Many people use New Year’s resolutions to better themselves and their lives. Goals can also be set at any time in the year to work towards a life improvement. How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution or a life goal only to feel like you were not able to achieve it? To help you be more successful this year, start with a solid, goal-setting plan.
A study at Dominican University of Californiafound that more than 70 percent of the participants who sent weekly updates to a friend reported successful goal achievement (completely accomplished their goal or were more than half way there), compared to 35 percent of those who kept their goals to themselves without writing them down. Writing down your goals and sharing them with someone else matters.
In addition, your written New Year’s resolution or life goal should be SMART to be successful. Michigan State University Extension can help you make those goals SMART, an acronym that stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
When creating a goal, there are a variety of questions you should ask yourself as they relate to specific parts of the acronym:
Specific. What exactly needs to be accomplished? Who else might be involved? Where will this take place? Why do I want to accomplish this?
Measurable. How will I know if I have succeeded? How many steps will it take to achieve this?
Attainable. Do I have the resources I need to make this happen? Is this goal neither too easy, nor too hard for me to accomplish? Will the steps I have planned help me reach my goal?
Relevant. Can I commit to this goal? Will I not be able to reach another goal or do something else I want to do because I am working towards this goal?
Time-bound. When is the deadline? When do I need to take action?
Take time to answer each of these questions as you create your goal. Using the SMART goal process can help you decide if the goal is a good fit for you as it is, or if you need to revise it to ensure success. It is often best to start with the time-bound, specific and measurable and then review them for being attainable and relevant.
An example of a goal that isn’t quite SMART would be, “I want to take a trip to Europe next October for my birthday.” The same goal, after being put through the SMART process by an individual, might look like this:
Specific. “I want to take a two-week trip to Ireland with my sister for my birthday in October of next year.”
Measurable. “I need to save $4,000 to cover flight costs, lodging, transportation and miscellaneous costs based on my research.”
Time-bound. “October is nine months away. That means I need to save $444 a month until October to have my $4,000 set aside to cover costs.”
Attainable. “$444 is a lot of money a month for me to set aside when I also am saving for a car.”
Relevant. “I am not sure I can commit to this goal. It might set me back from getting my car; perhaps I should plan for a different trip.”
In this example, having decided this goal is too much at this time, the process can be repeated; this time, the new goal is to take a trip to a Seattle, Washington, for five days and save $1,000. This allows the goal to be more likely to be achieved, aligned with the individual’s other goals and plans, and able to be measured and adjusted as needed along the way.
The SMART goal process works great with financial goals and it can also be used for any goal such as weight loss, reading a certain number of books a year, organizing a room or managing time effectively. By being SMART, you will be on your way to reaching your goal!
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives.
On a cold blustery winter Friday, Feel Like You Belong made a road trip to the Sikh gurdwara (temple) in Ada, Michigan. The members of the Sikh Society of West Michigan greeted us warmly and staged a special worship service with instrumental music and singing–even though their normal worship falls on Sunday. Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious lunch and gracious conversation in their dining hall. Join us for a special edition when we talk with temple priest Bhai Baljeet Singh and temple member Veenu Suri. In a later installment, we will share an absolutely charming interview with octogenarian temple member Kashmir Singh.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde
One hot, little number
We don’t know from whence these lists come, but apparently 4 9 5 0 8 is being hailed by Realtor.com as the hottest zip code in the entire US of A. And, it just so happens to be Kentwood’s zip code. Read all about it here.
Gobble, gobble
Mel Trotter Ministries is asking the community to donate frozen turkeys for its 15th annual ‘Turkey Drop’ project — their goal is to collect 1,500 gobblers to distribute to neighbors in need throughout West Michigan during the holiday season. They’re accepting donations Nov. 14th. Go here for more info.
Here’s to your health
Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov marketplace insurance plans ends Dec. 15th, so be sure to act now. There are some changes for 2019, and you know how time does fly when there’s a ridiculously short deadline. Go here for more info.
Fun Fact:
There is a technical name
for the “fear of long words”
It’s called “hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.”
It’s hard to focus on school if you haven’t had your z’s, sleep educators from the Farmington Hills-based nonprofit organization Sweet Dreamzzz recently told Townline Elementary students.
First-grader Issabelle Saldivar chose a panda pattern
Sleep helps you learn, grow and be healthy, they told pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students. So, it’s important to follow a relaxing bedtime routine.
Townline staff members raised money to host the program, which aims to improve the health, well-being, and academic performance of economically disadvantaged children by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials. Townline Elementary has a high percentage of students from low-income families.
“Sleep is important for kids physically and socially emotionally,” said Principal Michelle Downs. “We really felt like it was something that isn’t talked about a lot and isn’t explicitly taught.”
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“Sleep is one thing we know, regardless of income, everyone can attain — and it’s free,” added Ann Raftery, director of sleep programs for Sweet Dreamzzz. “We teach ‘that’s when your body and brain grow.’”
Each student received a large fleece blanket, made by students at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, and a toothbrush and toothpaste kit.
Third-grader Syreeion Tyler snuggled his new bright yellow blanket. He said he planned to get to bed on time, read a book and relax. “If you get enough sleep when you go to bed you won’t be tired,” he said. “I’m putting it on my bed.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 22nd, and West Michigan is going all out in celebration. Enjoy delicious food at a buffet, or get a meal to bring home to your family. All of the classics will be there, from ham and turkey to stuffing and potatoes. If you have room for dessert, that will be served as well. There’s more to do after you eat, like holiday tours and early shopping. Enjoy a West Michigan Thanksgiving this month.
Dine in Southern West Michigan
Silo Banquets & Catering in Allegan offers their Thanksgiving Dinner to Go every year. The Silo has the largest catering kitchen in West Michigan, and each of the dinners that they prepare are ready to feed up to ten people. These dinners include everything that you need to have a family Thanksgiving meal, including turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy, pie, and more. Make Thanksgiving dinner a breeze with these ready-to-serve meals.
Thanksgiving is a special time to express gratitude for all the blessings of the year. In honor of this celebration, Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall serves turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. Make reservations to have a family Thanksgiving in Schuler’s beautiful dining room, or order ahead and pick up your feast on Thanksgiving Day to share with your family at home.
This Thanksgiving, give the cooks in your family a much-deserved break. Bring your family to the Boulevard Inn & Bistro in St. Joseph for their Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Just choose your favorites from the bountiful buffet, sit back, and enjoy being together.
The Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbyville is hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet and live music on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. The menu includes traditional Thanksgiving fare, like turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie, in addition to pastries, shrimp cocktails, mini mousse, and more.
You’ll find some of the freshest farm ingredients served for Thanksgiving when you visit Saugatuck. They have a variety of Thanksgiving specials and buffets throughout the area, many of which are on Thanksgiving day. Area restaurants will serve a traditional menu with a few added surprises.
Henderson Castle (file photo)
Henderson Castle in is hosting their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 21st. Enjoy all the delicious food that you’ve come to expect from Henderson Castle during this festive season.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo has two restaurants, each offering different Thanksgiving specials and events. Zazio’s is hosting a special Black Friday Brunch on Friday, Nov. 23rd. Over at Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, they’ll be serving up a holiday-themed menu on Thanksgiving.
Dine in Central West Michigan
Double JJ Resort in Rothbury is once again hosting their popular Thanksgiving Buffet at the Sundance Restaurant. The annual buffet is a relaxing way to spend time with friends and family with the beautiful view from the Sundance. This delicious brunch buffet features a unique menu every year.
Chef Tim and his team at SE4SONS Gastropub at Muskegon Country Club will be preparing Thanksgiving dinners for you to take home and throw in the oven. All meals will be sent with cooking and reheating instructions, making it easy to put together your Thanksgiving feast. All orders must be placed by Thursday, Nov. 15th.
Both the JW Marriott and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids are serving up Thanksgiving day brunches on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Reservations are recommended.
Stop by Mt. Pleasant for Thanksgiving and leave the cooking to the professionals. They have both Thanksgiving buffets and easy dinners that you can take home to the family. Enjoy Thanksgiving-themed entrees, sides, and desserts without all the mess and clean up.
The Holland area is going all out for Thanksgiving. The area is home to dozens of restaurants, each with their own Thanksgiving traditions and menus. Check out what the Holland area restaurants have to offer, and find the perfect restaurant to suit your tastes and fit into your budget.
Dine in Northern West Michigan
The popular Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Grand Traverse Resort in Williamsburg is back. Enjoy a wide array of Thanksgiving-themed brunch treats as well as a special buffet for kids. The Thanksgiving buffet menu is available on the Aerie Restaurant website where you can also make your reservations.
If the thought of preparing an entire Thanksgiving meal for your family and friends has you stressed out, let Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire do the cooking and cleaning up. Call today to make reservations for the Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet at The Lakeview Restaurant. This buffet offers a delicious array of everything you’d expect a traditional Thanksgiving feast to include and more.
You’re invited to bring your family to the Thanksgiving Celebration at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls. They have plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages. For your Thanksgiving meal, choose either the delightful buffet or have a complete meal, including all of the holiday favorites, prepared and delivered to your room.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is hosting a Thanksgiving weekend full of family events and activities. Their Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend runs from Thursday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 25th, kicking off with the 4K Turkey Vulture Trot. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved traditional Thanksgiving buffet.
Charlevoix area (file photo)
Thanksgiving brings family and friends together, and Charlevoix welcomes you and your loved ones to come to celebrate this special holiday with them. During the long weekend, enjoy Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants, including Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant.
Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with a stop along the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula wine trail. Drop into one of the nine unique wineries for a wine tasting to decide which Michigan wines you will be serving this holiday season.
Pre-Thanksgiving Traditions
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Lansing is getting decked out with thousands of lights and holiday fun for the Silver Bells in the City celebration. Silver Bells in the City attracts over 80,000 people to the Capital City each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving. This free event brings family and friends together to kick off the holiday season.
Grand Haven Main Street provides a picturesque postcard start to this year’s holiday season. Downtown Grand Haven will be abuzz with festivities and cheer as Light Night gets you in a festive mood on Friday, Nov. 16th. Carolers will be strolling throughout downtown, roasted chestnuts, cider, and hot chocolate will be available to the public courtesy of Grand Haven Main Street and Grand Haven Tri-Cities Historical Museum.
Get in the holiday spirit in Mecosta County with the Festival of Lights parade on Saturday, Nov. 17th. This popular parade features 30 floats and groups of walkers loaded with Christmas lights, live reindeer, and a grand entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Stay at Hotel Walloon for the area’s holiday kick off! On Wednesday, Nov. 21st, the Village of Walloon will come alive with Christmas vendors, an appearance by Santa, the lighting of the village, kids activities, and more. Then, spend a relaxing weekend celebrating Thanksgiving in northern Michigan.
