Singer-songwriter Myra Maimoh is as comfortable on stage with a microphone as she is with a warm cup around the coffee table. The Cameroonian-born mother of three laughs easily and genuinely while recounting her youth in Central Africa, singing in church and in girl bands. She takes the stage in our studio to share an original composition from her recent album and shares how this formerly cold city of Grand Rapids is rapidly becoming home. Come for the music; stay for the conversation!
Wyoming: Kim Koster selected as Public Safety chief
The Wyoming City Council has named Kimberly Koster its new director of public safety during its regular April 16 meeting. She will be sworn in Wednesday, April 25. For more information, click here.
Wyoming: TwoGuys Brewing now open
Tom Payne, shown at back talking with customers, says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
It may have taken a little longer that expected, but Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing has opened in an old city firehouse and a one-time 7-Eleven convenience store in, and for, the Wyoming Park community.
And Tom Payne — managing partner, brewmaster and all-around craft-brew guru — says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer, and he hopes the business is just the beginning of a continued renaissance in the area. For more, click here.
Kentwood: City opens brush drop-off site
The City of Kentwood will be pilot a yard debris drop-off site this spring.
Residents of the city will be able to dispose of sticks, branches and logs at the Kentwood Department of Public Works from May 7 to June 2. For more, click here.
Wyoming and Kentwood: Time for spring cleaning
The City of Wyoming will be hosting its third annual Community Clean-Up Day this Saturday, April 21, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Residents must bring proof of residency or property ownership within the city. The event will be from 8 a.m. 2 p.m.
The line will form in the east bound lane of 44th St. SW. Traffic will enter the parking lot through the northeast entrance. Plummers, Kent County Department of Public Works, Recycle Kent, and The Salvation Army will be on hand. For more information, click here.
The City of Kentwood will host its Community Clean-Up Day May 5 at the Kentwood Recycling Center at 5068 Breton Ave. The event is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This service is provided to Kentwood residents with proof by picture identification.
The Kent County Department of Public Works will be on hand to accept household hazardous waste items. They will not be accepting latex paint. The Salvation Army and Comprenew also will be on hand. For more information, click here.
Cherry Health: How to prevent asbestos exposure
As many begin their spring cleaning, Cherry Health, in collaboration with mesothelioma health advocateRosie Rosati, takes a look at asbestos and how residents can prevent exposure to the carcinogen. For more on the story, click here.
By Debbie Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
Michigan author Lisa Wheeler has cooked up a delightful cumulative story with a song. Ol’ Bear wakes up with a hankerin’ for ugly pie. As he visits his neighbors, they all show him the pies they have made and donate an ingredient. At the end all the neighbors smell the pie and come and eat Ol’Bear’s “scrumptious-truly wondrous-beautiful Ugly Pie!”
The book is illustrated with delightful, colorful paintings created with water color, acrylic, and collage on paper. At the end of the book is an Ugly Pie recipe that you and the grandcubs could make. Perfect for the grandchildren ages 3 through 7.
Sunday, April 22nd marks nearly 50 years since the first-ever Earth Day around the world, highlighting the importance of caring for our home planet through environmental activism. Commemorate the occasion during our annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21st from 12-3 pm at Blandford Nature Center located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504. It is also the 50th Anniversary of Blandford Nature Center — what better way to rejoice at 50 years of getting people outdoors than with FREE general admission in the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center.
In addition to free admission for the entire day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all of the trails and check out the wildlife ambassadors, such as Baby the Barred Owl and Opal the Opossum in the Wildlife Education Center. Guests can take interpretive tours of the historical buildings including the one-room schoolhouse and log cabin or even partake in volunteer opportunities during an AM shift from 9 am to 12 pm and a PM shift from 1-3 pm. There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.
Photo courtesy Blandford Nature Center
“Earth Day is a chance to show the community all that Blandford has to offer for free while showing our appreciation for the Earth through stewardship,” said Renee Baker, Community Programs Manager.
There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.
Blandford Nature Center’s mission is to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. This is accomplished through: an active outdoor environmental lab, a team of passionate, knowledgeable people and a strong link from past to future promoting sustainability. Blandford offers a wide variety of educational and community programs to support this mission. For more information, please visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Blandford Nature Center is a registered, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Capt. Kim Koster has been named the new Wyoming Pubic Safety Chief. She will be sworn in on April 25.
In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council has named Kimberly Koster its new director of public safety during its regular April 16 meeting. She will be sworn in Wednesday, April 25.
In this role, Koster will lead a team of nearly 130 full-time personnel, including 86 sworn police officers and 29 full-time firefighters. She is the first woman to lead the Department of Public Safety. Koster will replace Chief James E. Carmody, who will retire on April 26 after more than four decades of service in public safety including 11 with the City of Wyoming.
“Capt. Koster has been an exceptional officer and instrumental member of our public safety team, and I am fully confident she will soar in this new role,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. ”She has gone above and beyond in her various positions, and I believe is a role model and trusted figure for our residents.
”We look forward to seeing her future accomplishments as she leads our public safety team in its ongoing mission to protect and to serve our community.”
With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, Koster began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this position, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.
She worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and, most recently, captain, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the departments five-year strategic plan.
