Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

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.

Dim the lights to help your child fall asleep

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Reading bedtime stories in a brightly lit room can make it difficult for a child to fall asleep. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Exposure to bright light in the hour before bedtime can make it difficult for kids to fall asleep, family health experts warn.


As day changes to night, the body increases production of a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. But exposure to artificial light from light bulbs or electronic devices can disrupt melatonin production, according to a news release from the Family Institute at Northwestern University in Chicago.


Recent research into the effects of light on preschool-age children found that youngsters are particularly sensitive to light exposure in the hour prior to bedtime.


“According to some researchers, evening light exposure, with its melatonin-suppressing effect, may increase the likelihood of sleep disturbances in preschool-age children,” the institute explained.


Reading bedtime stories in a brightly lit room can make it difficult for a child to fall asleep, the organization pointed out. And kids who walk into a brightly lit area to get a drink of water or tell their parents they heard a strange noise may also have trouble getting back to sleep.


Parents can help induce sleep by dimming lights in the child’s room and any areas they might walk into if they wake up, the institute suggested.


In addition, mobile electronic devices are a significant source of light exposure. As many as 90 percent of preschool-age youngsters use such devices, often during the hour before bedtime.


Research shows that melatonin remains suppressed for nearly an hour after the lights go off. The investigators suggested making the hour before their child’s bedtime a device-free period, or having the brightness on their handheld electronics set to the lowest level.


The study, by Lameese Akacem and colleagues at the University of Colorado, Boulder, was published online recently in Physiological Reports.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Mexican Festival marks 50 years with celebration this weekend

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, , ,

[huge_it_slider id=”91″]



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org



In 1969, a group of woman, all with Mexican roots, came together with the vision to share their culture and heritage with the Grand Rapids community. 

That event — called a Kermés, a combination of food and artisan market with a collection of performances from local artists — has evolved into the La Fiesta Mexicana which will run Friday – Sunday, Sept. 13 — 15, at the Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave. NW.

The very first Fiesta Mexicana featured a parade with horses. (Supplied)

“The first Fiesta Mexicana was organized to be an intimate gathering for people from the local church,” said Mexican Heritage Association President Gabriela De La Vega. “The result was a much larger festivity including horses and a parade through the city.”

De La Vega said she was fortunate to work along side many of the people who were part of that original planning committee.

“Because of them, I continue to be ruled by the same spirit that powered the creation of ‘La Fiesta Mexicana,” she said.

The three-day event is packed with music with two mariachi bands scheduled to perform on Saturday. Mariachi Orr y Plata, which is set to perform 2-4 p.m. and 10 p.m. – midnight on Saturday, and the Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de Mexico is scheduled to perform from 6 – 7 p.m. Saturday. There are several other performances by a variety of bands such as Latinos Klan, Súper Nova, and Banda El Bajio.


There also will be the annual La Fiesta Mexican queen contest, traditional clothes contest, and a Carreolas alegóricas (strollers with Mexican motives). There also will be clowns and a street supermarket (Piñatas).

And of course, what would a 50th anniversary party be without cake, which De La Vega promised a “huge one.”

A tradition at the festival is the crowing of the queen. (Supplied)

“It is within our nature as a community to overcome any situation because we are a group of hard-working people with many different dream and a passion to share our culture and traditions with our community,” De La Vega said. “This is why it’s so important now more than ever to share the great news that we continue to overcome, to be resilient, proud, and grateful about this beautiful city of Grand Rapids. 

“I thank our community for letting us celebrate 50 years of tradition, culture, history, perseverance and success.”

For more about La Fiesta Mexican visit the Mexican Heritage Association’s Facebook page. Also participating in this event is the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Kent District Library, and the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities Inc., which includes the Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center.

Cat of the week: Podrick

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, ,
Sir Podrick awaits his next abode

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 July 1st, 2019, south-side stray savior, Sandi D. came across this friendly fella hanging around one of her feral colonies on Putnam SW. She didn’t have room to take him in but couldn’t let her chance slip away, so she plopped him in to a travel carrier and took him back to her crowded but cozy home. He proceeded to vomit all morning, so she brought him to see Dr. Jen’s colleague for an anti-nausea injection and oral meds for very soft, stinky stool.


A few days later she took him in to C-SNIP for his neutering, where they discovered an old tail injury that caused his appendage to have a permanent bump distally, close to the tip. When Dr. Jen finally saw him on the 8th for his official work-up, he tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus); no big surprise, considering he was intact for the first 3 years of his life (born in the summer of 2016).


Other than minor stud tail and moderate gingivitis, he appeared quite healthy overall, but over the course of the next several weeks at our sanctuary, he developed a painful, bilateral case of conjunctivitis that wasn’t responding to a slew of different topical medications. After examining him again a month after his arrival, it was clear he needed steroids systemically in hopes of counteracting the inflammation that was causing him significant pain. More than likely it is viral in nature, too; it’s not caused by FIV but feline herpes, which is ubiquitous in stray cat populations, most often stemming from infection during kittenhood.


Moving forward, he may need some sort of long-term medication—either topically, orally or by injection—to manage this condition, but he takes his meds like a champ, so there shouldn’t be an issue on the receiving end.