Events Over Thanksgiving Weekend
From Thursday to Sunday and throughout November, Thanksgiving events are taking over many parts of West Michigan. The extended weekend is the perfect time to get out with family and friends to enjoy the festivities.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo has two restaurants, each offering different Thanksgiving specials and events. Zazios is hosting a Holiday Cooking Class on Wednesday, Nov.17th to teach you how to wow your guests this holiday season. They’re also hosting a special Black Friday Brunch on Friday, Nov. 23rd. Over at Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, they’ll be serving up a holiday-themed menu on Thanksgiving.
The Holland area is going all out for Thanksgiving, with events, buffets, and ways to give back to the community. Before feasting upon one of the area’s many Thanksgiving buffets, lace up your running or walking shoes for the Turkey Trot 8K on Thursday, Nov. 22nd. Stop by the Kerstmarkt on Nov. 23rd and 24th, or enjoy a post-Thanksgiving concert at the Park Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 24th. From now through Dec. 22nd, the Holland Area Visitors Bureau is hosting a Winter Coat & Food Drive. Get in the holiday spirit and give back by dropping off new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, and scarves as well as non-perishable food items to the WHTC AM radio station or the Holland Area Visitors Bureau.
The Muskegon area has holiday events all month long. Just in time for Thanksgiving, the 14th Annual Festival of Trees at the Muskegon Museum of Art features themed trees and decor from Nov. 21st to Dec. 2nd. While the family is in town for Thanksgiving, take them on the Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour on Nov. 24th and 25th. Experience the Hackley and Hume homes by candlelight to celebrate the holiday season.
You’re invited to bring your family to the Thanksgiving Celebration at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls. They have plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages. For your Thanksgiving meal, choose either the delightful buffet or have a complete meal, including all of the holiday favorites, prepared and delivered to your room.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is hosting a Thanksgiving weekend full of family events and activities. Their Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend runs from Thursday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 25th, kicking off with the 4K Turkey Vulture Trot. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. The Holiday Trail Celebration is Friday, Nov. 23rd, with a Christmas tree lighting the following day.
Thanksgiving brings family and friends together, and Charlevoix welcomes you and your loved ones to come to celebrate this special holiday with them. Before the holiday commences, sign up for the annual Turkey Trot 5K run along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. During the long weekend, enjoy Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants, including Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant.
Thanksgiving Stays & Packages
Take a road trip to quiet Saugatuck and host your Thanksgiving dinner in a vacation rental from Lakeshore Lodging. Whether you have a larger group to host this Thanksgiving or you’re just looking for a change of scenery, choosing to host your Thanksgiving dinner in a vacation rental is a fresh way to do the holiday.
As a thank you to their guests, the All Season Hotel & Resort in Kalkaska is offering a free night when you purchase and stay one night between Nov. 20th and 30th.
The Thanksgiving Package at the Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant in Petoskey includes a two-night stay for two in one of their cozy cottage-style rooms on Nov. 22nd and 23rd.
By Eve Clayton, Spectrum Health Beat; photos by Chris Clark
Kathy Earle had her right hip replaced the first Monday in June. Two days later, she found herself recovering at home and ready to climb the 14 stairs to her second-floor bedroom.
With her daughter, Emily Adamczyk, behind her for support, Earle, 62, recited the rule she learned from the staff at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital, where she had her surgery: “Up with your good leg first, down with your bad leg first.”
The mother and daughter had picked up that tip and many others when, a few weeks before her surgery, they attended a joint replacement class for patients and their caregivers.
Adamczyk heard this tip again just before discharge, at a new class offered for caregivers of hip and knee replacement patients.
Ready to go
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
The pre-discharge class packs a lot of information into a half hour, including cautions and reminders. The class made Adamczyk more comfortable with the idea of being her mom’s at-home caregiver.
“Seeing what she was capable of in the hospital was great, but then it was like, ‘Oh boy, now I have to support her by myself,’” she said. “To have a chance to sit down and hear it all again in class was really helpful.”
In addition to providing information about helping patients move around safely, the class—co-taught by a registered nurse and a physical or occupational therapist—covers several other topics, including:
Wound care
Pain medications and pain management
Preventing blood clots, infections, constipation and falls
The orthopedics team rolled the class out in March to give caregivers more confidence as they take their loved ones home, according to Liz Schulte, MSN, RN, nurse manager.
“Our patients are seeing shorter and shorter times in the hospital, and when they go home they still have a long road of recovery ahead,” Schulte said. “So to prepare that caregiver, who will be the one helping them with their medications, helping them ambulate—all of these hands-on things—it better sets them up for success.”
Consulting her class notes at home helped, too, Adamczyk said. When her mom’s leg began to swell, she checked a class handout to confirm that swelling is a normal part of the healing process.
“I think that if I didn’t know that, I would have been nervous,” she said.
Spectrum Health’s joint replacement program is one of the largest in the country and one of the first that The Joint Commission certified for total hip and total knee replacements.
“Part of the certification process is looking at your whole program and looking at what you can improve,” Schulte said, noting the program’s recent re-certification. The joint replacement discharge class is a step toward improved patient outcomes.
Freedom from pain
From Earle’s perspective, her outcome has been “amazing.” Just nine days after surgery—about a week ahead of schedule—she abandoned her walker and began using a cane to get around the house.
“Each day there’s something that gets a little easier. Each day it gets stronger,” said Earle, a retired elementary school teacher who lives outside Rockford, Michigan. “It’s amazing what the human body can do.”
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
Her right hip replacement has gone so well that she even plans to ask her surgeon, Thomas Malvitz, MD, about moving up the date of her eventual left hip replacement, she said. After dealing with arthritis pain for more than two years, she’s excited about the prospect of being free of pain.
“She loves to travel and has gone a lot of places with this sore hip, but it has slowed her down a lot,” Adamczyk said. “It was affecting her quality of life.”
Once Earle’s post-surgery driving restriction is lifted, one of her first trips this summer may well be to Lake Michigan.
“I definitely am looking forward to walking on a beach,” she said. “I think that would be an awesome thing.”
By Kelly Helder, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
So you’ve been watching your diet and eating all the right foods in the hopes of keeping the weight off and your cholesterol down. You’re walking every day, getting out in the fresh air, working those leg muscles. “But,” you say, “that’s not enough; I need more” (and more not being cardio boot camp!). What could you do that is low impact, practiced by millions, and could improve your blood pressure while relieving symptoms of arthritis? Yoga, of course! It doesn’t matter if you are over 50, can’t cross your legs or don’t know a word of Sanskrit. Yoga doesn’t discriminate.
Mary Stewart, author of Yoga Over 50: The Way to Vitality, Health and Energy in the Prime of Life, has been teaching yoga for over 20 years (and is herself over 50). After a brief introduction about yoga and its history, there is a section on the healthy body and how it works. Then we dive into the meat of the book — yoga poses. All of the classics are here, such as Triangle, Warrior and Downward Facing Dog. Accompanying each pose is a brief description, which includes instructions on how to get into the pose and why it is beneficial to you. Step by step color photographs of each pose give an idea of what you are eventually aiming for (remember, the models in the book have been practicing yoga for years).
Through bringing together body, mind and spirit, we are shown how to relax and let our tensions dissolve. Photos and text illustrate the techniques of proper breathing, meditation and Savasana, or the relaxing Corpse pose. Beginner to advanced routines round out the book. There are also short programs for people who want to target specific problem areas of the body, such as stiff hips and backaches. According to statistics, over 19% of US yoga practitioners are over 50, so come on, join the fun!
School is is session and all across the nation parents are asking their children the same question, “What happened at school today?”, and the majority of kids respond indicating that nothing happened at school. Where are the details? Parents want details!
Getting kids to share what happened during the school day can be difficult and frustrating. Child care expert Lynn Gibson, offers suggestions for starting conversations that will elicit more than a single word when you ask that important question. Putting all your questions on hold is the first order of business. Give your kids some breathing space when they first get home, they have been following different expectations all day and need to switch out of school mode. Be patient if your child has some ornery moments, eventually they will be ready to share their day.
The period of time between arriving home, having dinner and bedtime is very hectic. Take some time to allow your child to relax and catch their breath to benefit the remainder of the night.
When it comes to asking your kids questions about their day, first ask yourself if you have time to listen. Your child is not on the witness stand so refrain from firing one question after another at them. Less can be more when getting information about their day.
In addition to Lynn Gibson’s conversation starters mentioned above, a blog from Simple Simon & Company offers up a great list of 25 questions to ask kids, here are a few to get you started:
What was the best (and the worst) thing that happened at school today?
Who is the funniest person in your class and why is he/she so funny?
Tell me something that made you laugh today.
What word did your teacher say most today?
How did you help somebody today?
How did somebody help you today?
Is there anyone in your class that needs a time out?
Where do you play the most at recess?
Do not get in the habit of asking the same four questions every day or this important conversation will just stall out after the first few days of school and you are back to hearing that nothing happens at school.
Art work and activity papers that come home are great conversation starters. In fact, a research study by Marvin and Privratsky (1999) showed that when four-year-old children brought home their art projects, they talked significantly more about school activities than when they did not bring home artwork.
Post a copy of the school schedule so you know which day is gym, library day or art. You can ask specific questions about each of those days to keep the conversation going. Example questions may be asking if your child picked out a new library book or asking what they played in gym.
Many kids won’t tell you much until they are all tucked in at night. If this is the case for your child, plan this into the schedule so you can enjoy this one-on-one time and discover what may be on your child’s mind.
Dr. Charles Fay suggests that kids are more likely to talk when they are engaged in something fun like playing a board game, going on a walk or helping in kitchen. The spot light is off the child to report school happenings and focus is on the activity, which helps them feel comfortable share what they experienced during school.
Providing opportunities for conversations, listening and asking the right questions will foster communication and enhance your relationships with your children. These skills will also help children make their way in the world. For more information on healthy relationships, communication and parenting skills, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
By Dr. Nancy A. Pattison, FAAP, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Heart of the City Pediatrics and Westside Health Center
Parents need to understand the behaviors they see are not on purpose. Their kids aren’t acting “bad” on purpose. All kids are born “people pleasers” and are trying to do the best they can. When they are not acting the way you think is healthy, please find out why they are acting this way and what you can do to help them. A good child therapist can help if you need to change how you parent your child in order to get the best out of them. Without being rude, I would ask you to consider how dogs are taught to not potty in the house. You train them with kindness and attention to let you know when they need to go outside. The same goes for kids in many ways. As kids don’t come with an instruction manual at birth, getting “training” advice may be helpful! Here are some ways to keep your child healthy:
Make sure they get 8-10 hours of good sleep (if your child snores talk to their primary care doctor and get that fixed!).
Eat food that is pulled off a tree, off a bush or out of the ground – not out of a box. Processed foods (food out of a box like cereal and mac and cheese) are bad for the brain.