“It has been an honor to watch Capt. Koster grow professionally and to form such strong bonds of trust with colleagues and the public,” Chief Carmody said. “This department has some of the very best public safety professionals. They work extremely hard, and Kim is at the forefront of this team.
“I have complete confidence in her ability and look forward to watching her take this department to the next level, while providing second-to-none police and fire services to our community.”
As the chief of police and fire services, Koster plans to develop strategies that will improve the delivery of the departments public safety services. She will ensure the open and lasting dialogue necessary to keep the community safe is maintained and members of the community are served with dignity, respect, fairness and compassion.
“The Wyoming community has been such an incredible place to begin and to progress in my career,” Koster said. ”Chief Carmody has been a phenomenal mentor, and I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to take the reins and lead this first-rate public safety department, which is committed to exceptional service and strong community relations.”
Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chiefs Award of Excellence, Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer and Safe Driving Award.
She served as a 911 communications supervisor, during which time she led the consolidation of police and fire operations in multiple communities, including Wyoming’s, move to Kent County. She has also served as lead detective in homicide investigations and as a crisis negotiator, among other critical roles throughout her career.
With a commitment to training, she graduated with Class 251 of the FBI National Academy. She also attended the Leadership Institute training hosted by Grand Rapids Police Department and the Police and Staff Command training hosted by Northwestern University.
Koster received her associates degree from Grand Rapids Junior College, her bachelors degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and her masters degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University.
She resides in Grand Rapids with her wife, Marie, and three of her children, Bonham, Cash and Jett. She also has two adult stepchildren, Samantha and Alex.
Most interviews end with this question: What questions do you have for us?
Your interview isn’t over yet! Show curiosity and interest in the company during this part of the interview. Impress the employer with great questions- not ones you already know the answer to, such as position details or wage information.
Ask questions to see if you’re a good match for the company. This is your time to shine. Here are five important ones:
What does success look like in the position?
What experiences and skills describe the ideal candidate?
What is the next step in the interview process?
How do you see this position changing in the next three years?
How can I best help you and the team succeed?
Choose three questions that make the most sense for your interview. Write them down in a notebook. During the interview, reference your list if you forget what question to ask next.
The bottom line: ask questions that show you’re interested in the organization. Good questions will impress the employer.
Ready to take these questions to an interview? You’re in luck! There are 13+ hiring events this week with employers offering on-site interviews. See the dates, times and employers on our website here.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger leads the symphony in the Jan. 5 performance of music of Tchaikovsky and Dvorak.
Tonight’s joint concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Cornerstone University Chorale at Cornerstone University has been canceled due to weather.
Titled “Classically Inspired Hymns,” the program had been scheduled for 6 p.m., Sunday, April 15, in Christ Chapel on the Cornerstone University campus. The concert in the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Sacred Dimensions series may be rescheduled at another time. More information will be provided when it’s available.
Ticket buyers should retain their tickets. Tickets will remain valid if the concert is rescheduled or will be exchangeable next season for a Grand Rapids Symphony concert in either its Classical or Great Eras series. (Some restrictions will apply).
U.S. Senator Gary PetersPeters Calls for Suspension of Line 5 Operations
By WKTV Staff
Peters Calls for Suspension of Line 5 Operations
April 13, 2018
Below is a statement from U.S. Senator Gary Peters on a briefing he received from the U.S. Coast Guard about recent damage to Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. Yesterday, at a Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, Peters questioned U.S. Coast Guard officials about the decision to keep Line 5 open despite an undetermined risk to the Great Lakes.
“There are few greater dangers to the Great Lakes than an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac, which would devastate Michigan’s environment and our economy.
“Yesterday, I was personally briefed by U.S. Coast Guard officials in Michigan on the damage to Line 5 caused by a vessel anchor strike in the Straits of Mackinac. Based on the limited information currently available, two segments of the pipeline will require repairs in the short-term, but a visual inspection is still needed to assess the full extent of the damage.
“Upcoming blizzard conditions and high winds pose a threat to the already-damaged pipeline and — even worse — would render on-site cleanup equipment ineffective in the event of an oil spill. We simply cannot afford that kind of risk to Michigan’s most precious natural resource.
“Given the lack of visual inspection and impending storm, I am calling for PHMSA and DEQ to suspend the operation of Line 5 until a visual evaluation is complete and Michiganders can be assured that Line 5’s integrity has not been compromised by the vessel activity.
“In the Senate, I have worked in a bipartisan way to strengthen federal oversight of pipeline safety and will continue fighting to protect our Great Lakes from something as catastrophic as an oil spill.”
VIDEO: Peters Questions U.S. Coast Guard on Line 5 Vessel Damage
April 12, 2018
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, and Capabilities, Rear Admiral Linda Fagan at a committee hearing, following reports of multiple dents in Line 5 caused by vessel activity in the Straits of Mackinac. During the exchange, Peters questioned Fagan on the decision to reopen Line 5 despite incomplete inspections.