A few weeks into his stay with us at Big Sid’s, our cat care manager noted the following:


“Podrick has really settled well despite his eye problems, intermittent fevers and just feeling terrible. He’s learning that human affection isn’t so bad after all, after being quite tense both at the clinic and upon arrival. He lets out the occasional grumble or hiss when being picked up but will come looking for human attention on his own. He prefers to be tucked away, sleeping in a cubby to being out in the open, but I blame that on just not feeling well lately. He’s an adorable guy, who I feel in time will become playful and start hanging out with the other cats. He would do best in a home with older kids that can provide him with lots of attention and playtime, while also being respectful to his space. I certainly wouldn’t call him aggressive but he does have his reservations on being held. Dogs are a possibility as he’s not real timid.”


As we expected, his (and our) primary concern was to get him feeling better, and as he did so, he became more comfortable in his surroundings—maybe TOO comfy.


Since Pod isn’t a biter, there is minimal risk of transmitting FIV to another kitty, unless tempers flare and fighting ensues. He is so handsome, especially now that he can see all that is going on around him clearly AND understands that indoor life has benefits he wasn’t previously aware of. His life has been rough thus far, and now that he has turned a corner and is fitting in beautifully, we are going to do our darndest to find him the type of home he may have only dreamed was possible.

More about Podrick:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Tabby (Tiger Striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Large
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Good in a home with other cats

Want to adopt Podrick? 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.




Remember Woodland Mall’s ‘Bacon and Eggs’? Want to buy it for charity?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Recreation, Woodland Mall,
Kids playing on the bacon and eggs play area once at Woodland Mall. (Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall is giving the community a chance to bring home the bacon – and eggs, two central pieces of its iconic play area that were retired earlier this year.

As part of its $90 million redevelopment, Woodland Mall unveiled a new friendly monster-themed play area last month. The destination shopping center retired its whimsical breakfast-themed play area in the spring to make way for new development.

The mall has donated the rest of the play area fixtures and is now inviting the community to bid on the two remaining pieces. The online bidding ends on Sunday, Sept. 15 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

“For more than 20 years, the bacon and eggs play area held a special place in the heart of many Grand Rapids families,” said Cecily McCabe, marketing director. “Woodland Mall hopes to see these fun play features find a new home where children will continue to enjoy them for decades to come.”

Those interested can bid on the pieces here — the bacon is 5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide and the sunny-side up eggs are 10 feet long and 5 feet wide.

Woodland Mall will donate all proceeds from the sale to Kids’ Food Basket. Kids’ Food Basket provides a community solution to childhood hunger serving more than 8,200 kids each weekday in West Michigan. The program works to break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger community.

 

The original play area featured over-sized breakfast food including a waffle, sausage links, banana and cereal bowl which were donated to Berkley Hills Community Church of Grand Rapids.

 
 
“We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Woodland Mall for this act of generosity,” said Berkley Hills Church Pastor Kyle Brown. “We are excited to see how we will use this play equipment to bless the Grand Rapids community.”


 
The pieces are currently in storage while a special space is dedicated for their use within the church.


  
“While we will miss our beloved bacon and eggs, we’re delighted to support an organization like Kids’ Food Basket that helps provide good nutrition to keep kids healthy.” McCabe said. “Woodland Mall is a family-friendly destination, so we are thrilled knowing our food themed play elements will help hungry children in West Michigan.”


Bidding ends on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. and the highest bidder will receive more information regarding pick-up time and location.


 
Help Woodland Mall #BringHomeTheBacon to another family-friendly location.

Fridah Kanini: Community leader and entrepreneur

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By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong


Fridah Kanini talks about the journey that led her to Michigan from her native Kenya: hardships, tenacity, and the drive to create community. An entrepreneur at heart, she talks about founding the first-ever African Festival coming to Grand Rapids on Aug. 10.




Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

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

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Mark Twain

A kaleidoscope of cultures

Immigrants in 1892

For many of our immigrant ancestors, the process of coming to this country was relatively simple. It is much more complicated today. Understanding your own family history and immigration story can help put the current discussion about immigration in context. Go here for more info.

A timely topic, discussed

From right to left: Emily Bridson, Skot Welch, Patti Caudill, and Ken Norris. (WKTV)

The latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts focuses on the anti-discrimination public policies — a timely topic as the City of Grand Rapids City Commission just this last passed a Human Rights Ordnance which will be the basis of the formation of future public policies. Go here.

Make one wish — or a hundred

Magic is everywhere!

Egads! It’s that time of year again — when insects seek a nice, cozy place to spend the winter. Meet your new neighbors here.

Fun fact:

Something in common

See? They even walk like us.

The beaks of octopuses and squids (yes, they have beaks) are made of keratin, the same material that a bird’s beak — and our fingernails — are made of. Say hello to your newfound relatives.

Collecting school supplies does not end when the school bell rings

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wtkv.org


School may be in session but for Denise Kooiker, aka School Supply Santa, collecting school supplies does not stop just because the bell has rung.

“Once school starts, people can bring supplies right to Byron Ministries for the following year,” Kooiker said. “Our main part we tried to do before school starts, but we receive items throughout the year.”

School Supply Santa’s main push for collections takes place in July and August when donation boxes are put out at many area business. Staff from 36 area schools are invited to an event in August where they can pick out items for students in their school.


Almost 1,100 backpacks were handed out along with about 46,000 school supplies at the 2019 event. Schools serviced by the program include Byron Center, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, Kentwood and Wyoming. 

