Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Famous Mexican printmaker featured in exhibit at GVSU

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

A familiar Grand Rapids artist; a famous Mexican printmaker and engraver who lived and worked during Mexico’s social and political upheaval; and a beloved Michigan artist all have works that are being featured in Grand Valley State University galleries.

For more information about Grand Valley State University art exhibits, call 616-331-2563 or visit gvsu.edu/artgallery.

The work of José Guadalupe is featured through Oct. 25. (Supplied)

“José Guadalupe Posada: Calavera Prints from the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet”

Kirkhof Center Gallery, Allendale Campus

Exhibition Dates: Through Oct. 25

José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) was a printmaker and engraver, who lived and worked in a period of Mexican history characterized by social and political upheaval. In 1888, he moved to Mexico City, where he quickly established himself and created some of his most important work. Posada illustrated historic scenes, board games and commercial items, religious images, various books and newspapers. He is most famous for his use of calaveras (depictions of skulls and skeletons) to satirize and mock the corruption of the wealthy and political elite. “La Calavera Catrina,” his most iconic image, was created in 1910 at the start of the Mexican Revolution. The image shows a grinning skeleton wearing a women’s feathered hat, pointing out that death comes to everyone, even those in the upper class. This exhibition includes 20 reproductions of his prints, from the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet. The prints were purchased in 2002 from the family of Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, who printed them using the original plates and press.


“Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy”

Exhibition Dates: Ongoing


George and Barbara Gordon Gallery

DeVos Center, Building E, Room 103 and 202, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Gordon Gallery hours: Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; closed on holiday weekends

The German-born American artist Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) is often referred to as the dean of Michigan painters. Working in a traditional representational style, Alten incorporated the aesthetics and techniques of the Impressionist Movement in paintings infused with light and punctuated with deft brushwork. Based in Grand Rapids, Alten created more than 3,800 works over a more than 40-year career, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits and florals. Grand Valley State University holds the largest public collection of Alten’s work in the world.

“Watering Seeds: Experiencing and Engaging Haiti Through Study Abroad” will run through Dec. 13 at Blue Wall Gallery. (Supplied)

“Wandering Seeds: Experiencing and Engaging Haiti Through Study Abroad”

Blue Wall Gallery

DeVos Center, Building B, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Exhibition Dates: Through Dec. 13

In 2018, a dozen GVSU students and three faculty members traveled to Haiti as part of a study abroad program. The course, led by Peter Wampler, associate professor of geology, was designed to provide students from various backgrounds the opportunity to experience Haitian culture and gain an understanding of daily life in rural Haiti. In addition, students participated in a variety of service-learning and community-based teaching experiences, allowing them to contribute their energy toward real-world problems in Haiti. Included in this exhibition are narratives and reflections by both the faculty and students who participated in the trip. Additionally, a number of photographs document their encounters, and a variety of original Haitian works of art attest to the vibrant and diverse artistic culture in the country.

A French printed fan is part of the “Carnivals, Cognac, and Cycling: Works of Art from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints.” (Supplied)

“Carnivals, Cognac and Cycling: Works of Art from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints”


Red Wall Gallery, Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale Campus


Exhibition Dates: Through Dec. 13

During the period spanning the turn of the century, Paris, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, experienced an explosion in print media. Now-familiar artists, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, and others, made names for themselves producing items such as posters, journal illustrations, theater programs and advertisements. Drawn from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints in the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet, “Carnivals, Cognac and Cycling” provides a view into the visual culture of late 19th century France. In 2019, 14 GVSU students conducted research for this exhibition for the course Modern Art and Modernity. Each student focused on one work of art for in-depth study, produced original research and presented findings to classmates and now to a wider audience.


“Pearl Walk” Make W. Wilkins is part of the exhibit featuring Wilkins work. The exhibit runs through Oct. 25. (Supplied)

Mark W. Wilkens, 1955-2017 

“A Life in Paint”

West Wall Gallery, Eberhard Center

Exhibition Dates: Through Oct. 25

Born in America’s heartland, Mark Wilkens’ passion for nature and the environment blossomed in the sun-drenched countryside of the Iowan farmlands. Wilkens traveled often after his schooling in Iowa, Arizona and South Dakota, using the opportunity to visit museums and learn about different cultures. In 1990, after a number of years painting independently and working in graphics and illustration, Wilkens moved to Michigan, which would serve as his creative home for nearly 27 years before his death on March 17, 2017. This exhibition includes 25 works of art from the last three decades of his career, including a variety of watercolors and oils. It honors a passionate artist, whose commitment to paint was evident throughout his life.


GVSU DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL AND MEDIA ARTS FACULTY EXHIBITION



“Endless Possibilities”

Exhibition dates: Through Oct. 27

NOMAD Gallery by Richard App

74 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

Hours: Noon-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays

This unified show will showcase the media in which faculty members work. The exhibition will showcase works across animation, ceramics, digital art, film, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, video art and more. Special performances, artist talks and workshops will also be offered in conjunction with the exhibition. Visit gvsu.edu/vma for more information.

How to avoid caregiver burnout

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, , , ,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Visa Springs Assisted Living


Being a full-time caregiver for your loved one is a taxing job. It takes a lot of energy and time to give good care, not to mention the emotional toll it takes. Caregiving is a difficult journey, and it takes a lot out of you. Because of that, many caregivers can suddenly find themselves burned out.


Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by the stress of full-time caregiving. Avoiding caregiver burnout should be a top priority for you as a caregiver. After all, how can you give your best effort to caregiving if you aren’t in good health yourself?


Here are some ways to take care of your health and avoid burning out.

Find Other Caregivers in Your Area

Building a support network of other caregivers can be a big asset in avoiding burnout. Meeting with people who can understand and sympathize with your situation is a great outlet for your stress, and talking with people who experience similar feelings as you can help you feel less alone and isolated during your time as a caregiver.


You can meet other caregivers through online groups, Facebook pages, support meetings, or by asking medical professionals if they are aware of any type of caregiving support groups in the area. Social media and technology allows you to stay connected to your support group when you need them.

Take Respite Breaks

There aren’t regular breaks from caregiving like there are for other jobs. You don’t get weekends off, and your hours aren’t from 9am-5pm. You are constantly on the clock and need to be prepared at all hours of the day, every day. One way to regain some energy is to use a respite care service. Respite care is temporary, professional care of a dependent person that provides relief for usual caregivers.


Taking advantage of respite care helps you avoid isolating yourself, lets you stay healthy and avoid exhaustion, and allows you to stay focused and remain positive. You also don’t have to worry about the quality of care your loved one is receiving when they are at an assisted living community or other senior care center that offers respite care.

Keep an Eye on Your Health

Another important step in avoiding caregiver burnout is to keep a close eye on your own health. Remember, you can’t take care of your loved one if you aren’t doing well yourself. Staying active, exercising, and eating right are all ways to keep your health in check.


You also need to watch out for signs of stress and depression, which can signal caregiver burnout. Signs to look out for include:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty.
  • Losing interest in things that used to bring you joy
  • Outbursts and sudden changes in emotion
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in regular sleep patterns
  • Increased anxiety and restlessness
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Feeling extremely guilty and constantly blaming yourself
  • Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help. There are services dedicated to helping caregivers maintain their mental health, and you can take advantage of those services.

Stay Organized

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the stress of caregiving and burnout, so help yourself by keeping organized where you can. By staying organized, you don’t have to worry about where your loved one’s insurance papers or appointment schedules are.


Set up calendars either online, on your phone, or in paper form to organize appointments and meetings. File away paperwork in an orderly fashion that you can remember later on. You can also create daily checklists and task lists so you don’t have to worry about what you need to get done in a single day.


Organizing your life can help you feel more relaxed and confident in your role as a caregiver. It doesn’t take a lot to organize, but it can go a long way in reducing your overall stress and your likelihood of burning out.

Find Caregiving Services Near You

There are services and companies that provide caregiving assistance to people who need extra help. The National Eldercare Locator can help you find caregiving services around you. Examples of caregiving services include:

  • Meal deliveries
  • At-home nurses or physical therapists
  • Housekeeping services
  • Doing “elder-proofing” in your home with ramps and handrails
  • Legal aid
  • Financial counseling

Taking advantage of these services doesn’t mean you are incapable of doing these things on your own— it just means that you don’t have to do it alone. Using these services can help you avoid feeling isolated and burning out.

Accept Help from Family and Friends

Along with accepting help from caregiving services, you should also use the help offered to you by family and friends. It can be hard to admit that you can’t do everything on your own, but everyone will be better off when you do. Not only does this greatly reduce your odds of burnout, but it will make your family feel better to be able to help you as well, even in small ways. Family and friends can help with:

  • Cleaning
  • Cooking
  • Doing house and yard work
  • Grocery shopping
  • Driving you and your loved one to appointments
  • Running errands

The last thing you want to do as a caregiver is burn out. By using these tips as a guide, you can avoid burning out and relieve some of your stress so you can be a better caregiver to your loved one.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Where to get your retail therapy in west Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Travel, , ,
Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


West Michigan is home to great shopping destinations. Whether you are looking for souvenirs to bring back from your vacation, a unique gift, antiques and collectibles, or planning a special shopping spree, you’ll find all wide variety of shops to get the retail therapy you need.


If you’re looking for some retail therapy, look no further than Old Town Lansing. This renaissance neighborhood is chock-full of galleries, boutiques, and trendy shops. Find everything from sassy goods to Michigan-made items, quality clothing stores and retro consignment shops lining the streets. And if you get hungry, know there’s great barbeque, two taco joints, a fancy burger bar, pizza parlor, and more.


Marshall’s downtown is filled with unique shopping experiences for all ages and interests. Located in a Historic District, original and restored buildings house a bit of everything: charming antiques, Michigan-themed gifts and housewares, distinctive clothing, adorable toys, new and gently used books, natural and environmentally-friendly items, one-of-a-kind artwork, salons and spas, high-quality items for your furry friends, and much more.


Locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and artisan shops filled with unique items line the downtowns of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville. Swing in on your stroll through town to find items you won’t find anywhere else.


Visit Purely Michigan in St. Joseph to find Michigan products, including beer and wine. 


You’ll find paintings, photography, fabric art, and household novelties like napkins, table runners, towels, chenille pillows, and scrubbies, as well as pottery, jewelry, note cards, hand-knitted, crocheted, and quilted items at Ledge Craft Lane in Grand Ledge. Ledge Craft Lane offers changing weekly workshops and classes for kids and adults. Artist of the month featured in the gallery, too.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

South Haven boasts many unique shops and boutiques in the downtown area. Two large antique malls, stores with women’s, men’s, and children’s fashions, home décor, handmade jewelry, and children’s toys and games.


You will find a large variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry, sport and fishing items, furniture, and much more at the Allegan Antiques Market.


The Bookman in Grand Haven is your locally owned, full-service bookstore offering over 10,000 new books and thousands of used paperbacks, as well as a great selection of magazines, newspapers, and greeting cards.


Visit Muskegon for a range of vintage and antique stores, specialty grocery shops, unique pop-up shops along Western Ave., and the Muskegon Farmers Market.


Shop with a purpose at GR8LKS Apparel for Change in Norton Shores. For each retail dollar spent, GR8LKS will spend one minute cleaning the water and shoreline of the Great Lakes.


Ludington includes a variety of stores offering name-brand clothing and shoes, home decor, specialty foods and more. For a unique shopping experience, visit the downtown gallery of Todd & Brad Reed Photography. The famed Ludington artists offer traditional prints, gallery canvases, and coffee-table books of the highest quality, featuring gorgeous scenes of Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, notable lighthouses, and the local countryside.


There are many wonderful local shops to explore in Mecosta County. You can find a variety of these shops just in Downtown Big Rapids, including Michigan and Big Rapids items, unique gifts, wedding decor and supplies, furniture, books, jewelry, and handmade items created by local artisans. Mecosta County is a great place to look for antiques, collectables, retro items, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Find freshly made pastries, pies, and more at a variety of local eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious treat while taking a shopping break. 


Shopping for family, friends, or that special someone can be hard, but the Mt. Pleasant Area has a number of specialty shops and artisan stores to make it easy. Downtown Mt. Pleasant is home to unique boutiques and shops featuring arts and crafts from Michigan-based painters, sculptors, and other creators. Find stops to add to your next shopping spree in the Mt. Pleasant area. 

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Downtown Holland is widely regarded as West Michigan’s premier shopping, dining and events destination, with over 125 locally owned clothing and accessory boutiques, home furnishing stores, specialty food shops, art galleries, and more.


Holland is also home to craft breweries, fine dining destinations, and cozy coffee shops… meaning there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings, whether sweet or savory or something in between.


Summer may be over, but the Holland Farmers Market is still in full swing. The Market is open from 8am–3pm every Wednesday and Saturday at the Eighth Street Market Place through the end of December. All autumn long, you can shop for apples, pumpkins, squash, potatoes, and so much more, not to mention breads and other baked goods, mums, hay bales, honey, maple syrup, jam, meat, eggs, and cheese too.


While visiting Holland, stop by the Holland Museum gift shop, filled with unique items including books, cards, games, and pottery.