Peters Statement on Syria
April 11, 2018
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on Syria, in light of the Syrian military’s chemical weapons attack in Douma:
“Bashar al-Assad and his inhumane government have shown zero regard – and even contempt – for the well-being of the Syrian people. Through chemical weapons, barrel bombings and torture, the Syrian government has inflicted unimaginable terror on the children, women and men it is charged with protecting. Bashar al-Assad is no leader: he is a ruthless, heartless dictator who has long since lost legitimacy with the Syrian people and is only being propped up by Russia and Iran.
“This month’s illegal and horrendous chemical weapons attack on the people of Douma – who have already endured years of indiscriminate shelling – must be met with a swift and firm response from the entire international community. I supported President Trump’s decision to launch air strikes after last year’s chemical weapons attack in Idlib Province, and I look forward to hearing more about the President’s stated plans for additional action in response to the attack in Douma. The United States and the world must once again send a unified message to Bashar al-Assad that chemical weapons have no place in humanity.”
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow
Senator Stabenow Introduces the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act
“We all have a stake in keeping moms and babies healthy,” said Senator Stabenow. “My bill makes sure moms and babies get the best care possible from the doctor’s office to the delivery room.”
The Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act of 2018 will improve maternity care for women and newborns by holding Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program accountable through higher quality standards. Medicaid currently has a set of guidelines for pediatric and adult care but no specific standards for maternity and infant care.
The legislation will also provide funding for care quality partnerships that will bring together states, health care providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to develop and carry out new strategies to improve maternity and infant care.
Lucas Davenport and crew have done it again, and the 23rd book in Sandford’s Prey series is a winner. If you like to read in the police/thriller genre, to paraphrase one reviewer, “some of the books are very good and some are great”. Hey–that’s as good as it gets for that long of a run! They’re well-written and -plotted, with crisp dialogue, and interesting main characters who have just enough humorous side stories going on, to leven the loaf a bit, what with all the grisly murders and all.
I was thinking of how I would enjoy reading it on my vacation, but made the mistake of just taking a peek… The tale of political dirty tricks gone wrong, and a Machiavellian narcissist plotting her rise through the senate, and the question of a double or triple cross, was just too interesting to set aside.
So, if you are looking for a great travel/vacation read, don’t open it before the trip…
Two neighborhood groups plan to hit the streets Saturday, April 14, for annual clean ups along Division Avenue and 28th Street.
At 7:45 a.m., community members are invited to meet at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, for the Division Avenue Annual Clean-Up hosted by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA). Work will be along Division Avenue from 28th Street to 44th Street. The event is from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Abundant Life Church is hosting the Team Up to Clean Up event for 28th Street. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Volunteers will be working along 28th Street from Burlingame Avenue to Byron Center Avenue. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with lunch provided.
Of course with the National Weather Service having placed the Kent County under a winter storm watch, organizers of the event advise residents to double check that events are taking place before heading out.
For the Division Avenue clean up, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
By Chris Venvema, Michigan State University Extension
Freezing asparagus preserves the fresh flavor
Although spring has sprung, it is still pretty cold, but it is not too early to think about harvesting the first vegetable of spring, asparagus.
Officially named Asparagus officinalis, asparagus is actually a flowering perennial.
With its dark green color, asparagus is rich in vitamins A & B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Since it is 93% water, asparagus is low in calories and very low in sodium. Asparagus is a very good source of dietary fiber. When harvesting the asparagus, it is important to gather the tender young shoots. The larger and taller shoots are a woodier product. However, these older shoots should not be discarded, they can be peeled and enjoyed as well. Asparagus can be preserved for later use by freezing, canning, pickling or drying. The technique used depends upon the later intended use. For the fresh from the garden flavor, freezing is ideal.
To freeze asparagus it is necessary to blanch the young spears. To prepare the asparagus for freezing requires that young tender spears be selected. The stalks should be washed, trimmed and sorted according to size. Cut the spears to fit the containers for freezing. Water blanching requires the water to be boiling in a kettle. Tender small spears require a blanching time of two minutes, medium size spears need three minutes and large spears need four minutes. Cool quickly in ice water. Then drain and package leaving no airspace in the rigid container. A technique for individual size pieces is to drain and pat the spears dry. Next arrange the spears or pieces on a cookie sheet. Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the pieces are frozen. Finally put the frozen pieces in plastic bags, making sure there is no air trapped in the bag and put in the freezer.
Michigan State University Extension recommends canning asparagus because it is considered a low acid vegetable. Select tightly closed spears that are four to six inches in length. Wash thoroughly. Trim off the scales and tough ends. Then wash again. The spears can be cut into one inch pieces or left whole (4-6 inches).
For the raw pack technique, pack the asparagus tightly into hot jars, leaving one-inch headspace. If salt is desired put a ½ teaspoon of salt into pint jars or 1 teaspoon of salt into quart jars. Fill the jars with boiling water leaving one-inch headspace. Remove the air bubbles. Wipe the rim. Adjust the pretreated lids and process.
Processing can be done in a dial gauge pressure canner at 11 pounds of pressure OR in a weighted gauge pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure. The processing times are 30 minutes for pints and 40 minutes for quarts.
It is spring time! Why not preserve spring’s first vegetable of the season, asparagus, today!
Michigan artists with disabilities will have the opportunity to attend a free Saturday workshop focused on art promotion and marketing and special needs planning.