It was 12 years ago when Kooiker, a hair stylist, had a client tell her about the needs for her students. 

“I was naive,” Kooiker said. “What do you mean kids don’t have school supplies?”

She started School Supply Santa by filling her car and now has a storage facility along with the space at Byron Ministries for donations. 

So as area residents hit the stores for sales throughout the year, keep in mind of the needs of area students, Kooiker said. Items most needed are dry erase markers as many schools do not use chalkboards but dry erase boards. 

“Backpacks are always a big thing,” Kooiker said. “It is such a confidence booster. It is hard to come to school without one or one that is old and frayed.”

For a complete list of school supplies, visit the School Supply Santa website, schoolsupplysanta.com

Clip calories with tiny tweaks

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, , ,
One example: Two caps of the ever-versatile portobello mushroom can serve as an alternative to high-carb bread buns. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


You can often lose weight by making small yet strategic calorie cuts at every meal, rather than eliminating entire meals or cutting portions so severely that you never feel satisfied.


You probably already know that a cup of blueberries with a dollop of creamy yogurt has a fraction of the calories of a slice of blueberry pie.


But there are many other ways you can trim the calories in favorite meals without diminishing their satisfying taste.

Here are 5 ideas that each shave off about 200 calories:

Eggs

If your idea of a big breakfast is a fatty sausage, egg and cheese sandwich, have a veggie-filled omelet instead. Make it with one whole egg and two extra whites for more protein and “overload” it with tomatoes, peppers and onions.

Romaine

Ditch the bread and high-calorie sandwich condiments at lunch by wrapping up lean protein, such as slices of roasted chicken, in large leaves of romaine lettuce with a touch of balsamic vinegar or hot sauce.

Cauliflower

To get the toothy appeal of steak, make your main course grilled portabello mushrooms and serve them with a side of mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. With some no-salt seasoning, you won’t taste any difference.

Squash

There’s no need to give up your favorite red sauce if you use it to top spaghetti squash (or zucchini ribbons) rather than spaghetti, plus you can eat twice as much. Want healthier meatballs? Try making them with a blend of ground turkey and a whole grain like kasha or farro.

Salsa

Love Mexican food? You can still enjoy the taste—and get the fiber and protein goodness of beans—by simply skipping the tortilla or taco shell. And you don’t need sour cream if you have a dab of guacamole. Just go easy on the cheese and rice but double up on low-cal zesty salsa.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Pieces examining the issues of the day featured in Fall Arts Celebration art exhibition

Citizen Journalism, , ,

The art event for the 2019 Fall Arts Celebration is showcasing contemporary pieces, many of which originate from Grand Valley’s carefully developed collection of art in that genre.

“Art of Today: Contemporary Collections from Chicago” features more than 40 pieces, from paintings to photographs to sculptures, that offer compelling imagery examining the issues of the day.

A public reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Art Gallery in the Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Allendale Campus. The exhibition runs through November 1. 

All Fall Arts events are free and open to the public as a way to thank the community for its support of the university.

The exhibition also pays tribute to the important role that Chicago plays in the contemporary art world and Grand Valley’s alliance with the city’s art experts. Grand Valley art experts for the past 15 years have assembled a contemporary art collection by working closely with Chicago-based artists, gallery owners and collectors. This exhibition draws from Grand Valley’s collection and is augmented by loans from Chicago.

“Contemporary art takes courage and challenges us,” said Nathan Kemler, interim director of Grand Valley’s Galleries and Collections. “This exhibition provides perspectives on today’s society and allows our community to explore complex global themes that widen our awareness and build empathy about the human condition.”

Visitors can expect to see both bold and minimalistic work that explore and examine contemporary issues.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts.

Understanding culture and family history: Immigration

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Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Darren Bagley, Michigan State University Extension


When researching family history, many genealogists considering tracing their family back to when they came from another country to be a milestone. Do you know how your family came to the United States? Are parts of your family Native American and have been here an extremely long time?


Understanding your own family history and immigration story can help put the current discussion about immigration in context. This can be an opportunity to learn about history and discuss current policies and those of the past. How is the experience of your ancestors the same or different than immigration today? When you are discussing this subject, try to ignore the memes and potentially out-of-context snippets, and examine the issue at a deeper.


Why do you think your family came to the United States? Was it economic opportunity? Religious freedom? Were they leaving because of a war? If you have family stories discussing this, it can be a great part of your family history. If not, looking for clues in world history might be helpful. For example, over 1.5 million Irish people came to the United States during the Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine. Another example is of Finnish people coming to Michigan in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There was a combination of economic opportunity to work in the mines of the Upper Peninsula, and Sweden and Russia warring over what is now Finland.


How did the arrival of your ancestors to what is now the United States happen? Did they just “walk off the boat” or did they have to go through a screening process?


The U.S. had open borders for nearly 100 years of its history until the Page Act of 1875, which excluded Chinese women from entering the U.S.. This was followed by laws banning Chinese men and other Asians. If your ancestors came to the U.S. before 1875, there were very little screening processes. How do you think open borders might have affected the safety of the country? Why do you think Congress waited so long to end open borders?


The Immigration Act of 1882 was the first comprehensive immigration law. It was designed to keep people out of the country who might be dangerous or would be unable to support themselves financially. How this was done was left up to the state or city where the immigration occurred. What do you think of this? Should local control determine who should enter the United States, or is this a national issue?