The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Play Room Gift Shop is the perfect stop for unique, creative children’s toys. 


Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus is an outdoor adventure sports specialty retailer with over 50 years in the Grand Rapids area. They sell skis, snowboards, backpacking and camping equipment, kayaks, apparel, and more.


Add some retail therapy to your fall color tour around the Cadillac area, with restaurants and over 20 art, clothing, and gift shops, then head east to Lake City to several new restaurants and small town gift shops.


Dublin General Store in Wellston is your destination for world-famous Dublin Jerky Company jerky, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, ostrich & wild game. Also steaks, ribs, smoked fish, various spices and rubs, award-winning sauces, aged cheeses, and more.


Find all things cherry (and delicious) at Cherry Republic in downtown Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world. 


Oryana Natural Foods Market in Traverse City is your source for local, organic and natural food. Oryana carries the region’s largest selection of locally sourced goods, organic and locally-grown produce as well as locally roasted fair-trade coffees, naturally leavened breads, and body care products. 


If shopping is always included in your vacation plans then head to Shanty Creek Resort for a fun-filled getaway; resort-themed gifts abound on-site. Check out the charming shops in downtown Bellaire for unique gifts, clothing, art, and more. Need to include more shopping during your getaway? Traverse City is just 31 miles from Shanty Creek Resort.


Family owned and -operated since 1933, McDonough’s Market on Beaver Island specializes in grocery, custom-cut meat, fresh produce, and a wide selection of beer and wine.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

The brand-new Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey is opening soon and booking rooms in November. The beautiful property is only two miles from downtown Petoskey and local attractions. Featuring 129 guest rooms and 10 suites, you’ll be able to enjoy a day on property in the pool, arcade, and bistro or you can explore the shops in the Gaslight district of Petoskey with our Shopping Spree package. Indulge with $100 in Downtown Dollars and breakfast in the Bistro. 


Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts of Petoskey is a favorite source of treasures from Northern Michigan offering Lynn Haney Collectible Santas, Minnetonka Moccasins, home decor and native gifts, as well as signs for your home or cottage including personalized ski signs, and pre-printed Walloon and Crooked Lake signs.


Don’t forget your furry friends while you’re on your shopping spree. Ruff Life Pet Outfitters in Petoskey carries the latest products in the pet care industry, offering natural items and unique, high quality affordable pet products.


Find more West Michigan shopping destinations at wmta.org. 



Through his podcast, Kentwood resident hopes to create an open dialog for Bhutanese community

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Sagar Dangal is the host of the Bhutanese Talk podcast. (WKTV)

For the past couple of years, Kentwood resident Sagar Dangal has been wanting to put together a show focused on his community, the Bhutanese. 

“The show is about the Bhutanese issue from my perspective, someone who grew up in the refugee camp,” Dangal said, adding that is the reason he titled his podcast “Bhutanese Talk,” which can be found at the wktvjournal.org under the “Podcast” tab.

First, a history lesson

Bhutanese are from the Asian country Bhutan, bordered by India and China and just west of Nepal. Bhutan is about half the size of South Carolina, totaling around 14,800 square miles. It has a population of 758,288, which is about 12 percent of the U.S. population, which is estimated at around 9.8 million.



Since the 1600s people from Nepal settled in the southern region of Bhutan however, larger settlements of people with Nepalese origins happened in the early 20th century as the government saw it as way to collect more taxes. The Nepalese — or Lhotshampas as they are called in Bhutan — where never given the same status as the majority, the Drukpa people.

Bhutan is an Asian country bordered by China and India. (Free Domain)

In the 1980s, worried about the growing ethnic Nepali minority, the government adopted the Bhutan’s Citizenship Act of 1985, also called the “One Nation, One People” policy. The government had officially adopted the culture of the northern Bhutan, banning the teaching of the Nepali language in schools and requiring residents to dress in the traditional clothing of the Drukpa. The act created tension between the Nepalese people of the south and the Bhutanese of the north.

Tensions grew to demonstrations which escalated in the 1990s with more than 100,000 people — many who had families that had lived and farmed in southern Bhutan for generations — leaving the country to live in refugee camps in eastern Nepal.

Dangal’s family was among those who left in the early 1990s.

“This podcast is not only about, ‘hey my parents were forced out of their home country and we became refugees and the government of Bhutan did not treat us well,'” Dangal said during his first podcast. “It is not all about that. Those are all facts. It will always stay with me and it will always stay with my parents, and thousands and thousands of Bhutanese folks.”

About 96,000 Bhutanese are ow living in the United States. There are about 15,000 still living in the refugee camps in Nepal. (Wikipedia)

A Community Connected 

Dangal said technically he was born in the refugee camp and lived most of his life there, coming to the United States in 2009 when he was 16. From about 2008 to 2015, approximately 111,673 Bhutanese refugees were resettled to eight different countries with about 86 percent of the Bhutanese population coming to the United States. Dangal estimated the total Bhutanese U.S. population to be about 96,000 of which somewhere between 5,000 to 10,000 live in the Wyoming/Kentwood/Grand Rapids area.

“We are not really refugees anymore,” said Dangal, who became a U.S. citizen in 2017. “We have settled.”

Dangal lived in Lansing, attending school there and Michigan State University. After graduating from MSU in 2017, he moved to the Grand Rapids area, where his family had located. 

“Even through we live all over the United States, a group might be in Pennsylvania and another in California, because Bhutan was such a small country, we all know each other and we are all connected,” Dangal said. 

Like for most refugee groups. the transition to living in the United States has not been easy for everyone, something Dangal has seen firsthand with his own family. He noted that the Bhutanese community has one of the highest suicide rates when compared with other immigrant communities in the United States, a topic he explores in his second podcast.

He plans to explore the traditions and beliefs of his community and the generation gap that has evolved as the next generation, many of whom have not lived in Bhutan, embrace the American culture. To help build the bridge of open dialog, Dangal said he plans to speak in his native language, with some English, so as to reach his target audience. 

“With this show, I wanted to talk about the Bhutanese refugees, the issues, both the positive and negative,” he said, “talk about the progress and the downside of some of the issues in and within the Bhutanese community not just those in Nepal, but in the United States and all over the world. 

“The show is about the issues I see in my community and how we can approach them, how we can talk about it, how we can tackle it and how we can actually make things better.”

School News Network: She shoots for attendance, achievement, and attitude

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,
New Lee Middle and High School Principal Candy VanBuskirk. (School News Network)

By Cris Greer
School News Network

Candy VanBuskirk is the new Lee Middle and High School principal. SNN gets to know her in this edition of Meet Your Principal.

Other positions you have held in education:

  • Principal at Michigan City High School, Indiana
  • Assistant Principal at New Prairie High School, Indiana
  • Biology and chemistry teacher, New Buffalo High School
  • Head women’s basketball coach, Roberts Wesleyan College, New York
  • Head women’s basketball coach, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago
  • Assistant women’s basketball coach at Miami University, Ohio



Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, where she was a team co-captain in basketball
  • Master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University
  • Master’s degree in science education from the University of Dayton
  • Currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Indiana State University

Principal Candy VanBuskirk with children Dawson and Sela, and husband, Todd

Spouse/children: husband, Todd; children Dawson and Sela

Hobbies/Interests: Running and reading

What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I was an athlete, and all I wanted to do was play sports. My personality has always been fun, engaging and adventurous. 

The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… You have never walked in (their) shoes.

If I could go back to school, I would go to… my senior year in high school, because I could have done more.

If you walked into your new school building to theme music every day, what would the song be? “We are the Champions” by Queen

Three goals for the school year: Attendance, Achievement and Attitude.

Late bloomer: VanBuskirk said she didn’t get into education until her senior year in college.

“I was going on to medical school; I was a bio/chem major and had a conversation with my college basketball coach, who encouraged me to go into education. Right out of college I was a college basketball coach, got engaged and got married, and went on to get my master’s in education and then taught high school.

“When my children started getting into school age, I went back into high school coaching and teaching, and taught high school for six years before I went into administration.”

Principal Candy VanBuskirk, second from left, was a server at her prom at Waynesfield-Goshen High School in Ohio

For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.

Visions of better tomorrows

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Senior Living, ,
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

By Zinta Aistars, Spectrum Health Beat

Photos by Chris Clark


It happened the day after Christmas 2018.


Not a creature was stirring—except for Myra Moritz, 61, a Hudsonville, Michigan, business supervisor who had no plans of missing work.


But something felt a little odd that day. A sluggish left arm. And a heavy hip.


“It got worse over the day,” Moritz remembers. “I told my husband the next morning that I was having a stroke.”


Her husband, Dennis Moritz, took her to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where doctors soon confirmed what she suspected: She had suffered a stroke.

Lifestyle change

Not all strokes move quickly.


While minutes and seconds certainly matter when treating the victims, the type that hit Moritz had been slow-moving.


“I was too late for that magic pill that turns a stroke around,” she said. “But the staff immediately started tests and treatment and they found I had 95 percent blockage in my right artery and 75 percent in my left.”


In the years leading up to the stroke, Moritz underwent treatment for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She also had five successful bypasses eight years prior, with surgery performed at Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

She knew enough about stroke to recognize her condition, even though she didn’t experience the more classic FAST symptoms associated with stroke:

  • F—Facial drooping
  • A—Arm weakness
  • S—Speech difficulties
  • T—Time to call emergency services

“I did not have any facial drooping or slurred speech,” Moritz said. “But as the day went on, I felt more weakness in my arm. And my brain was getting foggy. I was having trouble comprehending.”


Justin Singer, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group neurosurgeon, served on the stroke team that treated Moritz.


“Myra had severe bilateral carotid stenosis, or carotid artery disease,” Dr. Singer said. “Lifestyle habits that contribute to this are high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, but also genetics. She had these high risk factors.”


To reduce Moritz’s chances of having another stroke, Dr. Singer performed carotid endarterectomy on her right artery. This surgical procedure removes blockages in the carotid arteries of the neck.


Carotid endarterectomy is not a cure, Dr. Singer said. Arteries can become blocked again if conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol are not controlled. This causes new plaque buildup.


“So I quit smoking,” Moritz said. “That was the last day I smoked.”

Hallucinations

On Dec. 30, 2018, doctors sent Moritz to stroke rehabilitation at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. She worked with Christa Rector, MD, a Spectrum Health physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.


Moritz immediately began to exhibit mild seizures during rehab.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“That’s not uncommon after a stroke,” Dr. Rector said.


But the seizures were enough to set Moritz back in her recovery.


“After the seizures, my memory seemed to be more affected,” Moritz said. “I was very tired. And about six days later I started to have hallucinations—probably a side effect from some of the meds I was taking to control the seizures.”


Moritz remembers seeing pirate ships sailing across the lake outside her window at Blodgett Hospital. Dogs she had owned in the past, now dead, suddenly trotted into the room to greet her. When she reached out to pet them, there was nothing there.


“I learned to check with my husband before trusting anything I was seeing,” she said. “And then I also realized that if I blinked, if it was a vision, it would go away.”


The good news: Moritz wasn’t bedridden during recovery.


Under Dr. Rector’s guidance, the rehab team gave her a proper workout to strengthen her left leg and left arm.


She practiced ascending and descending the stairs. She’d get in and out of a pretend car, use the bathroom independently and improve her balance with a walker.


“All the things I needed to be able to do when I go home,” Moritz said.

A return to normal

Before the stroke, Moritz would swim 60 laps twice a week at an indoor pool.


It may be a while before she achieves that level again, but her prognosis is excellent.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

On leaving the hospital a little more than a month after her stroke, she felt optimistic and strong.


“A physical therapist comes out to the house three times a week to work with me,” she said. “That will go down to twice a week soon. My brain doesn’t feel foggy anymore and my appetite is better.


“Although, maybe that’s not so great,” she laughed.


Her doctors have recommended a Mediterranean diet, heavy on fruits and vegetables. She expects to drive again in about six months, when the risk of seizure has passed.


“Myra has made a remarkable recovery,” Dr. Rector said. “By the time she was discharged, we scored her 4 out of 5. We expect her to eventually return to normal or near normal.”


The directive from her doctors: control blood pressure, screen for hypothyroidism, stay active, maintain a healthy diet and keep watch on any reoccurring stroke symptoms.


And don’t smoke.


“An amazing group of doctors and nurses and rehab people have worked with me,” Moritz said. “Everyone has been so kind and supportive throughout every step of my recovery. My rehab people always ask me during my exercises: ‘Can you do one more?’”


Moritz nods. She can always do one more.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Fall food favorites for seniors

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Senior Living,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


After a little heat wave, fall is in the air. Families and friends gather around the television to watch football, and the leaves are just starting to turn color. There are many things to love about fall, but some of our favorites are the foods we associate with the season. We have hand-picked these heart-healthy, antioxidant loaded recipes because they remind us of cozy autumn evenings, warm colors, and the bountiful harvest we receive every year, here in the Midwest.

Appetizers and soups

Baked Brie Envelopes: These bite-sized pastries feature melty brie cheese paired with the beautiful fall flavors of cranberry, citrus, and cinnamon. With the perfect amount of sweet and salty, these tasty morsels can hold their own as an appetizer or a stand-alone snack.