Eat good protein (eggs, nuts, beans, chicken, turkey and some fish) and good fat.
Avoid fast food.
Help them go out and play in a green space (and away from video games and TV).
If medication is prescribed, know that it will work better if you do all of these things listed! Enjoy your talented, think outside the box, creative child!
Cosplay night. A raffle. “Reb Fest,” complete with music, food, go-karts, a dunk tank and bounce houses.
These were some of the ideas students proposed last week, as seniors in Jody Snyder’s English classes at Lee High School gathered in the second-floor media center to tackle an ongoing problem: poor student attendance at athletic events.
“We’ve never had really full crowds,” said Jason Faasse, now in his fourth year as athletic director for the Rebels. Faasse joined Snyder and Sarah Wood, technology and media integration specialist, to facilitate the exercise.
Students said they also have noticed the lack of school spirit.
“People mostly go to the homecoming game and that’s it,” said senior Brithany Reyes.
Snyder concurs that morale in the stands is lacking, and she would know: in addition to teaching English and elective courses like the senior capstone class, she coaches sideline and competitive cheer at the school.
“As coaches and teachers, we find that student involvement has been decreasing over the years,” she said “We decided that we needed to involve the students instead of just talking amongst the adults.”
Senior Angie Rodas discusses an idea to boost attendance at high school athletic events
The Process
Students opened their school-provided laptops and found a page with some questions: Do you play a sport? What keeps you from attending athletic events? What would make you want to attend? After answering and refreshing the page, they could see the anonymous responses of their classmates. A few responded that after-school jobs them from going to games. Others said they’d go if they knew more friends who did. The answers helped inform the next step: designing a gimmick to boost student participation on the sidelines and in the stands.
Parameters were broad: Students could make their solutions specific to one sport, or applicable to a variety of athletic events. They only needed to hatch a plan and share what kind of support they would need to get it off the ground. And there’s one more thing.
“You will be presenting your idea in front of the class,” said Wood, as groans and looks of disdain spread over the room.
“I’m a little scared” of standing up in front of the class, admitted Angie Rodas.
After all presentations were finished, the ideas were to be compiled and voted on by the entire senior class.
Sarah Wood, technology and media integration specialist at Lee High School, instructs students before Tuesday’s Quickfire activity
Tackling Concepts
On the surface the exercise was all about boosting attendance at school athletic events. But it’s much more, explained Wood. This type of exercise, known as a “quickfire,” meets the challenge of embedding the “6Cs” of collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence into the classroom.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools has embraced the 6Cs, detailed in the book “Becoming Brilliant” as a basis for academic success.On the surface the exercise was all about boosting attendance at school athletic events. But it’s much more, explained Wood. This type of exercise, known as a “quickfire,” meets the challenge of embedding the “6Cs” of collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence into the classroom.
Wood said she learned about quickfire exercises at a conference at Michigan State University last fall. She took the method, used by MSU’s Master of Arts in Education Technology program, and tailored it for use in elementary, middle, and high school environments. Basically, students are given a problem and they must come up with a solution using limited resources and time constraints. Use of the quickfire for Lee High seniors, she said, was driven in part by the fact that they must complete a capstone course where they pick a career, do mentor interviews and gain hands-on experience.
Teachers had noticed that some students struggled with the elements required to complete the capstone.
“When that comes, they freeze,” said Wood. “It’s too many things coming at them. (Snyder) and I were talking last year and decided, ‘something’s got to help get them thinking this way. How can we embed those six C’s into everyday lessons?’ (With quickfire), they have to communicate, they have to collaborate, they have to be creative.”
The culmination, the presentation portion of the exercise, addresses another “C”, said Wood: confidence.
“Kids who wouldn’t speak up suddenly start speaking up,” said Wood. “They’re given that voice. So once they get used to it in a comfortable, relaxed, non-threatening activity like this, then you start seeing it more in the classroom. It’s not necessarily related to their capstone, but they’re forced to think that way.”
The benefit of the exercise is academic in nature, but the ideas that come out of it are major bonus points. Last year, said Wood, students did a quickfire exercise to propose after-school clubs. Some students took the ideas they’d developed in the classroom to the principal, who implemented them. She is hoping for a similar outcome with the latest exercise.
Left to right: students Jessica Rodriguez, Ijayla Banks, Marcus Nesbary, and Pablo Gasca pitch their idea for “cosplay night”
The Pitch
When it came time for students to share their solutions, they presented a range of ideas. Many involved food. Some were inexpensive and easy to implement. Others would require significant funding and permits.
Senior Erick Chavarria’s four-person group hoped to boost participation at soccer matches with an activity they called “Kick-a-Pumpkin”, where participants would get chance to kick a soccer ball at a pumpkin and win prizes for knocking it over.
“I really hope this project gives everyone a slap in the face,” said Chavarria, class president who plans to set an example and attend more events this year. “This is high school and this is one of the places you make the most memories. I want people to look back and say, ‘Yeah, I had a good time.’”
Snyder approved. “I think they’ve got great ideas. It’s nothing that we can’t do,” she said. “I think it’s just getting the right people involved and actually giving them ownership of their ideas. I think we can do some of these things, and I think we’ll see student involvement increase at sporting events.”
Faasse said there are many reasons students don’t come to games, including transportation and work schedules. While the implementation of ideas might not be able to capture all students, he hopes those who don’t attend because their friends aren’t there will change their tune.
Snyder said that it’s more fun for all of the students, especially athletes, if they have their peers there to support them and they hear them in the stands or on the sidelines.
“They play harder, they seem happier,” she said. “It’s just a better environment.”
Jody Snyder, a teacher and coach at Lee High School, discusses the assignment with her English students
And the Winner Is…
Two days after the quickfire exercise, all seniors had a chance to vote on their favorite idea to boost attendance at athletic events.
The winning idea was concocted by seniors Myesha Cross, Jacky Jaime, Anaisa Sanchez and Yuri Damian. The group called their idea “Rebel ID.” Under the proposal, students receive free admission to games if they show their student identification card.
After announcing the winning idea, Wood and Snyder reiterated to the students that this is a student-led project, so what happens next is up to them, said Wood. After the quickfire, she added, students came up with even more ideas to boost game attendance, such as Senior night and theme nights.
“They really took off with it,” said Wood.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
The Northrup Grumman “SS John Young” Cygnus CRS-10 Cargo Craft will head to space Nov. 15.
On Thursday, Nov. 15, WKTV will be featuring the launch of the Northrup Grumman “SS John Young” Cygnus CRS-10 Cargo Craft to the International Space Station.
The cargo craft, which is flying critical American science experiments and crew supplies to the ISS, has been named in honor of John Young, NASA’s longest serving astronaut who passed away earlier this year.
Young began his impressive career at NASA in 1962, when he was selected from among hundreds of young pilots to join NASA’s second astronaut class, known as the “New Nine.” He walked on the moon during Apollo 16 and commanded the first space shuttle mission. In early 1973, he became chief of the Space Shuttle Branch of the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center. The following year, Young, who retired from the Navy as a captain in 1976 after 25 years of military service, was named chief of the Astronaut Office, a post he held until May 1987.
Coverage begins at 4:15 a.m., with the launch scheduled at 4:49 a.m. from the Wallops Flight Facility.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Solar Array Deployment beginning at 5:45 a.m.
Coverage of the Post-Launch News Conference begins at 7 a.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
Setting family rules is the first step to establishing boundaries for your child’s behavior. Rules tell your children what you value, what is important to you and your family. When rules are enforced, it is an opportunity for children to practice making decisions and dealing with the consequences of their choices. Boundaries that you set will help guide your child’s behavior.
Keep the rules simple. The more complicated a rule, the harder it is to remember. Keep your rules short and simple so it is easier for young children to learn and remember. Rules for young children should be very easy to understand and there should be as few rules as possible.
Make sure rules are enforceable. Rules or boundaries should be connected to consequences, or what will happen if the rule is broken. Set consequences that are fair and reasonable and give your child the opportunity to learn to make better choices in the future.
Enforce rules consistently. If a rule is only enforced some of the time, your child will notice and they will learn that the rule doesn’t need to be followed. Make sure you enforce rules consistently and as soon as possible. This helps build a cause-and-effect relationship for your child (if I do this, then this will happen). This will help them learn to make better choices in the future.
Remind the rule. Kids need lots of reminders about rules and boundaries. Post a picture chart for your family rules in the house where your child will be able to see them regularly. Remind your child of the rules often, and give the warnings so they have the opportunity to change their behavior before facing consequences.
Remember that rules are for everyone. If you set a rule for your family and you break it, you are sending a message to your child that you do not value that rule. It’s important to practice what you preach and impact upon your child that the rule is so important, even you will follow it.
Family rules can help calm the chaos and set limits that will help your child understand boundaries and learn to make good choices.
For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
To learn about the positive impact children and families experience due to MSU Extension programs, read our 2017 impact report. Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension positively impacted individuals and communities in 2017, can be downloaded from the Michigan 4-H website.
By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension
For more information contact Brenda Long.
Health insurance helps provide financial protection. It is for managing the risks of very high medical expenses for potential future health problems. Plan your choices during health insurance open enrollment for 2019. If you obtain health insurance from your employer, ask about the enrollment dates and options. The information below is for people buying health insurance on their own.
Changes for 2019 include the following:
1. Premiums have flattened out for 2019 Health Insurance Marketplace plans after several years of spikes, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Consumers should find more affordable, more comprehensive coverage. In Michigan, nine companies will be competing for policy holders to purchase Qualified Health Plans in the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace:
Blue Care Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
McLaren Health Plan Community
Meridian Health Plan of MI, Inc
Molina Healthcare of MI
Oscar Insurance Company
Physicians Health Plan
Priority Health
Total Health Care USA
2. The repeal of the individual mandate requirement to pay for health insurance is still in effect in 2018 but will not be included in 2019. This means when you file federal income taxes for 2019, you will not pay a penalty for not having health insurance.
3. Short-term, limited-duration plans are allowable to cover an initial period of less than 12 months with renewal options, and up to 36 months total. This provides for new, more affordable options. These plans can provide coverage for people transitioning between jobs, students taking time off from school, and middle-class families without access to subsidized ACA plans. These plans offer lower premiums than comprehensive health insurance, but also cover less. They do not have to take people with pre-existing medical conditions. They may not cover maternity, mental health, prescription drugs and substance abuse treatment. Read the fine print if you are considering this coverage.
Not new but important to mention are Health Savings Accounts (HSA), which can be set up through your employer or by an individual. These tax-exempt accounts can be used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses not covered by traditional health plans. HSAs must be established with a high deductible plan so that the HSA pays for routine health expenses and the health plan for more significant costs. Individuals can go to many banks and credit unions in Michigan to set up an account.