LTAC Arts, the nonprofit arm of the Legacy Trust Award Collection, will host its first workshop in advance of its May show at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The three morning sessions will focus on topics such as valuing and marketing art, benefits protection and special needs planning.
Sponsored by Trivalent Group, the workshop will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 134. Artists may submit completed artwork and registration forms prior to the start of the sessions. The planning sessions are open to all Michigan artists with disabilities, as well as any interested family, caregivers or other members in the community.
Now in its ninth year, LTAC is a statewide competition open to artists with disabilities that seeks paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, collages, mixed media and other works of art. Four wining artists will be entered in ArtPrize 2018.
Chris LaPorte, 2010 ArtPrize winner, and Erin Nemastil, ADAC Automotive communications manager, will lead “Valuing and Marketing Your Art.”
The Arc of Kent County’s Maggie Kolk will lead “Protecting Your Benefits While Selling Your Art.” The Arc of Kent County ensures that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued and able to contribute to their community.
Mark Periard, director of wealth management at Grand Rapids-based investment and wealth-management firm Legacy Trust, will lead a session on “Special Needs Planning” session.
Art drop off will be between 8-9 a.m. and sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided. RSVP to LTACarts@gmail.com or call 616-649-2818 by April 19. Spouses and caregivers are welcome to attend.
Abe Carrillo is a proud son of Mexican immigrants and proud employee at Herman Miller where he is Director for Diversity & Global Inclusiveness. He joins us to talk about the hard work of immigrants and the inspiring community work that Herman Miller is engaged in.
By Brett Gingrich, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Cherry Health
Cherry Health’s Pharmacy is located in Heart of the City Health Center and provides prescription services for all Cherry Health patients, as well as the general public. The pharmacy also provides a 340B discounted pricing program for Cherry Health patients who qualify for the program. The 340B program is funded by manufacturers of medications and is not federally funded. This means the pharmacy can buy medications from these manufacturers at a discounted price vs. other retail pharmacies. The savings are then used in many ways including these below:
We give the savings back to the patient through our pharmacy sliding fee program. Patients without insurance or even under-insured patients can buy medications at a more affordable price. This is one way we keep medication costs down, so that our patients can take the medications they need, and therefore increasing access.
We also use the 340B savings to increase access to more services. The 340B savings we receive contribute to services such as: patient education, translation, and transportation services along with many others which otherwise may be limited. The 340B program helps make these services sustainable.
The 340B program’s original intent may need clarification, but for Health Centers in Michigan like Cherry Health the program is vital to our patients and the services we provide. The program increases access to affordable medications and furthers Cherry Health’s mission to improve the health and wellness of our patients while encouraging access. So, whether you are insured or not — I encourage you to talk to your Cherry Health primary care physician to see if our Heart of the City Pharmacy is the right fit for you! Delivery services to other select Health Centers are also available.
In need of a refill on your prescription? Check out Heart of the City Pharmacy’s Health Mart page here!
Anyone attempting to digest Lupe Ramos-Montigny’s entire resume would be well-advised to reserve the better part of an afternoon, and be sure to allow for snacks and hydration.
But if you were short on time and wanted to condense her life into a single word, this might suffice:
Lupe Ramos-Montigny leads the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez. Here, she takes part in a planning meeting with Carla Moore of Baxter Community Center
Doer.
In her nearly 75 years, she’s done as much as anyone – and perhaps more than any Latina – to advance educational opportunities for children in Grand Rapids and beyond. Armed with a passion to change things that need to be, people who know her agree that you either hop on her wagon for social justice and equity or get the heck out of the way.
And don’t expect a lot of breathless rhetoric or political correctness.
“She’s not careful,” says Michigan State Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), “because she doesn’t need to be careful. She says what she thinks, and she’s not beholden to anybody.”
By the same token, says Brinks, a longtime activist and current candidate for the State Senate later this year, Ramos-Montigny is “quick to comment, but also committed to being right. And I have never known her to not take ownership for something if she is wrong.”
Brinks is especially impressed with the way Ramos-Montigny often seems to have someone in tow, learning the ropes. “She is a networker,” Brinks observes. “She almost always has a young person that she’s mentoring, bringing them around to help get them connected and involved.”
On an after-school scavenger hunt with her granddaughter and friends from Meadowlark Elementary, Lupe Ramos-Montigny points out ants and the bark of a tree
Strong Roots in Faith and Family
She was born on Dec. 12, a date that doubles as the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who according to the Catholic Church appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531, sparking the conversion of some 8 million Mexicans to Catholicism over the ensuing decade. Lupe is named after that venerated image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a moniker she carries proudly. Ramos, meanwhile, is her given maiden name, and Montigny what she retains from her marriage to ex-husband Remi, of French descent.
A native of Texas, Ramos-Montigny is the seventh of nine children born to parents who never advanced past the third grade, but in her mind “were Ph.D.’s in their own right, for the gifts they brought to their greater community and lessons they imparted on their children and others.”
“My parents had very strong family values,” she says. “Respect was of the utmost importance. And we learned that hard work was part of life. They also understood that education was the door to opportunity.