Three Sisters Soup: The name of this hearty soup refers to the Native American practice of planting squash, beans, and corn together. In each stage of their lives, these plants would nurture one another and encourage a good harvest. This soup is creamy, and packed with protein and fall flavor for a dish suitable as a companion to a main course, or on its own for quiet evenings.

Main dishes

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Apples: This delicious dish is great for chilly autumn days, with the smells of tender pork and roasting apples in the oven warming you inside and out. Apple picking is one of many great fall activities for seniors and their loved ones, as is making and eating a meal together. As this dish is low in saturated fat and high in protein, everyone is sure to get plenty of energy for fall fun.


Fennel-Garlic Braised Brisket with Roasted Peppers and Potatoes: With a name that’s just as much of a delicious mouthful as the meal itself, this brisket is rustic and wholesome. This heart-healthy recipe is easy-going, and makes plenty for everybody at the table — plus leftovers for sandwiches. EatingWell.com suggests a “flat” or “first” cut of brisket for a leaner meat, and to be sure to call your market to make sure they have what you want.

Desserts and snacks

Apple Nachos: Make good use of your apple-picking adventures with these fun apple “nachos.” Drizzled with peanut butter and honey, and topped with dried fruits and roasted nuts, this snack allows the many wonderful flavors of Midwest apples to shine. Combine sweet, tart, and spicy apples for maximum fall flavor, and make sure to snag a few slices before they all disappear.

Toasted pumpkin seeds

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkins are fun for carving and decorating as well as eating, but make sure not to throw away the seeds. This recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds is sweet and savory with a little cayenne kick. Great as a snack, dessert, or even as a topper for soups and salads, pumpkin seeds contain tons of healthy vitamins and minerals. Who knew?


With all the fun of fall to experience, these healthy autumn recipes will be sure to get you excited for activities like hayrides, apple picking, and more. It’s always amazing how the nutritious produce grown in our backyards can be transformed into these heart-warming meals. Just be sure to make a little extra and pack them along for those longer adventures!


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.



9 ways senior exercise improves overall senior health

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Many seniors who reach retirement age start to slow down and decrease the time they spend exercising—or just stop exercising altogether after feeling fatigued from activities that at one point had been easy. However, doing so may have some serious consequences.


Choosing not to exercise as a senior can have a negative impact on your health. As you age, exercise becomes more than creating a healthy habit. Even simple exercises can give you significant benefits to your overall health—sometimes even more so than when you were younger. 

1. Exercise stops muscle loss

Muscle loss starts to affect all adults around age 30, with an estimated 5% loss of muscle in each subsequent decade. This process can speed up quickly around 65 years of age, which is why seniors can rapidly lose muscle mass and become enfeebled in a matter of a few years. 


There’s no way to completely halt muscle loss, but exercises ranging from more intense weight-resistance training to simple daily exercise like walking and functional movements that use a wide range of muscle groups can slow the progress of muscle loss.

2. Exercise improves mental health

Exercise is a huge stress reducer and releases hormones like endorphins that improve overall mental health and make you happy. A regular release of endorphins through exercise can significantly lower your risk of becoming depressed as you age. In addition, seniors who exercise have better moods and more self-confidence than seniors who don’t exercise. 

3. Exercise builds stronger bones

Falling and hurting yourself or breaking bones are some of the most devastating injuries that seniors can suffer from. Breaking a bone and losing bone strength creates long-lasting negative impacts on other areas of senior health. Exercise, usually in conjunction with good foods, can help build stronger bones that are able to withstand wear and tear without breaking. 

4. Exercise keeps your weight in check

Metabolism and the ability to naturally burn calories slows down as you age, which is one of the main reasons why it’s difficult for seniors to lose or maintain a consistent weight as they grow older. Regular exercise can burn calories and speed up your metabolism which helps you control your weight. 

5. Exercise decreases the risk of falling

Damage from falls are some of the most debilitating injuries to seniors, as they both limit independence and can actually reduce life expectancy. A good exercise routine can improve flexibility, stamina, balance, coordination, and strength in seniors. All of these things combined can work together to reduce the risk of falling. 

6. Exercise helps you sleep better

Sleep is important as it gives seniors energy for their day and allows the mind to rest and maintain good health. Sleep is also an important factor in reducing senior depression and irritability while at the same time improving concentration and motivation. 


Regular exercise can help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep for longer—beating the insomnia that often keeps seniors from getting their recommended levels of sleep. Exercising can also help you feel more energized when you wake up after a good night’s sleep.

7. Exercise prevents disease

One of the most well-known benefits of exercise is that it helps to prevent a number of serious diseases that affect not only seniors, but adults of every age. This can include heart-related diseases like high-blood pressure and heart attacks, along with other diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis. 


Exercise also has been shown to improve immune health—as people who exercise regularly get sick less often than people who don’t exercise at all—along with digestive and gut health. 

8. Exercise reduces the risk of memory disease

Exercise and physical activity has been shown to reduce the chances of coming down with serious memory diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Exercises that include multiple parts or are more detail-oriented can improve cognitive functions by working areas of the brain that might not otherwise be stimulated. 

9. Exercise encourages socialization

Most senior exercise ends up becoming a group activity, especially for seniors who are exercising in the same senior living community. This leads to increased odds of having more social engagements and opportunities to make friends and cultivate relationships. 


Even if you exercise alone, the added energy gained from a daily exercise routine can help you feel motivated to socialize rather than isolating yourself. Seniors who live more sedentary lives might not be as willing to get up and leave the comfort of home, despite the benefits of socialization.


Not all exercise needs to be intense in order to have a large impact on senior health. Even simple chair exercises, stretches, or short walks can make major long-term improvements to overall senior health. Understanding what your limits are and finding exercises that fit your lifestyle can help you improve your health, both physically and mentally for years to come.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.




7 tips to avoid playground injuries

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Kids Activities,
Keep the play in playgrounds … and the tears away. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Rick Jensen, Spectrum Health Beat


Playgrounds are fun, but all too often result in injuries.


From kids falling from swings and monkey bars, to little tykes flying off the merry-go-round, hazards abound.


But that’s not a reason to avoid them altogether. If a playground has good equipment with soft landing surfaces, add in a bit of adult supervision and the risk is greatly reduced.


To make sure everyone has a merry time at the playground, keep in mind a few statistics.


Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children for playground-related injuries, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Falls are the most common, accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related injuries, according to Jennifer Hoekstra, an injury prevention specialist.


Lack of supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries.


Check out some helpful advice from the Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention team for keeping your kiddos safe at play.

7 tips to avoid playground injuries:

1. Actively supervise children on playgrounds.

It won’t be hard—they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.

2. Look down.

Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, wood chips or mulch.


If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned than on asphalt, gravel, concrete, grass or dirt.


For swings, make sure the surfacing extends in the back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar. (If the swing set is 10 feet high, the surfacing should extend 20 feet.)

3. Dress appropriately for the playground.

Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.

4. Make sure your kiddos are kind.

Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.

5. Focus on the littles.

Little kids play differently than big kids, so it’s important to have a separate play area for kids younger than 5.

6. Inspect equipment.

Check playgrounds for hazards such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces such as sharp points or edges. Report hazards to the school or local office.

7. Look up.

If playground platforms (such as the top of slides) are higher than a few feet, there should be guardrails that little ones can’t slip through and fall.


All openings should also have gaps of less than 3 1/2 inches or more than 9 inches to avoid head entrapment.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Shakespeare Festival kicks off GVSU’s music, theater offerings

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , , , ,

The Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival is the oldest and largest festival celebrating the Bard’s life and works in Michigan. Now in its 26th season, the festival has attracted thousands of people of all ages to the campuses of Grand Valley State University and to West Michigan to enjoy the legacy of Shakespeare. For more information about the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, visit gvsu.edu/shakes

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 

Sept. 27, 28 and Oct. 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m.

Louis Armstrong Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Tickets: $16 for general admission; $7 for students; $14 for seniors and faculty, staff and alumni. For tickets and more information, contact the Louis Armstrong Theatre box office at (616) 331-2300.

Last year, the GVSU Sharkespeare Festival presented “King Lear.” (Supplied)

Shakespeare’s most magical comedy transports us to a moonlit forest where four young lovers flee to escape the cruel law of Athens that would make a daughter choose between marrying the wrong man or being put to death. In the chaos of the night, the lovers find themselves at the mercy of fairies whose dreamlike power operates just below the level of conscious thought, weaving spells around the lovers and making sport with a troupe of bumbling, would-be actors who come to the woods to rehearse their wedding play about star-crossed lovers. The production will be directed by Roger Ellis, professor of theater at Grand Valley.

Other Performances from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

For more information about performances from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, visit gvsu.edu/mtd.

GVSU OPERA THEATRE

“Mother Goose” (a ballet) and “The Naughty Boy” (an opera)

Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.

Peter Martin Wege Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Tickets: Grand Rapids Ballet ticket office at 454-4771, ext. 10

This family-friendly pairing of the stories from “Mother Goose” and “The Naughty Boy” (who wouldn’t do his homework) comes from French composer Maurice Ravel. GVSU students and the Junior Company of the Grand Rapids Ballet School will bring this piece to life.

Margarita Denenburg

MUSIC

Guest artist piano recital: Margarita Denenburg

Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Sherman Van Solkema Hall, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Margarita Denenburg is widely recognized for her teaching effectiveness. She is associate professor of keyboard studies at Heidelberg University and has written a number of articles about teaching music; she also has presented at several conferences on the same topic.

GVSU Symphony Orchestra side-by-side concert

Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.

Grandville High School, 4700 Canal Ave. SW, Grandville

Admission: Free and open to the public

The GVSU Symphony Orchestra will combine with the Grandville High School Orchestra for a joint concert.

20th/21st Century Piano Festival

Oct. 26, all day

Sherman Van Solkema Hall, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Admission: Free and open to the public

This celebration of 20th/21st-century piano music will include student recitals throughout the day. The performances include the premier of a commissioned piece by composer Sun-Young Park, who will also be in residence.

THEATER

ReACT! presents: “My Costume is Not My Consent”

Oct. 30, 8-10 p.m.

Kirkhof Center, Room 0072, Allendale Campus

Grand Valley’s anti-violence theater troupe will use peer theater education methods to work with audience members on how to develop safety strategies for Halloween celebrations. The performance will include discussion and dialogue on how the GVSU community can help prevent sexual assault.

Plot your color tour with free fall planning tools from Manistee County Visitors Bureau

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, ,

By Adrienne Brown–Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


With thousands of visitors flocking to Northern Michigan annually to catch the peak of autumn color, the Manistee County Visitors Bureau (Visit Manistee County) is making it easier to see fall colors in the region that also boasts two distinct fall color seasons, offering free fall planning tools to help visitors plot their autumn visit, along with a host of seasonal events and attractions.


“The fall season is a key draw to our beautiful part of the state, and we are so fortunate to have two distinct phases that extend our season — our inland region shows earlier signs of fall color, and our Lake Michigan coastline stays green longer with warmth from the lake,” said Kathryn Kenny, executive director of Visit Manistee County. “We want to make it easy for visitors to find everything they need at their fingertips to have a wonderful autumn getaway while enjoying the longer color season here.”


Visitors planning a fall trip to Manistee County can go to visitmanisteecounty.com/fallcolor for the following:

  • 2019 Fall Color Guide – Developed for the first time this year as a stand-alone guide for the fall season, this free, downloadable 36-page fall color guide provides top photo spots; three color tour driving routes (inland, coastal and Lake Michigan coastal tour/M-22 scenic drive) with food, shopping and lodging stops along the way; plus evening activity suggestions. Visitors also can request a free printed guide in the mail by contacting the visitors bureau at 877.626.4783.
  • Biweekly fall color update videos – Visit Manistee staff provide twice-a-week, short video updates about where the leaf color is around the county to help with travel plans. The latest video appears on the fall landing page, and past videos are archived on Facebook.
  • Fall “color dial” – Two color dials are updated every few days – one for the coastal region and one for the inland region – visually depicting the leaf color from green for “still early” or “here and there,” to yellow for “feels like fall” and “good color,” to red for “great color” and “peak color.” A short description of the current status is listed below the dial.
  • Other fall suggestions – The fall website landing page gives suggestions of other unique ways to experience fall in Manistee County, such as via a hiking trail or river paddle, from the air on a scenic flight, or on a sunset boat cruise.

Self-guided fall driving tours

Visit Manistee County highlights three primary fall color driving routes in its new 2019 Fall Color Guide, which can also be combined with additional tours from the Manistee County Self-Guided Tour series of the county for fall leaf peeping. Driving tours for the best chance to see fall colors include:

  • Inland Fall Color Tour – This 175-mile scenic inland loop takes visitors east into Manistee County toward higher elevations and dense hardwoods of Manistee National Forest, plus along winding dirt roads and through tunnels of trees. (Can be combined with the Bridges and Dams Tour and Quilt Trail Tour.)
  • Coastal Fall Color Tour – This scenic route traversing 130 miles of Manistee County’s shoreline along both Lakeshore Drive and the start of the famous M-22 passes through coastal towns like Onekama and Arcadia while offering expansive glimpses of Lake Michigan at vistas like Arcadia Overlook. Fifteen points of interest are mapped out, along with fun facts and diversions. (Can be combined with the Natural Wonders Tour and U-Pick & Farm Markets Tour.)
  • Lake Michigan Coastal Tour /M-22 Scenic Drive – Manistee County is the gateway to scenic Michigan Highway M-22, which this 150-mile route follows from Manistee County north along Lake Michigan past 21 points of interest and through 11 communities, all the way to Northport and down to Traverse City. (Suggested in conjunction with the above-mentioned Coastal Fall Color Tour.)