The Immigration Act of 1891 put the federal government in charge of processing immigrants. The most famous place where this happened was Ellis Island, which opened in 1892. The average processing time through Ellis Island was just a few hours. At first, no papers were required, and folks were checked for diseases and asked some questions. What do you think is an appropriate inspection for someone entering the U.S.? What questions would you ask someone? What background checks should be required? In 1917, literacy tests were added. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?


From 1921 to 1965, the United States had a series of different systems that restricted how many could enter the U.S. based on their country of origin. Why might that be a good or bad idea?


In 1965, the system changed to favor immigration to relatives of current U.S. citizens, those with particular job skills and refugees seeking asylum from dangerous conditions in their own country.


Family-based immigration currently takes place between a few months to many years. Employment-based immigration can take one to four years. Refugees have an average wait time of over 700 days. What do you think is an appropriate wait time? How might this wait time affect both legal and illegal immigration?


For many of our immigrant ancestors, the process of coming to this country was relatively simple. It is much more complicated today. How do you think the change over time has affected our country? If you were recreating the system from scratch, what would you do?


Hopefully these questions get you reflecting on your own family history and how it relates to the immigration issues of today.


This article was inspired by and adapted from the 4-H Folkpatterns curriculum:

Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program help to prepare youth as positive and engaged leaders and global citizens by providing educational experiences and resources for youth interested in developing knowledge and skills in these areas.


To learn about the positive impact of Michigan 4-H youth leadership, citizenship and service and global and cultural education programs, read our Impact Report: “Developing Civically Engaged Leaders.” Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H have positively impacted individuals and communities can be downloaded from the MSU 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).


For Fountain Streeters, church means more than simply Sunday morning sermons

Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
Fountain Street Church, with public art across the street. (William Thompson)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Fountain Street Church community has been honoring its past and looking to its future during its 150th anniversary year, and its collective memory is deep with history and tradition.

But if you ask individual members — those who attend Sunday for its more traditional Sanctuary Service in the awesome and history sanctuary, or its it very non-traditional Chapel Service in its humble but equally historic chapel, or those who are at Fountain Street for the multitude of activities and groups throughout the rest of the week — it is the individual memories that often stand out.

WKTV asked three Fountain Streeters what their most cherished memories were, and the answers ranged from a special prom for youth who do not fit into the “straight” prom scene, to a woman’s group focused on community outreach, to the smiles on the faces of children reenacting the Christmas Story.

If that does not tell the story of the spectrum of people at Fountain Street, nothing will.

Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The thing I remember, that means the most to me, is when we instituted the Family Christmas Pageant, on Christmas Eve,” said Todd Johnson, co-chair of the church’s 150th Celebration committee. “We’d been holding an 8 o’clock and and 11 o’clock service, but for many of us with children that was too late for them. They’d fall asleep. So we started a 5 o’clock service and it was just great.

“For the kids, we basically reenact the Christmas story. We have Mary and Joseph, and someone reads the story, and the innkeeper and the kings and the angels and the shepherds. The kids would participate in this wonderful service. It would culminate with each kid taking a little candle, a 4-inch candle, they’d light it and they’d put it in the front of the chancel.

“It was just beautiful,” he said, fighting back tears of beautiful memories. “They’d turn the lights out and we’d all sing ‘Silent Night’. It is just a beautiful service.”

Memories, and lifelong friends, are also made outside the church.

One of the many community outreach activities of the church, which has members and attendees all across West Michigan, are having Districts, geographical divisions with district leaders who work with fellow Fountain Streeters on activities, gatherings and projects — and, sometimes, personal needs.

Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I’ve been a District leader for like 14, 15 years,” said Judy Botts, a coordinator of the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party. “It started off being a group of 14 or 15 of us, and over the years we are down to about five people. But we come together once a month and our purpose is to help people within our geographic district that we’ve been assigned to, in terms of any care services they have, to involve people in social action kinds of things, and just plan fun things within our districts so that people can get to know each other better, to make stronger connections.

“That is what makes the church, the connections that you have,” she said. “There is long term friendships that have been established here. … That is part of what a church is about.”

Minister’s has many special memories, but …

Even the senior minister of Fountain Street, W. Frederick Wooden, a man whose efforts and accomplishments are too long to list, will — if pressed — pick one memory that stands out.

“There are too many wonderful moments. That is what keeps a clergy person going,” Wooden said. “It is the moments of real meaning and power, and they do come.

“But the one I’ll pick, because it is different from the others, is the Fountain Club meetings of our high school (age) youth. Seven years ago, maybe upwards of 10, we had the idea that there were kids their age in high schools around the area that could not go to their prom because they did not identify as ‘straight’. And if they went as themselves, they would be ridiculed, bullied or harassed.

Fountain Street Church front with Gay Pride flag. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“And they (the club), they came up with the idea that we should host a prom for all those who did not feel welcomed at their prom. … Every year since, we have had a dance for LGBTQ kids — and their friends, it is not just for LGBTQ kids but everybody else. … They come in all shapes and sizes and colors … and they are just having the best of time in the world.

“There is nothing that makes you feel more hopeful about the future,” he said. “If this is what America is going to look like, I am all for it.”

Why are all these bugs appearing on the side or inside of my home?

