online Programming (30 min) nominees are: Mind Games – Tea & Sympathy–Jeff Vega, producer; The Michigan Experience: Vietnam Veterans–Rodney Brown, William Redwine, producers; Verify--Eric Schrotenboer, David Bailey, Emma Nicolas, producers; The Chaplain–Rhodes Short, Heather Fairbanks, producers.
Cinema Trailer nominees are: Death Island Paranormal retribution–Chris Penney, producer
Documentary Short nominees are: Stories of Us–Angela Peavey, producer; Ten Years Later–Nathan Roels, producer; Everything Happens Somewhere-Joppa–Eric Schrotenboer, producer
6th Annual Eclipse Awards ceremony
Crafts
Acting in a Supporting Role nominees are: Amanda Buhs–Dylan; Peter Herold–Kid Brother; Dean Cain–The Incantation; Michael McCallum–Deadbolt; Johnny DeMarc —Deadbolt; Brie Roper–Deadbolt; Matthew Dennis–White Hair; Rico Bruce Wade–Four-Ninety; Michael Gordon–Finding Home; Heather Fairbanks–Thaw of the Dead.
Screenplay Short Subject nominees are: Scott Magie–Four-Ninety; Kyle Misak, Jesse Charles, Don Chase–The House on Oak Street; Justin Muschong–Deadbolt.
Direction in Narrative short nominees are: Kyle Macciomei–Closeted Hemispheres; Shane McSauby–Mino Bimaadiziwin; Nabil Nona–Consequences; Josh Martin–Frankie; Scott Magie–Four-Ninety; Kyle Misak–The House on Oak Street; Michael McCallum–Deadbolt.
Cinematography in Documentary nominees are: Angela Peavey–Stories of Us; DT Kofoed–REACH Teen Open Studio 2016 Spring Mural Project
Animation nominees are: Garrett Bleshenski–Clearing the Smoke; Josh Reed–DoseDr.
Sound Design nominees are: Adam Mikrut–Return of the Scarecrow; Roy Wallace–Frankie; Andre Bottesi–Four-Ninety; Roy Wallace–Deadbolt.
Direction in Narrative Feature nominees are: Devin Cameron–Kid Brother; Jude S. Walko–The Incantation; Ryan Webber, Brett Christiansen–Finding Home.
Original Score nominees are: Gregory De Iulio–The House on Oak Street; Eric Schrotenboer–Cultures in Conflict.
Acting in Lead Role nominees are: Rhodes Short–The Chaplain; Michael McCallum–Angela; Jimmy Doom–Four-Ninety; Michael Empson–Finding Home; Elizabeth Moore–Deadbolt; Brad Stocker–Deadbolt.
Cinematography in Narrative Feature nominees are: Derek Street–The Incantation; Matthew Von Dayton–Thaw of the Dead.
Cinematography in Narrative Short nominees are: Dane Covey–Frankie; Travis Hayward–Four-Ninety; Erin Hughes–The House on Oak Street; Andrew K. Tebeau–Deadbolt; Dane Covey–Small Town.
Editing in Narrative nominees are: Kyle Misak–The House on Oak Street; Scott Baisden, Michael McCallum–Deadbolt; David Marek–Thaw of the Dead.
Hyperion Award — Mark Adler. The Hyperion Award acknowledges the contributions of unique individuals who maintain high standards in their craft while inspiring others to do so as well. At the same time, that individual works to expand the opportunities that benefit the entire creative and production community.
Winners will be announced live on Thursday, May 3rd on WKTV, Comcast channel 24, starting at 7:30 pm, hosted by Joe Anderson. The Eclipse Awards show also will be streamed live at theeclipseaward.com. WKTV News will be providing complete coverage of the entire event.
The annual Eclipse Awards are made possible by Sony, Key Code Media, Ferris State University, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and WKTV Digital Cinema. The Eclipse Awards seek to elevate content creators throughout Michigan by honoring their works through regional, national and international voting on entered works in film, television and on-line production. The Eclipse Award is given for story telling and production excellence in the production community.
An upcoming lecture at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will explore the importance of social justice in various religious communities around the world.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, will be the featured speaker during the 2018 Rabbi Phillip Sigal Memorial Lecture. In her role, Henry-Crowe oversees the church’s response to issues including civil and human rights, economic justice, environmental justice, health and wholeness, peace with justice, and women and children.
The free event will take place April 10 from 7-9 pm in the Eberhard Center (room 215), located on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus (401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). To register for this event, visit the Kaufman Interfaith Institute website, or call 616.331.5702.
During her presentation, Henry-Crowe will primarily touch on the importance of social justice in the Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), but her points will apply to many different religious, secular and spiritual traditions.
“With the rise of activism and an increase of literature on how religious, secular or spiritual traditions impact this activism, this lecture will be a good time to reflect on how social justice is imperative,” said Kevin McIntosh, Campus Interfaith Resources coordinator. “Susan will move from what justice means in these traditions to what social justice means now, and will focus on current issues, such as food, immigration and religious oppression.”
Two additional respondents will also participate in the lecture. Marlene Kowalski-Braun, assistant vice president for inclusion and student affairs at Grand Valley, and Muaz Redzic, Imam at the Bosnian Culture Center in Grand Rapids.
Kowalski-Braun will examine the definitions of the terms “social justice” and “inclusion and equity”, while Redzic will discuss how his Islamic faith pushes him to participate in social justice.
The annual lecture is named for Rabbi Phillip J. Sigal, a pioneer of the interfaith movement in West Michigan until his death in 1995. Aside from his duties at Ahavas Israel Synagogue, Sigal was instrumental in opening the lines of communication among several religions in the area. After his death, a group of local academic and interfaith enthusiasts established the Sigal Memorial Lecture in his honor. Since that time, the event has brought some of the most important voices in religion and social movements to churches, schools and other venues in West Michigan.
This year’s lecture is sponsored by Campus Interfaith Resources and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
Spring is here and it’s time to focus on health and wellness in the City of Wyoming!
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the annual Health and Wellness Expo at the Wyoming Senior Center — a free event for all ages on Saturday, April 21 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 De Hoop Ave SW. The event will be held from 1-3 pm. Local health organizations will be represented sharing services and local resources with community members.
“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness as the weather warms and outdoor activities begin”, said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This community event is a great way to connect the community with local resources focused on health and overall well-being. The Health and Wellness Expo gives everyone an opportunity to sample, explore and try something new.”
The Expo will feature free blood pressure checks from lead sponsor Med Express Urgent Care in Wyoming, yoga and Zumba demonstrations. There will also be a variety of vendors providing great resources and personalized interaction. There will be many samples and giveaway prizes for participants.
About Wyoming Parks and Recreation
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616.530.3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our web site at: www.wyomingmi.gov.
How do you know if you have what it takes to become a professional ballet dancer? Give it a try, says dancer Yuka Oba. Taking her own advice, this peripatetic ballerina has pursued her dream from Japan to the U.K. to Slovakia, and finally to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she is in her seventh season taking on challenging roles and new ways to embrace the diversity the world’s choreographers have to offer.
Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them new, forever homes. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Madison — Male Retriever/American Staffordshire Terrier
I am a handsome, 3-year-old dog looking for my forever home! I’m an active boy who enjoys lots of exercise and quality play time with people. I would do best in a home with older/respectful children and no other animals. If I sound like a good fit for you, please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!
More about Madison:
Animal ID: 37689979
Breed: Retriever/Terrier, American Staffordshire
Age: 3 years
Gender: Male
Size: Medium
Color: Black/White
Neutered
Minnie
Minnie — Female Domestic Short Hair
I am a 14-year-old, affectionate, little lady. I was surrendered to Humane Society of West Michigan because of my owner passing away. I live successfully with other cats and enjoy spending time with people. I am also part of the Silver Paws program for senior shelter pets — which means there is no cost to adopt me! Please come meet us at Humane Society of West Michigan.
More about Minnie:
Animal ID: 38027774
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 14 years
Gender: Female
Size: Small
Color: Orange/White
Spayed
Not declawed
The Humane Society of West Michigan automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 (PETS).
Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.