Fall events and attractions

Manistee County also features fall events and attractions that cater to adults and families alike:

  • Hops and Props on the River, Manistee, Sept. 21. This fall favorite features classic wooden boats and craft beer, cider and wine. Visitors can taste their way through more than 100 beers from 35 Michigan breweries, view classic Century boats (originally manufactured in Manistee), and listen to live music.
  • Little Manistee River Weir – Fall Egg Harvest, Manistee, tours scheduled in the fall and group tours by appointment. (Call 231.775.9727, ext. 6072 to check tour dates.) This occurs once a year when the DNR Fisheries Division harvests chinook salmon eggs from the weir that is used to block fish on the Little Manistee River. The eggs are sent to state fish hatcheries to be reared and stocked across Michigan and other states. During the fall egg take, visitors can tour the operation and view salmon from a platform.
  • Onekama Fall Festival, Onekama, Oct. 12. This annual tradition features live entertainment, arts and crafts, scarecrow and pumpkin decorating contests, pet parade, hay rides, food wagon and other family-friendly activities.
  • Manistee Ghost Ship, October weekends. The historic 1931 S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry transforms into the Manistee Ghost Ship, where visitors explore five decks of thrills, scares and ghostly beings. Admission fee.
  • Scenic Airplane Tours, October weekends. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Michigan’s fall colors on a scenic flight over Manistee County.  Orchard Beach Aviation conducts two scenic flights – one over downtown Manistee and the Lake Michigan shoreline, and one of the M-22/Portage Lake area – for $30 per person (two person minimum) departing from Manistee County Blacker Airport.
  • Sunset Cruises, Manistee, Daily through mid-October. Enjoy a privately chartered cruise on Lake Michigan with someone else captaining the boat. Inn Fun Cruises offers day trip and two-hour evening sunset cruises on its 28-foot Bayliner where guests are treated to light snacks and beverages from local restaurants. Guests can bring alcoholic beverages as well. Guests meet on the dock behind Taco ‘Bout It and cruise around Manistee Lake, Manistee River channel, and out to Lake Michigan (weather permitting) to see the sun set. Groups of up to six are welcome, with pricing for the sunset cruise ranging from $250 for 1 to 2 people, to $450 for 5 to 6 people.

Visit Manistee County encourages visitors this fall to tag their photos and posts on social media with #MyManistee and #FallFilter for a chance to be featured in Visit Manistee County’s fall campaign.





‘They only gave me 6 to 9 months’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , , , ,
Photo credit: Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

By Marie Havenga, Spectrum Health Beat

Photos by Chris Clark


Late last summer, Tricia Johnson experienced subtle stomachaches.


Job stress, she thought. Or maybe tight muscles from starting a new workout routine.


“It was kind of constant, but not like pain,” Johnson said. “More like pressure would be the word for it. I kind of blew it off.”


But then, her stools started to change color. And change consistency.


She visited her primary care doctor, who ordered blood work.


“Everything came back pretty OK,” Johnson said. “My white blood count was a little down, but nothing she was concerned about. She chalked it up to my having irritable bowel syndrome. She gave me some anti-cramping pills. I took those for 10 days, but didn’t see any change.”


She returned for a CT scan on Aug. 30.


“I was barely home and I was getting a phone call from the physician,” Johnson said. “He said ‘I have bad news for you.’ My instinct was I thought it was my gall bladder. So when he said, ‘I have bad news for you,’ I thought, ‘Yeah, it’s my gall bladder, I’m going to need surgery.’”

Soul shock

That would have been welcome news.


Instead of hearing about gallbladder issues, she heard unthinkable words spill from her telephone earpiece: “You have pancreatic cancer.”


Johnson sat down on her bed. Shock flooded her soul.


“He must have set me up with an oncologist,” she said. “I just don’t remember much of that day. My husband (Shane) was working in Detroit. I had to call him. He couldn’t believe it. We stayed on the phone with each other that whole three-hour drive home. He even called the doctor to make sure I wasn’t hearing things wrong.”


The first week of September, Johnson met with an oncologist at the Spectrum Health Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion to review her scans and biopsies.

Photo credit: Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

There the news got even worse.


She had Stage 4 cancer in her pancreas, liver, lymph nodes and some of her vessels. And the cancer was too advanced for surgery.


“She told me it was the worst kind,” Johnson said.


Johnson underwent aggressive chemotherapy with four different medicines twice a month. Each session would take between five and six hours. She would return home with a pump that would continue to deliver chemo drugs.


“They told me it was going to be like dropping a hand grenade in my body,” she said. “They only gave me 6 to 9 months to live, depending on how I handled treatment.”


Johnson wasn’t about to let cancer rule her future. She started researching and studying, trying to learn everything she could to combat the criminal in her cells, the one trying to steal her health and life as she knew it.


“I learned we needed to do our part to take care of the rest of me and we changed my diet,” Johnson said. “We were typical Western Americans that ate processed foods, sugars and red meat.


“After reading a lot of different things, we changed to whole foods,” she said. “We still do some chicken and fish and learned about the top 10 cancer-fighting foods. I really do attribute that to helping me get through chemotherapy and keeping me healthy. If people don’t know I have cancer, they wouldn’t know. I don’t look like a cancer patient at all.”


Johnson concluded chemotherapy at the end of January. Scans showed the tumor had shrunk.

Reason for hope

Then, came the most encouraging news of all.


Spectrum Health surgical oncologist G. Paul Wright, MD, was starting a new clinical trial for hepatic artery infusional chemotherapy to the liver. The trial is the first of its kind in the United States and only a few places around the country have an HAI pump program.

Photo credit: Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

He inserted the pump in late February.  During this surgery, he and his partner, fellow surgical oncologist Mathew Chung, MD, performed nanoknife ablation of the tumor in the pancreas. This uses high voltage electrical pulses to shock the tumor while preserving the surrounding structures.


“It’s pumping chemo directly to my liver,” Johnson said. “So far so good with the pump. I haven’t had any side effects. Before with a port, by the time the chemo got to my liver, it was only 25 percent effective. Now, it’s 400 times the amount I would be getting through regular chemo.”


Dr. Wright said the hope is to increase longevity for patients who respond to what he called a “very aggressive” treatment.


“One of my primary career interests is the delivery of regional chemotherapy to isolated areas of the body,” Dr. Wright said. “This targets affected areas while minimizing toxicity that the rest of the body experiences.”


The pump in her abdomen, about the size of a hockey puck, slowly delivers high-dose chemotherapy to the liver over the course of two weeks.


“We then empty the chemotherapy out and take a two-week break before the next pump chemotherapy treatment,” Dr. Wright said. “These treatments are combined with regular chemotherapy through the standard port.”


So far, the results are astounding.


“As part of the trial we track tumor response using a blood test that is specific to pancreatic cancer,” Dr. Wright said.  “So far, early into her treatment, those numbers have already improved by 90% from when she was first diagnosed.”

Photo credit: Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Johnson and her husband recently visited Lemmen-Holton to have the chemotherapy removed and heparin placed in the pump, as a two-week placeholder before the next treatment.


Clinical research nurse Marianne Morrissey told Johnson she’s looking great.


“We’re very hopeful,” Morrissey said. “And so far, you’ve been a model first patient, so we like it. The tumor shrank. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it because it’s working.”


Johnson announced that she’s ready to go back to work in her role as a restaurant manager at Brann’s in Grandville.


“Your asking is a good sign that you’re ready,” Morrissey told her.


Shane, a martial arts instructor, said his wife works out three days a week.


“I help people with health and fitness and training,” Shane said. “I’ve taken and applied all of that to Tricia, as if she’s one of my fighters. Every day we work at this. Realistically, she didn’t have six months. It was that bad. That white flag is pretty easy to throw in the air. That’s not an option now. Everything is very positive.”


Including Johnson’s attitude.


Although she felt scared at first to trial the “direct-to-the-liver” chemotherapy pump, she remained hopeful.


“It made me feel so comfortable because Dr. Wright was so passionate about it,” Johnson said. “I look at it like, ‘What do I have to lose?’ I’ll do anything I can to be around longer.”


The plan is for Johnson to undergo the clinical trial pump treatments for six months, with a CT scan after three months.

Photo credit: Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“I think that’s why I’m still here,” she said. “There’s a reason I was chosen to do this.


“Number one, it’s to help with medical research. Number two, I want to give back,” she said. “I can’t wait until I can volunteer at the hospital. Eventually, this disease is going to get me, but if I can help others have better quality of life, that makes me feel wonderful. There are so many people who have touched me, prayed for me, and done amazing things including my family members.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Poets, musicians, dancers, artists, it’s the GVSU’s Fall Arts Celebration

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
“Art of Today: Contemporary Collections from Chicago” runs through Nov. 1. (Supplied)

From dance that combines movement and technology to music that captures the power and mystery of the sea, the 17th annual Fall Arts Celebration events at Grand Valley State University are set to bring out “all the feels.” 

Each year, Fall Arts Celebration shines a spotlight on some of the world’s foremost poets, musicians, dancers, artists and scholars. For the past 17 years, West Michigan audiences have enjoyed a series of six free events every fall that celebrate the positive impact of the arts. Below are the four of the signature events that are scheduled for September and October. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts.

ART

“Art of Today: Contemporary Collections from Chicago”

Through Nov. 1

Art Gallery

Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Working with Chicago-based artists, gallery owners and collectors, Grand Valley has developed a collection of contemporary art over the last 15 years.

Drawn from Grand Valley’s collection and enhanced with additional loans from Chicago, Art of Today brings together more than 40 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media. This curation includes both bold and minimalistic works exploring simplicity in design, society’s relationship to the environment, and the intersection of pop culture and art by artists Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, David Nash and Takahashi Murakami. 

Other artists, such as Tony Fitzpatrick, Jane Hammond, Erika Rothenberg and Kara Walker, provide challenging imagery that examines the meaning of identity, race, culture and sexuality.

MUSIC

Water on the Mind: A Baroque Musical Journey


Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale Campus

Water has transfixed the imagination and creative artistry of the human race since the earliest days on earth. To the ancient Greeks, water defined life and was seen as the essential element in the creation of civilization. At the dawn of the Baroque Era, as classical teachings spread across Europe, Baroque composers were as equally inspired as the ancients by the power and mystery of the sea.  

See that inspiration come to life through works such as the “Storm Scene” from Marin Marais’s opera, Alcyone, which convincingly delivers the terror and dread from a powerful ocean tempest, and Georg Philipp Telemann’s hauntingly beautiful and imaginative orchestral suite, Hamburger Ebb und Fluth. This piece musically depicts the rise and fall of the ocean while invoking the story of Neptune and his son, Triton.  

Rounding out the performance is Handel’s Water Music, composed in 1717 for a barge party given by George I on the River Thames, and Antonio Vivaldi’s fiery violin concerto, La Tempesta di mare (The Sea Storm). Famed Baroque violin virtuoso, Ingrid Matthews, one of the most-recorded baroque violinists of her generation and solo violinist with Toronto Tafelmusik Ensemble, will perform the dazzling composition that concludes the concert.

Poets Ellen Bas and Kevin Young are featured on Oct. 3. (Supplied)

POETRY

An Evening with Ellen Bass and Kevin Young

Oct. 3 with poetry readings at 6 p.m.

L.V. Eberhard Center, second floor, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Acclaimed poets Ellen Bass and Ellen Young will read their works. Bass is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Her most recent book, “Like a Beggar” (Copper Canyon Press, 2014), was a finalist for several notable literary awards. Previous books include “The Human Line” and “Mules of Love,” which won The Lambda Literary Award. She co-edited (with Florence Howe) the first major anthology of women’s poetry, “No More Masks!” (Doubleday, 1973).

Young is the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and is poetry editor at The New Yorker. His newest book of poetry is “Brown” (2018). Also an essayist and curator, Young’s “Ardency: A Chronicle of the Amistad Rebels” was the winner of an American Book Award. His work “Jelly Roll: A Blues” (2003) was a finalist for the National Book Award and Los Angeles Times Book Prize and winner of the Paterson Poetry Prize.

 

The dance program “Water: A Vision in Dance” is Oct. 28. (Supplied)

DANCE

Water: A Vision in Dance

Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Louis Armstrong Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

In this performance, Bedřich Smetana’s “The Moldau” traces the path of this mighty river from its origins deep in the Bohemian Highlands to its final journey bringing life and sustenance to the Czech people. Debussy’s “La Mer” presents a musically evocative, suggestive image of the sea in all of its beauty. Bringing these works to life in a brilliant new choreographic vision is BODYART, a New Orleans–based dance theater company founded and directed by Leslie Scott. Focusing on the intersection of movement and technology, Scott and the artists of BODYART will unite dance, video, and the music of Smetana and Debussy performed by a full orchestra in an absorbing multimedia experience.