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By David Lowenstein and Nathaniel Walton, Michigan State University Extension


As the shadows lengthen and days get shorter, we start to see some six-legged friends sneaking around our windows, eaves and soffits. This is a good time for a reminder about just who some of these insects are and how you can tell them apart. The fall invaders are all just following their natural inclination to seek an out-of-the-way resting place to spend the winter. Unfortunately for all parties involved, what happens next is anything but natural. The exterior side walls of our structures provide a very attractive array of nooks and crannies for these critters to sneak into. The problem is that these nooks and crannies often lead into the interiors of our human dwellings.

Who are the insects on the side of my home?

Three of these fall invading species in Michigan are all closely related insects in the order Hemiptera (true bugs). They are the boxelder bug, brown marmorated stink bug and western conifer seed bug (Table 1). It is possible to find all three on the outside of structures in late summer or fall.


Of these three insects, brown marmorated stink bug is the newest arrival to Michigan and the only one that is a garden or agricultural pest, according to Michigan State University Extension. Often confused for a stink bug, western conifer seed bug is less common than brown marmorated stink bug and typically remains unnoticed until fall. Boxelder bug is a native Michigan insect that can be quite abundant in some parts of Michigan in certain years. Boxelder bugs are not garden pests, but they can be a nuisance in homes simply due to the sheer number of them that can accumulate on windowsills and in attics during winter.


In case you are unsure whether the insects in your home are brown marmorated stink bugs, Photo 1 and Table 1 will help tell them apart. The shape of their hind legs, overall body shape and color can be used to differentiate these three fall invaders. Additional information on managing brown marmorated stink bug can be found on the Stop BMSB website.


Like many of the other insects in the order Hemiptera (true bugs), these bugs have a piercing sucking mouthpart and are capable of using it in self-defense. In other words, handle them with caution. None of these insects transmit any disease or sting. They also will not reproduce in the winter. Their presence is restricted to being a nuisance. In severe cases, high numbers of these bugs may stain furniture through external secretions.

Asian lady beetle
Photo 2. A multicolored Asian lady beetle (Coleoptera). Another common invader of structures in Michigan. Photo by Nate Walton, MSU Extension.

A fourth fall invading insect worth mentioning is the multi-colored Asian lady beetle (Photo 2). These beetles spend their summers eating aphids and other pest insects in our crop fields. In the fall, they can form large aggregations on the sides of structures as they look for a place to spend the winter. 


Unlike the three insects mentioned previously, multi-colored Asian lady beetles are beetles (Coleoptera), not true bugs. Asian lady beetles can bite but cannot spread disease. They also emit defensive secretions that have a slight odor, can stain fabrics and in rare cases have been known to cause allergic reactions.

What causes these insects to aggregate?

The summer months are a time when insects are active in gardens, trees or shrubs. As daylight lessens, insects undergo a physiological change known as diapause. This is characterized by an extended time of inactivity during which they do not reproduce and eat little or nothing. In their natural habitat, these insects spend winter beneath bark.


Stink bugs begin to aggregate on the sides of buildings and structures when there is less than 12.5 hours of daylight, approximately the second or third week of September in Michigan. South and west facing walls are most susceptible to large populations. They particularly move towards garages, sheds and sidings with small spaces or gaps that are protected from the weather. For several weeks in the fall, stink bugs and other aggregating insects may attempt to enter homes in search of a winter environment protected from moisture and cooler air temperatures.

How can I keep them out of my home?

During fall, search for spots on the outside of the house with gaps that are wide enough for insects to enter. These areas can be covered with wire mesh, screens or caulk. Window air conditioning units should be checked for gaps and covered. When there are hundreds of swarming insects on the outside of a home, leave the windows closed or check for gaps in the screen. A strong force of water can knock insects off exterior walls.


On homes with severe outbreaks, a pyrethroid insecticide can be applied to the foundation or siding. This will only kill insects that contact the insecticide and is not an effective long-term strategy. Since these fall-invading insects can fly up to several miles, it is likely more will return on the next warm day. When smaller numbers are present inside or outside, the insects can be knocked into a bucket of soapy water, vacuumed up or just left alone.

What can I do once they get inside?

Indoor trap for stink bugs
Photo 3. Indoor stink bug and boxelder bug collection trap. Photo by David Lowenstein, MSU Extension.

The best way to control indoor nuisance pests is through removal or exclusion. Inside homes, stink bugs are attracted to light and may fly towards light fixtures, resulting in an annoying buzz. A homemade light trap with light shined into a foil pan containing unscented dish soap and water can provide relief at killing stink bugs already inside the home (Photo 3). It is not recommended to apply insecticides to overwintering insects that are already inside your home. The chemicals will only kill insects that make direct contact and will not prevent additional insects from finding their way inside.


When hundreds of stink bugs are found in the home or shed, they can be vacuumed with a shop-vac. On warmer winter days, a stray stink bug or two may emerge from diapause and walk or fly around the house. By this time, all overwintered insects are already inside a home, and hand-picking is the easiest way to eliminate them.                                 


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).




Deadly duo: Work stress, no sleep

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Being trapped in a pressured work situation where you lack power to make change is harmful to your health. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay


Job stress, high blood pressure and poor sleep may be a recipe for an early death, German researchers report.


In a study of nearly 2,000 workers with high blood pressure who were followed for almost 18 years, those who reported having both a stressful job and poor sleep were three times more likely to die from heart disease than those who slept well and didn’t have a trying job, the investigators found.


“As many as 50% of adults have high blood pressure,” said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.


It’s a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and premature cardiovascular death, said Fonarow, who had no role in the new study.


“A number of studies have found associations between greater work stress and subsequent risk of cardiovascular events. Impairment in sleep has also been associated with increased risk,” he said. However, these associations did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.


In the new study, the researchers reported that among people with high blood pressure (“hypertension”), those who had work stress alone had a twofold higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, as did those who reported having poor sleep alone.


According to lead researcher Dr. Karl-Heinz Ladwig, “Sleep should be a time for recreation, unwinding and restoring energy levels. If you have stress at work, sleep helps you recover.” Ladwig is a professor at the German Research Centre for Environmental Health and also with the Technical University of Munich.


“Unfortunately, poor sleep and job stress often go hand in hand, and when combined with hypertension, the effect is even more toxic,” he added in a statement.


According to the study authors, a stressful job is one where employees have many demands but little control over their work. For example, an employer demands results but denies authority to make decisions.


“If you have high demands but also high control, in other words you can make decisions, this may even be positive for health,” Ladwig said. “But being entrapped in a pressured situation that you have no power to change is harmful.”


Poor sleep was defined as having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. “Maintaining sleep is the most common problem in people with stressful jobs,” Ladwig said.


These problems combine over time to sap your energy and “may lead to an early grave,” he added.


Ladwig suggested that to lower the risk of an early death, people have to keep their blood pressure low, develop good sleep habits and find ways to cope with stress.


Mika Kivimaki, a professor of social epidemiology at University College London, thinks this study provides a unique look at workplace risk.


Most previous research on work stress has targeted the general working population, he said.


“The effects on health have been relatively modest. However, recent findings suggest stress might be a much bigger problem for those with pre-existing disease. This new study supports this notion,” said Kivimaki, who had no part in the study.


Focusing on people with high blood pressure was a good choice, he noted.


“In this group, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is common,” Kivimaki said. And for these patients, “stress response could increase cardiac electrical instability, plaque disruption and thrombus (clot) formation,” which can contribute to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart attack or stroke.


The researchers think that employers can help by implementing programs that teach employees how to relax.


Employers should provide stress management and sleep treatment in the workplace, Ladwig added, especially for staff with chronic conditions like high blood pressure. Such programs should also include helping employees to quit smoking.


It is well known that people with high blood pressure can substantially lower their risk of heart attack and stroke by achieving and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, Fonarow said. Whether or not workplace programs designed to reduce stress and improve sleep will pay off remains to be seen, he said.


The report was published recently in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


B12 deficiency—spot the signs

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Vegetarian diets can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, given that animal foods are the primary source of the vitamin. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


In the ABCs of vitamins, B12 is often overlooked.


But it’s essential for the making of nerve and red blood cells, as well as DNA along with many other body processes.


Adults and teens need just 2.4 micrograms a day, but you can fall short even on this small amount.


You’re at particular risk of a B12 deficiency if you’re a vegetarian because animal foods, like meat and dairy, are the only foods that deliver it.


If you have a health problem that affects nutrient absorption, like Crohn’s disease, have had bariatric surgery or take certain medications, you also run the risk.


So do people over 50 because of changes in stomach acids.


Common medications that can affect your body’s B12 levels:

  • PPIs such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid), used for treating heartburn or GERD.
  • H2 receptor antagonists such as famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac), also used for treating those and other conditions.
  • Metformin, the diabetes drug.

A deficiency can develop slowly over time or come on rather fast.


Possible warning signs include emotional or thinking problems, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, constipation and numbness or tingling in hands and feet. These can also be symptoms of many other conditions, but it takes only a blood test to diagnose a B12 deficiency.


If you don’t eat animal-based foods, you can boost B12 with fortified soy foods or grain products like cereal.


And unless the deficiency is severe, you’ll get enough through a multivitamin supplement. When the deficiency is more serious, your doctor might give you a B12 shot to bring your level up to normal.


Be certain that the doctor who prescribes B12 supplementation for you is aware of any medications you’re taking to avoid negative interactions.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood weekend news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism

September: It was the most beautiful of words, he’d always felt, evoking orange-flowers, swallows, and regret.

American Novelist Alexander Theroux


By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Making Them Laugh

The semi-final rounds of the Sunday Night Funnies Kingpin of Comedy begin on Sunday! Comedians will compete Sunday and Sept. 15 for a chance to appear in the finals on Sept. 22, the day the Kingpin of Comedy will be crowned. Admission is free with the show starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming. Click here to learn more.

Rendering of Kaleidoscopic by artist Amanda Browder

The ArtPrize Project


From Sept. 7-Oct. 27, Project 1: Crossed Lines exhibition will occupy multiple outdoor sites in Grand Rapids and will feature temporary public artworks by five artists. The seven-week run will be punctuated by a series of events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs and performances. Each Saturday in September and the last week in October will feature a different program of free and open-to-the-public events that will activate the artists’ works in an unforgettable way. Many other exhibitions, community events and performances will be happening throughout the run of the exhibition. Fore more, click here.