“We all became something,” she says of her brothers and sisters, and she rattles off roles as pastor, doctor, businessman, attorney, Realtor, nurse and more.
“As we came of age,” Ramos-Montigny remembers, “we were expected to chip in on everything. On Saturdays, we cleaned the house, mopped the floors, ironed and starched the clothes.”
At the age of just 10, Ramos-Montigny joined her parents and most of her siblings for what would be three consecutive summers working as migrants in Michigan — a round trip of 4,000 miles that they endured in an open-bed truck where clothing in a pillow case was all you took with you and “that was my bed and my seat for the trip.”
Even against the agrarian hardships, Ramos-Montigny fell in love with the topography, climate and culture of Michigan as the family picked cherries on Traverse County’s Old Mission Peninsula, then harvested beets in Caseville and tomatoes in a third locale.
“Oh the bay,” she says of the sparkling waters just steps away from the cherries they’d bucket. “And those hills.” It created indelible images in her mind, and convinced her at a young age to leave Texas in the rear-view mirror in favor of The Mitten.
Lupe Ramos-Montigny enjoys cuddling with her granddaughter, Amelia Montigny
No-Nonsense Educator
She got her chance while earning a bachelor of science degree from Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas, signing up to spend her senior year teaching migrant farm workers in Lake Odessa, a half-hour east of Grand Rapids.
Though homesick at first, she grew to love Michigan enough that she moved north to teach a total of 36 years, first in Montcalm and Van Buren counties, and then for Grand Rapids Public Schools, where she served the better part of three decades
In the classroom, she was an innovator and a stickler, raising a family of two children while earning a master’s degree at Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis in bilingual education.
“I was a tough teacher,” she says, again brimming with pride. “What I did was assign everyone leadership positions, even if it was in the role of passing out papers, sharpening pencils, watering the plants. Everyone deserves to be a part of something.”
Her voice rises in remembering that “My students didn’t come into the classroom and ever act crazy. First thing, they had to line up. Then I’d check to make sure they had their paper and pencil, their lesson. Every day. Every hour. And if they didn’t have it, they’d better get it.
“Guess what? They’d only mess up once. Once. I mean, what good is a carpenter who shows up to work without his hammer? Are you going to work that day? You’d better figure it out.”
She shakes her head with disgust: “There were other teachers who would just give a kid who forgot another pencil. But that’s not making it a teaching moment, is it? In my class, you showed up and you’d better be ready to learn.”
Lupe Ramos-Montigny, right, at a Chavez committee meeting.
Finding Another Gear
Ramos-Montigny retired from the classroom in 2008, but continued to beat drums for others, and in a dozen different ways.
She’d already heavily invested her time and efforts into the Hispanic community. For 17 years, she’s chaired the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez that galvanizes an entire community each spring and serves as a springboard for scholarships. Three years ago, the Lupe Ramos-Montigny “Si Se Puede” (Yes We Can) Legacy Endowed Scholarship was established at GVSU. Since its inception, seven scholarships of $3,000 each have been awarded.
On the political front, she’s advanced the cause of the local Democratic party with gusto. She was elected to chair the Kent County Democratic Party, its first Latina. She’s also the first Latina to become the second vice-chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, and has attended numerous Democratic national conventions.
Since retiring especially, she’s received a dozen impressive awards for community action, including the Helen Claytor Civil Rights Award, Dave and Carol Van Andel Leadership Award, an honorary doctorate from Ferris State University and more. She also has served on behalf of innumerable committees, caucuses, foundations and organizations.
‘IN MY CLASS, YOU SHOWED UP AND YOU’D BETTER BE READY TO LEARN.’ — LUPE RAMOS-MONTIGNY
In November 2012, she garnered nearly 2 million votes in earning a spot on the Michigan State Board of Education, with a term that extends through 2020.
People who have worked alongside Ramos-Montigny – and even those who have opposed her politically – agree it’s no surprise she’s ascended to lofty positions of trust.
“I’ve known Lupe for most of my adult life,” says former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell. “She’s intensely loyal to her friends, and … well, I wouldn’t want to be her enemy.”
According to Heartwell, Ramos-Montigny “brings a passion and energy to everything she does. And since just about everything she does has to do with kids, that means there are few more passionate about the well-being of children than Lupe.”
Most recently, Heartwell points out, Ramos-Montigny is active with a statewide initiative known as the Safe Places Alliance, focused on protecting children and adults alike from gun violence. “In our present political environment,” Heartwell emphasizes, “this is frustrating work. But Lupe comes at it with dogged determinism.”
Indeed, it seems nothing can stand as an obstacle.
“There’s no book that says you have to like Ramos-Montigny,” she says with a laugh. “I just believe in doing good work, and hoping others join in.
“My motto? Do not allow anyone or anything to get in the way of progress.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
The $25,000 Global Religion Research Initiative grant allows Calvin professor Tracy Kuperus to collaborate with social science scholars of religion from around the world. (Courtesy Calvin College)
By Hannah Ebeling, Calvin College
The Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame awarded Calvin College international development studies professor, Tracy Kuperus, in collaboration with faculty from five other institutions, a $25,000 grant. The central purpose of the grant is to foster new, potentially long-term empirical research collaborations between social science scholars of religion in North America and those beyond the North Atlantic.