Key discovery about wombat scat leads to Ig Nobel prize for GVSU alumna, research team

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,
Grand Valley State University alumna Alynn Martin was part of a team studying the wombat that received an Ig Nobel Prize. (Supplied)

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

A Grand Valley alumna was part of a research team that helped unlock at least some of the long-held mystery about the droppings of the wombat: Why are they shaped like cubes?

It turns out the Australian marsupial actually forms the unusual shape in its digestive system, a discovery that led to the research team, including alumna Alynn Martin, ’14, being recognized with an Ig Nobel Prize. 

The annual awards are presented each September at Harvard University to honor “achievements that make people laugh and then think,” according to the organizers’ website.

Other winners this year studied how much saliva a 5-year-old produces and whether pizza consumption protects against illness (apparently only if it’s made in Italy). The stated goal of the awards is to honor the unusual and imaginative in scientific discovery, and Martin embraced that spirit.

“It’s not going to change anybody’s life but it’s a great little piece of information that we didn’t know before,” said Martin, who earned a master’s degree in biology at Grand Valley.

Martin’s part in the wombat waste discovery came during her time working on a doctorate in ecology at the University of Tasmania in Australia. She was working with researcher Scott Carver on wombats and disease when they examined a wombat cadaver. That’s when they discovered the cubic waste in the intestine.

The team sent cadavers to colleagues at the Georgia Institute of Technology for further analysis, such as the dimensions and elasticity of the intestine. All of the researchers were part of the award.

Aside from this interesting discovery about wombats, Martin has developed an affinity for the creatures that survive on grasses and roots (a dry diet that she said may also play a role in their waste formation).

First of all, they’re inarguably cute. Martin described them as burrowing marsupials with pouches specially configured to protect their young from the kicked-up dirt from digging. She also noted that wombats seem to play an unwarranted second fiddle to their fellow Australian marsupial and close relation, the koala.

She was fascinated by these animals whom she described as charismatic and surprisingly regimented. “Working in the field, you could see they were creatures of habit. It’s incredible that for wild animals that can go anywhere and do anything they pretty much stick to a routine,” she said.

A Grand Valley alumna was part of a research team that helped unlock at least some of the long-held mystery about the droppings of the wombat: Why are they shaped like cubes? (Supplied)

Since receiving her doctorate, Martin has gone on to work in Montana with the U.S. Geological Survey to assess the impacts of disease on wild big horn sheep. 

Studying disease in wild animals is Martin’s life passion and part of what brought her to Grand Valley, where she studied under Amy Russell, associate professor of biology. Martin, who researched tricolored bats while at Grand Valley, credits Russell with providing the foundation for understanding population genetics as well as research training that is useful every day.

Russell said Martin, her first graduate student, is smart and passionate.

“I remember her being tremendously curious and just always wanting to be out in nature and to learn new things,” Russell said.

Wombats are burrowing marsupials with pouches specially configured to protect their young from the kicked-up dirt from digging. (Supplied)

The science of shape

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, ,
About two dozen genetic variations help determine if a person is prone to carrying weight around the belly, according to new research. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Amy Norton, HealthDay


A large, new study has uncovered 24 genetic variations that help separate the apple-shaped people from the pear-shaped ones.


Researchers said the findings help explain why some people are prone to carrying any excess weight around the belly. But more importantly, they could eventually shed light on the biology of diseases linked to obesity—particularly abdominal obesity.


While obesity is linked to a range of health conditions, excess fat around the middle seems to be a particular risk factor for certain diseases—like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.


“But we haven’t really known why,” said lead researcher Ruth Loos, a professor at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, in New York City.


Her team dug into the genetics underlying body fat distribution. If researchers can learn about the important gene variants, Loos explained, they can better understand why some people develop diabetes or heart disease when they gain weight, while others do not.


The findings, published online recently in Nature Genetics, come from a huge international research effort, looking at over 476,000 people at 70 research centers around the world.


Loos and her colleagues focused on hunting down so-called coding variations—differences within genes that have the potential to alter the way that genes and their proteins function.


In the end, the scientists discovered two dozen coding variations that were associated with body fat distribution. Some of those variations have already been linked to processes such as blood sugar control and fat metabolism.


In general, Loos said, genes linked to obesity can be separated into two broad groups. One group acts on the brain, influencing how much you eat by regulating hunger and satiety.


“The gene variations we identified in this study don’t act in the brain,” Loos said. “They work at the cellular level, determining where fat will be stored in the body.”


It all raises the possibility of developing medications that can “tweak” those genetic pathways so that body fat is redistributed in a healthier way, according to Loos.


But that’s a long way off, she stressed.


The next step, Loos said, is to learn more about how these gene variations function in the body.


No one, however, is saying that body weight and shape are genetically set in stone.


Dr. Carl Lavie is medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology at the Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, in New Orleans.


“Genes are involved in the development of obesity and where the fat is distributed,” Lavie said. “However, the evidence is much stronger for environmental causes.”


Those causes are no surprise: Lavie pointed to sedentary lifestyles and sugary, high-calorie diets.


“Regardless of a person’s genetic profile,” he said, “physical activity and reducing calorie intake can prevent obesity and abdominal obesity—and prevent it from progressing.”


Plus, Lavie noted, exercise boosts a person’s cardiovascular fitness level—which is a critical factor in the risk of developing or dying from heart disease.


Loos agreed that genes are not destiny.


“Obesity is partly genetic,” she said. “We should not forget that diet and exercise are very important.”


However, she added, people with a genetic predisposition toward storing belly fat will have a harder time keeping a trim, heart-healthy waistline.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Hear personal stories of failure Saturday at Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,


By Scott Meivogel, Saugatuck Center for the Arts


Embrace it, learn from it, and build on it.


Come hear some of West Michigan’s most intriguing personalities share personal stories of failure, and stick around for an after party outside under our pavilion with music from Code West; there will also be local food vendors, and a cash bar. Failure Lab will be presented Sept. 21, 2019, at Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 and available at www.sc4a.org/failure-lab.


Head-shaking, eye-blinking moments of “what just happened?” that present some of the most powerful, transformative tales you’ll ever hear. This one-of-a-kind platform integrates storytelling and performance to reveal the vulnerabilities of influential people in order to eliminate the fear, stigma and isolation around failure.


With a refreshing environment of openness, Failure Lab paves the way for change by crushing the isolation and stigma around failure. Failure then takes its rightful place as the crucial first step to the next big thing.


USA Today says that Failure Lab, “Demystifies the process of innovation.” Listen to some words from a former winner of “Chopped” and current chef at Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions in Saugatuck, Missy Corey.


Failure Lab presenters share adversities behind their success, allowing audience members to learn and grow from their powerful stories. 


We’re thrilled to bring you stories from these West Michigan rock stars:

  • Missy Corey – Chef at Pennyroyal Café and Provisions
  • Michael Hyacinthe – Co-Founder of Has Heart, U.S. Navy Veteran
  • Ryan Kilpatrick – Director of Housing Next
  • Alexandra Meister – Company Member at the Grand Rapids Ballet
  • Kathleen Piggins – Freelance Writer
  • Salvatore Sapienza – Minister and

In between each speaker will be a performance from a plethora of Michigan talent:

  • Cirque du K
  • Deavondre Jones
  • Lexi Adams
  • Lane Ellens
  • Cameron Blake
  • Yolonda Lavender
  • Michigan Academy of Folk Music Stringband
  • Code West

What: Failure Lab

When: Sept. 21, 2019; doors and cocktails at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm

Where: Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, MI 49453

Cost: $25


Stick around for the after-party after the event, featuring Code West playing under our outdoor pavilion. Plenty of drinks and conversation.




Wyoming Parks & Rec focused on meeting residents’ needs

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

This past July, many communities, such as the City of Wyoming, observed National Parks and Recreation Month, an opportunity to showcase the many offerings parks and park programs provide. 

WKTV was able to catch up with Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, who oversees the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. Rynbrandt discussed some of the newest features at a couple of the city’s parks, such as the the new pickleball courts at Pinery Park and the playground at Marquette Park. 

Rynbrandt also talked about how the department continues to change and grow to meet its residents’ needs and interests.

“We are seeing an increase of request from our citizens, our residents, to have more special events, like the Trick or Treat Trail, formerly known as the Pumpkin Path Trail; like the Miranda Park parties,” Rynbrandt said. “So you are going to see us increasing our investment in those large scale events that will really engage the entire community.”

The Trick or Treat Trail is Oct. 12 from 4-6 p.m. at Lamar park. The event is free, but children must be under the supervision of an attending adult. 

Other popular Park and Recreation events coming up are:

The Veterans Day Breakfast is Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. Cost is $10 per attendee and free for veterans. 

The Great Candy Candy Cane Hunt and Lunch With Santa is set for Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. Cost is $5/residents, $7, non-residents. Best for children ages 3-10 but open to all ages.

For more City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation activities, visit wyomingmi.gov. Go to the “About Wyoming” tab for a scroll down menu that includes Parks and Recreation or visit the Facebook page, Wyoming Parks and Recreation.

Schuler Books pairs up with Creston Brewery for a book, pie, beer event

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, , , ,
Schuler Books Samantha Henrichs and Preston Brewery Roger Haight pair some beers and pies. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


Beer, pie and books. Quite the combination? Well, Schuler Books and Music with the help of Creston Brewery will be putting that combination together Wednesday, Sept. 25, as it celebrates the recent release of author J. Ryan Stradel’s new book “The Lager Queen of Minnesota.”

The Sept. 25 event is at the Creston Brewery’s Golden Age, located above the Creston Brewery at 1504 Plainfield Ave. NE. It will feature pies from the Golden Age along with a beer selection from Creston Brewery. The author, Stradel, will be there to talk about his new book.

J. Ryan Stradal’s new book “The Lager Queen of Minnesota.” (WKTV)

“This event is really the kick off of Schuler Books reaching out and being more active in the community,” said Schuler Books and Music Events Coordinator Samatha Hendricks. “We are trying to find those community partners and community events to reach new customer bases and to show people that author events can really be a unique experience.”

Henricks said partnering with Creston Brewery made sense since the brewery is always doing things in the community while consistently thinking outside of the box.

“Our [Brewmaster Scott Schultz] is good at jumping outside of the box, playing with beers in a way that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Creston Brewery Manager Roger Haight. “You’ll find rhubarb in one of our beers or cardamon in one of the others. He does a good job at coming up with something creative and that is the big focus of his brewing here.”

Beer and pie are the key ingredients in J. Ryan Stradel’s new book and the featured items at the Schuler Books’ upcoming Pints + Pies. (WKTV)

The reason for the pie-and-beer theme is because Stradel’s book, “The Lager Queen of Minnesota” uses the combination as key ingredients in the story.

Edith Magnusson’s rhubarb pies are famous in the Twin Cities, where they were named the third-best in the state and the nursing home she works at has become the hottest dinner ticket in town. Her sister, Helen, has helped build the Blotz beer brand into a dynasty. But because of a few bad decisions, such as dismissing IPAs as a fad, that dynasty is starting to crumble.

However Edith’s granddaughter Diane takes the chance to learn all about the beer business from the ground up as the IPA revolution begins. She is launching her own brewpub but needs that one key item that will give her and her new baby a slice of security.

Tickets for the event are $55 and include six pie and beer tastings, and a signed copy of “The Lager Queen of Minnesota.” There are only 50 tickets available and you must be 21 or older to purchase a ticket. For more, visit the Everbrite link by clicking here.

Cat of the week: Davina

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

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


On Jan. 31, 2019, Dr. Jen received an email from Julie S. who befriended a cat that folks up the block from her dumped—and just as one of our nasty winter storms was blowing in. She was half-starved, shuddering and shivering and sporting a healing bite wound. Julie was kind enough to bring the kitty in out of the cold, but she wasn’t in a position to keep her, so she reached out to us. We were completely full and starting an intake waiting list, so Julie offered to house the kitty and get her the appropriate medical care in the meantime.


It took 2-1/2 months until we were able to open our doors, but by the time this 2-1/2 year old arrived (born in the fall of 2016), her caretaker was able to offer excellent insight on her personality, likes and dislikes:


“I have temporarily nicknamed her ‘Lady LongSpine’ because she stretches out soooo long when I hold her; I’m sure she will accept a name change easily. She likes being inside of a house, not outside. She prefers to explore space slowly and carefully, traveling around the edges of a room, pausing to check out the area; she tends to hide out under furniture until she feels safe enough to explore more openly. She likes to be where people are and once she has made their acquaintance, she enjoys the attention—in particular, she is fond of being stroked and cuddled like a baby. She’s a vocal girl, purring and talking to you quite a bit, letting you know if she is thirsty or hungry (again, like a baby). If she is in the mood for your attention or thinks it is time you tidied up her litter box, you will know it. She really likes to play with ‘da bird’ toy that is a bunch of feathers attached to a stick—I could swing that around for hours; she may be partial to stalking toys and chasing them around given her enthusiasm for this type of activity.