A Haunting We Will Go

Looking for a good ghost story? Author and promoter of all things Michigan Dianna Stampfler certainly has a few. Next week Stampfler will be sharing a few at three local KDL libraries in Plainfield (Sept. 10), Alpine (Sept. 11), and Tyron (Sept. 12) townships. She will be sharing stories from her recently published book, Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Click here for details.

247

Speaking of lighthouses, did you know that there are 247 lighthouses in Michigan. One-hundred and five (105) are featured on the West Michigan Tourist Association’s West Michigan Lighthouse Map and Circle Tour. There is nothing like viewing the lighthouses during a fall color tour, so snap up one of those lighthouse maps or click here for the online edition.

Bassnectar to play Van Andel Arena Nov. 1-2; tickets go on sale Sept. 6

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG 


Bassnectar is bringing Freakstyle 2019 Day of the Dead Dark Parties to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena for two unique sets in the dark Nov. 1-2, 2019, at 7pm. Friday, Nov. 1 will also feature Kursa, Stylust, and SuperDre, and Saturday, Nov. 2 will feature J:Kenzo, Aztek, and Distinct Motive.


Two-day passes will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 6 at 12pm.


Passes are general admission and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices as well as online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.


In keeping with the traditions of this special Mexican Holiday, Bassnectar will be setting up a Remembrance Altar, to honor those lost but still cherished in our hearts — in doing this one can sense an even deeper respect for life, and for all the radiant beauty of the present moment.


Aaaaaaannnnnnnd: party-goers are encouraged to paint their faces — feel free to share inspiration with one another, and for those who don’t arrive in face paint, the Bass Network will set up face-painting stations!


Get ready for the unexpected, the strange, and downright weird… freestyle, darkstyle, wildstyle, FREAKSTYLE!!!


This is an 18+ event

About Bassnectar

By combining sound and force with weight, the Bassnectar experience engulfs the senses. The experience of Bassnectar is more visceral than auditory, as the music sets any stage for an adventure without rules or limitations. On Bassnectar’s stage, there is no hesitation in fusing the familiar with the strange or the classic with the cutting edge.


Bassnectar is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, and his open-sourced musical project is as diverse as it is imaginary, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is stunning. Spanning the spectrum of sonic style, the music draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a synthesis of intense, wobbling basslines and hypnotic soundscapes for a devout international audience that desires the beautiful and the bestial in the same breath.




Why seniors struggle with eating

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Dysphagia has serious consequences for health and quality of life. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


If you have developed swallowing problems as you age, a new study may explain why.


A loss of muscle mass and function in the throat helps explain why 15 percent of seniors have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), researchers have found.


“Dysphagia has serious consequences for health and quality of life,” said study author Sonja Molfenter. She is an assistant professor of communicative sciences and disorders at New York University in New York City.

“This research establishes the need for exercise programs for older adults that target throat muscles, just like those that target the muscles of the arms, legs and other parts of the human body,” Molfenter said in a university news release.


Swallowing problems can also lead to health issues such as malnutrition, dehydration and pneumonia from food and drink that end up in the lungs instead of going down the throat.


Research has also shown that when patients with dysphagia are admitted to the hospital, they’re in the hospital an average of 40 percent longer than those without dysphagia. That adds up to an estimated cost of $547 million a year, the study authors said.


Dysphagia in older adults is concerning as the proportion of seniors in the United States is expected to top 20 percent by 2030, the researchers noted.


The findings were published in the journal Dysphagia.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Kentwood electronics recycling company named ‘Best for the Word’ 2019

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By WKTV Staff


Valley City Electronic Recycling, a Kentwood-based Certified Benefit Corporation – or B Corp – has been named a Best For The World 2019 honoree by B Lab for its significant positive impact in communities, sustainability and environment excellence throughout the state, President Jason Kehr announced on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The electronic recycling company, which provides services throughout Michigan, is ranked among the top 10 percent of all B Corp companies, joining world-renowned businesses, such as Patagonia, Beautycounter, Dr. Bronner’s, TOMS and Seventh Generation.

B Lab, a global third-party nonprofit that honors for-profit businesses with the B Corp designated seal, recognized Valley City Electronic Recycling as a Best ForThe World 2019 company in the Community and Environment categories for its exemplary supplier relations, community involvement throughout Michigan, environmental performance and sustainable business practices.

“We are thrilled to be named a Best ForThe World company by B Lab,” Kehr said. “We pride ourselves on offering a sustainable service that not only is beneficial for our clients, but also makes a positive impact in our community and in the environment. Being ranked with companies, like Patagonia, is a testament to the dedicated business model we believe in wholeheartedly and practice every day.”

Headquartered in Kentwood, Valley City Electronic Recycling received its B Corp designation in June 2018 based on its business practices and level of care for the community and environment. Using the B Impact Assessment, B Lab evaluates how a company’s operations and business model impact its workers, community, environment, and customers. There are 3,000 Certified B Corps throughout 150 industries within 64 countries. Valley City Electronic Recycling is one of 23 B Corps in Michigan.

“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Best ForThe World honorees,” said Anthea Kelsick, chief marketing officer of B Lab. “These inspiring companies represent the kinds of business models and impact-driven business strategies that are building a new economy—one that is inclusive, regenerative, and delivers value to all stakeholders, not just shareholders. To that end, B Corps like Valley City Electronic Recycling are redefining capitalism and showing that it actually can work for everyone.”

B Lab’s Best ForThe World 2019 honorees will be recognized during the Certified B Corporation’s Champions Retreat in Los Angeles, Calif., in mid-September.

WKTV VOICES guests share diverse global perspectives and memories, enrich the community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, Voices, , , , , , ,

Pamela Benjamin

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Pamela Benjamin came to the U.S. from Australia on a spousal visa only to discover she couldn’t even check out a library book.
Angelique Mugabekazi fled the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide when she was five years old, then struggled to survive daily life in a lawless refugee camp.
Grand Rapids native Donna Troost remembers a rubber shortage during World War II and the time her dad had to get permission from the government so that she could ride her bicycle to school.

Angelique Mugabekazi

Three women with very different backgrounds—and one thing in common: Each shared her unique journey with WKTV’s VOICES, a personal and family oral history project. The project’s mission is “to collect, share and preserve the narratives of people in our community”—of our lives; of people from all walks of life.

Oral history—the collection and study of individual histories, experiences of disasters, important events or everyday life—is a tradition as old as civilization itself. Using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews, oral history strives to obtain information from different perspectives, most of which cannot be found in written sources. Some academics consider oral history akin to journalism as both are committed to uncovering truths and compiling narratives about people, places, and events.

Since its launch in September 2017 at ArtPrize Nine, VOICES has collected the conversations of people from a myriad of places, such as Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, Australia, Spain, as well as the U.S. (California and Michigan (including Wyoming, Grand Rapids, and Lansing).

VOICES’s vintage 1958 Airstream® trailer has been made into a mobile studio

A free public service, VOICES travels throughout the West Michigan region to encourage neighbors, friends and family to tell their stories—the narratives that make us human—of our lives, experiences, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies. We all benefit from knowing each other’s background; the shared bond that helps us build community.

VOICES offers a comfortable, mobile video recording studio with a relaxed atmosphere, and utilizes high-tech video and audio equipment to capture the narratives for posterity. Conversations usually take place between two people who know and care about each other. These can be friends, family, or mere acquaintances. Any topic may be explored, whether a specific event in a person’s life, a childhood memory, a family tragedy—no subject is off limits.

Jimmy King

Those who step inside VOICES’s 1958 Airstream trailer—outfitted as a mobile studio— are welcomed into an inviting atmosphere to sit back, relax, and have a conversation. All VOICES conversations are audio- and video-recorded to provide participants with a link to each conversation and for possible airing on Channel 25 in Wyoming, Kentwood and Gaines Township (U-Verse Channel 99).

VOICES participants find the experience valuable and gratifying.
“I hope that people will listen to my story and learn what it’s like to come from a different country—what we had to do to come to America,” said Lana Lie, who emigrated to the U.S. from Indonesia.

Lana Lie

Jimmy King, who shared his experiences as a young man with autism, said, “The experience was absolutely incredible. They really listened to me and had a genuine interest in my voice.”

Every second Saturday, VOICES is at Marge’s Donut Den at 1751 28th St, SW for ‘Second Saturday at Marge’s’. The next date is April 14. It’s free, just go here to reserve a time.

How much will health insurance cost me in the Marketplace?

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, How-To's,

By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension


How much will health insurance cost in the Marketplace? This seems to be a big question for many consumers. The Affordable Care Act mandates that most people are insured either through their employer or by purchasing their own policy.


Two online calculators may assist consumers estimate the cost of their health insurance premium as they comparison shop different health insurance plans. You can get into the Marketplace web site www.healthcare.gov to use a price estimator for your state and county. You can also see the available plans and premiums before any subsidy without setting up an account.


You can also use the Kaiser Family Foundation Subsidy Calculator. With this calculator, you can enter your zip code, different income levels, ages, family sizes and tobacco use to get an estimate of your eligibility for subsidies and how much you could spend on health insurance in the Marketplace. Income, age, family size, geographic location and tobacco use are the criteria the Marketplace uses to determine premiums for your eligible health insurance plans.


As premiums and eligibility requirements may vary, contact these resources with enrollment questions:

I have heard from a local Navigator that some folks that have successfully enrolled through the Marketplace have been pleasantly surprised with the affordability of the health insurance plan they chose.


For more answers to your questions about health insurance, go to Health Insurance FAQs – eXtension. Also see previous news articles about health insurance choices on 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).


Back to school: How to avoid backpack injuries

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, ,

By Terri Rosel, NP-C for Cherry Health


Thousands of children each year suffer from a variety of backpack-related injuries, including back and neck pain, shoulder pain, muscle strains and spasms, nerve damage and headaches.


These conditions are preventable with just a few quick tips:

  • Check weight: The total weight of the load should not exceed more than 10% of the child’s body weight. For example, if your child weighs 100 lbs., the weight of the backpack should not be more than 10 lbs.
  • Right size: choose a backpack that fits the child’s size. An 8-year-old needs a smaller backpack than a teenager.
  • Design: Thick, padded straps are best. A waist strap is also very important. Our shoulders are not meant to carry all that weight
  • Packing: Place the heaviest items closest to the child’s back. Using the bag’s compartments to even out the weight helps too.
  • Wear the bag right: Be sure to use both shoulder straps when carrying the bag. If the bag has a waist strap, use it! Do not lean forward when walking or standing with the bag. Stand up straight.

Hopefully these simple tips can save unwanted pain and injury this school year.


Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.