Know the dates of the Open Enrollment period. The Health Insurance Marketplace has a 45-day enrollment period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2018. The Medicare open enrollment period is different from the Marketplace time frame, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2018. If you qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid or MiChild, you can enroll at any time of the year.
Ask your employer if it offers health insurance as a benefit. Some employers make use of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) for employees. If not, you may need to get coverage through the Marketplace, or directly from a health insurance agent or company.
Make a list of questions before it is time to choose your health plan. Do you want to stay with your current doctor? Will the plan provide coverage when you are travelling? This will help you compare multiple plans. Have you received a notice from your current health plan about changes to its provider network, co-pays, co-insurance, or prescription drug coverage and what does this mean for you? Read the notice carefully.
Gather your household income information. With the Marketplace, many people qualify for tax credits to save money based on family size and income. Find your most recent W-2, pay stubs or tax return.
Set your budget. You need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums each month. Think about your health care needs, how often you visit the doctor, the number and cost of prescriptions. If you expect frequent visits, prescriptions or medical services, you might want a plan that has higher monthly premiums but pays more medical costs when you use them, so you have fewer out-of-pocket costs. For more information about managing plans with high deductibles, see my February 21, 2017, news article.
Having set and often broken his own records with 2018’s Trip Around the Sun Tour — including over a million fans at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium and becoming the single biggest-seller at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium — Kenny Chesneywanted to change things up. He knows his massive stadium shows are a rite of summer, playing to over a million people on every single tour, but the 8-time Entertainer of the Year wanted a little more intimacy for 2019 by taking the music to where the fans are.
“I wanted to change it up,” says Chesney. “Last year was so intense, and amazing. No Shoes Nation took it to a whole other level, and they blew all of us away. It was the kind of energy you don’t take for granted. So when we started thinking about next year, they made me wanna come to them. Rather than the massive two-day set-up, make everyone come to a stadium away from their homes, I wanted to go to where the fans live… strip things back a bit, and do make it a little more intimate.”
“I love reaching to the very top, the very back of a football stadium, but I also love the idea of really being able to see the back of the room.”
So, after much speculation, Kenny Chesney announces his Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour. Initial dates include Champaign, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, making Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour a decidedly different kind of tour. Focusing on the heartland, MidAtlantic and South over the course of three months, it’s a chance for the songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee to get into several cities without stadiums — and Chesney is fired up about the prospects.
“Sometimes it’s about stripping things back, and creating a different kind of experience,” says the only country artist on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years. “Making Songs for the Saints really showed me the power of bringing things closer to the heart. For me, I wanted 2019 on the road to get the music to the fans, right where they live, and as always, my team figured out exactly how to help me do that.”
For Chesney, the man Variety called “Country music’s only true long-term stadium act” and about whom USA Today hailed, “Chesney’s charisma stretched to the back rows of the stadium,” Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour makes good on everything his career has been built on. Having spent 2018 writing and recording Songs for the Saints, spearheading island recovery efforts in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands through his Love for Love City Fund, playing 19 stadiums and 43 dates, his focus has been on how music makes a difference.
“This is the kind of thing you do for passion,” Chesney explains. “To rein things in a bit, change up the way we present the music, I know these songs will show us things they don’t when we’re in those massive stadiums. I never worry about the energy or the passion, but I think the songs are different depending on where you play them. So I’m fired up for 2019.”
Photo courtesy Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association
By West Michigan Tourist Association
The Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA) will host the 19th Annual Kick-Off Classic Synchronized Skating Competition at Wings Event Center Nov. 17–18.
The weekend-long event will feature:
Over 130 teams
Approximately 1,700 skaters
Teams competing who will represent Team USA at international competitions
Team critiques
A judge’s school
“There’s something so special about watching as many as 16 skaters performing intersections, wheels, traveling circles, jumps, and daring lifts to a variety of music with creative and innovative choreography. It’s an incredible experience to witness whether you’re a skater or not, and we love being able to share that with the community,” Kristen Crandle, Chairperson of Kick-Off Classic, said.
Kick-Off Classic Skating Competition
This synchronized skating competition began in 1999 with 11 teams. The competition now hosts more than 130 teams (more than 1700 skaters) from throughout the Midwest and sometimes even Canada. Competitors from beginners to senior levels, youth to adults, participate in the event. Additional features of this competition include team critiques and a judges’ school.
What is Synchronized Skating?
Synchronized skating is a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform a program together. It uses the same judging system as singles, pairs, and dance and is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. As with the other disciplines, all teams perform a free skate with required well-balanced program elements. In addition, teams at the junior and senior level perform a short program consisting of required elements.
Elements in synchronized skating include blocks, circles, wheels, lines, intersections, move elements, creative elements, no holds elements, spins, and pairs moves. The variety and difficulty of elements require that each team member is a highly skilled individual skater. The typical senior-level athlete has passed a senior or gold test in at least two disciplines.
Kick-Off Classic will feature synchronized skating teams of 8-16 skaters ranging in age from 4 to adult with team levels from beginner to those qualifying for international Team USA assignments. Competition begins at 8:30am both days. Tickets are available at Wings Event Center Box Office. A detailed schedule may be found on www.greaterkzooskate.org under Special Events.
Carolina Rodriguez and Edgar Aguillon pair up during an icebreaker in Katie Hoffman’s third-hour advisory class, which is focused on respect on this particular day
By Bridie Bereza
School News Network
Twice a week, science teacher Katie Hoffman spends third period teaching not biology or physics, but civility. Last week, after some icebreakers to get students talking and a brief video on respect, she asked her students how they could make respect a habit.
When you see someone, offer “a smile and a hello,” said one student.
“Instead of saying, ‘Hey you, hey you,’ say their name,” suggested another.
Keymoni Williams shares an answer during a lesson about respect
The character-building curriculum, developed in part by Hoffman and a team of Godwin Heights administrators, teachers, counselors and support staff, is taught around the school during what’s known as advisory period.
The curriculum focuses on what students should do instead of what they shouldn’t: as in, yes to holding the door, picking up trash on the floor and welcoming a new student at the lunch table.
It has the obvious benefit of teaching students important life skills and values like self-control, integrity, responsibility and perseverance.
But since its implementation last year, the program’s effects on student behavior in the school have been nothing short of amazing, said Assistant Principal Mike Porco. And the proof is in the data.
Plummeting Problems
The advisory period has been around for some years at the high school, but a grant to participate in Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative made it possible to develop the current decorum-focused curriculum. Once implemented, the payoff was almost immediate.
Senior Laciana Gonzalez has seen a positive change in student behavior and attitudes since her freshman year
“After the first week or two, this was just a different place,” said Porco, who quickly noticed less noise in the halls and less traffic in the office. “There’s a feel to data, and then there’s the real data. We tried to match that feeling with numbers, and were staggered on how big of a change that really was.”
The goal was to reduce by 5 percent discipline referrals in each of five categories: disrespect, disruption to the educational process, fighting, insubordination and verbal confrontation.
After one semester, the school saw drops of 45, 54, 52 and 32 percent, respectively, in the first four categories. Verbal confrontation, which had the lowest number of all categories to begin with, increased from the same semester the previous year, from 12 to 30.
By the end of the year, the school had seen double-digit decreases in disciplinary referrals for three of the five categories.
A poster created during an advisory period is one of many that outlines behavioral expectations
Less Disruption, More Learning
“It has definitely impacted my job,” Hoffman said of the curriculum. “Although we do still have disciplinary incidents, there are many less than in years’ past.”
Focusing on character education, she says, gives her more time to spend on teaching. It also allows teachers to walk alongside students and encourage them to make positive choices that will impact their future — lessons, she says, that will last a lifetime.
Students see the difference too. “Freshman year, everybody was goofing off and yelling at teachers because they thought it was cool,” recalled senior Laciana Gonzalez.
But the introduction of the curriculum and the school’s emphasis on values known throughout the school by the acronym “PRIDE” (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Engage), have changed the whole culture, she said. Now, incoming freshmen catch on pretty quickly.
Science Teacher Katie Hoffman high-fives student De’Amontae Clark during a discussion on respect
“PRIDE teaches kids to be a little bit more mature, and once one person shows it, everybody else kind of follows,” Laciana said. “You see someone holding a door for you, and you hold it for the next person. You don’t think about it; you just do it. It’s something you’re expected to do.”
So what happened over the summer? Have the lessons of last year stuck?
While Porco hadn’t yet crunched the numbers for each focus category, he was encouraged to see that, at a glance, disciplinary referrals were down again from the first few weeks of last year.
“So far, so good,” he said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Many of West Michigan’s towns, cities, and counties have their own rich history. While you’re traveling throughout West Michigan, take the time to learn more about the area you’re staying in or visiting.
Historic Areas in Southern West Michigan
Long known as “the art coast of Michigan,” the Saugatuck community traces its creative roots back 100 years to the day when The Art Institute of Chicago established its Ox-Bow School in the area. Today, dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists call it home, enriching the community with an open-minded outlook and an appreciation of art that spills over into the galleries around town.
Courtesy Saugatuck/Douglas
As the capital of the state, the Greater Lansing area is filled to the brim with history. One of the big attractions in downtown Lansing is the Michigan History Center which houses the Michigan Historical Museum, the State Archives, and the Library of Michigan. In the historical museum, visitors can find three floors of Michigan History, strolling through eras beginning in the prehistoric times and finishing up in the Motown days in Detroit.
With 19th century architecture showcased in the town, you’ll find hundreds of year’s worth of history in Coldwater. To put everything in one place, check out their historic walking tours with over 20 stops. One must-see location is Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest operating theatre in Michigan. Built in 1882, Tibbits serves as the arts and cultural center of Branch County and the surrounding area.
Battle Creek’s cereal history exhibit is a great place to learn about Cereal City USA. Located across the street from the Battle Creek Welcome Center, the exhibit has pieces from Post and Kellogg, including old advertisements, collector plates, memorabilia, and much more.
Find and create your own history in Southwest Michigan. The area is home to many antique markets. Visit towns like Baroda, where you’ll find buildings filled with an assortment of antiques, including a parts department for do-it-yourselfers. You’ll even find vintage and antique garments, hats, purses, and shoes from the late 1800s through 1970.
Historic Areas in Central West Michigan
Rich in history, Lake County has a historical society that has gathered historical items from all over the area. This includes the Marlboro Cement Plant, Idlewild, and nearby logging towns. They also put on a free program once a month about the notable citizens of Lake County and the area’s upbringing.
The best history in Mecosta County can be easily found in a few notable areas. The local historical museum shows how the area has changed, with most of its inventory donated from locals. Two more unique spots are the Old Jail in Big Rapids and the Jim Crow Museum located within Ferris State University.
The Muskegon area has thousands of years of history for you to discover. The Lakeshore Museum Center is preserving and interpreting the history of Muskegon through exhibits, education, and programs. Located in nearby Whitehall, the Lakeshore Museum Center’s Michigan’s Heritage Park has over 10,000 years of history that you can walk through. Jumping forward quite a ways, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum takes you inside a restored WWII submarine and a Prohibition-Era Coast Guard Cutter. Self-guided tours let you experience what it was really like to sail a sub trolling the waters of the South Pacific 60-plus years ago.
Courtesy USS Silversides Museum
The Mt. Pleasant area was established in 1831, and since then, they’ve developed a rich Native American history and culture. The Treaty of 1855 relocated the Native American Ojibwa (Saginaw Chippewa Tribe) from Saginaw, Swan Creek, and Black River to land in Isabella County. Today, Mt. Pleasant is home to the popular Soaring Eagle Casino, Ziibiwing Cultural Center, and many other American Indian cultural aspects. With celebrations like the Annual Saginaw Chippewa Pow Wow, the area continues to celebrate the rich history and culture of the American Indian.
If Ludington was your favorite vacation spot in the late 1970s, it’s time to come back. On the same property as Ludington’s first Holiday Inn is the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites, featuring much of the original infrastructure and offered amenities. As advertised in the Ludington Daily News in 1975, stay in one of 116 beautiful, tastefully decorated, carpeted rooms featuring a color TV, in-room telephones, and individually controlled heat or air conditioning. Today, each room has the modern conveniences of a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, and, of course, free WiFi.
Historic Areas in Northern West Michigan
Unique history and architecture can be found throughout Charlevoix. The Mushroom Houses, designed by Earl Young, have received high praise and recognition for their natural beauty and amazing characteristics. Self-taught builder Earl Young began building houses in 1919 and continued his work until the 1970s. Young created over two dozen homes, buildings, and structures using natural materials. Earl Young’s houses feature wide, wavy eaves, exposed rafter tails, and a horizontal emphasis in design. These buildings are creatively known as Gnome Homes, Mushroom Houses, or Hobbit Houses.
Located throughout Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, all four of the Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites have their own history. A visit to any of these four locations, Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, are sure to be a hit for any family looking to learn about the history of northern Michigan on their next trip.
The hour-long concert, which has sold-out past performance by the Grand Rapids Symphony, features the well-known animated film, projected onto a 40-foot screen while accompanied by the musical score performed live at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 17, in DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.
Hailed as “iconic and ethereal” The Snowman wordlessly tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman who comes to life and leads him on a wide-eyed and wondrous adventure to meet Father Christmas.
Led by Associate Conductor John Varineau, the Grand Rapids Symphony will perform the magical score by Howard Blake as the snowman and his young friend adventure through darkened woods, over rolling mountains, and above quiet ocean waves in the film that garnered an Academy Award nomination in 1982.
With plucky violins and xylophones for mischief, reflective piano melodies for soft, falling snow, and deep bass notes for night-time flight – it is an invitation for children ages 8 to 13 and adults to savor the simple joys of the holiday season.
The program features other popular holiday melodies including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and “Let it Go!” from the Walt Disney film Frozen along with the performance of The Snowman.
Come early for pre-concert activities beginning at 2 p.m. Children can experience the joy of making music with an instrument petting zoo and keep their creative juices flowing with crafts inspired by the playful snowman they’ll soon see in the show.
Originally published in 1978 by famed children’s illustrator Raymond Briggs, The Snowman has become one of the world’s most popular children’s books, selling in excess of 8.5 million copies worldwide, with translations into 15 different languages.
Adapted for screen by producer John Coates, the 30-minute film first premiered in the United Kingdom in 1982 on a British public television station. The film quickly became a beloved staple of the Christmas season in Great Britain, and later found a home in America, with the help of an introduction by rock icon David Bowe. The film has since been broadcast on a global scale, and garnered an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA TV award.
First performed by Peter Auty, a choirboy at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the song, “Walking in the Air,” provides the only dialogue in the otherwise wordless film. The startlingly beautiful melody with an almost haunting orchestration will be performed by singers of the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus’s select ensemble, Mandala.
Tickets
Tickets are $15 adults and $5 children, available at the Grand Rapids Symphony box office, weekdays 9 am-5 pm at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)
Tickets are available at the DeVos Place box office, weekdays 10am-6pm or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.
Full-time students of any age are able to purchase tickets for only $5 on the day of the concert by enrolling in theGRS Student Ticket program.
Special Offers
Students age 7-18 also are able to attend for most concerts for free when accompanied by an adult. Free for Kids tickets must be purchased in advance at the GRS Ticket office. Up to two free tickets are available with the purchase of a regular-price adult ticket. Go online for more details.
Symphony Scorecardprovides members up to four free tickets for most Grand Rapids Symphony concerts. Member of the community receiving financial assistance from the State of Michigan and members of the U.S. Armed Forces, whether on active or reserve duty or serving in the National Guard, are eligible. Go online for information on signing up with a Symphony Scorecard Partner Agency.
A two-concert package also includes a performance of The Conductor’s Spellbook, the magical story of Tony Stradivarius, who takes a field trip to a symphony and finds a powerful book of spells that he’s able to use to control the orchestra. The narrated concert is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2018 in DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets for the two-concert package are $27 adults, $10 children.
A three-concert package adds a performance of the Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, featuring the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus joined by vocalist Justin Hopkins and Embellish handbell ensemble. The show eligible for the package is at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 8. Tickets for the three-concert package are $60 adults, $15 children.
You found a great sale on meat and bought more than you can use within a day or two. You can preserve it by canning, drying or freezing. Freezing is by far the simplest method of preserving meat. Michigan State University Extension has some helpful tips when freezing meat.
You can freeze fresh meat and poultry in its supermarket wrapping if you will use it in a month or two. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that you add a second wrapping for long-term storage to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Overwrap the package of meat with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper or place the package inside a freezer bag. While it is safe to freeze fresh meat or poultry in its supermarket wrapping, this type of wrap allows air to pass through, which can lead to freezer burn. Foods with freezer burn are safe to eat, but will be dry and may not taste good.
Keep your freezer at 0º Fahrenheit or lower. Put no more food in your freezer than can get frozen in 24 hours.
Spread out the bags of meat in your freezer when you are first freezing them. You can neatly stack and organize them in your freezer once they are completely frozen.
Do not stuff any kind of meat or poultry before freezing it. Harmful bacteria can grow in the stuffing before it gets completely frozen and then it can once again grow when it is being thawed.
Thaw all meats in the refrigerator for the very best quality. Cook the meat once it is thawed.
Freeze meat in meal size portions. Label the package with the kind of meat, the amount in the package and the date it was frozen.
Freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, but the quality and nutritional value decreases over time. Recommended storage times from the United States Department of Health and Human Services are for quality only.
Earning a degree in your later years isn’t just a matter of career advancement or personal achievement—it’s another way to stay sharp. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Shawn Foucher, Spectrum Health Beat
Researchers have long held that a heart-healthy diet and an active mind are among your best defenses against dementia.
But evidence continues to mount that you should also strive for a life of learning.
Recent studies suggest that mental stimulation at any age—from teens to post-retirement—is apt to improve the odds of enjoying a sound, healthy mind well into your twilight.
JAMA Neurology recently published results from a Minnesota study that found people ages 70 and older could decrease their risk of developing mild cognitive impairment by engaging in activities such as books, crafts, computers, games and socializing.
Interestingly, crafts and computers were especially associated with a decreased risk, according to the study.
Perhaps more compelling, however, is a separate JAMA Internal Medicine study that found an increase in educational attainment when you’re young may lead to a healthier brain in later ages.
Helmed by professor Kenneth Langa, the study reinforces what other researchers have been noticing—an unexpected but encouraging decline in dementia rates among the aging population in the U.S.
Langa and his team uncovered the association between dementia and educational attainment.
They measured dementia rates in two groups, one with an average age of 75 in 2000, the other with an average age of 75 in 2012. They found the dementia rate at 11.6 percent in the first group, 8.8 percent in the second group.
While those in the first group had attained about 11.8 years of education, on average, those in the second group attained about 12.7 years—almost a full additional year.
Coincidentally, the increasing value Americans have placed on education is borne out in the historical data. Prior to World War II, about 38 percent of those ages 25 to 29 had completed high school. By 1960, more than 60 percent in this age group had completed high school.
In comparing earlier generations to subsequent ones, it may suggest a greater return than expected on education: brain health benefits.
The notion that education could promote longer-term brain health is certainly not lost on the legion of gerontologists and neurologists responsible for treating some of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more suffering from various forms of dementia.
“We know from other studies that education does appear to be a protective factor, so folks with more education are less likely to develop dementia,” said Maegan Hatfield-Eldred, PhD, a neuropsychologist with Spectrum Health.
“The idea is that education, learning new things, stimulates the parts of the brain that produce new cells and grow connections between cells,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “So people with more education have more brain matter that they can lose, and still maintain normal functioning.”
The implication here, of course, is that this brain stimulation and development occurs in youth and continues to benefit people into old age.
The takeaway: Brain health isn’t something to ruminate post-retirement.
It’s something parents should keep in mind for themselves and their children from the get-go, with consistent emphasis on education and intellectual development.
“It really emphasizes the importance of thinking about brain health over your lifespan,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “This isn’t something you should think about when you turn 70. It’s really a lifetime thing. The things you do over your lifespan impact whether you may develop dementia down the road.”
Ponder it
A question remains: What can you do now, as an adult, to increase the chances you’ll have a healthy brain into your 70s, 80s and beyond?
While age is the biggest determinant in the development of Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia, genetic factors also play a substantial role. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although some medications can alleviate the symptoms.
“The No. 1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is your age,” said Iris Boettcher, MD, chief of geriatrics for Spectrum Health. “The older you get, the higher the risk.”
You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle.
Activities that require mental concentration are all apt to help with cognitive function, Dr. Boettcher said.
“The advice I give, even once the diagnosis of dementia is made, is we know that regular mental stimulation is helpful in reducing the progression of the disease,” she said.
Dr. Boettcher is especially keen on discussions and activities that encourage higher-level thinking.
“People say reading, and reading is OK, but it’s really discussing what you have read,” she said. “You can read things over and over again, but it’s not necessarily constructive brain stimulation.”
While that’s no call to run out and enroll in the physics track at your local university, it is a call to challenge yourself mentally.
“It’s not a cure-all,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said. “But in general, we know that people who stay (mentally) active have lower (dementia) rates. It may prolong the onset of dementia if you are someone who was going to develop dementia. Maybe you’ll get it later than you would, or maybe it will progress more slowly than it would have without those activities.”
Drs. Hatfield-Eldred and Boettcher also emphasize the importance of regular exercise—at least three times a week, about 20 to 30 minutes each time—and a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
“It’s been shown in multiple studies: It reduces the progression of dementia and it’s healthy for the brain,” Dr. Boettcher said. “You don’t have to be a marathon runner or work out in a gym. It’s very simple.”