Exploring youth, faith and politics
“We’re interested in exploring how Christian institutions on the African continent influence citizenship norms and behaviors among African youth,” said Kuperus. “There’s been a lot of work done on African youth, and a lot of work done on African politics and religion, but there’s very little research bringing those two areas together. As far as we know, we’ll be bridging those research areas for the first time.”
“I think this project has the potential to shape future studies in three ways,” said Amy Patterson, professor at Sewanee University of the South. “First, it calls attention to how churches may be shaping the political attitudes or behaviors of young people. Second, it aims to examine how youth at the community level understand citizenship. Thus the project will bring a uniquely African view to a concept that is often portrayed using the research and language from Western political scientists. Finally, the project dissects the youth category, often treated as a homogeneous mass. We will examine how male and female youth may be influenced in different ways by churches and how church messages on citizenship may differ across socioeconomic lines.”
“As Christian scholars, we have a commitment to understanding what global citizenship and partnership looks like around the world. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are everywhere, but we don’t know as much about what faith commitments look like outside of the United States, especially as that pertains to political engagement. This is a research effort exploring what that looks like within the African continent,” said Kuperus.
Facilitating global collaboration
Although the Global Religion Research Initiative awards six distinct research and writing grants, this one is unique because it is internationally collaborative, explained Kuperus. “I think the really invaluable part of this project is that each of the three American political scientists on the research team will be paired with an African social scientist.”
Africa is an underrepresented continent in a lot of ways.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the resources that pertain to African research are found in the global north, coming from institutions that do not have long-standing or natural connections with the continent,” said Kuperus. “Because of this, knowledge about the continent is often informed by stereotypes and broad generalizations that do not catch the nuances and complexities of any sector—whether that be religion, politics, or youth.” This project emends Global North-Global South partnerships. “This grant is great because it encourages recipients to get outside their network and bridge gaps that should have been bridged ages ago.”
“A crucial aspect also is that the American scholars have worked with the African scholars on teaching and curriculum development in the past,” said Patterson. “For example, my portion of the project is to conduct research with Dr. Phoebe Kajubi, a medical anthropologist in Kampala who also partners with my institution to oversee summer internships. She also spent a semester teaching at my university. Thus, our collaborations occur on multiple levels—teaching, curriculum design, and now the research project.”
Conducting multi-method research
The team’s research project is multi-method involving quantitative analysis in the initial stages. “During summer 2018, each American political scientist will travel to one African country where she has extensive connections,” said Kuperus. “In partnership with an African social scientist, she will be conducting interviews with directors of Christian ecumenical organizations, conducting focus groups with youth connected to neighborhood churches, and, finally, interviewing youth political activists.”
Kuperus said that as a Christian she is committed to redeeming how people view political involvement and citizenship.
“Politics is viewed so negatively,” she said. “People want to close themselves off from politics and not get engaged, but we want Christians to be engaged. Christians can hold governments accountable and advocate for laws and policies that bring about societal flourishing.” In the future, Kuperus said she hopes her research team can continue to build off the research they are beginning now. “I also hope this opens the door for other researchers in the field.”
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).
We first laid eyes on Ellyn back in the fall of 2014, when clients of Dr. Jen’s brought her in for medical attention; she had been a stray for quite some time and was in dire need of care. When Dr. Jen first examined this beguiling brown torbie (who was born in the spring of 2010), Dr. Jen discovered that Ellyn was significantly anemic secondary to a blood parasite caused by a heavy flea infestation, had a bilateral ear infection due to untreated ear mites, was plagued by chronic nasal discharge (since her ear infection had ruptured the ear drums and was deep-seeded in the Eustachian tubes), had an umbilical hernia that had to be repaired once she was healthy enough to be spayed AND had lost ALL of her teeth.
To complicate matters, she was also FIV+, but in all honesty, that was the least of her worries. When her rescuers learned of her laundry list of ailments, they didn’t turn her away, and even though Dr. Jen offered to take kitty into our program at Big Sid’s, they instead opted to take her home, treat her and hopefully get her well enough to become part of their household. It took several weeks before Ellyn bounced back, but overall we were all pleased with her progress and they were totally smitten with her! In fact, the three of them lived happily and harmoniously together until the fall of 2017, when sadly it was her humans’ health issues that brought her back to Dr. Jen.
Unfortunately, when our gorgeous girl returned to the clinic this time around, she had yet another list of things that needed addressing, though not from neglect but rather circumstances beyond everyone’s control. Her ear issues were back with an vengeance, her eyes were quite inflamed and irritated, eventually leading to a nasty corneal ulcer in her left orb, and she needed a new fancy haircut as she was very matted.
However, this lovely lady did NOT let her present circumstances get her down, and once Dr. Jen had Ellyn spruced up and feeling fine, she was sent to our shelter to meet everyone; literally everyone who meets Ellyn is completely in love with her as she is just so, so sweet! She is the first one to greet you at the door and won’t stop following you until you sit down for some cuddle time. She will most definitely do great in any home that will give her plenty of lap time, and in return she promises to be your official lap warmer and snuggle bug!
In the meantime we are all enjoying the charming creature that is Ellyn, she who embodies grace and possesses the gentlest of spirits.
More about Ellyn
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 Megan Andres, Grand Rapids Public Library, Seymour Branch
In 1717, Prussian emperor Frederick I presented Peter the Great with a remarkable treasure: enough wall-sized panels covered with meticulously carved amber to decorate an entire room. Eventually installed in a palace near St. Petersburg, the Amber Room was stolen by the Nazis during the 1941 siege of Leningrad and hidden in Konigsberg, now Kaliningrad—after which little is known.
Scott-Clark and Levy recorded their investigation into the whereabouts of the Amber Room in an effort to both educate and fascinate the world. By searching through Romanov archives, Soviet files, and secret documents of the East German Police, the authors retrace the history and disappearance of one of the world’s major art pieces. During a time when amber was more valuable than gold, the Amber Room vanished into thin air.
While the first chapters seem heavy with material as the authors set up the history of the Amber Room, once the clues begin to fall into place, Scott-Clark and Levy fascinate readers as they trace the Amber Room all over Europe. They investigate not only rumors of the location of the pieces but also known facts. Interviews and archival documents help to further tell the story of one of the most famous lost artifacts of World War II.
Photo 1. Oak wilt symptoms. A) Dying red oak showing foliar wilt symptoms. B) Crack in the bark indicating mycelial mat presence. C) Nitidulid beetle visiting a mycelial mat. D) Gray spore containing mycelial mat and pressure pad. Photos: Monique Sakalidis
By Monique Sakalidis, Michigan State University, Department of Forestry
Remember the no-prune dates of April 15–July 15 to reduce the chance of oak wilt infection.
Bretziella fagacearum (used to be known as Ceratocystisfagacearum) is a fungal pathogen that causes the disease oak wilt.
How did oak wilt come to the United States and how long has it been here?
Oak wilt was first recognized as an important disease in 1944 in Wisconsin, where in localized areas, over half the oaks had been killed. The fungal pathogen is thought to be native to the Eastern U.S. Difficulties in identifying the fungus led to a delay in recognizing the exact extent of its impact until the 1980s. More recent evidence suggests oak wilt is an exotic disease that arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s. The fungus has not been reported in any other country other than the U.S., so its origin remains unknown. In Michigan, it was first reported in the 1970s.
Extent of range
In the U.S., oak wilt has been confirmed in 24 states, including 829 counties. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed oak wilt in 56 Michigan counties. Oaks comprise about 10 percent of the forest in Michigan and oak wilt has the potential to impact the 149 million red oak trees across 3.9 million acres of Michigan forest land (private, state, local government and federal ownership).
Why is oak wilt a problem?
Oak wilt is a serious disease of oak trees that mainly affects red oaks. The disease also affects white oaks, but because they are somewhat more resistant (due to their better ability of compartmentalizing the fungus whilst maintaining a functioning water transport system), the disease progresses more slowly. Activities that result in tree wounding such as pruning, tree climbing spikes, nailing signs on trees, hanging lanterns on trees, tree barking and storm damage during the warmer months of the year can result in more new tree infections. Oak wilt causes devastating ecosystem damage and is also an aesthetic blight across the landscape.
Oak wilt symptoms
An infected tree is often first noticed due to a sudden drop or browning of leaves in the summer months (Photo 1A). Leaves may be brown, somewhat bronzed or partially green. Often, leaf tips and margins will be bronze or brown whilst the leaf base will remain green (Photo 2). There are other pest, pathogen and environmental problems that may cause similar symptoms and therefore it’s important that suspected oak wilt-infected trees are lab verified.
Photo 2. Typical fallen leaves associated with oak wilt. Photo: Monique Sakalidis.
How it kills the tree
Once the fungus enters the tree via a spore coming into contact with a tree wound or via interconnecting root grafts, it grows throughout the water conducting channels of the tree—the xylem vessels. These vessels are eventually blocked by the fungus and structures produced by the tree, and this means water cannot be effectively transported and we start to see the “wilting” effects. Tree death in red oak is rapid and can occur within three to four weeks after initial appearance of symptoms.
Six to 12 months after the tree has died, the fungus will complete its life cycle and produce spore-containing mycelial mats (Photo 1D) on the dead tree. These mats form under the bark and, as they mature, produce specialized, non-spore producing structures in the center of the fungal mat called “pressure pads” that exert pressure outward to the bark, causing it to split (Photo 1B) and thus provides a route for insects to reach the mycelial mats. These mycelial mats have a distinctive odor that makes them attractive to a variety of beetles (Photo 1C) that will feed on the mat then fly to other mats or fresh tree wounds, through which the fungus then enters the tree and starts the infection process anew.
How it is spread
Spread of the disease is rapid and there are multiple ways the disease can be spread.
Below ground by root-to-root transmission. Local spread of oak wilt occurs when the fungus travels through the interconnected roots of infected and healthy trees. This can account for up to 90 percent of new infections each year. This type of spread results in outwardly expanding pockets of dead trees (infection epicenters) in the landscape (up to 39 feet per year). One important management strategy when dealing with oak wilt is disrupting these root grafts via trenching or vibratory plows.
Overland by insect transmission. Nitidulid beetles carry fungal spores from sporulating mats on infected trees to wounds on healthy trees, from which a new infection can develop. Overland transmission results in new infection centers. Removing the entire infected tree, including stump removal, and limiting activities that result in tree wounding is essential to reduce overland infection.
Overland by firewood. Since mycelial mats develop on dead oak trees, they can also form on wood cut from infected oaks. Sporadic long-distance infections can result from moving firewood. Specific handling of firewood is mentioned below.
Cool and unusual facts
One way this fungus is spread is by sap-feeding nitidulid beetles, also known as picnic beetles, and, to a lesser extent, bark beetles. The mycelial mats smell like fermenting apple cider vinegar, red wine or even bubblegum.
Management actions and options
Because red oaks have no natural resistance to this disease, the only way to stop new infection is to prevent the spread of the fungus to new, healthy trees and locations, and reduce the fungal presence or inoculum load in known oak wilt-positive locations. This is done by reducing activities that cause tree wounding, disrupting root grafts that may have formed between healthy and infected trees, and by removing confirmed oak wilt-positive trees.
Help prevent the spread of oak wilt
Do not prune oak trees during the warmer months of the year. Limit any activity that results in tree wounding or movement of cut trees, such as pruning, harvesting, thinning, utility line clearance and firewood. To prevent aboveground spread, trees should not be pruned from April 15 to July 15.
Paint tree wounds with pruning paint as soon as they are made. Beetles have been known to find their way onto wounds within 10 minutes of pruning.
Do not move firewood. If you cut oak down, either chip, debark, burn or bury it. If you cut it into firewood, cover the wood with a plastic sheet (minimum 4-millimeter thickness) and bury the edges of the plastic underground, making sure none of the plastic breaks. This needs to be left for six to 12 months until the wood has dried out enough—and therefore isn’t conducive to fungal growth—and the bark falls off.
Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied)
Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org
WKTV’s Mike Moll.
Many of the local schools have the first week of April off for their spring breaks, but after that, the spring seasons all pick up in full swing, mother nature permitting that is. The WKTV truck and crew will once again be visible at local events as they bring viewers a pair of girls’ water polo matches along with a softball game during the monthly schedule.
They will be busy outside of the local high school scene as well when they cover the GVSU Lubbers Cup, along with coverage of the Golden Gloves boxing. Be sure to check the weekly schedule to see when they will be broadcast.
Each will be broadcast live or replay on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
The busy tentative April WKTV feature broadcast schedule with tentative day and time of broadcast, includes:
Tuesday, April 10, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Zeeland West (Tuesday, April 17, at 11 p.m. and Wednesday, April 18, at 5 p.m)
Friday-Sunday, April 13-15, GVSU Lubbers Cup (Live Saturday, April 14, 10-noon and 4-7 p.m.)
Saturday, April 14, Golden Gloves Boxing (Sunday, April 15 at Noon)
Wednesday, April 18, Kelloggsville softball vs Tri-Unity/Calvin Christian (Friday, April 20, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 5 p.m.)
Friday, April 20, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m.)
Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Portage Central (11 p.m. night of and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m)
Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.)
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of high school sports. (WKTV)
All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com .
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/
Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule:
Monday, April 9
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Jenison
Boys Baseball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Girls Softball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Soccer
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, April 10
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Wyoming – DH
West Michigan Aviation @ Belding – DH
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood – DH
Potter’s House @ Barry County Christian
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Wyoming – DH
Cedar Springs @ East Kentwood – DH
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Hope Academy @ Potter’s House
Boys Golf
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Tennis
East Kentwood @ South Christian – Cookie Invite
Jenison @ Wyoming
Boys/Girls Track
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Water Polo
Zeeland West @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wednesday, April 11
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Caledonia – DH
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Unity Christian @ East Kentwood
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Byron Center @ East Kentwood
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Boys Baseball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Soccer
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Thursday, April 12
Boys Baseball
Wyoming @ South Christian
GR Crusdaers @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Potter’s House @ Western Michigan Christian
Girls Soccer
Wayland @ South Christian
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Saugatuck @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Lacrosse
Muskegon Mona Shores @ South Christian
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Kent County Championships
East Kentwood @ Kent County Championships
Boys/Girls Track
Benton Harbor @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Tennis
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian
@ East Kentwood – Quad
Girls Softball
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Girls Water Polo
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Friday, April 13
Girls Soccer
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Lee
NorthPointe Christian @ Zion Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Northview
Boys Golf
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Boys Baseball
Zion Christian vs Potter’s House @ Cornerstone University
Barry County Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Saline – Invite
Saturday, April 14
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming- Invite
Union @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Softball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Christian – Christian Invite
Kelloggsville @ Kenowa Hills – Wilson Classic
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Invitational
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Unity Christian – Houseward Invite
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
West Michigan Aviation @ Lakewood
East Kentwood @ Mansfield/Mehock Relays
Potter’s House @ Big Rapids Crossroads Academy
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Saline – Invite
Monday, April 16
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood
Fruitport Calvary @ Potter’s House
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ West Catholic
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Baseball
Union @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian – DH
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.