“Go easy on the nip, as she can get quite wild! She will be OK with a gentle dog that is slowly and properly introduced, and also has places to go to that a pup can’t reach. She’d also be alright with kids if they too are gentle, understand that she is timid at first and has had some hard times, and let her approach them until she gets to know them better. She may get along with other cats, but they would need a ‘getting to know you’ period of gradual adjustment. She will try to be the top cat in a home, so placement in a house of her own would suit her best; when she was on the streets she literally had to fight with other cats for food, and I believe she has a long memory of pain endured and a fear of dealing with felines she saw only as foes. Overall, she is very sweet and extremely cute—I wish I could keep her myself.”


Armed with this very detailed, helpful information, we set out to make Davina’s transition as smooth as possible, but first she needed Dr. Jen’s pre-program work-up to insure she was healthy; it was at that time Dr. Jen discovered that the bite wound Davina had suffered transmitted the feline leukemia virus. Sadly, this meant that she would not be going to Crash’s as planned, but thankfully she was going to become a resident of Big Sid’s, our sanctuary for virally infected kitties.

Easy on the ‘nip there, kitty. Wait! This is the resident imposter, Donut. See what happens when you succumb to the ‘nip?

After a few days of loving her up at the clinic, we sent her down to settle in. At the writing of her bio a month after her arrival, here are the insights the cat care team has about our lovely little gray-and-white girl:


“Davina—she was very shy when she first arrived but is slowly starting to be a little more social. She loves being up high on a tall cabinet until she sees people enter the room, then she’s right there asking for her well-deserved attention. She LOVES her wet food, treats, and back scratches.  She’s still a bit wiggly when picked up, but will sit in your lap once you sit down. She does have a feisty side to her towards the other cats, though she’s not mean or aggressive—just a girl who needs her space. She has gotten a little more brave and has been spending a lot more of her time on the windowsill watching the birds and squirrels. She would do best with only one other cat, or as the only cat. Dogs are probably too much for her.”


We couldn’t agree more with their assessment of this darling little lady, and since the virus is transmissible AND she really would like to be the queen of her very own castle, it will be our goal to secure for her the type of home life she has long been dreaming—and deserving— of.

More about Davina:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Gray & White
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Prefers to be an only cat

Want to adopt Davina Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.



Ready for fall? Keep an upstanding diet

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, , ,
Root vegetables, always center stage in fall harvests, are great for hearty stews and soups. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


When summer fruits and vegetables start to disappear from grocery stores and the action shifts indoors to watching sports and munching on unhealthy snacks, it helps to have a diet plan in place to avoid weight gain.


First, remember that farmers’ markets are still open across the country. You can buy local as long as you make the shift from summer crops to fall ones.


That means tomatoes and cucumbers give way to offerings like root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips and turnips and the wide variety of squashes such as acorn, butternut, Hubbard and kabocha.


These are all great for hearty, cook-ahead soups and stews for dinners and brown bag lunches.


Vegetables in the orange family, including sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamin A.


But don’t overlook nutrient-dense dark, leafy greens like varieties of chard and bok choy.


Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may be abundant in your area and they taste great roasted with a slight drizzle of olive oil and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar—hearty enough for a vegetarian meal.


Though local melons, stone fruits and many berries may be gone, explore sweet fall fruits like apples, pears and grapes, as well as the more exotic pomegranates, persimmons and quince, the season’s first cranberries and even fall raspberries.


Have fruit salads ready to snack on instead of greasy chips and crackers, or make a batch of baked apples or poached pears to satisfy a sweet tooth.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Running on empty?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,

[huge_it_slider id=”74″]


By Beth Loechler Cranson, Spectrum Health Beat

Photos by Taylor Ballek


If you’re a runner who wants to make sure you are eating right before, during and after a race, Spectrum Health dietitian Kristi Veltkamp has two words for you: whole foods.


“You don’t need to buy pricey supplements,” she said. “Whole foods are the best way.”


Veltkamp and Spectrum Health Culinary Medicine chef Elizabeth Suvedi recently hosted a cooking class and workshop for the Amway River Bank Run Road Warriors.


They focused on protein and carbohydrates and how they are readily available in the form of whole foods.


Complex carbohydrates—plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables—are great for athletes, Veltkamp said. But don’t confuse them with the simple carbs like those found in a white bread, sodas and French fries.


And don’t think that all your protein must come from meat, Veltkamp added. Edamame, beans, chickpeas and nuts are great options. Keep in mind that one cup of edamame contains a whopping 18 grams of protein.

Here are a few other options for a nutrient-rich diet:

  • The nitrates found in celery, leafy greens and beets convert to nitric oxide in the body, which increases blood flow and improves aerobic endurance.
  • Vitamin D regulates the way your body responds to inflammation. Foods high in Vitamin D are fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified dairy products.
  • Foods high in omega 3, including salmon, tuna, walnuts and chia seeds, support brain health and reduce inflammation.
  • Consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins C, E and A reduce the imbalances in the body caused by exhaustive exercise. These include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocado, broccoli, berries, citrus, tomatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes.
  • Herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, cinnamon and rosemary contain antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Spectrum Health Culinary Medicine chef Elizabeth Suvedi teaches people about the power of whole food dishes. (Photo by Taylor Ballek, Spectrum Health Beat)

“I hope people leave here inspired and wanting to cook,” Suvedi said as the group prepared Moroccan-spiced salmon, chicken salad with apples and raisins, coconut pecan date rolls, purple cabbage and edamame salad and several other dishes. Then they sat down to enjoy them.


The recipes are available here.


As Suvedi prepped the dishes, she queried runners about their training leading up to race day, sharing that she’ll be running the 5K with her husband and sons. It will be her first-ever race.


“After I run I feel so good,” Suvedi said. “I feel like I have accomplished something big.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


East Kentwood student joins GR Symphony for free Sept. 21 concert

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, , ,
GRS Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in the free Sept. 21 concert at John Ball Park. (Supplied)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony


Music Director Marcelo Lehninger believes it’s the Grand Rapids Symphony’s job to serve its community.

Naturally, that means playing music people want to hear, but it also means taking the orchestra out into the community to play for people where they live.

Grand Rapids Symphony returns for the second season of its Neighborhood Concert Series with Symphony on the West Side, a FREE concert, at 6 p.m. on  Saturday, Sept. 21, in John Ball Park, 1300 W. Fulton St.

While the concert is free admission, tickets are required for the program that’ll be held in the park west of downtown Grand Rapids. 

Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in such popular favorites as Rimsky-Korsakov’s explosive Flight of the Bumblebee and Tchaikovsky’s lovely Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Ballet.

Cellist Zachary Earle, from East Kentwood High School, will be joining the Grand Rapids Symphony for the Sept. 21 free performance. (Supplied)

Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Concertmaster Christina Fong will be soloist in the Autumn Concerto from Vivaldi’s highly popular The Four Seasons. Cellist Zachary Earle, a 17-year-old student at East Kentwood High School, will be soloist with the beautiful Swan from Camille Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals.

The concert also includes Aaron Copland’s El Salón México, and Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture, an arrangement of musical themes from George Gershwin’s folk opera.

Come early for pre-concert entertainment from vocalist Kathy Lamar plus pre-concert activities for kids.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Symphony on the West Side. Free parking is available at John Ball Park. Guests can bring food and beverages including alcoholic beverages.

If the concert cannot be held due to inclement weather, Symphony on the West Side will be held the following day at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, in John Ball Park.

GR Associate Concertmaster Christina Fong will be a soloist in the Sept. 21 free performance. (Supplied)

It’s the second season of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Neighborhood Concert Series, a new initiative launched with help from the Wege Foundation.

“A symphony orchestra in the 21st century has become a service organization,” said Marcelo Lehninger. “We’re here not only to entertain our audience but also to serve our community.”

In 2018, the Wege Foundation awarded the Grand Rapids Symphony a $1 million grant to enhance initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion to engage a broader audience and share live orchestral music with everyone in its community.

Last year, the Grand Rapids Symphony held its first Symphony on the West Side in John Ball Park in July 2018 followed by La sinfonía navideña, a Spanish-flavored Christmas concert, in Wyoming in December at the Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center at Wyoming Junior High School.

In November, the Grand Rapids Symphony plans to present a second free concert, La sinfonía navideña at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave.

Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the orchestra in holiday favorites. Admission is free but tickets are required for entrance. Call the Grand Rapids Symphony for details.

Though concerts in DeVos Performance Hall remain central to the orchestra its audience, new programs in new places are important for the continued growth of the Grand Rapids Symphony.

“I have a passion and a mission to reach the hearts and souls of everyone in this community,” said Lehninger said. “Sometimes people feel they don’t belong. We’re trying to show them that, yes, they do belong. Hopefully, they’ll understand that’s it’s their orchestra too.”

Tickets



Admission is free for “Symphony on the West Side” but tickets are required for entrance.

Free tickets are available GRS ticket office, weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza). Call 616.454.9451 x 4 or go online to GRSymphony.org for more information.

Tickets also are available at John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St. Call (616) 336-4300 or go online to jbzoo.org.

Other locations for tickets include Rylee’s Ace Hardware at 1205 W. Fulton St., at Nawara Brothers Home Store at 1030 W. Fulton St., at Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave. NW, and at Dairy Queen at 956 W. Fulton St.

Tickets are available at all of the above locations during normal business hours.

Top 10 food ingredients to avoid

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,
A quick look at the ingredients will tell you which foods to avoid. If it sounds like a chemistry experiment, steer clear. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Kristi Veltkamp, Spectrum Health Beat


Eating healthy has become one of the most confusing and frustrating tasks of 21st century life.


Many products are no longer made of actual whole food ingredients. Instead they include chemicals, additives and preservatives, or they’re simply “food-like” products. In some cases whole foods have been processed into added ingredients.


How can we ever know what is best to buy at the store?


To get you started, here is a list of ingredients to avoid:

1. Sodium nitrates/nitrites

Sodium nitrates and nitrites are found in processed meats as a preservative. Processed meats include deli meats, sausages, bacon, hotdogs and the like. This preservative has been strongly linked to cancer. Look for “nitrate or preservative-free” meats, or better yet, fresh meats.

2. Hydrogenated oils, aka trans fat

Hydrogenated oils are vegetable oils that have been processed in such a way that the foods they’re in—and the oils themselves—are more shelf-stable. It’s good for food companies but not for your body. Trans fat increases cholesterol and your risk for heart disease and diabetes. It is found mostly in fried foods and bakery products.


Keep trans fat as low as possible and beware—labels can say “0 grams trans fat per serving” and still have up to half a gram of trans fat in the product. Look at the ingredients to be sure!

3. Sugar in all its forms

Sugar comes in many forms—high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, dextrose sucrose, rice syrup, cane juice crystals, maltodextrin, fruit juice concentrate and so on.


And I think we are all aware of the dangers of too much sugar—diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and the like. But it can get tricky with all the various names. Sugar is used as a preservative and, of course, a flavor enhancer. It can even trick your mind into wanting to eat more. It comes in many forms on ingredient labels and it’s almost impossible to eliminate.


Women should keep their intake of added sugar below 24 grams and men should keep it below 36 grams.

4. Artificial flavors and colors

These include any flavorings that say “artificial” or that list colors such as blue, lake, red, yellow 1, 2, 3 and caramel color. The research findings on artificial flavors and colors are mixed, but many people find they are sensitive to these ingredients with various side effects.


The fact is, they are artificial. This means they’re not made from food products that are meant to go in the body. They are also a good sign that the food product is highly processed and does not contain other healthy ingredients.

5. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners—sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, etc.—are many times sweeter than sugar, without the sugar. Research on artificial sweeteners has also been in high debate, with most unsafe effects coming from very high doses.


However, there is no way to draw a line on a safe amount and, again, they are artificial and not a natural food. This only raises questions about how the body can handle it.


Research has looked into links to cancer, migraines, weight gain, craving sweets, increased risk of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Artificial sweeteners may even alter the good bacteria in your gut. And that’s just to name a few of the possible side effects!

6. Oils: Corn, vegetable, soy bean

These oils contain more of the omega-6 fats than most other oils. While these oils are an essential part of our diet, too much can be problematic. Omega-6 fats lead to inflammation, and inflammation leads to a host of other illnesses, including heart disease.


Most Americans get too much oil, as it is such a common ingredient in packaged foods. These oils can also be damaged (oxidized) if not processed and stored correctly, which leads to more damage inside your body.

7. Enriched wheat

This flour has been processed to remove the bran and endosperm of the wheat grain, leaving you without essential nutrients such as fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E and minerals. Look for whole wheat as the first ingredient in any grain product.

8. Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a food additive extracted from seaweed. It is used to help thicken foods and is commonly found in low-fat dairy products and dairy alternatives to make them feel creamier. Research has linked it to gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, abdominal pain, etc.) and inflammation, which then leads to heart disease, cancers and diabetes with constant inflammation.

9. Potassium or sodium benzoate

Potassium and sodium benzoate are preservatives added to soft drinks and juices to inhibit the growth of mold, bacteria and yeast. This chemical is not very harmful in this form, but when paired with vitamin C, as well as light and heat, it can form benzene, a strong carcinogen. Therefore, take caution not to buy drinks with both vitamin C and benzoate. Better safe than sorry!