Adding seasonal greens, especially dark leafy varieties, to your salads provides an abundance of nutrients and flavor (see chart for flavor characteristics). Salad greens are vegetables harvested for their leaf and petiole, the stem portion of the leaf. The greens may be harvested at different stages of development:
Photo by Mariel Borgman, MSU Extension
Microgreens: Seeds are planted at high density and microgreens are harvested once the cotyledons, the first leaves to emerge when a plant germinates, have fully developed or when the first true leaves have emerged, usually when the plant is half to two inches in height.
Baby leaf: Seeds are planted at high density, and leaves are harvested when the plants have four true leaves and are two to five inches tall, still young and tender. Mixtures of various baby leaf salad greens are often marketed as mesclun, spring mix or field greens.
Leaf: Harvesting leaves beyond the baby leaf stage requires the greens to be cut into smaller pieces for use in salads. Many greens become less tender after the baby leaf stage, but lettuce and fresh herbs work well for salads in leaf form. Leaf-stage kale and Swiss chard can be chopped into bite-sized pieces for salad. Often leaves, such as mustard greens and collard greens, are cooked once they reach this stage.
Baby leaf
Head: This growing pattern is found in lettuce and some Asian greens such as pac choi. Typically, only lettuce heads are used as salad greens, as mature Asian greens are less tender and better suited for cooking.
Popular salad greens available in the springtime in Michigan include lettuces, mesclun mix, spinach, kale, arugula and chard. Asian leafy vegetables such as pac choi and tatsoi are also gaining popularity in the United States as salad greens in their baby leaf and microgreen forms. To reduce the risk of pathogen growth, store leafy greens in the refrigerator at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and wash salad greens under cool running water prior to use. It does not hurt to give them a quick rinse, even if they are labeled pre-washed.
Head lettuce
Michigan State University Extension’sCommunity Food Systems Work Team supports the development of local food systems in Michigan. The Michigan Fresh program has tips on growing, handling and preserving as well as healthful recipes to take advantage of the delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your back yard or your local farmer’s market. For more information, connect with your local community food systems educator by visiting http://msue.anr.msu.edu/or calling 1.888.678.3464.
By Mary K. Davis, Grand Rapids Public Library, Yankee Clipper Branch
Death as narrator. He doesn’t carry a scythe or wear a black robe. He doesn’t get involved in human lives—except once as he watches a young girl steal her first book. This is the story of that girl, Liesel Meminger.
Liesel is sent to live with a foster family in working class Mulching, Germany in the late 1930’s. It is World War II and Death is very busy. Still, he manages to tell Liesel’s story—her joys, sorrows, interesting cast of friends and family, and of her thievery. This is a beautiful and haunting story about the power of words.
Death does not enjoy his job; he carries children’s souls in his arms, and he doesn’t always welcome those souls seeking him out. Published as a young adult title, The Book Thief is a novel for adults as well, receiving starred reviews in School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews and critical acclaim on NPR’s All Things Considered. In this soulful book, Death may surprise you.
For 33 years, Joseph Cramer sent area residents on mind-bending treasure hunts. Not for the short on patience, each hunt began with a nebulous riddle and ended with a prize: a silver medallion from Cramer’s vast collection.
One riddle went like this: Riding my bicycle fast enough to almost soar; seeing plastic shredding from my shoelaces. I think not but doggone. I stop at the first just for safety’s sake. There you go. It’s there.
Yup. That’s it. But there was a method to this madness — a curious combination of silver and carbon monoxide.
First, the silver: Cramer grew up idolizing the Lone Ranger, who was all about silver. (Think: silver bullets. Even his horse was named Silver.) So, Cramer began collecting silver. To this day, he prefers it to gold.
But it was exposure to carbon monoxide in an industrial accident in the late 1970s that changed Cramer’s life forever and put him on the path to creating riddles. The poison affected Cramer’s memory, and he didn’t know who he was. He also lost his social skills.
“It caused amnesia for two years,” said Cramer. “I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. And I had no feelings. And then in 1980, I started to come out of it but I was confused. I thought in very strange ways. It was difficult.”
A friend suggested that Cramer create riddles that mirrored his thoughts. He did, and in this way, exercised his mind. The process helped him recover. It took months, years to get his memory back.
“The riddle is a fun way for people by chance or by intent to learn about carbon monoxide poisoning and what it can do,” said Cramer, who became known as ‘The Wyoming Riddler’. “I’ve never wanted anybody or their family to go through what my family and I did. And it brought me out of my shell.”
The riddles were designed to be difficult. And what better way to reward a hardworking riddle-solver than with a silver medallion?
But how could Cramer possibly foresee the immense popularity of his riddle-making? Well, he couldn’t. From a mere few folks at first, to hundreds of people from across the globe requesting riddles, the venture took on a huge life of its own.
But still, what remained at the heart of the matter was Cramer’s wish to warn people about carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ken DeHart listens as the Wyoming Riddler reveals his secrets on March 17 with WKTV VOICES
“When I talk about carbon monoxide poisoning, I want each and every person to get a little bit of an idea what it was like for me not to have any past,” said Cramer. “Without a past, you can’t create a future. And these riddles — nobody’s ever read anything like that before, so they didn’t have anything to go by. And so I kind of brought them in a little bit.”
VOICES, a personal and family history project collects, preserves, and shares the narratives and memories of West Michigan people from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. It’s absolutely free. The only cost is your time and your story, whatever that may be. VOICES offers a comfortable portable video recording studio within a relaxed atmosphere.
Know a few people who’d like to share their personal or family stories and experiences at your location? VOICES will come to you! VOICES is the perfect vehicle for collecting stories from retirement communities, schools or similar organizations where people are motivated and interested in preserving their memories for posterity.
It’s a great way to commemorate significant milestones, enrich relationships, and connect with people who are important to your organization.
To learn more, call 616.261.5700 and ask for VOICES, or email Victoria at victoria@wktv.org .
To reserve a time to share your memories, go here .
There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air while riding your bike on one of West Michigan’s many trails. With trails of varying length and difficulty, you can find something for any skill level. Are you looking for a relaxing ride along the lakeshore or a challenging trek from one city to another? There’s a trail for that! If you’re looking for an excuse to get out on your bike, then spring and summer in West Michigan are the perfect seasons to put on your helmet and hit the road.
Bicycling in Southern West Michigan
If you are a pedal pusher of any kind, the Kalamazoo County Parks should be on your list of places to check out. Kalamazoo is a hotbed of cycling activity that appeals to both mountain bikers and road bikers alike. A hidden gem for road cyclists is the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The KRVT offers more than 22 miles of paved trail that connects the Kal-Haven trail to the heart of Kalamazoo and beyond.
The KRVT is part of a greater vision called the “Great Lake to Lake Trail” that will connect South Haven to Port Huron when complete. If hitting dirt trails is more of your expertise, Kalamazoo has something new and exciting to offer too. Last summer, the Maple Hill Trail was officially opened to the public. This 5-mile trail offers bidirectional riding depending on the day, and has something to offer riders of all skill levels. These two trails are just scratching the surface of what Kalamazoo has to offer!
Virtue Cider is very bike-friendly and it’s often a stopover for cycling tourist all year long. They’ve added a small in-house menu for travelers needing to fuel up or refuel! Grab a gourmet grilled cheese or choose from their selection of packaged charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks in the Bottle Shop.
Make sure to download the Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app, including a 15-mile and 20-mile bike tours of the area. The app also includes local favorite things to see and do, along with places to stop for a bite after working up an appetite on the area bike tours.
River Country is known for its amazing outdoor beauty, and there’s plenty to enjoy. Outdoor activities are plentiful in all seasons, including plenty of biking. One must-visit place is the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Jones. This 10-mile paved trail is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders, but everybody will find something to love. The trail offers a very fast, tight, and twisty single track, which is great for control practice.
Hastings offers something for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. River Walk Trail is open to cyclists and is a pleasant excursion for those seeking an easy, scenic ride. Hammond Hill Multi-Use Trail offers more than six miles of trail through rolling hills, woods, and meadows. It is suitable for mountain and fat tire bikes. Year-round cyclists, whether training for an event or simply seeking a challenging ride, can follow the area’s local race’s permanently courses along Barry County’s scenic back roads.
Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app
Rent or bring your own bike to the Greater Lansing area and trek through over 15 miles of trails along the Lansing River. If you want to ride through the city, a trip through trendy Old Town and downtown Lansing is both bicycle-friendly and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to ride in a bustling downtown setting or want to visit the tranquil beauty that is the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, you’re already in the right place.