The take-home message from these studies: “There’s no one magic activity,” Dr. Hatfield-Eldred said.
Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL—the first acrobatic performance on ice—comes to Van Andel Arena for seven performances May 15-19, 2019
Cirque du Soleilis thrilled to return toGrand Rapids, Michigan with its coolest arena show yet—CRYSTAL. This one-of-a-kind arena productionblends circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground where figure skating mingles with acrobatics and aerial feats.CRYSTALwill perform at SMG-managedVan Andel Arenafrom Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19, 2019, for seven performances only.
Photo by Matt Beard
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Nov. 9 at 10am.Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, online atTicketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. SeeTicketmaster.comfor all pricing and availability. A purchase limit of 11 tickets will apply to every order.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 15, Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 18 at 4pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, May 19 at 1:30pm and 5pm
More about CRYSTAL—A Breakthrough Ice Experience
Directed by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, Crystal, our misfit heroine, takes you on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination. Feel the adrenaline as she soars through this surreal world to become what she was always destined to be: confident, curious, and creative. CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages.
The show CRYSTAL is about looking at things from fresh angles, peeking through the veneer of everyday life, reframing one’s daily reality to see what one might have missed. Sometimes the only way to appreciate things is to look at them sideways. Discovering one’s individuality and uniqueness requires venturing out on thin ice.
CRYSTALisCirque du Soleil’s42ndoriginal production since 1984.The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents.Cirque du Soleilhas over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.
He echoes the sentiment that cold weather is particularly tough on lungs and provided some of his top advice for how to stay active.
4 easy ways to help combat the wheeze:
1. Cover your mouth and breathe through your nose
Before heading outside make sure to cover your mouth with a scarf, turtleneck, neck gaiter or whatever you prefer. Covering you mouth helps warm up the outside air before it enters your lungs.
Dry and cold air is a prime trigger for airway narrowing, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and focusing on warming and humidifying the air you breathe is key.
Breathing through your nose helps.
That may sound like a request from Ms. Manners, but breathing through your nose will help warm the air before it enters your lungs.
“We prefer that children stay active and involved in sports, even in the winter,” Dr. Schuen said.
He works with kids and teens who have cold-induced asthma to avoid issues when braving the outdoor temps. Sometimes that means suggesting the use of inhalers and medications “before going out into the cold Michigan winter.”
“This is in addition to covering your mouth with a scarf or face mask,” he added.
2. Take your exercise inside
Up to 90 percent of people with asthma encounter breathing difficulties while exercising. When you exercise, you generally breathe through your mouth, and the symptoms will only get worse if you’re breathing in cold or dry air.
For some people, this might include limiting activities like shoveling snow or playing outside in the winter months.
Consider taking your exercise indoors. Join a gym, invest in indoor exercise equipment, or learn some indoor routines that will keep you feeling great.
Definitely talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent flareups while working out, such as warming up, pacing yourself, taking your medication prior to exercising, or the specific types of exercise you might want to consider. Sometimes short bursts of exercise or more leisurely exercise like walking or swimming work best.
3. Skip the cozy wood fires
We all know that cigarette smoke irritates asthma but did you know that fire smoke can have the same effect?
Wood smoke contains benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. Small particles from the smoke can lodge inside the lungs, sometimes deep, aggravating asthma and causing other breathing issues.
Gas fireplaces are a bit better, but they still release nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the lungs.
Another note in this area: Make sure to replace your furnace filter and vacuum your indoor space frequently during the winter to keep allergens such as smoke particles, mold and pet dander low.
4. Keep germs at bay
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as eight out of 10 asthma attacks in children and four out of 10 in adults are triggered by viral infections.
Between RSV, the common cold, and the flu, winter is rife with viral hurdles. Get vaccinations, when possible. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer frequently, and try to steer clear of those who are sneezing or coughing around you.
Sometimes an infection can’t be avoided, so if you start to fall ill, stay home and keep yourself well-hydrated. Talk with your doctor about when you should seek medical care, or consider a MedNow video appointment so you can get treatment while at home. Try to keep your cold from turning into something more serious.
Experiencing history and learning from the experts is one of the best ways to learn. Check out these events happening in November and beyond. Don’t forget to check WMTA’s event calendar for a full list of upcoming events.
Grab your girlfriends and jump back in time to the 1950s with the Women’s Only Weekend in South Haven from Nov. 8th to 11th. The bash includes rocking music, a sock hop, poodle skirts, and more. Purchase your tickets and plan a whole weekend of retro fun.
Entice your senses with the Encore Tea & Whiskey Weekend at Hart House Bed & Breakfast. Colleen Connon, an expert on tea, and Patrick Cannon, an expert on whiskey, will present their stories and tips on Nov. 9th and 10th. The two-night event includes a welcome reception and tasting, with packages available for your stay.
Courtesy Tulip Time Festival
Enjoy a delicious meal and learn something new at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings and their upcoming Lunch & Learn event on Thursday, Nov. 15th. Titled Reading Between the Lines: Looking for Michigan’s Treaty Lines, the event looks at the reservations and boundaries of the early 19th century that are seemingly gone. If you look carefully, you can still see the marks that are left on the landscape. Historian John Gorentz will guide you on a photographic journey to some of these historical places in Michigan and other states of the Old Northwest.
Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo is one of the most haunted places in Michigan. Listen to the scary stories of yesteryear at the Haunted History Dinner & Tour on Friday, Nov. 16th. The tour will include a rare opportunity to hear some of the spooky tales of this 123-year-old castle. You may even meet a ghost!
Celebrating its 89th year in 2018, Tulip Time has grown over the years to be so much more than a flower festival. Back in 1929, the City of Holland planted its first crop of 100,000 tulips. The overwhelming number of visitors over the years as the festival took shape resulted in the addition of programs, pageantry, costumes, parades, and the popular Dutch Dancers. Each year, Tulip Time strives to showcase all that Holland, Michigan has to offer.
Museums, Cultural Centers & Historical Societies
West Michigan’s many museums, cultural centers, and historical societies dedicate themselves to cataloging and promoting history in fun and unique ways. The main goal of these organizations is to help their communities and visitors from all over learn something new each and every time they visit.
If you visited downtown St. Joseph this summer, you may have noticed that the Krasl Art Center yard was undergoing a major face-lift. This $1.7 million project, known as Sculpting Community, is the third major renovation project since the building’s genesis in 1979. After years of improving the lives of its community, the Krasl Art Center is thrilled to invite you this new, historic project, providing residents and visitors a space to come together and connect with nature, art, and each other.
The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center in St. Joseph prides itself in sharing stories about the community. This museum houses the area’s history, its artifacts, and an archival collection, alongside a research library. It presents stories in spacious exhibit halls and creates new memories in elegant banquet facilities. Come journey into the area’s past, see the present, and receive a deeper understanding and thrill at the possibilities for the future.
The Holland Museum tells the stories and history of the both the Holland area and of the greater West Michigan area. By promoting engagement and change instead of simply dictating information, the Holland Museum has been creating a community with a better and brighter future. Upcoming events in November include a skills workshop to teach the skills of Holland’s early settlers and a landing party for the Mars Lander.
Courtesy Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
The Harbor Springs History Museum, home of the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, is located in the former city hall building. As the first of two permanent exhibits, the Local History Gallery guides visitors through a multi-layered chronology of the Harbor Springs region. The Discovery Gallery is the second of these permanent exhibit spaces and is filled with hands-on activities for children and their families or teachers. Serving as the museum’s temporary exhibit spaces, the main and north galleries host both traveling exhibits and temporary exhibits from the HSAHS collection.
Historic Charlton Park is located in the Hastings area, and features a recreated, turn-of-the-century historic village and the Irving D. Charlton Memorial Museum. The museum is open until December, giving you plenty of time to stop by yet this year.
LowellArts began with the enthusiasm of community volunteers and funds raised through a visit to Lowell by Artrain USA in November 1976. Originally called the Lowell Area Arts Council, the organization was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1977. In September 1977, LowellArts became the sponsor of the Fallasburg Arts Festival, a two-day outdoor art and music celebration. Today, LowellArts is creating their own space in downtown Lowell with the help of individual community donations and the Lowell Area Community Fund.
The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper has been transporting people between Muskegon and Milwaukee since 1941. In 1904, the Erie & Western Transportation Company, better known now as the Anchor Line, commissioned a 361-foot passenger and package freight steamer. After years of traveling the waterways of the United States, the vessel found a home in Lake Michigan. On June 2nd, 1941, her name was changed to S.S. Milwaukee Clipper. After a long hiatus that included name changes, new locations, and different owners, the ship returned to Muskegon. Today, the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper stays put in Muskegon Lake as a national landmark and museum.
The Tri-Cities Historical Museum has been cataloging Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg history for visitors to the area. The museum is made up of comprehensive exhibits that cover many different eras of the area’s past, from prehistoric rocks and fossils to common dry goods shop from 1940s Grand Haven. Each exhibit is housed within a structure accurate to the time it represents. Inside many of the exhibits, learners of all ages are often invited to touch and explore recreations of artifacts in order to make history more relatable.
Courtesy Kingman Museum
The Coopersville Area Historical Society was founded in 1980 to preserve area history for the enrichment of both visitors and local residents. During the Historical Society’s early days, its members met in the town’s former interurban railway depot. In 1987, the Historical Society acquired use of the building from the City of Coopersville. The facility was then open seasonally as a museum with some regular and special exhibits. The historical society and museum continue to support the community with education and preservation.
During the week of Nov. 12, West Michigan Works! service centers will honor those who served in the military by offering job search services and events with a focus on veterans.
“We serve veterans every day, but we want to set aside this special time to highlight their service and their specific career needs,” said Brittany Lenertz, West Michigan Works! talent solutions director. “From offering coffee and displaying the flags of the Armed Forces in our centers to providing access to veteran-friendly resources, we want to show our gratitude to the men and women who served our country.”
Workshops
The week’s schedule of free workshops will include information to address veterans’ job search needs. For example, the resume workshop will help veterans convey their military experience with civilian language that hiring managers can easily understand.
“So many of the skills learned during military service transfer to civilian life—it’s all in the language used when you talk or write about them,” said Karen Riggs, a talent development instructor with West Michigan Works!
Community Resources
Several of the service centers will hold resource fairs that will highlight community resources for veterans. This may include anything from entrepreneurship workshops through the Small Business Development Center to assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Hiring Events
Veteran-friendly employers will be in the service centers as either an Employer of the Day or a part of a larger multi-employer hiring event. As always, veterans and their spouses receive early access to Michigan Works! hiring events.
Veterans can participate in any of these activities by visiting a West Michigan Works! service center Nov. 13-16 (the service centers will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12). Dates and locations of the Veterans Week hiring events as well as service center locations can be found on the West Michigan Works! website at westmiworks.org/vetweek.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
As the days draw shorter and temperatures decrease, we know that the holiday season is upon us. Not only do we usually indulge ourselves during this time, but we also become less physically active.
It is not surprising that the average American gains about a pound this time of year.
There are numerous reasons for this weight gain, especially the overall busyness we tend to have, with parties and preparing for them. Outside of the usual overindulging we go through with at the table, these busy schedules often cause us to reach for more convenient options that are not necessarily the most nutrient-dense.
What are some approaches we can use year round, but especially at this time of year to minimize or prevent weight gain?
Methods to Utilize When Eating This Holiday Season
There are numerous techniques that can be employed to help us enjoy eating during the holiday season, while not going overboard by eating too much. One of these options is to utilize mindful eating practices, as described in previous articles. Mindful eating allows you to checking in with yourselves to see if you are actually hungry, gives you time to appraise and admire your meal, encourages slowing down your eating, lets you savor and taste every bite and helps you stop when you are full.
Another method is to substitute foods with lower calorie options. This could include using sugar substitutes during baking to maintain the sweet taste we enjoy in our desserts, but reducing the number of calories we consume. Other options could be using low fat or fat-free substitutes. One could also load up on more nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, but also include some dessert. Other helpful hints for eating during the holiday season can be found here.
Physical Activity During the Holidays
Although the holiday season is upon us, this is not a reason to give up on your current physical activity habits. The best recommendation is to maintain your current physical activity schedule, whether that is going to the gym or outside for a run. However, the busyness of this time of year, plus changes in the weather, are not necessarily conducive to performing physical activity. There are approaches to this dilemma. For example, if you currently run outdoors, you may have to make some modifications such as running on an indoor track, or taking up cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
To prevent extra weight gain, the simplest method is to burn, or expend, more calories. This could be as simple as adding an extra workout day, or encourage some family bonding time and going for walks. Remember, although you may miss a workout or two, it is not the end of the world nor the most important part of the holiday season.
This time of year, we usually consume more foods, especially the sweet ones, and perform less physical activity, however, there are numerous methods we can employ to help us still enjoy the holidays, without gaining that extra pound of body weight. This could be changing the way we eat, or performing extra physical activity. Regardless, we should also utilize these methods throughout the year.
By Mary Davis, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch
Kate DiCamillo became one of my favorite authors for children after publishing her first novel, Because of Winn-Dixie. She writes in a soothing, almost comforting voice, and she never talks down to her intended audience. She often blends realism with a sort of fantastical or magical twist. In her newest, The Magician’s Elephant, she casts another spell. She tells the story of Peter Augustus Duchene. Peter, a young boy in the care of a former soldier, believes that he will grow into a soldier as well.
One day the old soldier gives him money to buy bread and fish. Instead, a fortune teller’s tent catches Peter’s eye. She reveals to him that his sister, believed to be dead, lives and the elephant will lead him to her. This seems unbelievable until a visiting magician mysteriously and mistakenly conjures up an elephant.
DiCamillo weaves beautifully together the story of the elephant and how she leads Peter to his sister, a new future, and an interesting cast of characters. Yoko Tanka’s illustrations help define the time and place and bring depth to the storytelling. The Magician’s Elephant would make a lovely read-aloud to most elementary classrooms or just to share with any child in one’s life.
Researchers recommend exercising about 150 minutes each week, including some strength-training exercises. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Kim Delafuente, Spectrum Health Beat
New studies continue to add credence to the critical link between good brain health and regular exercise.
A recent study by researchers in Texas, for instance, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, found an association between higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and better “fiber integrity” in the brain’s white matter.
This correlated to better “executive function performance” in patients with mild cognitive impairment, according to the study.
These types of contemporary findings abound, with researchers perpetually seeking to understand the connections between brain health and physical activity.
What we do know is that physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, increase self-confidence, improve memory, reduce symptoms of depression and reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50 percent.
But what’s really going on under the hood? Let’s take a look at some known areas.
Hippo power
The area of the brain responsible for memory formation, the hippocampus, shrinks as a normal process of aging. In people who are physically active, however, the hippocampus can actually increase. This tells us exercise aids in the growth of brain cells in certain areas of the brain.
Neural nitrogen
Physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which acts as something of a brain fertilizer. It is essential to learning and memory. The increase here not only helps with brain cell interconnectivity, it also aids in the growth of new brain cells.
Anti-depressant
In some cases, exercise can generate the same effect as an anti-depressant in those with mild depression. Research shows that active people tend to be less depressed, which means that exercise may benefit those who suffer from depression.
Brain-building
Physically active children may reap the benefits in a number of areas, including better performance on tests, fewer behavioral problems and improved retention of information.
Stress, anxiety reliever
Exercise can help the body respond better to anxiety disorders. A study by researchers in Chicago also found modest evidence to support the notion that “regular exercise protects against the negative emotional consequences of stress.”
Exactly how much physical activity is needed to reap brain benefits?
As it applies to healthy adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, as well as some muscle-strengthening activities two days a week.
The activity should be hard enough to increase your breathing and heart rate.
One recent study found that people who exercised more than an hour each day had healthier brain characteristics compared to people who exercised less.
But you don’t have to dive in headlong. If you are currently inactive, start with just a 5- or 10-minute walk each day. Something is always better than nothing. A small amount of exercise can be enough to put you in a better mood and increase your energy.
But keep in mind that the level of fitness and endurance may matter in the long run. A higher endurance level is related to better cognitive abilities.
The more exercise you do, the greater the benefits!
What started as a request from a City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety officer to visit the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans led to the department hosting its 12th annual donation drive for the Home.
The members of the department’s Honor Guard, which many residents may have seen in parades or special events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day, work to reflect on why many of the officers join a police force, choosing to serve their community. The Honor Guard visits various places, working with veterans and other groups.
“One of the officers in the Honor Guard had requested we visit the Veterans Home because his father was there,” said Officer Pam Keen. Once there, the officers saw a need.
“It was a reminder that this was a nursing home and that many of these guys were in need of things such as shampoo or body wash or diabetic socks. Basically items that mean the difference of just surviving to making life comfortable.”
Items sought for donation include $25 gift cards (local fast food restaurants, Meijer, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, Gordon Food Marketplace, etc.), candy bars, pens, batteries, stamps, grooming, hygiene items and clothing (new or gently used.)
So after that 2007 visit, the Honor Guard decided to host a donation drive. In the past couple of years, the drive has become a citywide event, however; most of the donations come from city staff, Keen said.
“It is more to raise awareness of the Home,” Keen said. “We saw a need and we are trying to help fill it. We hope others will see it and help too.”
Donations will be collected through the month of November and can be dropped off at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.
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).
In early September 2018, Caledonia resident Amanda T. came across this lovely young lady (born in early October of 2017) roaming around her property. She and her husband considered giving her a permanent home as she was exceptionally friendly and affectionate but weren’t quite sure what their resident cat would think. So they took Asha into their vet to get her checked out a few weeks later and discovered, much to their dismay, that she tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Since the virus is transmitted through the sharing of bodily fluids like saliva, they didn’t want to risk their kitty contracting it.
After contacting Dr. Jen and explaining the situation, the good doctor offered to take the darling girl they named Asha into our program at Big Sid’s, our sanctuary for kitties with FELV and FIV. Her name means ‘hope’, which we thought was very appropriate.
After spaying her (Amanda had gotten her set with deworming and vaccines prior to her arrival), Dr. Jen sent adorable little Asha on down to meet the rest of her roommates, and after a few days of rest and recovery, she dove right into the thick of things. She adores being smack dab in the middle of the action as she is young, vibrant and oh-so curious.
Asha finds bird watching a fantastic way to pass the time, and she is absolutely thrilled to let you rub her belly for hours on end. Initially, this little kitty was too busy to be held for very long, but over time she has discovered just how warm and tingly snuggling makes her feel. She gets along famously well with all of the other residents and is extremely playful, so a household with a few kids would really tickle her fancy!
Since Asha is so very fond of attention, she would be the perfect companion for someone who is home a lot and would be more than happy to offer up a lap for her to lounge on. She really is one of our sweetest girls—and considering she IS a calico that says a LOT! It’s a shame that she tested positive for the virus, though on her retest one month after her arrival she was only a faint positive, and since some cats with strong immune systems can clear the virus and not harbor the infection, Dr. Jen will be checking her again in mid-November. Fingers crossed!
Asha is truly an amazing cat and we are so thankful we were in a position to help out when it was most needed. There are vaccines that can be given to non-infected cats to help decrease the risk of transmission, so adoption is a very viable option in this case. It would be a shame to not let our cutie pie know the wonders or comfort of a cozy, loving home of her own. Don’t get me wrong, our place is AWESOME, but it is meant to be a stepping stone for bigger and better things. And what could be better than waking up to this fabulous feline face every single morning, or drifting off peacefully each night with her dainty paw touching your hand as you gently stroke her tummy fur, eliciting the purest purrs of contentment than you have ever heard? NOTHING is going to beat that.
More about Asha:
Medium
Calico
Adult
Female
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed
Not declawed
FELV+
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Asha? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
Deck the halls this holiday season by taking a tour through the Hackley and Hume Historic Site during their kick-off event on Saturday, Nov. 24th. From 4-8pm, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the beautifully decorated houses and enjoy a variety of other holiday-themed activities.
Aside from the holiday tour, visitors can participate in ornament decorating while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. Though this is the only night with festivities in the courtyard, there will be additional dates for walk-through tours where individuals can experience the houses adorned with holiday decorations throughout.
Program Manager, Erin Schmitz, shares her excitement for the event saying, “It’s such a joy to decorate and get the Houses ready for the holidays. Our community loves this event and it really gets everyone excited for the Christmas season!”
The additional holiday tour date schedule is as follows:
Sunday, Nov. 25 from 1-4pm
Saturday, Dec. 8 from 4-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 15 from 4-8pm
Thursday, Dec. 27 from 4-8pm
Friday, Dec. 28 from 1-4pm
Admission to the Holiday Tours Kick-off is $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors 65 and older, and $5 for kids ages 2-12. No registration is required for this event. The Hackley and Hume Historic Site is located at 484 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI 49441.
As a youth in West Africa, Benjamin Kofi Amponsah always knew he wanted to study in the United States. What he couldn’t have envisioned was falling in love with and marrying an American, then settling into her hometown, the father of two Ghanaian-American children. Along the way, he earned two college degrees and became an international liaison between his adopted city and the Ga District of his native Ghana. Benjamin talks with Alan of his love for two cultures and the patience needed to straddle both.
WKTV (that stands for Wyoming-Kentwood Television) launched a digital cinema program in 2012, providing film production gear and facilities at no cost to filmmakers whose only objective is to tell a story.
Kyle Misak is exhausted. It’s close to 5am, and he is at the end of an 18-hour day.
Yes, that’s 18 hours. Most people probably have been there at least once in their lives, but for the 23-year-old Michigan filmmaker, days like this are routine when he’s directing a movie.
Misak may have the stamina to endure such a grueling time commitment, but there’s one underlying force that pushes him to lengths like this; he has a vision to tell a story. Being a filmmaker means handling actors, crew, equipment, schedules, the rain and cold, the occasional equipment failure, missed flights, broken down cars, lunch, and whatever else that could possibly happen. If you are ever lucky enough to work on a film for any length of time, you come away convinced that Murphy is the god of filmmakers.
But Misak is having none of it. He and his crew, with persistence and dogged determination, are more than likely to beat Murphy at his own game.
And shortly after I wrote the above, I took a text message from one of Misak’s crew members saying the footage they shot on one of the days may have been damaged — digitally lost in the never-never land of ones and zeros; requiring that a full day’s work be redone.
Misak has always been tinkering with storytelling and filmmaking, but his ability to get the stories in his head to the screen took a big leap when he discovered a community media center in Wyoming, Michigan.
But we digress. Misak pushes through everything like a Sherman tank with one eye on the goal that makes it all worthwhile and the other on avoiding the next difficulty. The goal is to bring to life the story bouncing around inside his head. Just get the story told in a convincing manner and along the way entertain the audience. It’s all a filmmaker wants to achieve.
Misak has always been tinkering with storytelling and filmmaking, but his ability to get the stories in his head to the screen took a big leap when he discovered a community media center in Wyoming, Michigan. WKTV (that stands for Wyoming-Kentwood Television) launched a digital cinema program in 2012, providing film production gear and facilities at no cost to filmmakers whose only objective is to tell a story.
“We were amazed that all of this stuff existed for us to use,” Misak said. “So often, you have to raise thousands of dollars to afford rentals, which many of us obviously can’t do, so many films probably don’t even get started. WKTV changed all that. I know it changed everything for me.”
But there has to be a catch, right?
There should be, but WKTV as a community media center exists to provide media creation equipment to users at no charge. If, as the saying goes, the best things in life are free, then maybe the tools that inspire a young filmmaker to push himself to his creative limits and along the way develop his storytelling skills falls into the category of “best things”. After talking with Misak, you learn that discovering places like WKTV is, for filmmakers, like discovering gold in the ground. It’s there and it’s yours, if you can go through the work of learning the equipment and crafting a story.
But as is often the case with stories like this, the danger is that it sounds easier than it really is. William Goldman, a veteran Hollywood writer from the sixties and seventies put it this way: “Filmmaking is work. Not like working in an office is work, but filmmaking is work like salt mining is work.”
There’s a good chance filmmakers like Misak, or any filmmaker for that matter, would agree.
If every diehard filmmaker has horror stories about equipment failures, permits denied at the last minute, or star actors who missed their flights, just as many are reminded what makes it all worth it.
“There’s a special feeling, a truly special feeling,” said Kevin Davis, a 31-year filmmaker in Wyoming who has been using WKTV’s cinema equipment for two years. “It comes over you in the editing room when you realize that it’s working; the scene is working.
Kyle Misak out in the field
“There’s the first pass, and it doesn’t work and you get that sick feeling. Then the real magic of editing gets to work and slowly the scene is cut, trimmed, shots moved around, and eventually, (but not always) out comes the scene that originally played in your mind. It’s a great feeling. It makes the bags under your eyes worth it,” he said with a wink.
Whether it’s Davis or Misak, filmmakers from all backgrounds are coming to WKTV and tapping a resource that’s never been available in West Michigan before: equipment. Nate Diedrich, one of the production coordinators for the cinema program at WKTV, was more direct: “Before we were here, it was only the rental houses. Some were here, others in Detroit and you had to have money, and unless it’s a corporate production, without money, the film didn’t get made.”
It’s possible that given WKTV’s 44-plus years in media creation, it is the perfect place for this next definition of community media.
But there’s a side benefit as well. Just as WKTV has focused these 44 years on making people more media-savvy, the digital cinema program has the distinct possibility of making filmmakers more story-savvy.
“Storytelling is a talent,” Davis said, “and like all talent, it’s a Carnegie Hall thing. How do you get there? Practice, and the talent will come through.”
Diedrich couldn’t agree more. “We’ve seen filmmakers graduate from the most basic ability to really being able to choreograph actors and camera and editing into poignant moments and crafting a story. We really believe that media can build community and storytelling is a powerful means to do that.”
WKTV believes that keeping the cost low encourages filmmakers to get started. However, while the fees may be low, WKTV insists that any storyteller seeking film production gear become “certified” on using that gear. Certification usually lasts no more than three hours depending on the type of equipment.
Now in its fifth year, WKTV’s Digital Cinema program can be reached by visiting the website at wktv.org or calling 616-261-5700.
Many West Michigan businesses and organizations have a deep history in the area. See what you can learn about your favorite brewery, attraction, hotel, and more with this insightful guide!
Historic Spots in Northern West Michigan
Castle Farms in Charlevoix is celebrating 100 years this year! Built in 1918 as a model farm for the Sears & Roebuck Company, it has housed cows, artists, rock concerts, and now hosts historical tours and events. The historical tours offer guests a glimpse into the past through a video narrated by the owner, as well as a map of the grounds.
Courtesy Mission Point Lighthouse
Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire is not only rich in unique natural features, but is also rich in preservation history in northern Michigan, paving the way for many other conservation organizations to come. The organization was created in 1969, with a small group of concerned residents who saw the threat of wetlands development. From that point, this grassroots effort skyrocketed into meaningful collaborations between foundations, other conservation organizations, and the county government, something that has become a standard since that time.
Legs Inn in Cross Village is a third-generation owned inn founded by Stanley Smolak, a Polish immigrant. After working in automobile factories in both Detroit and Chicago, Smolak sought out to settle in an area that reminded him of his native land. In the late 1920s, Stanley Smolak began building this extraordinary complex. Two generations later, Legs Inn continues to be a widely recognized historical destination.
Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades. While it no longer guides mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay as it did from 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933, Mission Point Lighthouse now offers visitors a peek into what life was like around the turn of the century for lighthouse keepers.
Historic Spots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Adventure Mining Company in Greenland was formed in 1850 and operated as a mine on and off through 1920. Beginning in the 1970s, tours were offered as the mine changed owners over the next 30 years. Its most recent purchased was in 2004, and the mines reopened in 2005, offering a variety of tours seasonally. Their annual bike race, Miner’s Revenge, began in 2009 and takes riders within the mines and above ground.
From its beginning over 150 years ago as a waterfront beach house to the family-restored Historic Hotel of America it is today, the Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island has opened its doors to over a million tourists from around the world. With its handsome Victorian structure and family owned intimacy, Mackinac Island’s oldest hotel is a tradition not to be missed.
Whether you have a tour guide or you’re doing it yourself, tours are a great way to learn. Tours are expertly crafted to showcase exactly what you need to know. These organizations and events have already done all the heavy work, so all you need to do is take part and learn!
Courtesy W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Visit the W.K. Kellogg Manor House in Hickory Corners and W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta this fall to step into their history of conservation, philanthropy, and nature. Schedule a group tour of the Bird Sanctuary or take a self-guided Historical Walking Tour. At the Manor House, enjoy a self-guided or docent-guided tour of W.K. Kellogg’s magnificent summer home and estate. Go back in time as you walk through the threshold of the beautifully restored Manor House, constructed in 1926.
The Michilimackinac Historical Society focuses on the Michilimackinac region, which is the area around the Straits of Mackinac. The historical society operates the Fort de Buade Museum, which houses a collection of over 3,500 artifacts that tell the story of the area.
The Marshall Candlelight Walk is a guided walking tour of five historic houses decorated for the holiday season on December 8th and 9th. Participants travel in groups of 25 and visit each of the homes on the tour. This popular event will fill up fast, so make sure you purchase your tickets early!
Visit Amway’s world headquarters Ada to learn about a global company that started in the area over 50 years ago. The welcome center has more than 24 interactive exhibits and 160 videos to tell the story of Amway in an informative and exciting way. From the early beginnings of co-founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel to the celebration of their 50th anniversary, experience the history of Amway with a visit to the welcome center.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9 percent of those suffering receive treatment. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Maura Hohman, HealthDay
A little bit of stress can motivate you, but too much might cause an anxiety disorder that can prevent you from living your life to the fullest.
If you feel anxious on a daily basis, try making changes to your lifestyle to manage anxiety on your own.
Exercise regularly to release the body’s endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals. Set a goal of 30 minutes at least five days of the week.
Be sure to get enough sleep, typically between 7 and 8 hours every night.
During waking hours, take short breaks from whatever stresses you out. Meditation and listening to music are great ways to clear your head.
Eat healthy and don’t skip meals.
Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
If adjustments to your routine don’t lessen your anxiety, talk to your doctor, especially if anxiety or depression run in your family. You could have an anxiety disorder.
Keep a symptom diary and be alert for the warning signs of an anxiety disorder.
Possible anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Constant worry.
Avoiding social situations.
Panic attacks.
Nightmares.
If you’re diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, stay positive. There are many treatments available, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change your thought patterns. Also, there are other types of therapy, medication, and simple adjustments to your daily routine.
Most important is finding a therapist you’re comfortable working with and who’s experienced in treating anxiety disorders.
By April Johnson, Women’s Health Outreach Specialist AmeriCorps Member at Heart of the City–West
Nearly 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer, and it can’t be stressed enough that mammograms can help save lives. Health care experts say the best way to survive cancer is to find it early, when it is most easily treated. Knowing the basic facts about mammograms could save your life or the life of someone you love.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast.
Why should I have a mammogram?
Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. They can find breast lumps that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel.
When should I start having mammograms?
Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40, along with a breast exam by your health care provider. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a breast exam by their doctor about every three years.
Who gets breast cancer?
All women can get breast cancer, even those who have no family history of the disease. The two most important risk factors are being a woman and growing older. The risk increases as women get older.
Are mammograms painful?
Although everyone’s pain tolerance is different, the compression involved in a mammogram is usually described as temporary discomfort. Your breast might be more sensitive just before or during your period, so you might want to avoid scheduling your mammogram during those times.
How can I be vigilant?
Women should know how their breast normally look and feel. Any changes, such as a lump, thickening, liquid leaking from the nipple, or changes to the nipple should be reported to their health care provider.
By Laurie Rivetto, Michigan State University Extension
In this example, having decided this goal is too much at this time, the process can be repeated; this time, the new goal is to take a trip to a Seattle, Washington, for five days and save $1,000. This allows the goal to be more likely to be achieved, aligned with the individual’s other goals and plans, and able to be measured and adjusted as needed along the way.