10. Bisphenol A, aka BPA

BPA is not necessarily a food ingredient, but is found in the epoxy resin lining aluminum cans, the lining of some glass jar lids, cash register receipts and some plastic bottles and containers.


The FDA has banned it in baby bottles and infant formula containers, but it’s still allowed in the others.


There is more and more research linking BPA to many reproductive disorders, such as infertility, cancer and abnormalities in child growth. Look for BPA-free cans and containers and avoid microwaving in plastic.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Fight the sneeze—safely

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
Seasonal allergies are nearly a year-long affair these days—from spring tree pollen to fall weeds. Learn how to battle back. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


They can travel 130 miles per hour, packing enough force to break blood vessels, and shooting as many as 100,000 germs up to 30 feet away.


No, these aren’t sledgehammers of slime; they’re the common, everyday, ordinary sneezes, brought on this time of year by some sinister seasonal allergies.


But while fall brings with it a powder keg of pollen and an all-star lineup of other allergy instigators, there are ways to fight back from a firestorm of seasonal sneezing.


“I had a patient yesterday that said, ‘I sneezed 300 times in a row,’” said allergist Karyn Gell, MD. “They get these sneezing fits, from everything in the air right now. But that’s the problem with allergies, it’s always more than one thing.”

Here are Dr. Gell’s 4 keys to fighting seasonal sneezing:

  1. Allergy avoidance. “Keep your windows in your car and your home closed,” Dr. Gell said. “However, you’re going to want to go outside, so if you’re doing a big job like mowing the grass, wear a mask and perhaps glasses or goggles.”
  2. Medication. “Wonderfully, they’ve all gone over the counter, so you don’t need to see a provider or get a prescription anymore,” she said. “There are several over the counter: Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Or generics are just fine, too. That’s the antihistamines. Decongestants, now those can help beautifully to decongest all that mucus and plugging. They are behind the counter for safety as side effects may occur. And then we have eye drops, like Zaditor. You don’t want the ones that say ‘Get the red out,’ it’s addictive, and you don’t want to use that for four to six weeks of allergy season. If you drop decongestants in the eye, or spray it in the nose, it’s addictive. That’s the caution on anything decongestant.”
  3. Irrigation. Dr. Gell says products like SinuNeb and others can help clean you out by flushing your sinuses.
  4. Prescriptions. “When your symptoms require medication you would like to avoid, or begin adding up to 30% of days a year, we can identify exactly what you’re allergic to, how to avoid it, and how to treat it,” Dr. Gell said. “Prescription therapy is associated with an 80% success rate for your allergies.”

One strategy Dr. Gell says won’t work is waiting for allergy season to end. That’s because there really is no end to allergy season.


“Each person’s immune system is so unique, and often with allergies there are multiple,” she said. “Early spring allergens come from mostly trees, but still to come: grasses. …When rain hits, you’ll have mold, which is present whenever there is no blanket of snow on the ground, and peaks summer through fall. Pretty soon, the weeds come! And all season we have dust mite and animal dander.


“That’s the nice thing about finding out what you’re allergic to, the more you learn, the more you can make good choices about what you do.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Keeping it clean: You wouldn’t believe what is in the river

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

[huge_it_slider id=”93″]

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

If anyone understands the need to eliminate plastic it would be Martha Vermeulen.

As one of the organizers of the Friends of the Buck Creek Annual Clean Up, which took place in August, Vermeulen and the team have pulled out lots of plastic along with styrofoam and tires out of the river. 

“We estimate we pull about a half ton of trash out of the creek every year,” Vermeulen said. 

Unfortunately, plastic, styrofoam, and tires are not the only items the volunteers have found. In the past there have been a dryer, partial dishwasher, drums of mysterious liquids, and tennis balls.

“Lots of balls seem to make it in the river,” Vermeulen said. “This year’s most unusual item was a volunteer thought there was a body in the water as it was floating face down. It turned out to be a doll.”

First started by Trout Unlimited, the clean up has been taking place about seven years. The group primarily focuses on the Buck Creek in the Grandville and Wyoming area, selecting about seven sites along the river with a mix of brand new and repeat locations.

And while every year it can seem frustrating on the amount of trash removed, the positive is the number of people who come out each year to help with the clean up.

“We had more than 100 people come out this year,” Vermeulen said. “The better benefit is having people come out and see what is in the river. What our throwaway society does to our watershed.


“Hopefully they begin to reuse things more. Maybe they say this is the year I get that water filter and refill a stainless water bottle.”

The Buck Creek, which is one of the few cold water creeks that runs through a municipality, empties into the Grand River, which the West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s 16th Annual Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event starts at the 6th Street Park in Grand Rapids. Refreshments before the event and a light lunch after with a beverage garden (must be 21 or old with ID) will be hosted by Founders Brewery and Cascade Blonde. 

Live Mannequin Night returns tonight (Sept. 13)

Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, ,

By West Michigan Tourist Association


Did that mannequin just blink? Downtown Holland’s windows will come alive tonight, Friday, Sept. 13 from 7–8:30pm when Live Mannequin Night returns for another year! Tonight, dozens of community members will pose perfectly still like mannequins in the windows of over 25 different Downtown businesses all depicting this year’s theme — movies. From classics film to popular flicks and Disney movies, there’s something for every movie fan at Live Mannequin Night.


Be sure to visit GDK Park during the Live Mannequin for fun giveaways from sponsor Greenridge Realty and Downtown Holland’s new movie theatre, Sperry’s Moviehouse. To make it easier to view the windows during this popular event, attendees should look for the directional signs in the
windows of the participating businesses and the signs on the street to ensure they are walking in the correct direction. Attendees are also encouraged to visit the businesses in the new development spanning River Avenue to Pine Avenue to check out the displays in their windows.

Live Mannequin Night participating businesses:

  • Alpenrose Restaurant
  • Apothecary Gift Shop
  • Blu Veranda
  • Bondi Salon
  • Cakabakery
  • Carolyn Stich Studio
  • Cherry Republic of Holland
  • City Deli
  • Decadent Dogs
  • Engedi Salon
  • Fustini’s of Holland
  • Gezellig Home and Garden
  • Glik’s Men’s Shop
  • Glik’s Boutique
  • Hawthorne Boutique
  • Home and Company
  • Karla’s Place
  • Kilwins of Holland
  • New Holland Pub on 8th
  • Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato
  • Reader’s World
  • Sperry’s Moviehouse
  • The Bridge
  • The Warm Friend
  • Tip Toes
  • Vander Lugt Capital Management
  • Waverly Stone Gastropub



Thriller! Chiller! & ASIFA Central to host visiting artist, Tom Sullivan of ‘Evil Dead’ film fame

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Tom Sullivan

By Shirley Clemens Griffin


Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival in partnership with ASIFA Central (The Association Internationale du Film d’Animation), Central Midwest Chapter announce that Tom Sullivan will be a visiting artist offering a lecture on Special FX history and the Evil Dead film series on Oct. 12 beginning at 6:30pm at the Wealthy Theatre.


A screening of director Sam Raimi’s Michigan-filmmaker-made cult horror comedy The Evil Dead will immediately follow the lecture. The screening is scheduled for 7:30pm. Tickets to both the lecture and film screening are $8 and will go on sale on Friday the 13th of September at the Wealthy Theatre box office or online at wealthytheatre.org.


Tickets on sale NOW for series makeup, props, and SFX artist Tom Sullivan (with Evil Dead film screening), Saturday, Oct. 12.


Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival All Access Passholders and Saturday Day Passholders will be able to attend the event at no additional charge.


Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival will return to screen the best in indie Action, Sci-fi, Suspense, and Horror movies this Oct. 8-12 at the Wealthy Theatre.  

About ASIFA.org

The Association International du Film d’Animation, Central Midwest Chapter was founded in France by a group of professional animators and chartered by UNESCO in 1960. ASIFA’s goal is to encourage the art of animation and further promote international understanding and goodwill through the medium of the animated film. There are about 4500 members and 30 chapters worldwide, including seven in the USA. ASIFA Central sprouted in Chicago, Illinois, in 1975 and has expanded to include many professional and independent animators in the Midwest.

About Thriller! Chiller!

The action, sci-fi, suspense and horror-themed film festival will screen five cult classic movies, as well as 63 international independent film selections over five days in October. Specific screening details on independent films are available at thrillerchiller.com

  • The Event: Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival — Independent & cult classic Action, Sci-fi, Suspense, and Horror movies
  • When: Oct. 8-12, 2019; Tuesday to Saturday
  • Where: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI. *Festival Hub and screening venue in its 400-seat main theatre, and 60-seat micro-cinema
  • Pricing: Entry is priced two ways for maximum access: All Access to the entire festival; or all access by the day in the form of a Day Pass. There will be no tickets to individual screenings available except for the Evil Dead screening and lecture sold separately at $8.

All-Access Festival Pass, $50


All screening, events, and private passholder only party + select online screening access. On sale now at www.wealthytheatre.org.

Day Passes:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 8: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9: Private party + screening for All Access Passholders only. Must purchase All Access to attend Wednesday events.
  • Thursday, Oct. 10: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Friday, Oct. 11: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: $20 for all-day access to all movies

Overview of Thriller! Chiller! Festival events

  • 63 Movies from 8 countries: (Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Republic of Korea, Sweden, U.S., UK)
  • Including 13 Features; 40 Short films; 10 Michigan Movies and 5 Cult Classics will screen at Thriller! Chiller! 2019.

Schedule by the day

Tuesday, Oct. 8 — Thriller! Chiller! Presents a zomcom Double Feature Night of the Living Dead + Shaun of the Dead as part of the Meanwhile Film Series 8 pm & 10pm. $12 general admission to both films. Or, Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass


Wednesday, Oct. 9 — All Access Passholders party + private screening


Thursday, Oct. 10 — Michigan Movie Night + Godzilla! Michigan Movies at 6pm. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, 8pm. There will also be Thriller! Chiller! indie movies in the Micro-cinema at 6pm and 8pm. $12 Day Pass. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies.


Friday, Oct. 11 — Friday-Night Freak-out + Bridezilla! The wildest, bloodiest, most offbeat movies screen on Thriller! Chiller! Friday nights for Thriller! Chiller! Friday Night Freak-out which starts at 6pm. Bride of Frankenstein, 8pm. Including a Best of Bride of Frankenstein cosplay & fashion show. There will also be Thriller! Chiller! indie movies in the Micro-cinema at 6pm and 8pm. $12 Day Pass. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies!


Saturday, Oct. 12 — The best of indie filmmaking in the genres of Action, Sci-fi, Suspense and Horror all day Saturday, Noon-10pm. The Evil Dead event begins at 6:30pm. Makeup, props and SFX artist for The Evil Dead series, Tom Sullivan, visiting lecturer. 7:30pm — The Evil Dead screening. 
$20 Day Pass for all-day Saturday. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies! Or, $8 to attend only the Evil Dead lecture and screening.




Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Local Food, Senior Living

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Never miss a party… good for the nerves — like celery. “

F. Scott Fitzgerald

¿But will there be a piñata?

La Fiesta Mexicana will run Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, at the Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave. NW. The three-day event is packed with music with two mariachi bands scheduled to perform on Saturday. Don’t miss it! Info here.

Food & music to ease
into the end of summer

A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks invites foodies and families to explore cuisine from nearly 30 vendors during the fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. The free-to-attend community event will run from 11am to 8pm in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. In addition to a cornucopia of food trucks, the event will also feature live music and a beer tent. More here.

Fountain Street Church’s
birthday bash is Sept. 15 —
and we’re all invited!

Cool old postcard

Fountain Street Church honors its past during its 150th anniversary year, a multi-event celebration reaching its peak Sunday, Sept. 15, with its Grand Celebration Street Party. The public is invited. Get the scoop here.

Fun fact:

A real party pooper

He’s not trying that hard.

The mantis shrimp attacks its prey by punching them really, really hard and really, really, really fast with fist-like appendages that can boil the water around them and split your finger to the bone. Not someone you’d invite to a party — especially on Friday the 13th.




Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich opens GR Symphony season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
Violinist Augustin Hadelich opens the Grand Rapids Symphony’s season this weekend. (Supplied)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

In its nearly 90 yearhistory, the Grand Rapids Symphony has welcomed such guest artists as violinist Itzhak Perlmanand Midori, cellists Yo-Yo Maand Janos Starker, and pianists Van Cliburn, Emanuel Ax and Leon Fleisherto its stages. Many have played here more than once. 

A few truly outstanding artists who’ve captured the hearts of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s fans and supporters and who have commanded the respect of its conductors and musicians have returned again and again. Possibly none have appeared more times with the Grand Rapids Symphony than Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich.

The German violinist makes his sixth appearance in Grand Rapids to open the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 90th Anniversary Season with Hadelich Plays Beethoven on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14.

Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, will lead the first concerts of the 2019-20 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical series at 8 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall. Spectrum Healthis the Concert Sponsor. Guest artist sponsor is theEdith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.

Lehninger leads the Grand Rapids Symphony in music including Samuel Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandaland Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor.

“It’s a very special season,” said Lehninger, who begins his fourth season as GRS Music Director. 

Augustin Hadelich, named Musical America’s 2019 Instrumentalist of the Year, will be soloist in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.