More bicycling in Southern West Michigan
Coloma-St. Joseph KOA, Riverside
Cranberry Lake Campground, Marcellus
Biking in Central West Michigan
Did you know that the Hart House Bed & Breakfast in Hart is cyclist-friendly? It’s located near the Hart-Montague Trailhead, offers secure bike storage, and has a repair area with the tools necessary to fix your bike. There’s also a brewery and pizza joint nearby for thirsty and hungry riders looking to load up on carbs and proteins for the next day’s ride. Return to your private room in the evening to relax after a nice long day.
If you’re visiting Grand Haven and wish to enjoy the sights in a different way, Electric Bike Place offers electric bike rentals. Rent by the half or full day and cruise in style through the area’s trails, along the lakeshore, or to and from downtown. Electric Bike Place even provides the bikes, locks, and helmets, making renting an electric bike and enjoying your day on the town even easier. Windmill Island Gardens is conveniently located very close to downtown Holland. Less than a mile separates great downtown shopping from acres of Dutch-themed fun. It’s a very quick bike ride and Windmill Island even has bike racks available at their entrance for visitors to stash their fiets (Dutch for “bike”!).
Enjoy paved trails or rustic single tracks for biking or hiking in Muskegon County. The Hart-Montague Trail and Musketawa Trail offer 24 and 26 miles of paved rail-to-trail recreation. And, three state parks, city and county parks offer options for hiking the signature sand dunes. Over 25 miles of single track winds through rolling hills, marshes, lakes and forests. Trailhead access is off Russell Road where a day pass or season passes are available. Beginners, choose the shorter two-mile green loop. The blue and black trails offer intermediate and experienced riders a 10-mile or 13-mile loop over roots, bridges, and ridgelines, with plenty of lake/stream views.
By Dr. Dana Reilly, Community Health & Primary Care Optometry Resident at Heart of the City Health Center Vision
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United states. Approximately 3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States have glaucoma, and about half of those people don’t know they have it. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve and can result in side vision loss and eventually blindness.
How does glaucoma develop?
Glaucoma develops when the eye cannot drain internal fluid. The eye’s internal drainage system is damaged, and this can cause the eye pressure to increase. This is similar to putting a kink in a garden hose; the water pressure builds up and has nowhere to go. This can then cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that is responsible for our side vision and our central vision. Damage to the optic nerve can first cause side vision loss, and eventually even total blindness.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma has no warning signs! Vision loss can happen over time, and people may not notice these changes until it’s too late. Once side vision loss has occurred, these vision changes can not be changed. We can not cure glaucoma, but we as optometrists can help slow down the disease.
What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?
There are many risk factors for developing glaucoma. They include: Age over 60, a family history of glaucoma, African American, Asian, or Hispanic race, diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, steroid users, or any previous eye injury.
How is glaucoma detected?
Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor is your first step! A dilated eye exam helps the optometrist fully assess the optic nerve. If the optometrist is suspicious of glaucoma based on the appearance of the optic nerve, there are other tools we can use to determine if there is optic nerve damage. We also check your eye pressure with a technique called Goldmann tonometry. If the eye pressure is high, we might be suspicious of glaucoma. We can also measure the corneal thickness and look at where the cornea meets the fluid-draining structures of the eye. We also might conduct a side vision test to assess if there is any side vision loss. With all of these tests combined, this gives us all of the tools we need to properly diagnose, treat, and manage glaucoma.
What are my next steps?
Schedule your eye exam today! Cherry Health provides comprehensive vision services at the Heart of the City Health Center, Montcalm Area Health Center, and Wyoming Community Health Center. Early detection is key with glaucoma. Since there are no early warning signs, it is important to have your eyes fully examined to test for any early signs of glaucoma. As mentioned above, there is no cure for glaucoma, but we can help slow down the disease with eye drops, laser surgery, or other surgical options in later stages of the disease. If you would like to be seen for an eye exam contact us at one of our locations!
Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Whatever brings you to the job search process, where do you start? A successful job search starts with a strategy — a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal.
Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and interests you. Begin by identifying your skills, interests and values. Here are some questions to get you started:
What were your favorite things about previous jobs?
Are there any moments that stand out or projects that you really enjoyed?
What were your favorite classes in school?
What work-related activities do you like doing?
The goal of this process is to dig into your motivations and passions. This exercise should act as a springboard for exploring careers that will be a good fit for you. Matching a job with your skills, interests and values will lead to higher job satisfaction. It will also save you time and help you organize the next steps of your job search process by narrowing down what fields to explore.
West Michigan Works! offers services, based on eligibility, to help you get started with your job search, including skills assessment, one-on-one career counseling, and assistance finding training to prepare for a new career. You can also check out these free, online career exploration tools:
O*Net Online provides information on careers you might be interested in — onetonline.org
Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Michigan Career Explorer offers career research and exploration resources — mitalent.org/career-explorer
My Next Move can help you narrow down careers based on what you like to do and offers tools specifically for Veterans — mynextmove.org
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
By Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
This story, told from three different perspectives through the voices of Rose, Son, and Sissy, asks as many questions of the reader as it answers. Is Rose running from her destiny, or to it? If you were in Sissy’s shoes, (or Rose’s or Son’s), would you make the same choices? Is there a path that each individual is designed to follow? Do we forge our life’s path through free will alone or by the choices we make? Or is it some combination of both?
Rose, a devout Catholic girl, believes that her two life choices in the mid-sixties are to become a wife or a nun, and that God will provide her with a sign at the appropriate time. It is immediately apparent that Rose believes she misunderstood the sign, for the story opens with Rose driving across the country, alone, three years into a marriage she entered at age nineteen. The narrative quickly unfolds, and the questions rise through Ann Patchett’s wonderful writing. She paints her characters with such depth and compassion that they become a part of the reader, and the reader truly shares their world. Patchett’s portraits and her vivid description work together to make this a book to read more than once.
The Patron Saint of Liars is Ann Patchett’s first novel and was made into a television movie in 1998. She has since written several more novels and most recently a work of non-fiction, Truth & Beauty, about women and friendships that endure beyond a lifetime.
“I want to adopt a child,” I told my husband over the phone while running errands. “I want to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Actually, there is this beautiful boy on the Reece’s Rainbow adoption site who I am in love with.”
I have replayed this conversation many times since adopting our sweet Armenian, Sam. Sam was born in Armenia, given up at birth, and lived in an orphanage for four years before we brought him home in 2016.
Before we started the adoption process I knew nothing about Down syndrome. My heart always gravitated towards the beautiful Down syndrome children with almond eyes, chubby fingers, and a gap between the big toe and the rest of the toes. I knew nothing more about Down syndrome than what meets the eye. I knew nothing about raising a child with special needs. And I knew nothing about what it meant to become a parent of a special needs child. And here’s a little secret I’ll share with you — after having Sam for almost two years, I am still learning what all this means.
My husband and I had great aspirations of bringing Sam home and changing the life of this little boy. But we never realized just how much we would change. We never realized how much we needed to change to raise this little boy. Sam has made great progress since April 2016, but our parenting had to change to help him be successful. We soon realized that we needed a team of people to help us. We couldn’t do it alone. This new parenting style required us to be vulnerable, humble, and intentional. We surrounded ourselves with some great therapists, enlisted family to provide us with much needed respite, and thanked our lucky stars for some amazing teachers and teaching staff who loved our kid even when he was hard to love. And lastly, we sought out an adoption counselor who helped change our mindset on what it means to be a parent, an adoptive parent, and a special needs parent to a boy who didn’t ask for any of this.
We are still learning, we don’t have all the answers. But the great thing is — we don’t have to. We are grateful for the other parents who share their stories and life lessons. We can only hope to one day pay it forward to the couple who is considering adopting a beautiful child with Down syndrome.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be offering free admission to students.
Looking for something to do on spring break? Well, there are lots of camps and activities available through a variety of organizations. Here are just a few ideas.
Wyoming and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Departments
There is always something to do at a local park and with the weather warming, a chance to get some fresh air is always a nice option. Along with that, make sure to check out your local parks and recreation department for programs or activities taking place during the week. It is also a good time to check out the spring and summer leagues. For the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, click here.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Also, Kentwood is currently taking applications for the Kentwood Farmers Market, which opens in June. For Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, click here.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Family art projects, bounce houses, swimming, and climbing are just a few of the family–friendly activity options available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2018, April 2–6.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is located at 2500 S. Division Ave.
Open swim, climbing wall, and game room hours will be extended. Special guest presentations at 11 a.m. each morning include Blandford Nature Center, Binder Park Zoo, puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad, and interactive drumming with WaZoBia.
Day passes are only $7.50 for all ages, and Kroc Center members get unlimited free access to all activities. All children age 11 and under must be supervised by an adult while visiting the Kroc Center. New this year, the Kroc has added a “family room” where parents and kids looking for a break can have snacks, play games, and more.
Also new this year is an annual Family Pool & Play Pass, cost is $99, which provides day pass access to the Kroc Center for a family of up to five people during the most popular open swim times – Saturdays and Sundays, Spring Break, and Christmas Break.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will host two drop-in art studio programs, April 3 and 7.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will offer free admission to kids 17 and under during Spring Break, April 3-7.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located at 101 Monroe Center NW.
Free admission includes entry to all of the Museum’s current exhibits, as well as related programming offered at the Museum on the day of the visit. The Museum will offer two drop-in art studio programs during the week, April 3 and 7 from 1-4 p.m., as well as a drop-in tour, April 7 from 1-2 p.m.
GRAM’s current exhibits are “Alexis Rockman: The Great Lakes Cycle,” exploring the past, present, and future of North America’s Great Lakes; “From Wilderness to Resource: A Story in Pictures,” a selection from GRAM’s permanent collection designed to complement the Rockman exhibit; and “Tony Mendoza: Cats and Dogs,” featuring the work of Ohio-based photographer and writer of Cuban descent Tony Mendoza.
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, students can create a mermaid or unicorn puppet.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will have its two traveling exhibits, planetarium shows, hands-on activities and more from Spring Break, which will run from March 30 – April 8.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is at 272 Pearl St. NW.
Museum hours will be extended until 8 p.m. from April 2 – 6. The Museum will be closed Sunday, April 1 for Easter.
Special hands-on activities include creating your own Chinese dragons, make-and-take your own mermaid or unicorn puppet, playing BIG games, build structures with Keva blocks and Magformers magnetic shapes, and special Museum artifacts on a touch-it table. Visitors can explore the mythical creatures from around the globe in the “Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids,” and become a water droplet in “Water’s Extreme Journey.”
Keva blocks and Magformers magnetic shapes
On Tuesday, April 3, there will be a special Science Tuesday activity in the Museum’s Watershed Lab using an augmented reality sandbox. Visitors will change the topography of a land map, creating different terrains from lakes to mountains to learn how a watershed works. This Lab will be free with general admission.
The GRPM will be offering additional Chaffee Planetarium show times for the most popular shows. Planetarium shows are $4 with general admission, $5 for planetarium-only tickets and free to Museum members.
For more information on Spring Break activities including planetarium shows and for tickets visit grpm.org.
Grand Rapids Ballet
The Grand Rapids Ballet will offer two programs for youth during the week of April 2-6, a Spring Break for Kids day series of one-hour program of entertainment and activities, and a series of longer Day Camps focused on dance and physical fitness activities.
The Grand Rapids Ballet is located at 341 Elllsworth Avenue SW, Grand Rapids.
Spring Break for Kids will run Monday-Friday, April 2-6, from 10:30 to11:30 a.m., at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Doors open every day at 10:30 a.m. for fun activities including a Gymco obstacle course and costume dress-up, followed by a 30-minute kid-friendly ballet, “Mother Goose’s Friends”. Tickets are $7 per day.
Spring Break Day Camp will run Monday-Thursday, April 2-5, at the Grand Rapids Ballet School. Each day of Day Camp includes social and physical activity for boys and girls ages 3-6 years. In the camps, campers will learn the fundamentals of etiquette, cooperation, goal-setting, musicality, flexibility, strength, and more. Campers can enroll in one day or all four days For cost, call 616-454-4771 (Ext. 17). The camps are also available for entire weeks during summer vacation.
For more information call 616-454-4771 (Ext.10) or visit GRBallet.com.
Since 2009, Grand Rapids Film Festival (GRFF) has championed collaborative film exhibition and education events in Grand Rapids. Using a community-oriented approach to celebrate film and its makers, the GRFFl aims to increase regional access to and production of quality films that provide meaningful, constructive and encouraging entertainment while harnessing the transformative power of film.
F&M Friday, April 13 @The Waldron
The festival kicks-off with a signature event dubbed “F&M” which stands for fashion and music for film. This event is hosted by The Waldron on Ionia Street. The program centers around six of the short films screening at the festival, which serve as inspiration for fashion studies students from Kendall College of Art and Design. A total of 13 looks are designed and displayed on live models during this unconventional fashion show. Music from the shorts films also serve as a focal point.
Film Screenings: Saturday, April 14 @Wealthy Theatre
120 films from all over the world were submitted, and 38 have been selected!
The international surprise this is year is the amount of films screening from the Islamic Republic of Iran! Five beautiful short pieces add the distinct cultural flair of this country to GRFF film blocks. Canada and France are additional cultures represented.
17 made-in-Michigan are exhibited, including seven from Grand Rapids.
“Almost Human” by Ayden Byrnes of East Lansing
“Chocolate and Cigarettes” by David Tappan of Detroit
“David” by Ben Lemmen of Holland
“Dreamer” by Jose Jimenez of Lyons
“FOUR-NINETY” by Scott Magie of Holt
“Peace During War” by Jennifer Machiorlatti of Paw Paw
“Secret” by Shana Gagnon of Rochester Hills
“Stigmatic: Our Opioid Crisis” by Garret Morgan of Essexville
Filmmaker Impact Stories Sunday, April 15 @The Waldron
Sunday, April 15 is the prime networking event for the regional filmmaking community. The Knickerbocker New Holland Brewing hosts GRFF’s Filmmaker Impact Stories from 5 to 8 PM. For this event, regional filmmakers share the story of how film transformed their lives.
Rhubarb is a springtime delicacy that is classified by botanists as a vegetable, but because it is so popular in desserts, it is often recognized as a fruit by many consumers. Rhubarb is traditionally made into sauce or pie, this led to it getting the nickname “pie plant.”
Hothouse, or forced, rhubarb is a pink to rosy-red color all the way to the leaf. It will have a milder, more delicate flavor than field or homegrown rhubarb. Use hothouse rhubarb only when fresh because it loses color rapidly when canned or frozen. Medium to thick stalks are best to use because they are the most tender.
Fresh field or homegrown rhubarb is available late April through June. It can be mostly green or have a rosy to dark red color and have medium to thick stalks. Homegrown rhubarb is more tender than hothouse, however, both provide a tasty source of calcium and potassium.
Remember to cut off and compost, or discard, all rhubarb leaves when you harvest rhubarb. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which is harmful to eat.
Enjoy rhubarb in pies and muffins or as a sauce
When rhubarb is combined with strawberries, raspberries, apples and other fruits, the flavor only gets better. Rhubarb also makes a terrific sauce for chicken, venison, halibut and salmon. Adding diced rhubarb to muffins and biscuit recipes not only adds nutritional value but makes the muffins and biscuits sing with flavor without making the batter runny.
Rhubarb (courtesy Michigan State University Extension website)
Store rhubarb in the fridge
Stalks of rhubarb can be placed in a perforated plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator crisper for two to four weeks. If you add a wet paper towel to the bag of rhubarb, it will help to keep the rhubarb from drying out.
Preserve rhubarb by freezing
Freeze homegrown rhubarb early in the season when the color is best and the stalks are almost tender. Freezing rhubarb is easy. Just rinse stalks well, dry them with a paper towel and cut them into one or two-inch pieces to fit your freezer containers or freezer bags. If you have an amount you need for a favorite pie, crisp or bread recipe, you can measure that amount into the freezer bag and label it with the date and amount, then when you take it out of the freezer you won’t have to measure the rhubarb before adding it to your recipe. You can also make cooked rhubarb sauce; pack it into containers, leaving one-half inch headspace, label and freeze.
Michigan State University Extension’s MI Fresh, has a range of information and resources about Michigan’s bounty of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals. Here you will find information on recommended varieties, storage, food safety and preserving techniques for many fruits and vegetables.
Imagine being a mother sent to a re-education camp — essentially a prison — where there is little food, no medicine and you are forced to do hard labor and knowing that your four-year-old son braving your war-torn country looking for you.
This is one of many stories that producer and filmmaker Diem Thuy collected for her documentary “Unforgotten,” the stories of the Vietnamese sent to live in the re-education camps after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The documentary will be screened Monday, April 2, at the Richard M. DeVos Center’s Loosemore Auditorium located on the Grand Valley State University downtown campus. There is a reception at 6:30 p.m. with the screening at 7:30 p.m.
“In 1975 Saigon collapsed and the communist took over,” Thuy said. “They took a million of the South Korean officers to jail. Basically, they say to ‘the re-education camp’ and there was hard labor and illness. For there families, it became difficult in how to find them and support them.”
GVSU Professor James Smither, who has interviewed countless veterans and some Vietnamese refugees through the GVSU Veterans History Program that he heads up, said even as a teenager, the re-education camps sounded a little “fishy” to him.
“A lot of the debate that went on in the United States had to do with the nature of the enemy,” said GVSU Professor James Smither, who helped coordinate the screening of the film. “There was a tendency among some of the counter culture people to make the North Vietmanese out as basically Asian flower children or something like that….And the fact of the matter is the communists were not nice people.
“They were very determined to accomplish what they believe was their mission and part of their mission was basically to eradicate American and Western influence to an extent. So they rounded up basically anyone who was a military officer, government official, police official of a certain level and they put them in these places they called re-education camps.”
Even though her own father was in a re-education camp for eight years, Thuy said she never heard any stories of the re-education camps. One day, she receive a phone call that a person she wanted to interview about the camps had died. Realizing that many of the survivors were in their seventies to nineties, Thuy decided she had to make the documentary.
“Basically I want to give them a voice to tell them what happened in their lives,” she said.
Between a million to 2.5 million Vietnamese were placed in the re-education camps. American studies estimate that about 165,000 people died in the camps, although Thuy said it is probably much higher as 10,000 people still remain missing. The camps were operated in 1986 and two years later, North Vietnam agreed to release all prisoners in the camps. It is estimated that more than 500,000 Vietnamese prisoners and their families resettled in the United States.
Thuy said she interviewed between 200-300 people with every story being just heartbreaking.
“Some people would still say ‘Oh I tell you but I don’t want it in the documentary because I’m afraid that the communists are still looking for us,’” Thuy said. “They are still afraid. So that is horrible. They are in a [free] country, but they are still afraid.”
Smither said for many who came to the United States, the war continued after 1975 with Thuy’s film serving as a reminder to what was taking place after the Fall of Saigon.
“It is part of the larger history that helps you understand the full picture better and in some ways it serves as a reminder of the people who served in Vietnam that there really were people in Vietnam who valued the American presence and what the Americans were trying to do even though it didn’t work in the end,” Smither said. Smither believed so much in the importance of sharing this part of history, what happened after the Vietnam War, that he arranged to move his seminar history class to Loosemore Auditorium to host the screening of the film.
“I didn’t hear much about the re-education camps until this documentary came out because my family came over by boat,” said Grand Rapids Community College student Tina Tran. “So these other ways that people have come in, I have never heard about them.”
Thuy said she hopes the film helps to educate the next generation about what took place in these camps and why so many Vietnamese chose to come to the United States.
“Bascially for the young people, ‘Unforgotten’ reminds people how the Vietnamese history is written,” she said. “Especially for the Vietnamese-Americans, ‘Unforgotten’ reminds why you are here and how you came here.”
The screening is free and open to the public. To learn more about the film “Unfogetton,” go to unforgottenfilm.com.
Austrian-born Michael Auer merges two careers into a new art form, and the Grand Rapids Ballet is ever the better for it. Join us for a look at the intersection of professional dance and technology.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Meet one of the most introverted kitties we have had in recent years — Autumn. Sadly I have to repost her plea for adoption since her ‘happily ever after’ didn’t last.
On March 2, 2018, Dr. Jen received a call from a colleague at our local humane society stating that our pretty girl had been turned in to them by a friend of her initial adopter, stating that Autumn was no longer wanted.
It appears that the initial adopter gave this little lady to a friend (in violation of our adoption contract), and that person decided she didn’t want Autumn after all, despite promising the initial adopter that Autumn would be safe and sound.
Somehow in the shuffle, Autumn contracted FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, transmitted via a bite wound from an infected cat (she was either let outdoors or was housed with a positive cat that bit her). Since she hasn’t a mean bone in her timid tabby body, there is no risk of her spreading it to the other cats that she shares company with, thankfully.
Born in the fall of 2009, Autumn and her still-nursing offspring were originally dumped off in Saranac, and a kindhearted soul swooped in to the rescue.
All were hungry, cold, and flea-ridden. Even though she had just been tossed out like garbage with her young kittens, Autumn was relaxed and ate, fed her babies, and slept. Whoever dumped them did not care that they were pretty much ensuring a slow death to this family. There are so many dangers — including bad weather, coyotes, cars, stupid people, and other wild animals.
Autumn’s kittens grew, were spayed/neutered and vaccinated, then finally adopted out to great homes. Another older brother, Baelfire, was also dumped in the meantime, and was able to charm his way into Crash’s. This left Autumn, who now was suffering from pneumonia that was a result of her poor life prior to finding us and stress from having to remain in our foster kitten room for so long. She beat her pneumonia, and was able to secure her spot at Crash’s also.
Autumn is settling in but is still head shy and uncertain. Potential adopters must be willing to take things slowly, on Autumn’s terms. This sweetie deserves a kind, loving home.
More about Autumn
NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
By Melissa Fox, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
In Barolo, Matthew Gavin Frank takes readers on a trip to explore the food and wine of the Barolo Region of Italy. Frank stays in a tent in a friend’s garden and works at a vineyard, picking grapes for vintner Luciano Sandrone.
This book is rich with details of the history and process of wine making, the Piemontese region of Italy, and of the many people the author meets, restaurants he eats at, and friends he makes along the way.
Barolo is both travelogue and memoir, unique to its time and place in Frank’s life, so that only he could share these stories in this way.
Passion meets culture. Service is honor. The culture at Sunset empowers its staff to do the right thing and make a difference in the lives of their residents through exceptional customer service and a heart for their mission.
To hear what it’s like to work at Sunset, meet Carol.
I am so glad you asked! I believe our commitment and passion for our residents sets us apart. We go above and beyond every day to make sure they are loved, respected, safe, well taken of and comfortable.
We have 14 individuals who have outlived their resources. We will never turn them away from their home at Sunset. We fundraise over $300,000 a year to ensure they remain in their homes because as our CEO says “if we don’t care for them, who will?”
We have amazing employees who give so much of themselves to this company and our residents! We have tuition reimbursement for our students, excellent benefits for all full-time employees and an excellent work culture.
What’s new or changing in 2018 for Sunset?
We are very excited to expand our memory care units in Ottawa County and to bring our excellent customer service to this underserved population in our community. We are intentionally focused on employee appreciation and internal promotions during this transition. Our employees are incredible and we want to help them grow in their health care career with us.
During an interview, what questions do you want an applicant to ask?
During an interview, I love when applicants ask:
What makes Sunset special?
Can I grow with this company?
What benefits do you have?
What’s your favorite staff event each year?
The Employee Recognition Banquet. This event recognizes all of our staff who have dedicated their lives to our residents and love what they do. Every five years of service, staff get to attend and receive a catered dinner at the Sunnybrook Country Club, a gift, a bonus for their years of service, recognition from our Executive Team, as well as fellowship with other co-workers and their families.
When I’m not at work, you can find me ________________.
When I’m not at work, you can find me reading about retention strategies, recruiting, knitting and caring for my family.
Sunset is hiring! See all their open positions here.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
The location of the new Consumers Energy headquarters.
By Roger C. Morgenstern
Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy’s investment in West Michigan continues with plans for a new $20 million headquarters in the city of Grand Rapids to serve the fastest-growing region of its company.
The building will house up to 275 employees who support the design and delivery of energy service in the Grand Rapids area, the company’s largest electric service area in Michigan.
Those to 275 employees currently are based at the company’s West Kent Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW, Wyoming. The employees include the customer contact center, engineering, business customer care, human resources and customer experience. About 250 workers will remain at the Clay Avenue facility, including operating, maintenance and construction field employees, work management center for all dispatching and scheduling activities and electric system control. The current bill payment center will remain as well. Consumers Energy plans no changes to its East Kent service center in Kentwood or its North Kent facility in Sparta.
The six-story, 40,000 square-foot-building, including an onsite parking structure, will be located in the Circuit West area on the city’s west side. Circuit West is a 13-block hub of innovative electricity generation, distribution and storage and energy efficient building construction. Circuit West is led by Consumers Energy and Rockford Construction, which will serve as the new building’s construction manager. The energy provider recently closed on the sale of the property at 501 Alabama St. NW. A groundbreaking for the new headquarters is anticipated later this year with the building complete by 2020.
“Our Circuit West investment already includes work underway for an innovative, more responsive and reliable electric distribution system, energy storage and rooftop solar installations,” said Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations for Consumers Energy.
“Constructing this building within Circuit West shows our continued commitment to a prosperous, growing Grand Rapids and West Michigan region.”
Shown here is the finished roadwork at Second Street and Broadway Avenue.
Rochow said locating the building in the city’s West Side, a vibrant area seeing significant redevelopment centered on sustainability and walkability, is a promise to Consumers Energy’s employees of today and tomorrow.
“We are very focused on retaining and attracting the workforce of the future, which means providing a work environment that is connected within a community where people can work, live, and play.”
Rockford Construction’s corporate headquarters is less than a block west of the planned Consumers Energy building. Rockford has been closely involved with the recent Circuit West building boom.
“Our vision is to provide a safe, innovative, sustainable neighborhood on the West Side that is a magnet for people and commerce,” said Mike VanGessel, Rockford Construction’s chief executive officer. “We are pleased to welcome Consumers Energy as a new neighbor within Circuit West.”
The announcement comes less than a year after Consumers Energy dedicated its John G. Russell Leadership Center, an $11 million facility on Grand Valley State University’s Robert C. Pew Campus, immediately south of the L. William Seidman Center near downtown Grand Rapids. In June 2016, the company began commercial operation of its 3-megawatt Solar Gardens generating facility in nearby Allendale adjacent to GVSU’s main campus.
The new Circuit West building will be constructed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Consumers Energy has constructed all of its recent buildings to LEED standards, including a number in West Michigan, like the Russell Leadership Center and new service centers in Norton Shores and Hamilton.
“The Grand Rapids area is our largest electric service region and is seeing continued growth,” Rochow said. “This new building within Circuit West is in response to that growth and our continued commitment to our purpose of world class performance delivering hometown service.”
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension
Mortgage foreclosure rates have significantly decreased during the past ten years, according to the ATTOM report in January 2018. The number of foreclosure filings in 2017 in Michigan decreased by 42.5 percent compared to 2016.
A common misconception for homeowners in foreclosure is that they have to move out of their house before the sheriff sale. When a county deputy or appointed county official posts a notice with the sale date near their door, many people think that is the last date they can stay. However, Michigan law says that those individuals have rights to occupy the house usually for six more months. Some homeowners abandon their property early, paying rent without making an informed decision.
Homeowners do have rights during foreclosure, which were discussed in my November 2015 article. After a property is sold at a sheriff’s sale, a foreclosure sale, there is a redemption period. For most properties it is a six month period. If the homeowner moves out and the property has been declared abandoned, the redemption period can be shortened to one month. For some large properties and those with a lot of equity, more than two-thirds of the loan has been paid, the redemption period may be longer.
During the redemption period, the homeowner(s) can continue to live in the property and are not required to make any mortgage payments. They can use this time to save funds and plan their next steps. The homeowner also has the right to sell the property to another person, but if the sale price is for less than the mortgage owed, the bank has to agree to the short sale.
If the homeowner can find funds to buy back the property then they can keep it. That is why this time is called a redemption period. At the sheriff’s sale, the purchaser paid a certain amount of money to purchase the property. Often the purchaser will be the homeowner’s mortgage company, although it could also be another third party. The amount necessary for the homeowner to buy back or redeem the property is the amount the purchaser paid plus some allowable costs and a daily interest rate based upon your mortgage loan interest rate. A homeowner can learn the sale price for the property by obtaining a copy of the sheriff’s deed from the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. They only have to pay the purchase price from the sheriff’s sale even if it is substantially less than the loan amount.
Before moving, if that is the choice, the homeowner should check with their county Register of Deeds office to be sure the property was actually sold.
Going through foreclosure is the right option for some Michigan homeowners. Knowing that they can continue living in their house with no mortgage payments for six months after the sheriff sale can keep a roof over their head and provide time to plan next steps. They should also know their rights during their redemption period.
Michigan State University Extension has released a toolkit, now in both English and Spanish, for homeowners who are experiencing or have previously experienced foreclosure. This toolkit will equip these individuals and families with tools to help them recover their financial stability in the case that a recovery of their home is not possible. The toolkit is available to download free at MIMoneyHealth.org.
For more information about foreclosure in Michigan, go to the housing link at www.mimoneyhealth.org or www.michigan.gov/mshda. Michigan State University Extension offices in several counties have certified foreclosure counselors you can talk to for free about your rights and assist you to think about your options in the foreclosure process.
By Lisa Boss, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
How to explain the soothing yet buoyant effect that Barbara Pym’s two best novels have on one? Excellent Women and Some Tame Gazelle are both wonderfully therapeutic reads for people fed up with modern life. And also for those who just love relationship novels laced with dry humor. I re-read Excellent Women every ten years or so since it is so enjoyable, and I was delighted to see that cutting-edge literary critics have decided that Barbara Pym is once again making a comeback. She’s made a couple of comebacks since her books were published in the ’50s, as new generations discover her subtle charm.
Set in post World War II England, Excellent Women lets us share in the joys and disappointments of one Mildred Lathbury, who leads a mild-mannered life, as one of those “excellent women” who is always helping out in the parish. There are many uncomfortable life situations that Mildred is drawn into that she believes exceed her experience of men and relationships, but she carries on admirably, much to her surprise.
From the gently mysterious beginning to the satisfyingly concluded ending Excellent Women is a wonderful throw-back of a story.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted this morning to approve the addition of two full-time Public Health Epidemiologist positions in the Health Department; one to assist with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), vapor intrusion and other environmental issues, and the other to address the opioid epidemic.
In 2017, the Health Department became aware of an investigation by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regarding contaminated groundwater in the Belmont area. Water in a number of homes in that area is contaminated with PFAS. “The staff at the Health Department have been on the front lines of informing and educating residents regarding test results, the known health consequences of PFAS, and ways to limit exposure,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “As more areas of contamination are discovered, it is clear we need to adjust staffing levels to meet the needs of our residents.”
The person hired for this Epidemiologist position will be expected to provide subject matter expertise, conduct health surveillance, coordinate specimen collection, exercise legal authorities when applicable under direction of the Health Officer, communicate with residents and health providers, and be the primary intermediary with other agencies. In addition to PFAS, this role is also necessary to assist in the investigation and response of other environmental public health threats such as vapor intrusion.
The second position will provide leadership and administration of the Kent County Opioid Task Force (KCOTF). This Task Force convened three years ago under the coordination of the Red Project. “In Kent County, the rate of overdose deaths has increased four-fold since 2000, with 70 opioid-related deaths and over 680 opioid overdose-related Emergency Department visits in 2016,” said Adam London, Administrative Health Officer for Kent County. “In 2017, Kent County reported 93 opioid-related deaths with an average age of 39 years old, and we still are awaiting toxicology reports on a number of suspicious deaths. The staff of the Health Department are in a unique position to provide leadership in efforts to address education, prevention and access to recovery services.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently called the opioid issue “the largest man-made epidemic in the history of the world.”
The cost of both full-time positions will be funded by General Funds previously appropriated to the 2017-18 Health Fund budget for Emerging Issues. The Board is continuing to work with State lawmakers to make additional funding for these issues a priority in the 2019 Michigan budget.
I used to think I wasn’t a good enough person to volunteer. People who volunteer are happy, generous, full of energy and compassion among a myriad of other things. I always looked up to these people, and still do. I never saw myself as capable of joining such a group of wonderful individuals because I didn’t meet the criteria for what I thought I needed to be to volunteer, and more importantly, make an impact in my community. Then I learned about Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, a nonprofit organization located in Rockford, Michigan, just 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids.
Equest Center is a therapeutic horse farm that provides riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. Their mission is to “improve quality of life through equine-based therapy to physically, mentally and socially/emotionally challenged individuals.’’ Equest has a unique program that integrates academic, social and physical skills, using the horse as a catalyst. Kids and adults alike, from ages 2-102 have all benefited from the strength, confidence and skills that come from riding horses.
There are many factors that go into providing these incredible people with what has been lifesaving therapy for some of the riders. Funding, facilities, horses and staff all play a vital role in the operation of the Equest Center, but what stands out the most are the volunteers. I am fortunate enough to be a part of this incredible organization and know many of the volunteers who commit their time to bettering the lives of others.
I never had a great desire to volunteer, and my reason for doing so was selfish. I came to Equest to pad my resume so I looked better to potential employers, plain and simple. Little did I know how much it would impact my life. In order to understand why volunteering at Equest impacted me so much, let me share a little about myself.
Growing up I was smart and athletic, and seemingly happy. I carried a 4.0 in school, achieved every academic award you could think of, started every single basketball game of my high school career and seemed unbreakable from the outside looking in. Ironic, considering how broken I was. Yes, I was smart and yes, I was athletic. I was responsible, I was loyal, and I was a good friend, but I was fighting every single day not to succumb to the anxiety and depression that had a grip so tight on me that I struggled at every breath. Each morning my eyes opened from the restless night before felt like a curse rather than a blessing.
It was my senior year of high school when I had given everything I had to combat the war my own mind was waging against me. I was drowning. I had shame that blanketed my entire being, weighing me down at every step. I put on a facade every day just to keep people at bay, never hinting that anything was wrong.
I forgot to mention, I am stubborn. I shouldn’t be here today, but I refuse to lose.
I packed my bags and moved myself, my scars, my shame and what was left of my pride half way across the country. Some said I was running, but I didn’t care what I was doing as long as I was starting over. I arrived in West Michigan knowing very few people and had plans to work hard and go to school. I instantly began working hard that summer and the next few years as I worked towards completion of my undergrad career. It was my last semester when I realized I was in no way ready for the “real world”. Those forsaken thoughts of not being good enough and the fear of failure crept back into my mind. Over the past few years I have learned to shut them out, but sometimes they were just too loud. I could not go back down that path.
I met with an advisor who assured me my freak out about entering the real world was completely normal. She gave me some tools for success, some internships to look into and left me with the suggestion that I add some volunteer work to my resume. I walked out of the office fully intending on pursuing the tools she gave me as references and the internships she suggested, but thought I would save the volunteering for the happy, generous, full of energy and compassionate people. I was still pretty sure I wasn’t a good enough person to volunteer.
Little did I know.
I found about Equest through a friend and decided to give it a shot. Probably the best decision of my life. Equest is a place that is therapy disguised as fun, and the riders are some of the most fantastic people ever. They have every excuse to quit, yet they persevere in the relentless pursuit of personal and physical growth. It is one of the most inspiring things to witness, and such an honor to be a part of. I’ve crafted relationships with these riders, the beautiful horses, and the absolutely amazing staff and volunteers. Most people think about volunteering as something we give to an organization, but in this case, Equest gave me so much more than I could ever return the favor for. It changed my perspective and gave me a fresh outlook on life. It gave me encouragement, hope and joy. It is a fact that the Equest Center is therapeutic for the riders, but I am here to tell you that it is just as therapeutic for the volunteers.
There is a never-ending need for volunteers at the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding located in Rockford, and everyone is welcome to come help. No horse experience is necessary, they will teach you! Don’t make excuses, the experience of contributing to this paramount therapy and meeting the tenacious riders who benefit from it is something that you do not want to pass up on. Volunteers are vital to Equest, considering there are just two full time staff members and over 180 riders who come out weekly. There are over 85 volunteers needed to help at Equest each week. Just a few hours of your time will not only contribute to a great cause and enable riders to get the crucial therapy they need, but it just might change your life like it did mine. To learn how you can become a part of this incredible organization go to www.equestcenter.org. You won’t regret it!
DeRuiter’s team, which included two students, delivered a workshop at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and allowed the students to develop meaningful connections with influential researchers. (Photo courtesy Calvin College)
By Hannah Ebeling, Calvin College
“The underlying motivation of our work and research is always inquisitiveness and wonder at animal ecology,” said Stacy DeRuiter, professor of mathematics and statistics at Calvin College. “We can learn so much about creation by exploring.”
DeRuiter has for years studied marine animals, using bio-logging technology.
Recognizing a need
“Bio-logging studies, where data on animal movements are collected using small, animal-borne devices that either store or transmit sensor data, are growing rapidly in numbers and in scope,” said DeRuiter.
As the technology advances, there are more opportunities to track longer and more frequent data sets of animal behavior. Instead of tracking the animal once every few seconds, researchers are now receiving feedback multiple times a second. However, this means there is much more data to account for and sort through, explained DeRuiter.
“While these tags offer exciting opportunities to observe animal behavior in unprecedented detail, there is a desperate need for freely available, easy-to-use, flexible tools to facilitate proper analysis and interpretation of the resulting data,” DeRuiter said.
Developing accessible and efficient software
“We thought it would be worthwhile to spend a year making better software that would be more accessible, as well as creating documentation and a workshop to make it easier for people to use in general,” she said.
Throughout summer 2017, DeRuiter led a collaborative project developing software tools for analysis of data from animal-borne movement-sensors. Her team included two students, who developed tools and delivered a workshop at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, introducing researchers to the tools and providing hands-on practice.
Before DeRuiter made the proposal for the project she received more than 30 letters from other researchers, who would benefit from her work, in support of the idea.
“It was amazing having the support of the community that really wanted this to happen but either did not have the time or funding to make it possible,” she said.
Gaining meaningful experience and connections
This project allowed students to develop some meaningful connections with influential researchers, explained DeRuiter.
“That is part of the reason I wanted them to come to Scotland and the University of St. Andrews,” she said. “They had done such great work and software development, and I wanted them to see the workshop play out.”
“The thing I enjoyed most was participating in the international workshop at the end of the summer,” said David Sweeny, a student researcher. “It was amazing to see how many different kinds of research topics from around the world are using the software functions that we have developed and translated.”
Sweeny said he is interested in this research because it gives him an insight into the lives of magnificent marine creatures during the times and in places that he otherwise would not be able to observe were it not for tags.
“This research provides so many ways to learn how we can best protect these animals,” he said. “Given that I care a lot about protecting the environment, this work is really important to me.”
Opening the door to future research
“One of the most important things that the Reformed tradition tells us about being Christian is that we don’t do it alone; we do it in community. Science, for example, proceeds by the careful work of many, many hands,” said DeRuiter. “The goals of the project were to democratize this kind of research and level the playing field for those who don’t have the same mentorship, training, or funding to buy software.”
This software will help DeRuiter track whale and dolphin behavior as well as open the door for other researchers to non-intrusively explore other animal habits.
“The availability of this software will only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of current and future work being done around the world,” said Sweeny. “It will allow for increased collaboration between scientists which will have many different kinds of benefits in the future.”
He was the only boy in the local dance school, and in the Dominican Republic, that can leave you open to teasing. But Ednis Gomez fell in love with the self-expression of movement, practiced hard, and danced himself into a full-time career. After four years in Michigan’s only professional dance company, the American Midwest is starting to feel like home.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
This dashing and debonair buff beauty gave Dr. Jen quite the runaround for months as he dined and then darted, hiding out in a hole in the cement foundation of her front porch. For weeks on end, Dr. Jen and her son tried to no avail to coax him into their care, tempting him with treats, kibble and canned food, but the wary and worried tom cat (born in the spring of 2013) would have nothing to do with them.
Every time Dr. Jen caught sight of Pumbaa hanging out in the shrubbery, she told him that he would have ‘no worries for the rest of his days’ if he would only allow her to take him in, but it wasn’t until he became ill from a horribly abscessed ear (cat fight) that he begrudgingly allowed her to lay her hands on him. Armed with broth packets, she laid down on her porch and hand fed him bits of shrimp and fish until she was finally able to gently reach out, scruff him and place him into an open carrier. Surprisingly, he didn’t fight her on this until she zipped the top shut, then all hell broke loose as he, well, tried to break loose. A discussion ensued, with Dr. Jen explaining how things were going to be, and he agreed to settle down for the car ride to the clinic so she could tend to his wounds.
Once at the office, Dr. Jen and Pumbaa got down to business: she anesthetized him in order to surgically drain his wounded left ear, neuter him, remove an engorged tick from his back, run lab work (he was anemic), implant his microchip, vaccinate him and treat for external and internal parasites (he was loaded with intestinal worms). Given how long he had been out and about fending for himself, it was no shock when he tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) — it was a darn shame, but not unexpected as intact males are always getting themselves into trouble due to surging hormones.
Looking for a home that encourages lounging
Dr. Jen kept the former porch kitty in her half-bath at home since it was Memorial Day weekend and she didn’t want him to feel abandoned if he spent too much time alone in a strange place. However, the first two nights he spent quite a bit of time trying to get out the window that Dr. Jen had the foresight to reinforce with duct tape. He also scratched the paint on her door and windowsill. However, by day three, Pumbaa was ready to accept head rubs and didn’t protest too much when Dr. Jen cleaned his draining abscess. He spent the first few days of the following week at the clinic with her, then once she was certain he wasn’t going to flip out due to sensory overload, she packed her boy up and sent him down to our sanctuary.
At first Pumbaa was afraid of his own shadow, preferring to hunker down in an open-door cage, but after being on the receiving end of continuous cuddle sessions and tender handling, he soon became putty in the volunteers’ hands. In fact, the transformation from frightened and semi-feral to comfortable and laid-back was absolutely astonishing; not only does Pumbaa enjoy the spotlight now, but he simply adores being the center of attention as verified by his striking supermodel pose for his photo op here!
We could not be more proud of our emblazoned, bold boy who not only seeks out affection but brazenly demands it! Every single time we gaze upon his serene face we are thankful that he trusted Dr. Jen to care for him. Patience paid off as he is now living a life that suits him perfectly and we are sure it’s better than he ever could have imagined possible!
More about Pumbaa
NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
By Kristen Krueger-Corrado, Grand Rapids Public Library
In 1920, Frankie Pratt graduates from high school and receives a scrapbook as a gift. Intent on becoming a writer, she attends Vassar College, and finds work in New York and Paris. Told through Frankie’s eyes, the life of a young woman trying to find her place in the world comes to life. The remarkable thing about this book, however, is the way the story is told.
The entire book is formatted as Frankie’s scrapbook. It is filled with ephemera such as postcards, letters, magazine ads and more. The story of her life is told through her scrapbook entries and the style of the 1920s is vivid. The reader wants to be able to touch the items in the scrapbook, to ask Frankie questions, and to see the story from the viewpoint of other characters. But this is Frankie’s story and we see her world only from her perspective through what she shares in her scrapbook. This is a fun book and a quick read, but you will linger, looking at the beautiful and detailed layout of each page.
A 90-minute drive … replaced by a single click. Thanks to Google, the course catalog is expanding, and students at three colleges, separated by 100 miles, are learning together.
“This isn’t happening anywhere else on this scale,” said Roman Williams, assistant professor of sociology at Calvin College.
Leading the way
In collaboration with Google, the Michigan Colleges Alliance is piloting the Google Course Share Collaboration, a new approach that aims to expand course options at smaller private colleges, while still retaining the faculty-driven teaching model.
Calvin, Alma, and Albion are participating in the pilot in spring 2018, each offering one course available to all three campuses.
“The whole idea is to offer courses that might not otherwise be offered because they are so specialized that student interest on one campus might not be enough to achieve the desired level of enrollment,” said Williams, who is teaching his Visual Toolkit course on Monday nights to six Alma, seven Albion, and six Calvin students. “Adding compelling technology to the mix amplifies students’ experiences.”
Powered by Google
How it works? Each campus is making a Google Extended Classroom available, complete with Hangouts Meet—Google’s video meeting software—and Jamboard—Google’s 55-inch, 4K interactive display, which is spurring collaboration through linking up digital whiteboards across the colleges. And each student has been given a Chromebook from their respective institution.
“The Jamboard is an interactive whiteboard that you can all share,” said Emma Chung, a junior digital communications major at Calvin who is taking “Media Theory and Culture” via Google Course Share through Albion College. “So, if Albion students are writing on it, we can see what they are writing, kind of like a Google Doc in a portable whiteboard form, but it’s still treated like a whiteboard. It’s pretty neat.”
The classrooms have two large monitors, each showing students from the other two participating colleges. Steelcase, the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world, has also joined the effort, and will be outfitting each classroom with comfortable seating and in helping create collaborative spaces for students to thrive.
Collaborating across colleges
Learning how best to collaborate from a distance takes a little time, says Williams. But, he says that students having the unique experience of helping pioneer a new way of learning, combined with the novelty of working with “cool technology,” are already going a long way in producing higher levels of student participation, engagement, and enthusiasm about these courses.
Students agree.
“I think it’s a really enriching experience. You get a chance to interact with students from another campus that isn’t yours, who you haven’t spent four years with,” said Taylor Hartson, a junior sociology major at Calvin. “It’s also a good experience for people considering going to grad school. ‘How do I interact with strangers for the first time? How do I adjust to a class that isn’t taught in a way that’s the way I’ve been taking the last several years?’”
Hartson, who is taking Williams’ class, is looking forward to more opportunities to hear from classmates representing various disciplines and multiple institutions. “It’s interesting to hear the perspectives of those not in this field on an up-and-coming methodology, to kind of explore that together, to see what it looks like to use this methodology in communications or in biology. It’s cool to hear all these perspectives.”
Opening more options
The pilot program is testing the viability of an academic-resource-sharing model between colleges, giving students and faculty more access to resources. The Michigan Colleges Alliance represents an ideal platform for launching a new course delivery system like this one. The MCA consists of 14 smaller private institutions. But, collectively, the alliance comprises the third largest student body in the state of Michigan.
What Google Course Share allows is for private institutions to keep their student-centered learning and close faculty interaction—hallmarks of the experiences they currently offer—all while expanding their course options for students.
One Calvin student wrote in her reflection after the first class, ‘I LOVE THIS TECHNOLOGY! That’s all I have to say for now. I feel like I’m living in the future.’
“On many levels she is correct,” said Williams, “she is living into the future. Increasingly a company’s workforce is spread across multiple locations and using meeting/collaboration technology like Google’s Jamboard and Hangouts Meet are the norm. A student who experiences a course like the ones we’re offering gains aptitudes and skills for thriving in the global economy.”
Calvin College’s Center for Social Research (CSR) has been tasked by MCA with evaluating the pilot program. Through surveys, focus groups, and research, CSR will provide an evaluation by the end of April 2018. The plan is to publish these results after the final evaluation.
By Maram Hekhuis, Outpatient Therapist at Heart of the City Counseling Center
Many people either do not recognize or are in denial that they have mental illness, even though mental illnesses are very common and widely spread in our society. This can be due to fear and anxiety about being judged or stigmatized by others, not being prepared to cope with learning that they have a mental illness, or their loved one has a mental illness. Many people fail to recognize that mental illness does not define who you are! You have a diagnosis of mental illness, but you are not your mental illness.
You are not schizophrenic, autistic, or depressed. You have diagnosis of schizophrenia, autism, or depression. Having a mental illness does not mean you are robbed of the opportunities to have a quality life such as having a job, being in a relationship, building a family, having safe housing, having access to health care and/or being affiliated with a certain group. It is important to recognize that even though you have a mental illness and some challenges associated with your mental illness symptoms, you still have many strengths and abilities that help you move forward in life to achieve your goals and dreams. There is nothing to be ashamed of for having a mental illness. Having a mental illness is like having a medical problem. It is your body’s way of telling you something is off, and it is time to do something about it by seeking help.
Mental illness is treatable! Most people with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives and are able to live a fulfilling life. If you feel you are unable to manage your mental illness, experiencing significant symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in social, work, or other important areas of functioning, then seek professional support. There is nothing to be ashamed of for seeking support. When you get the flu and a high fever for a couple of days, you will seek medical attention, so when you are feeling mentally exhausted and sick, then make sure to seek mental health attention.
By Ruth Van Stee, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