Tickets

Tickets for Hadelich Plays Beethovenstart at $18 adults and are available at the Grand Rapids Symphony box office, weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across the street from Calder Plaza). Call (616) 454-9451 x 4 to order by phone. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum). 

Tickets are available at the DeVos Place ticket office, weekdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. or on the day of the concert beginning two hours before the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.

Camping continues after Labor Day

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living,

By Gretchen A. Monette


Camping fun doesn’t need to end once the kids are back to school and the leaves begin to change. If anything, fall camping offers participants unique opportunities to appreciate a new perspective on camping.


“Even though we like to think RVing and camping is never out of season, RVing and camping after Labor Day gives families a different impression of the activity,” said Darren Ing, director of Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, (MARVAC).


In Michigan, the camping season usually goes until the end of October, with many campgrounds hosting special events for Halloween, or other fall-themed activities.


“We love when families make reservations after the typical camping season because it gives them the opportunity to enjoy our campground and stunning sunsets over Lake Huron when it is less crowded,” said Anthony Gallo, owner of Sunset Bay Marina and RV Park in Bay City, Michigan.


Fall camping has more benefits other than increased availability of sites, said Ing. Cooler temperatures mean better sleeping conditions, more active natural wildlife and fewer mosquitos and traffic. Area attractions and trails are also typically less crowded then the summer season.


There are also unique excursions and events that only happen in the fall including leaf-peeping color tours, harvest festivals, farmers markets and more. Check activities at www.michigan.org.


As if another reason to try fall camping is needed, many MARVAC campgrounds offer reduced rates in the waning months of the year. “While there may be more availability after Labor Day, it is still strongly suggested to call and make a reservation, as opposed to just showing up,” said Ing.

To find a MARVAC-member campground, visit www.marvac.org. Multiple campgrounds will also be at the 30th Annual Fall Detroit RV & Camping Show Oct. 2-6 at Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi.


Many will be taking reservations for the 2020 camping season. The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC’s website, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881.




Effective, consistent commands will improve behavior in young children

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

By Michelle Neff, Michigan State University Extension


Sometimes, parents can send their children mixed messages by the ineffective commands they give them and lack of consistency with routines and household rules. Parents will often shout out commands, such as:

  • Be quiet!
  • Stop bugging your sister/brother.
  • Quit shouting!
  • Stop running.

All of these commands are telling children what not to do. Perhaps parents should tell them what they want them to do instead. “Be quiet,” could be restated as, “Please use an inside voice,” and, “Stop bugging your sister,” could be restated as, “Go play in the other room.”


Often times when parents give ineffective commands children will cease the undesirable behavior for a short period of time and then go back to doing the same thing. Younger children may not understand that their parents want them to stop a behavior for good, unless they are told to. They may think their parents want them to be quiet at that given moment. Keep in mind how literal young children are.


On average, a parent gives one command or correction every minute. This often becomes a problem because parents will give commands and not follow through and be consistent. This can be very confusing for young children because there may be times when the parent really means what they are commanding and other times they may not care if the child complies. Hearing a lot of ineffective commands can be overwhelming for children, so they stop trying to comply.


Learning how to use effective commands and establishing clear limits, household rules and routines will make life a lot easier for everyone. Children will feel more confident about themselves and less apt to misbehave. Clear-cut expectations and routines make children feel safe and secure. Some children will do things that are “wrong” because they have never been told what is right or there has been a lack of consistency and they just don’t know. When parents do what they say they’re going to do, children will trust what their parents say is the truth.


For more articles related to child development and parenting, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.


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



Circle Theatre’s 2020 season will leave audiences laughing

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Ashlee Lambart
Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre’s 2020 Main Stage season will entertain audiences with a season of throwbacks, belly laughs, and iconic productions. The newly announced season will launch with Circle Theatre’s Season Kickoff Event, American Graffiti In Concert on April 19 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College. The one night only fundraising event will include a silent auction, costume contest, dance contest, and more.

2020 celebrates Circle’s 68th year of producing plays and musicals for West Michigan audiences. Upcoming 2020 Main Stage productions include:

Disaster! (musical): Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the unforgettable songs of the ’70s take center stage in Broadway’s side-splitting homage to classic disaster films. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they’ve lost… or at least escape the killer rats. Musical by Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick. This new Broadway show runs May 7-9, 13-16, and 20-23 at 7:30 p.m. and May 17 at 5 p.m.

Moon Over Buffalo (play): In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me a Tenor, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s, who are on tour in Buffalo with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee! Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. Play by author Ken Ludwig. Moon Over Buffalo runs June 4-6, 10- 13, and 17-20 at 7:30 p.m. and June 14 at 5 p.m.

Always… Patsy Cline (musical): Always…Patsy Cline, based on the true story of country superstar Patsy Cline’s friendship with Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death, is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer, it’s the journey of friendship and strength of two women through some of Cline’s most unforgettable hits. Musical created and originally directed by Ted Swindley. Always… Patsy Cline runs July 16-18, 22-25, and July 29-Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and July 26 at 5 p.m.

Noises Off (play): Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. Play by Michael Frayn. This hilarious play takes the Circle stage Aug. 13-15, 19-22, and 26-29 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 23 at 5 p.m.

HAIR (musical): This American tribal love-rock musical celebrates the ‘60s counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory while exploring the ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace. HAIR remains as relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world. Book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado. Music by Galt MacDermot. This toe-tapping musical runs Sept. 10-12, 16-19, and 23-26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 20 at 5:00pm.

2019 Magic Circle | Goldilocks and the Three Pigs (family play): Goldilocks and the three… PIGS?! The action in this playful romp finds Goldilocks and the three Chop brothers, with help from the Squeal sisters, hiding from the witch who’s chasing them. Toss into this hilarious fractured fairy tale the Big Bad Wolf, his French weasel friend Oui Oui, and two very different witches, then mix in a classic chase scene and a little bit of a moral and watch the mayhem that ensues! Play by Larry Damico. Catch Goldilocks and the Three Pigs on the Circle stage June 29 at 7 p.m., June 30 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and July 1 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m.. Magic Circle Party will be June 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Circle’s unique and diverse Summer Concert Series performances include Hits of the ‘80s: Vol. 2 (May 11, July 20, September 14), Hello Sunshine: Songs of Summer (June 15, August 24), ABC: Boy Band Evolution (June 8, August 17), and Freebird: Classic Rock of the ‘70s(May 18, July 27, September 21). All performances will be held at Circle Theatre, located at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College, on select Monday evenings throughout the summer.

Season Flex Passes and Concert Bundles for the 2020 season give patrons the best value for purchasing multiple tickets while also allowing for flexibility when plans change. Flex Passes and Concert Bundles are now available for purchase! For more season details, ticket packages, and audition information please call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle’s website at circletheatre.org.

Got weeds? Remove them before they set seed.

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Food, How-To's,
Common mullein in its second year of growth. This seed head will disperse around 200,000 seeds. Photo by Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension.

By Rebecca Krans, Michigan State University Extension


Many gardeners are calling the Michigan State University Extension Lawn and Garden Hotline and uploading photos to our Ask an Expert resource wanting to know if what they’re trying to identify is a weed. A weed is a subjective human classification usually indicating a plant out of place, but identifying a plant you see as a problem is a great first step in finding the right solution for your yard or garden.


For help in identifying weeds, check out the MSU Weed Diagnostic resource for proper weed identification and management tactics, contact the Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 or upload your photos at Ask an Expert. Once you have properly identified what plant it is, then you can more efficiently decide on the best plan of attack. Read on to discover ways to outsmart these unwanted plants.

When do weeds flower?

It is always encouraging to hear a gardener’s “ah ha” moment when realizing weeds have specific life cycles, i.e., they mature or set seed at different times throughout the year. Some are summer annuals, winter annuals, biennials or perennials—review the “Spring blooming lawn and garden weeds” article from MSU Extension to understand this better. Determining a weed’s life cycle will help you manage them better and possibly prevent future occurrences. For example, if you can eliminate the weed prior to seed production or before seed dispersal, then you have made a great effort toward elimination.


Throughout the growing season, take notice of unwanted plants in your garden or yard and remove them immediately. After all, an amazing adaptation of weeds is that they produce many seeds. For example, one common mullein plant can produce at least 200,000 seeds, and one purslane plant can produce two million seeds! No wonder it may seem like you can never get rid of them. Many seeds can live for years within the soil in what is called the seed bank, so it is not only the current year but also past year’s practice that plays a role in how many weed seeds are present. For more reading, MSU research explains “Weed Seedbank Dynamics.”

Weeds have multiple survival tactics

Once you have properly identified the weed, search out its different survival tactics. For example, not only will weeds produce many seeds, but they will also have different ways in which the seed may be carried or transported away from the original mother plant, resulting in less competition among seedlings, thus better survival rates.


Reproduction may also occur vegetatively for some, which means if you leave a portion of a root or rhizome or stolon (i.e., below and aboveground creeping stems, respectively) in contact with the ground, this part will continue to live and regrow. Dandelion, Canada thistle and creeping bentgrass, respectively, are examples with these survival tactics.


Do not dispose these vegetative parts in your compost pile, as they can resprout and be reintroduced back into your garden. Also, try to avoid placing any weed seeds back into your compost. Unless you are actively managing your pile at temperatures of greater than 140 degrees, they may survive and be reintroduced back into your garden.

Weeds have useful properties, too

Weeds can be frustrating, but by better understanding their specific life cycles and adaptations, you are better armed to defend your garden and landscape against them. Be mindful that many of what we term “weeds” were actually brought here because they had useful properties that served human civilization over time, such as food sources, nutrients and medicinal properties.


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




Bed & Breakfasts to visit in Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


Experience the warm West Michigan hospitality of a Bed & Breakfast on your next getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, romantic getaway, a quaint historical charmer, or a luxurious weekend away, West Michigan has a Bed & Breakfast for you.

Bed & Breakfasts in South West Michigan

Courtesy Yelton Manor Bed & Breakfast

In Marshall, the National House Inn, built over 170 years ago, is the oldest operating inn in Michigan. It originally welcomed stagecoach travelers and offers the same gracious hospitality with luxuries and conveniences of today. 


Saugatuck is home to some of the most charming B&Bs around, including Wickwood Inn. This is where best-selling James Beard Hall of Fame cookbook author and co-founder of The Silver Palate and owner of Wickwood for two decades, Julee Rosso, first began to source the freshest local farmer’s market ingredients. Other B&B options in Saugatuck include Bayside Inn, Maplewood Hotel, Marywood Manor B&B and Cottages, Serendipity Bed and Breakfast, Sherwood Forest B&B, and Twin Oaks Inn.


Luxurious and lakeside, Yelton Manor Boutique Hotel B&B is the closest B&B in South Haven to the beach. It’s walkable to everything, blissfully tucked away from the noisy harbor, festivals, and nightspots.


Greater Lansing is home to a number of wonderful Bed & Breakfasts. In trendy Old Town Lansing find the Cozy Koi Bed & Breakfast, while in downtown East Lansing, the charming Wild Goose Inn sits just a block away from Michigan State University campus. For a retreat in style, choose The English Inn for quaint-yet-modern cottages and deliciously elegant rooms in the manor house. For something a bit different, head out to Williamston and commune with some llamas and alpacas at the Willowicke Inn or head to Dimondale to stay in The Legend Inn. The area’s newest B&B is found in the northern neighboring community of St. Johns. The Nordic Pineapple is a charming inn with five rooms with all the amenities, right in the heart of St. Johns. 

More South Region Bed & Breakfasts:

Central West Michigan

Courtesy The Gerber Guest House

Visit the Muskegon area and stay at one of the numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the area such as White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall. Come to White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast for the hospitality, stay for the incredible location. This charming inn is within walking distance of stores and restaurants, across the street from a historic performing arts center, one block away from the bike trail, just up the hill from White Lake, and a short drive to the fantastic sunsets at Lake Michigan. 


The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, situated along Ludington Avenue in Ludington, is just five blocks from shopping, antiquing, restaurants, breweries, ice cream, and entertainment. Each of the five rooms and suites offer private baths and a comfortable night’s sleep. Enjoy Michigan’s spring and summer seasons and wander outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. You’ll also find many other charming bed & breakfasts and other accommodations in Ludington for your next stay.  


Mecosta County has a plethora of bed & breakfasts (and more) for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in cabins, cottages, or bed & breakfasts, Mecosta County has a place for you to rest your head.


Feel at home on vacation on one of Isabella County’s bed and breakfasts: Enjoy convenient access to Downtown Mt. Pleasant, home to museums, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a country-side cottage. Whichever you prefer, the unique area bed & breakfast accommodations have what you seek. Learn more about Isabella County’s unique bed & breakfast options at the Mt. Pleastant Convention & Visitors Bureau.

More Central Region Bed & Breakfasts:

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula

Enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Leelanau Peninsula. Visit the Inn at Black Star Farms for a weekend of luxury, featuring a farm-fresh breakfast each morning of your stay. What are you waiting for? Book your next up north getaway! 

More North Region and Upper Peninsula Bed & Breakfasts: 

Courtesy Chateau Chantal

Find more unique lodging options in the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide.