Category Archives: Community Health

City of Kentwood Police Department offers summer safety tips

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The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.

 

City of Kentwood

 

With summer soon upon us, the Kentwood Police Department is offering tips to help protect residents and their property. According to Police Chief Tom Hillen, crime incidents and arrests rise during the summer months.

 

Tom Hillen (Supplied)

“As the school year comes to an end and the temperature rises, we typically see an increase in criminal activity as more people spend time outside,” Hillen said. “We want to remind Kentwood residents of some precautionary steps they can take to deter crime and protect their families and properties.”

 

Because theft is a crime of opportunity, Kentwood police recommends residents stay alert and follow basic crime prevention measures. Unlocked doors, open windows and open garage doors all provide a temptation to steal visible valuables. By closing garage doors and windows, locking car doors and concealing valuables, residents can help eliminate opportunities for criminals.

 

The Police Department also experiences a rise in disorderly conduct calls and arrests, which are related to any behavior that creates a threat or disturbance to others, such as a loud argument or altercation. Hillen says the increase in this type of behavior could be related to how heat can affect irritability.

 

“When the temperatures spike, so can people’s tempers. Immense heat can add to people’s feelings of stress and irritability — and make them snap. A solution to this is simple: get cool,” Hillen said. “Residents can visit the mall or see a movie where they can relax in an air-conditioned space.”

 

If families seek to cool down from the summer heat in water, Kentwood police encourages them to keep water safety precautions in mind. Enclose pools, ensure pool gates are locked and do not let young children near any body of water unsupervised.

 

Other disorderly conduct incidents could be about loud noises or other nuisances.

 

While enjoying the warm weather, residents are reminded to be courteous of neighbors, and to be aware of curfew ordinances for children.

 

In the City of Kentwood, anyone under the age of 12 years old must not be in any public place after 10 p.m.; for children older than 12 and younger than 16, the curfew is 11 p.m.; and for minors ages 16 or 17, the curfew is midnight.

 

“As always, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Together we can help prevent crime, so all can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” Hillen said.

 

For more information about Kentwood Police Department, visit here.

 

Type 1 diabetes children and sleepovers

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Some things to consider when your type 1 diabetic child is ready to start sleeping away from home.

By Erin Carter, Michigan State University Extension

 

As children gain more independence and have a stronger need to be away from home to spend time with friends, sleepovers become a customary part of children’s experiences. Sleepovers can cause concern among parents with the worry of not monitoring every moment of their child’s day and night. It takes parental adjustment to allow children to begin to have this freedom.

 

A parent’s job is to have their child eventually leave the nest making healthy life choices for themselves and the people they come into contact with. Sleepovers offer time away from the watchful eyes of parents to begin to practice decision-making skills important to the development of individuality. Many parents have personal guidelines they follow to allow a sleepover at another family’s home.

 

The typical personal guidelines or rules families have regarding a sleepover are more complicated when the child considering a sleepover is type 1 diabetic (T1D).  It is possible for T1D children to have the same experiences children without the illness experience.  There are considerations to be in place when a sleepover is in the works between T1D children and their friends.

 

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a reliable resource for T1D families for the concerns of working through a chronic disease such as diabetes. Starting with the host family being aware of the issues associated with diabetes is a good place to start. A conversation and training session may be of great importance so all feel at ease. It is best to keep routines consistent when away from home and blood sugars can change (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia) with the excitement and activity of being with friends overnight. There are signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia for an adult in charge of a sleepover with a T1D child in the mix to be aware. A discussion of these signs and symptoms should happen prior to the party. It will be easier to recognize changes and the need for a blood glucose reading. Along with a discussion, a print out of these signs and symptoms can be given to the host family for their review and to carry with them.

The ADA gives guidance about the demonstration training of the adult in charge prior to the sleep over:
  • Checking blood glucose levels
  • Counting carbs or stick with the food plan
  • Checking and giving insulin
  • Treating highs and lows
  • Responding to an emergency- especially when it requires glucagon
  • Helping the adult in charge to know what your child can eat and how that relates to his diabetes care.  If possible, create a menu with your child so that you all can agree on meals, snacks and insulin doses ahead of time.
  • You may want to request a text or phone call for an update during the evening to know how things are going with the diabetes management.

As the day of the sleepover gets closer, and it is time to pack your child’s diabetic supply bag the ADA has some advice of things to remember. First, pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you think your child will need.

The packing list should include:
  • Insulin
  • Syringes
  • Blood glucose testing supplies
  • Pump and/or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supplies
  • Ketone testing strips
  • Glucagon
  • Glucose tablets or fast-acting sugar to treat low blood glucose
  • A medical ID card (your child should always wear a medical ID bracelet)
  • Day and night phone numbers for your D-team
  • All your contact numbers
  • Batteries
  • Snacks like peanut butter and crackers
  • First aid kit
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-nausea drugs

There are many concerns when parenting a child with diabetes, but it is important to have diabetic children have the experiences letting them try to have diabetes be at the forefront of their thoughts. It is hard enough to deal with having a chronic disease when you are the adult, but when children are trying to fit in and make friends, diabetes can be even tougher. Michigan State University Extension has many programs to help people diagnosed chronic disease and the prevention of disease. Find a program fitting your health needs at the website or Facebook page.

 

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

The dangers of secondhand smoke

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Children are susceptible to dangers associated with secondhand smoke.

By Kea Norrell-Aitch, Michigan State University Extension 

 

It is not safe to smoke cigarettes around children and, more importantly, it is not safe to smoke at all. But if adults determine they want to smoke, then they can consider this information for keeping their children safe and healthy.

 

Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco is detrimental to your health. Smoking can be addicting, which makes it difficult to quit. Tobacco products damage many organs in your body and can cause heart disease and cancer.

Why is smoking bad for your health?

Tobacco contains a chemical called “nicotine” that gives smokers a pleasant feeling. People get addicted to that good feeling. Electronic cigarettes and “vapes” also deliver nicotine. Just because these products are popular does not mean they are safe. In addition to the nicotine, tobacco products have other poisonous chemicals in them. These toxic substances can poison your body over time, especially your heart and lungs.

According to the American Heart Association, some of the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke or smokeless tobacco are also found in other familiar things:

  • Acetone — nail polish remover
  • Hydrogen cyanide — insecticide
  • Methanol — antifreeze
  • Cadmium — batteries
  • Hydrazine — rocket fuel
  • Toluene — paint thinner
  • Polonium 210 — nuclear waste
  • Formaldehyde — embalming fluid
  • Lead — once used in paint
  • Nitrosamines — cancer-causing substances
  • Arsenic— used in pesticides
  • Propylene glycol – automobile anti-freeze

Now that we have reviewed the chemicals found in cigarettes, would you drink any of them? Would you give your baby or child any of these chemicals in a bottle or cup? That is essentially what you are doing when you smoke around them. It may not be as potent as the exact chemical, but over time smoking will have adverse effects from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco being smoked by another.

Effects of secondhand smoke

Children are most affected by secondhand smoke and least able to avoid it (because they have no control over their parents or caretakers actions). The secondhand smoke can come from adults smoking at home or in the car. Children who have parents who smoke are more likely to have the following health issues:

  • Asthma and asthma attacks
  • Lung infections
  • Ear infections
  • Colds including increased coughing and wheezing
  • Tooth decay

Many people think their children will not be affected by secondhand smoke if they smoke outside, in a different room in the house or in the car with the window open. All of these scenarios are false. Children can still be affected by secondhand smoke in the above-mentioned situations. Smoke can get in the parents’ clothes, hair, skin and in the areas where children are sitting or sleeping. If you can smell the smoke, then the chemicals are entering into your body and causing harm.

 

Did you know there is also something called “thirdhand smoke?” According to the American Cancer Society, thirdhand smoke is when the harmful toxins remain in places where people have smoked. Thirdhand smoke can be found in walls and upholstery.

 

Many times, children and teens watch and mimic what they see adults doing. Research from the American Cancer Society has shown that teen tobacco users are more likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs than are non-users. Cigarette smokers are also more likely to get into fights, carry weapons, attempt suicide, suffer from mental health problems such as depression, and engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. This doesn’t necessarily mean tobacco use caused these behaviors, but they’re more common in teens that use tobacco.

 

The American Cancer Society says if you smoke, one of the most important things you can do for your own health and the health of your children is to stop smoking. Quitting is the best way to prevent your children from being exposed to secondhand smoke. It may be hard to quit, but you can talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician if you need help.

 

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

Sportsmanship: Make it a measurement of character

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By Terry Clark-Jones, Michigan State University Extension

 

Sportsmanship is a way of life. What type of role model are you?

 

We usually think of sports as a way to teach kids various physical skills, but youth sports can offer many more learning experiences. There is a lot of research and writing concerning performance but there is very little on the impact around the social, emotional, intellectual, and moral impact of participants according to the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Children learn behavior from the adults most important to them. Those important people could be the parent, a teacher, coaches or a good friend. Regardless, it is important that adults model appropriate ways of being a good competitor and spectator.

 

Sports are a major social forces that shape the quality and character of American culture. It is an opportunity to teach kids how to handle themselves positively in difficult situations. Below are examples of how grownups can teach a child (and maybe some adults) to be a generous competitor, a good loser, and a graceful winner.

  • Teach sportsmanship — Require participants to demonstrate sportsmanship before, during and after a competitive event. This can be accomplished by following rules, being honest and fair, showing respect, being well-mannered, and accepting outcomes gracefully.
  • Applaud your children — Be sure to express your appreciation to the children, the other club/group, officials and others you wish to show respect. Examples of this are to accept the ruling of the officials, congratulate all participants, remain positive at all times, and be cheerful and friendly.
  • Show respect to others — Don’t heckle, boo, make rude and sarcastic comments or insult other spectators, competitors, coaches or officials. Try to keep emotions under control and give others the benefit of the doubt. Again show respect and please refrain from public arguments.
  • Be a polite participant — Listen, act interested, and remain quiet when participants are introduced or when announcements are made. Stay until the end of the event, even if your child is finished competing. By doing this you are being a positive role model and showing integrity. Be objective and accept the nature of competition.
  • Show Courtesy to others — Do not block the view of others when taking pictures or videos, standing in aisles, or by jumping and standing up in moments of excitement. Always leave the viewing area clean by throwing away any litter.

By practicing the above examples, any event can be a pleasurable activity for all involved. Most importantly you will become a positive role model for the youth around you!

 

Michigan State University Extension offers a multitude of classes and resources on stress and anger manage, parenting, conflict resolution and violence prevention.

 

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

Sleep for the health of it

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Not only does a good night’s rest feel great, it also plays a vital role in our health.

By Christi Demitz, Michigan State University Extension; Colleen Kokx, MSU Dietetic Intern 

 

Over 37 percent of Michigan adults get less than 7 hours of sleep a night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared to the recommended 7-9 hours. Sleep deprivation impacts nearly all aspects of human functioning. A person’s memory, communication skills, reaction time, situational awareness and ability to make decisions are decreased when sleep is insufficient. In addition to impaired cognition, one’s physical health is impaired as well.

 

Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk for a number of chronic conditions. Type 2 diabetes and weight gain are two common consequences of not getting enough shut eye. Inadequate sleep affects your judgment, causing you to be more likely to choose unhealthy foods. It also affects our hormone levels that regulate hunger. The body will not be able to signal when it is full versus when it is hungry as efficiently, causing you to eat more than you need. A Northwestern University study showed that night owls consumed 248 more calories a day than those who went to bed at a reasonable time. This can add up to a weight gain of over 25 pounds per year! Extra weight is associated with many diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Additionally, too little sleep causes you to be fatigued, likely decreasing physical activity, which contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle.

 

In today’s fast-paced world, it may seem impossible to add an extra hour or two of sleep into your daily routine. The CDC provides tips to help improve your sleep health:

  • Be consistent and go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning; even on the weekends.
  • Be sure to sleep in a dark, quiet and cool room.
  • Avoid eating a large meal and drinking alcohol and caffeine before bedtime.
  • Leave electronics out of the bedroom, including TVs, smart phones and computers.
  • Exercise during the day; it can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

While you may think that guzzling coffee in the morning replaces any sleep you may have missed, it is not so. The only way to truly recharge your body is to get enough sleep. Challenge yourself to get at least 7 hours of sleep at night. Your mind and body will thank you.

 

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

New Wyoming city councilor, local medical expert on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Sheldon DeKryger, the City of Wyoming’s newest city councilor, who talks about his efforts of service to the city was and why becoming a councilor was the right thing for him to do at this time in his life.

 

DeKryger was appointed recently to fill the 1st Ward seat vacated by the resignation of Bill Ver Hulst. The ward covers most of the eastern edge of the city. He is no stranger to the city, or city governance. He and his family have lived in Wyoming for more than 20 years, and he has served on the city’s Construction Board of Appeals for nine years. He studied at Calvin College, and he owns and manages a custom home building company, Sheldon DeKryger Builder.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Dr. John Mulder, M.D., a hospice and palliative care physician, and medical director of the Grand Rapids based Holland Home senior health care provider. He is nationally recognized in his field, so much so that earlier this year he testified before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee as part of discussions on a national crisis focused on opioid pain medications. He is also the director of the Trillium Institute, a Western Michigan group focused on improving the quality of life, all the way through the end of life.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, May 29, and will again air on Thursday, May 31, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of June 4. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Calvin engineers take second place at Disaster Shelter Design Competition

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Courtesy Calvin College

By Matt Kucinski, Calvin College

 

Calvin College placed second at the 7th Annual Disaster Shelter Design Competition, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse International, April 19-21, and hosted on John Brown University’s (JBU) Siloam Springs campus. Nine teams from eight universities designed and constructed a rapidly-deployable emergency and disaster shelter, which a panel of judges with expertise in emergency management, engineering, logistics, and manufacturing, evaluated for possible implementation in relief efforts worldwide.

 

“It was a lot of fun. We got to test our prototype against other schools and other designs, simulate a lot of scenarios, and ultimately we got to see how well our process and ideas came to light in physical form,” said Kyle Sutton, a senior civil-environmental engineering major at Calvin.

 

Sutton, along with fellow senior civil-environmental engineering majors, Kyra Black, Cameron Carley, and Nate Veldboom, made the 13-hour drive south for the competition. The group, known as Team Dwell, brought with them their handiwork–a project they’ve been working on for their senior design project this year.

 

The competition scenario they participated in was based on the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 that affected more than a million people in Nepal. The shelters were required to address the local climate in Nepal, as well as their mountainous terrain, by retaining heat and transporting easily as well as by being water resistant, cost effective and culturally appropriate. The shelters were also required to be able to house a family of four.

 

“This competition gives Samaritan’s Purse access to some of the region’s most innovative engineers, construction management and architects, as students provide practical solutions to real-world problems,” said Mark Terrill, associate professor of construction management at John Brown University, and competition coordinator. “Not only does the competition combine classroom learning and real-world application, but it’s also really fun to watch.”

 

Team Dwell (Courtesy Calvin College)

Each team’s disaster shelter prototypes endured durability testing – including earthquake sustainability, heat retention, overnight habitability, wind turbulence, and water resistance. In addition, teams competed in an emergency shelter construction test, where they were evaluated on their ability to quickly design and construct emergency shelters from given materials.

 

Teams were scored based on their shelter’s performance in individual events and on their presentations detailing their shelter’s schematics, design, and materials. In addition to Team Dwell’s second place overall finish, they also took top honors in the Best Camp Plan, Best Report/Presentation, and Lightest Shelter categories.

 

A team from LeTourneau University took first place overall and John Brown University took third place. Other universities who participated this year include: Dordt College, Pittsburg State University, Gyeongsang National University, Murray State University, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

 

Reprinted with permission from Calvin College.

Kent County judge named among 2018 Leaders in the Law 

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Kent County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Kathleen A. Feeney. (Supplied)

By Kent County

 

Kent County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Kathleen A. Feeney was recently named one of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2018 Leaders in the Law Class. This honor comes shortly after Judge Feeney was named Chief Judge Pro Tem of Kent County Circuit Court and the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section named her as the recipient of its Justice Marilyn Kelly Outstanding Judicial Service Award.

 

This is the tenth year that MLW’s Leaders in the Law has recognized outstanding leaders and mentors within Michigan’s legal community. Thirty winners in all were selected from across the state for their efforts, including:

 

Significant accomplishments or achievements in law practice;

Outstanding contributions to the practice of law in Michigan;

Leadership in improving the justice system in Michigan;

Seeking improvements to the legal community and their communities at large;

Setting an example for other lawyers.

 

Judge Feeney is co-chair of the Family Law Committee for the Michigan Judges Association and has helped draft several significant amendments to the Michigan Court Rules. She serves on the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions and is active in her church and community having spent 15 years on the Board of Directors for the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA.

 

Judge Feeney took the bench in March 2000. She practiced family, employment, and insurance law and worked at the Court of Appeals in the first part of her legal career. She also is extremely accomplished in what was once a very male-dominated field.

 

“The biggest challenge I face in my legal career is being a woman,” Judge Feeney said. “I’ve competed with men in everything from swimming to basketball to softball to lawyering to judging. I’m the first woman judge on the Kent County Circuit Court and the first Chief Judge Pro Tem from the Family Division. I’m a woman who is a judge. I have been surprised and continue to be surprised, that litigants, lawyers, and sometimes judges still throw up barriers because of my gender. I do revel in overcoming these barriers.”

 

Judge Feeney’s approach is fair and honest, often providing counsel to those before her or pointing people in directions that may not be to their liking.

 

“I am trying to help them do what is best for them or their families but they do not always see it that way,” Judge Feeney told MLW. “Sometimes they take it to heart and reunify with their children and stay sober. Sometimes kids find their inner strength and succeed. We all celebrate! Every once in a while someone comes back and thanks me. In those circumstances, I know I have had a positive impact.”

 

While the last 18 years have brought much change and expansion to the Kent County Circuit Court, Judge Feeney believes that those within the courts should find opportunities to make the system better.

 

“That’s what drives me now; I am committed to improving the court system and continuing to find better ways to serve the families and children we see every day,” she said.

 

Making Fruits and Veggies a Priority

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By Dawn Ware, RD, Dietician

 

What if we ate more fruits and vegetables in our diet? What would the benefits be? Here are a few good reasons:

  • You would get more nutrients like calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. This would also save on the cost of paying for supplements.
  • They are convenient. Grab a pack of carrots, snap peas, cut up cucumbers, an apple, banana, pear, cherry tomatoes or other fruit and veggies to take on the road for extra crunch and flavor.
  • More fiber and less trips to the doctor for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, heartburn. Fiber makes you feel full, so you are likely to eat less, and take in less calories to prevent weight gain.
  • Fruits and veggies can be eaten in different forms: dried, cooked, raw, 100% juice, and canned, so you don’t get bored.
  • They are naturally low in calories, higher in water and have zero cholesterol.
  • You can grow them. This teaches kids where they come from, and they taste better (less or no pesticides can be used).
  • They can be bought in season, so they are less expensive (see list below).
  • You can have fun with them. You can kabob either fruit or veggies and have them with dip or on their own. A fun kid and adult idea is “ants on a log.”

Get started now! Here is an example of a short list of fruits and veggies in season thisfall, which means more flavor, better cost and ideas for fall recipes:

  • Fruits: pears, cherries, cranberries, plums, grapes, passion fruit, persimmon, pineapple, pomegranate.
  • Vegetables: butternut, buttercup, acorn squash, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, butter lettuce, cauliflower, artichoke, jalapeno pepper, ginger, garlic, mushroom, lime, sweet potato, turnip.

For more information on fruit and vegetable cooking tips, seasonal fruit and veggies list, storing them, and other useful information, click here.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Artist donates ArtPrize Top 25 finalist ‘Let Go’ to Kent County

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Kent County

When Pamela Alderman created “Let Go” for ArtPrize in 2017, she was looking to impact the audience with a large interactive piece. Alderman‘s work, an ArtPrize Top 25 finalist, is a beautiful seascape on five large wood panels that includes three Plexiglas figures that transform as you move around the artwork.

 

The creation includes an opportunity to write a note, crinkle it, then throw it “into the sea” – in essence, Let Go. Recently she found a way to continue the impact of “Let Go” – she donated the piece to the Kent County Courthouse, where it has a new life.

 

During her nine years of ArtPrize experience, Pamela’s interactive pieces included works on cancer, bullying, and autism. But it was her work on human trafficking that drew the attention of Judge Patricia Gardner.

 

“I first met Pamela when she presented her 2014 piece “The Scarlet Cord” to the Manasseh Advisory Group at Wedgwood two years ago,” Judge Gardner said. “Following that meeting, Pamela allowed her film about human trafficking to be used by probation staff when working with girls who endured sexual exploitation. She and I discussed my interest in working with delinquent girls and the formation of Girls Court and girl-specific group counseling experience called Girls Truth Group.” 

 

In September 2017, just months after the formation of Girls Court (a multi-disciplinary approach to serving female youth offenders), Judge Gardner took graduates of the program to the Amway Grand Plaza for a celebration dinner followed by a meet-and-greet with Pamela.

 

That meeting helped several participants, as they each wrote notes of what they wanted to let go — then threw the notes into the work. Some of the girls cried as they let go of something that hurt them in the past.

 

“All of the girls were moved by the power of the moment in listening to the artist and letting go of negative behavior and moving on from an intensive counseling experience to successful completion of probation,” Judge Gardner recalled. “It was honestly one of those moments that I thought would be a good educational experience, but it was far more meaningful than I could have imagined.”

 

The work was installed this month on the fifth floor of the Kent County Courthouse.

 

“The work we do in this Courthouse often addresses personal struggles or difficult circumstances faced by good people, families and children,” said Judge T.J. Ackert of the 17th Circuit Court Family Division.

 

Judge Ackert, who has known Pamela Alderman for many years, added, “Pamela’s work expresses a theme of healing and restoration, and this painting symbolizes the challenging work to restore their lives people engage in every day in this Court.

 

“Artistically, the placement of the painting outside our community room looking west over the city appropriately reflects the waves of the Grand River and the undulating architectural roof-line of DeVos Place — accentuating the peaceful movement from difficult times to a thriving existence!”

 

During ArtPrize, 70,000 visitors wrote their own “Let Go” notes and added them to the work.

 

“Artists create pieces for ArtPrize in hopes of speaking to a lot of people,” Pamela says. “This work is emotional. As an artist, my soul is rendered into that work. I hope people connect with the work because it’s relevant. It gives voice to people’s struggles and encourages healing.”

 

More about the piece can be found at Pamela Alderman’s website.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

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By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Memorial Day ceremonies planned for both Kentwood, Wyoming

Many communities will be honoring those who have given their lives to serve this Memorial Day, set for May 28, including the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood. More details here.

 

Woodland Mall’s ongoing redevelopment includes viewing wall, relocations

The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is in full swing, and shoppers will soon be able to get a front-row seat to the construction at a new viewing wall. Read all about it here.

 

 

West Michigan Tourist Association offers up a few unique summer camps

Some families probably already have their children’s summer camps selected, but in case you do not, West Michigan Tourist Association Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered a few suggestions during a recent visit visit to the WKTV Journal. Learn more here.

 

 

Museum school students create new exhibit ‘Revolution: The Story of America’

Check out the new exhibit created by GRPS Museum School students, titled Revolution: The Story of America, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). It opened May 23. (The Museum is closed Monday, May 28th.) More here.

 

 

Register now for June 4 Sibling Class at Metro Health

Have kids and expecting a new addition to your family? Register for this class. Children practice caring for a baby using dolls, make a card for their new baby, and have fun with a short tour, which includes a visit to a mom with her real newborn baby. Next class is coming up fast: June 4th. Go here to learn more and where to register.

Finding out what ‘well-being’ means to you

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Well-being involves finding a state of balance and being well both physically and mentally.

By Tracie Abram, Michigan State University Extension

 

What does “well-being” mean? As I ponder this question, I chuckle because I hardly ever hear people talking about how “well” they are. They usually talk about their problems, their aches and pains or stressors whether we want to hear about them or not. In other words, how “unwell” they are. When someone says they are concerned for your well-being, it typically means they are concerned about your overall health; your mental and physical health.

Well-being can be defined as having:
  • Positive relationships with yourself and others
  • Personal mastery — having feelings of accomplishment or self-worth
  • Autonomy — being able to make your own choices
  • A feeling of purpose and meaning in life
  • Personal growth and development

Our mental health relates to how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

 

One path to well-being is finding a state of balance that works for you. (Courtesy MSU Extension)

Experiencing a mental health issue or problem does not necessarily mean you have a diagnosable mental illness or disorder. Being able to talk freely about mental health issues is important in breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health. Mental health problems are much more common than many people realize, for example, more than 43 million Americans experience some form of mental illness in a given year. Help is available for anyone experiencing problems related to their mental health.

Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
  • Biological environmental factors
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems
Finding your state of balance

One approach to well-being is through achieving a “state of balance” affected by both challenging and rewarding life events. This state of balance is the ultimate goal, but a subjective one — meaning that you are the only one who can judge whether you have reached it. A state of balance can look different for each of us.

 

Author of the Nurturing Parenting Programs, Dr. Stephen Bavelek, states that there are specific needs that help us remain balanced or build resiliency. To remember them, he developed an acronym called the “Spices of Life.” Bavelek states that the more “spices” you have, the more resilient you become.

Dr. Stephen Bavelek’s “Spices of Life” acronym:

  • Social
  • Physical
  • Intellectual
  • Creativity
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual

Perhaps you are drawn to one or two spices that help you maintain a feeling of balance? My go-to spices when feeling stressed are talking to a friend (social), going for a walk or run (physical) and praying (spiritual), but I am grateful that I have the capability to access any and all of them when and if I am in need.

 

When you approach health with well-being in mind there are a wide variety of ways to maintain, improve and most importantly, enjoy your health!

 

Michigan State University Extension provides free and low-cost community-based health programs throughout Michigan. These include RELAX: Alternatives to Anger and Stress Less with Mindfulness, programs that can help people manage stress and anger and cultivate personal well-being.

 

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

Dégagé Ministries, St. Cecilia Music Center hosts ‘Talent from the Heart’

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Early this month, Dégagé Ministries — a group with its mission “to reflect the love of Christ by building relationship and offering programs that foster dignity and respect” — hosted its ‘Talent from the Heart’ at St. Cecilia Music Center, with music and other performances by people living homeless or otherwise in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood.

 

Degage’s patrons organized, hosted and performed a free community showcase that included poetry reading, singing, music and more, all performed by Heartside artists.

 

“A performer said, ‘We are homeless but first we are people.’ This is why this event was important,” Brooke Jevicks, development director for Dégagé Ministries, said to WKTV. “We are all created equal in the Lord’s image. We wanted the opportunity to showcase the people we serve and their talents. We wanted an opportunity to bring everybody together as a community. We wanted to celebrate that we are community, all of us, together.”

 

The May 9 event was prompted by a donation of a grand piano from Dottie Johnson, Jevicks said. The piano now sits in the Open Door Women’s Center, where the women have the opportunity to gather together, play music, and “sing joyfully as they build community among each other.”

 

The event was made possible by the Steve and Susan Rechner family, Jevicks added.

 

For more information on Dégagé Ministries visit degageministries.org .

 

Local business benefits from Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County programs

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Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, benefited from at Consumers Energy program.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

One part of a Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs, — which was the focus of a wide-ranging, business-focused discussion Tuesday, May 22 — are efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills.

 

And one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, was presented as a case-in-point at the discussion, held at downtown Grand Rapids’ JW Marriott.

 

“We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that,” Paul Makkar, Rishi’s owner, said to WKTV.

 

The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”

 

Makkar’s small business took advantage of one of several programs discussed at the morning gathering, which also allowed businesses attending direct access to energy and economic development experts. (The Right Place local economic development group was in attendance.)

 

Among the programs discussed were energy efficiency, which invited each business to receive a free energy assessment “to help reduce energy use and save money over the long haul,” according to supplied material.

 

“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, told the crowd. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”

 

Consumers Energy has several environmentally friendly energy generation efforts, including solar gardens. (Consumers Energy)

Other services offered to small businesses were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.

 

As far as Consumers Energy’s renewable energy efforts, also detailed at the meeting was the company’s goals: in the next five years, the company (which has one of its customer service centers in Kentwood) wants to save 1 billion gallons of water, reduce waste to landfills by 35 percent, and enhance and protect 5,000 acres of Michigan land; by the year 2040, it wants to reduce carbon immersions by 80 percent and eliminate the use of coal in energy generation.

 

For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.

 

Did you know? Your child needs a check-up once a year

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Courtesy Cherry Health

 

By Cherry Health

 

Pediatric services are available at Heart of the City Health Center and Westside Health Center. Babies and children need more doctor’s visits when they are changing and growing the fastest. Get your child on the right health care path by scheduling an appointment today. We provide a full range of services under one roof.

 

Grand Rapids:

Heart of the City Health Center
Westside Health Center

 

Westside Health Center Pediatrics

 

At Westside Health Center Pediatrics, we want to take care of the whole patient by working as a team. We are improving what we do by changing the way we care for you.

 

Asthma care is provided as a team. The doctor checks the patient to make sure they have a healthy body. The RN Health Coach teaches the patient and family how to make living with asthma easier.

 

We also have team visits with a doctor and Health Coach for weight check ups. The doctor provides the physical check up at the visit. The Health Coach teaches the patient and family about healthy behaviors that are part of a healthy lifestyle, and helps the family set healthy living goals.

 

Complete health means taking care of our minds, too. When minds are not healthy, home and school can be difficult. Counseling services are provided on site in a place where the patient and family already feel comfortable. A psychiatrist is also on site to provide specialized help when needed.

 

Services available

  • Well child visits, sports, work and camp physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Lab work and diagnostic testing
  • Treatment for minor illness and injuries
  • Treatment for asthma, obesity and other conditions
  • Referrals for more serious illness, injuries and additional care
  • Access to behavioral health, dental and vision services
  • On-site pharmacy services
  • Free interpretation services
  • Online Patient Portal
  • Nurses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for questions or assistance
  • Evening and weekend hours
  • Same day/next day appointments

Check out our new videos featuring asthma instruction and fun ways to get the kids moving!

 

Videos

 

Reach out and Read

 

Wyoming Community Health Center (courtesy Cherry Health)

Six of our locations participate in the national, research-proven school readiness program called Reach out and Read. This program, designed for children ages 6 months through 5 years of age provides a child with a new book at each regular check up to take home. Trained providers speak with parents about the importance of reading aloud and waiting rooms are filled with kids books. The goal of Reach out and Read is to help children be better prepared for kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge.

Women Infants and Children Program (WIC)

 

Cherry Health collaborates with the Kent County Health Department to offer the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) at Cherry Street Health Center and Westside Health Center. This is a state-funded nutrition education and food supplement program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and children up to age five. A registered dietitian provides counseling and education, as well as healthy foods to encourage proper nutrition, growth and development during pregnancy and the formative years of childhood. Breastfeeding education and support are also offered in the WIC Program. Pregnant women seen at any of our sites are offered WIC services, based on specific nutritional needs and income eligibility. For additional information, please contact 616.776.2134.

 

Maternal Infant Health Program

 

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) is a parent support and coaching program for pregnant mothers and infants. If you are pregnant or have a baby under a year old, and are Medicaid eligible, you can receive MIHP as part of your insurance coverage.

 

MIHP services are provided by a team to support and encourage new parents. Services can be provided in your home, our office, or another place that you choose in the community.

 

We can help you:

  • Feel prepared for your baby’s birth
  • Make good choices for you and your baby
  • Understand your pregnancy and your baby’s development
  • Find medical care for you and your baby
  • Find the right resources in the community

MIHP involves a whole team in supporting families.

  • Your nurse will answer your questions and give you information about healthy pregnancy and infant development.
  • Your social worker will help you adjust to your pregnancy and parenting, handle stress, and find the resources you need.
  • The dietitian will help you understand healthy eating for pregnancy and how to feed your baby.

Community health workers can provide support, encouragement, and education as well as hands-on help connecting to resources in the community.

 

The community health workers are part of the Strong Beginnings program, which provides enhanced services for African-American and Latina moms participating in MIHP.

 

If you would like to receive MIHP and Strong Beginnings or learn more, please contact the MIHP Manager at 616.965.8332.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Michigan honey is always in season

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By Mariel Borgman, Michigan State University Extension

 

Thanks to the hard work of honey bees, we are able to enjoy the foods they pollinate such as apples, sweet cherries, blueberries, strawberries, pears, plums and peaches. Nearly 50 percent of the value of Michigan’s fruit and vegetable production can be attributed entirely to honey bee pollination. As an added bonus, farmers can harvest some of the honey the bees produce to sell as a delicious natural sweetener. Besides its great taste, honey has nutritional benefits as outlined in “Benefits of honey” from Michigan State University Extension. Learn why and how bees make honey by watching this short YouTube video, “How it’s Made: Honey.”

 

Michigan honey can be found year-round in stores and farmers markets. Honey has a long shelf life, but may form sugar crystals over time. Crystallized honey is still safe to eat. If crystals are undesirable, place the closed honey jar in a bowl of warm water and it will return to its previous consistency. If storing honey for longer than one year, putting it in the freezer can help retain flavor and color and prevent crystallization. For ideas on using Michigan honey in the kitchen, check out these Michigan Fresh recipes for Pear Party Salsa and Fruit Spread. Honey should not be fed to infants under 1 year of age.

 

Keeping backyard bees for honey production can be a fulfilling hobby or a great business opportunity. To explore what it takes to care for honeybees, MSU’s Beginning Farmer Webinar Series has an archived course on “Getting started with beekeeping for pollination and honey.”

 

MSU Extension’s Community Food Systems Work Team supports the development of local food systems in Michigan. The Michigan Fresh program has tips on growing, handling and preserving, as well as healthful recipes to take advantage of the delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your backyard or your local farmer’s market. For more information, connect with your local community food systems educator by visiting http://msue.anr.msu.edu/ or calling 1.888.678.3464.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

Canned food safety

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By Kara Lynch, Michigan State University Extension and Alisa Sponseller, CMU Public Health Intern 

 

Canned goods can often fall under the “shelf stable” food category. This means that they can be safely stored at room temperature and are considered non-perishable food products. This can include canned tuna, pasta, jerky, spices, canned vegetables, fruit and an assortment of others. These foods do not have to be refrigerated until after opening. It is a common misconception that all canned foods will last forever.

 

There are multiple reasons canned goods do not last forever. Corrosion can happen after several years of the food being in the can. This happens to all canned food, but especially in ones with high acidic content like tomatoes. Can corrosion will change the taste, color, consistency and eventually lower the nutritional value. Temperature can also affect the quality of the canned good. It is harmful to the can when temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There are special cans designed for sale in the tropical areas because of this.

 

It is important to store your canned goods and other shelf-stable products somewhere where it is cool and dry. Canned goods are sold with “Sell by” or ‘Use by” dates, but this is actually a quality date. In other words, the contents may decrease in quality, nutritional value or appearance, but it may still be safe to eat well beyond the date. If you have a sealed can in your pantry for 2 years or more, is it safe to eat?

 

Possibly — if it was stored in proper conditions and is not damaged. However, if the can looks dirty or rusty, is bulging, or the seal looks like it could be leaking — do not take the chance, as bacteria could be present. It is important to rotate your shelf stable food, and if you are questioning something due to a visible irregularity of the can or is notably beyond the due date, Michigan State University Extension recommends playing it safe and throw it out.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

Healthy Aging

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Courtesy Cherry Health

By Rebecca Pavlock, AmeriCorps Member at Heart of the City Health Center

 

As we age, our bodies go through many changes. It is important to discuss these changes with our medical providers as we observe them, as some changes may be normal and healthy symptoms of an aging body and mind while other changes may be symptoms of conditions that would require additional support from your team here at Cherry Health.

 

Below are some things to think about before your next appointment with your medical provider:

 

Do you understand your prescription medications and how to take them? The average senior patient takes five or more prescription medications to manage their health. With so many different prescriptions, it can be difficult to remember what medications are treating and how often each should be taken. If you are struggling to manage your medications, please consult your medical team.

 

Are you feeling more forgetful than usual? Many individuals face increased memory loss as they age in a normal process referred to as age-associated memory impairment. However, if you or family members are concerned about your memory, please discuss your concerns with your provider.

 

Are you having a difficult time seeing or hearing? Many older adults require glasses or hearing aids in order to see or hear properly, so do not hesitate to discuss any changes to your vision or hearing with your medical provider.

 

Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or sleep habits? As we age we often experience changes to our normal sleeping patterns such as becoming sleepy earlier in the day, waking earlier, or not sleeping as deeply as we used to. These are all healthy, normal changes. However, if you are experiencing disturbed sleep, insomnia, or are waking up tired every day, this may not be a normal part of aging.

 

Does fear of falling keep you from your usual daily activities? It is important to keep an active lifestyle as we age in order to maintain independence. Your provider may have recommendations for how to overcome your mobility concerns.

 

Do you often feel sad, anxious, or worthless? About 15% of older adults struggle with mental health conditions. If you find yourself frequently feeling depressed or anxious, bring this up in your next medical appointment. You may benefit from meeting with a counselor or strengthening your support system.

 

Our team here at Cherry Health is eager to support you!

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Legislative reaction to ballot measures part of Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters discussion

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WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.

 

After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.

 

(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)

 

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.

 

Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.

 

He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.

 

“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.

 

“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”

 

A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.

 

The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.

 

The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.

 

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.

 

Mammograms: What to Know Before You Go

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By Amanda Avella, AmeriCorps Member at Cherry Street Health Center

 

What do I need to know about mammograms?

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but thanks to improved treatment and detection methods the survival rate has grown to over 90%. Mammograms should be performed every year once you are forty years old. Below is what you need to know before you go in for your screening.

 

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

  • You will be asked to remove your shirt, so you may want to wear a skirt or pants and not a dress.
  • Do not wear deodorant or perfume. These often contain chemicals that can make the images unclear.
  • To reduce discomfort, schedule your mammogram at a time you know your breasts won’t be tender or swollen.

What should I expect at my appointment?

  • Your breasts will be x-rayed using a special machine specifically designed for mammograms. To get the clearest image possible your breasts will be compressed. This will likely cause some discomfort.
  • Appointments take about twenty minutes, but the actual mammogram is only a few seconds.
  • Let the technician know if you have been experiencing any breast changes or problems.
  • You will be contacted with the results of your mammogram within ten days. If you don’t receive a call back do not assume that your results were normal. Make sure to follow up with your doctor if they do not follow-up with you.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BCCCNP) assists patients in paying for mammograms. BCCCNP has provided services for more than 5.2 million people since the start of the program. In 2015 alone, BCCCNP served 301,732 people.

 

What if other questions come up?

Please contact Jackie Demull, Women’s Cancer Screening Program Coordinator, at 616.965.8200 ext. 7099 or Zenaida Carcini, Clerical Assistant, at 616.965.8200 ext. 7373.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Radish variety can add flavor and crunch to your meals

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By Mariel Borgman, Michigan State University Extension

 

As the seasonal farmers markets across Michigan begin to open this month and next, radishes of all sorts will be available from local growers.

 

Some popular types of radishes that you may see at farmers markets include:

 

Red Radishes

Red Radishes

These are the most common radishes found in grocery stores. They have a bright red skin and white flesh.

 

Easter Egg Radishes

Easter Egg Radishes

As the name might suggest, these radishes come in many colors ranging from deep purples, to reds, to pinks and whites. They are often sold in bunches of mixed colors.

 

French Breakfast Radishes

These long, thin radishes are white near the root end and pink at the top.

 

Black Radishes

Black Radishes

The skin on these radishes is dark brown or black and they have a very strong flavor.

 

Watermelon Radishes

A winter storage variety radish with green skin that reveals a magenta and white center when peeled.

 

Daikon Radishes

These radishes are white and long in shape, like a large carrot or parsnip. They are popular in Asian cuisines.

 

French Breakfast Radishes

Quick-picked radishes were a big hit among farmers market shoppers when Michigan State University Extension sampled them last year. These quick pickles are ready to eat in just 40 minutes, and don’t require canning as they are eaten fresh. Check out the four-ingredient recipe.

 

Plain, fresh radishes can be delicious on their own as a quick snack. Try them with different dips such as hummus or vegetable dip like the Tangy Yogurt Vegetable Dip recipe in this article from Michigan State University Extension. Other ways to enjoy radishes include roasting, using them to top salads, or shredding them into a slaw.

Daikon Radishes

 

Radish greens are also an edible and nutritious vegetable. Remove them from the root and store separately. The greens will keep two to three days in the fridge and are delicious sautéed and added to stir fry or egg dishes.

 

Michigan State University Extension’s Community Food Systems Work Team supports the development of local food systems in Michigan. The Michigan Fresh program has tips on growing, handling and preserving as well as healthful recipes to take advantage of the delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your back yard or your local farmer’s market. For more information, connect with your local community food systems educator by visiting http://msue.anr.msu.edu/or calling 1-888-678-3464.

Watermelon Radishes

 

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

Catherine’s Health Center receives $20,000 grant from CVS Health Foundation

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By WKTV Staff

 

The CVS Health Foundation — a private charitable organization created by CVS Health — in partnership with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to Catherine’s Health Center (CHC) and Holland Free Health Clinic to help patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases, manage and fully understand their conditions.

 

The CVS Health Foundation recently extended its commitment to the NAFC with $1 million in new grants. The Michigan clinics are two of 49 free clinics across the country receiving funding as part of the Foundation’s ongoing effort to make quality healthcare convenient and affordable for more Americans.

 

“The rising cost of healthcare can make finding quality and affordable care harder to come by for many Americans,” said Eileen Howard Boone, president of the CVS Health Foundation. “Through our support of the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, we’re able to increase access to quality care, improve chronic disease management and care coordination to help improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable patients and reduce health care costs in the communities we serve.”

 

Its $20,000 grant will allow Catherine’s Health Center in Grand Rapids to fund Partners in Health, a program that will support patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension with tools that will help them achieve better health outcomes. Patients learn the risks of their disease and participate in the development and coordination of their plan of care. Participants may also receive resources such as scales, home blood pressure and blood sugar monitors and needed medications, as well as connect with medical professionals to provide care and support.

 

“We have patients who haven’t had access to healthcare for a long time and come to us with very complex issues and multiple diseases,” said Karen Kaashoek, Executive Director of Catherine’s Health Center. “The grant will support the role of RN Care Manager to coordinate care before, during and after their visit, maximizing our provider time and empowering patients to take control of their health.”

 

Holland Free Health Clinic (HFHC) will utilize its $10,000 grant to support the clinic’s Diabetic Support & Education program, which is designed to equip patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthy lives.

 

The new funds bring the Foundation’s total contribution to NAFC to more than $4.5 million since 2015. To date, CVS Health and its Foundation has contributed nearly $300,000 in grants, event sponsorships, foundation scholarships, gift cards and product donations, among other initiatives and items, to nonprofits in the state of Michigan that align with the company’s purpose of helping people on their path to better health.

 

For more information on how the Free and Charitable Clinics will be utilizing their grants to improve community health, please visit www.cvshealth.com/NAFC.

 

Senior advocates to gather in Lansing on May 16 for 10th annual Older Michiganians Day

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Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

On May 16, 2018, over a thousand of Michigan’s senior advocates and allies will gather on the lawn of the Capitol in Lansing. This free event is an opportunity for older adults to meet with their legislators over lunch on the lawn to discuss a platform of issues that affect seniors in Michigan.

 

This year marks the 10th annual Older Michiganians Day and any and all seniors interested are encouraged to attend. If you’ve never been involved in advocacy before, Older Michiganians Day is a great way to begin. This year’s platform focuses on 4 areas to improve services for older adults in the state of Michigan: Preserving and Protecting MI Choice, Support AAASA In-home Services, Support the Direct Care Workforce, and Prevent Elder Abuse.

 

The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program helps Michigan’s older adults and adults living with a disability by providing the services necessary to live independently in their communities. Costing less than half of what a Medicaid-funded nursing facility costs, MI Choice saves taxpayers’ money. MI Choice currently serves approximately 15,000 people with about 3,200 currently on the waiting list for services. These services are administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Changes to how Medicaid services are delivered could have a detrimental effect on the services available to seniors. Senior advocates are requesting that the MI Choice program and the role Area Agencies fulfill in the oversight, administration and delivery of these services be preserved.

 

Advocates support the Silver Key Coalition’s request for a $3,000,000 budget increase to in-home services, forwarding the goal of making Michigan a “no wait state” for senior services. There are currently over 6,000 seniors waiting for in-home services, like homemaker services, home delivered meals, care management services, and personal care. Research shows that seniors who receive these services are five times less likely to have been in a nursing home than those who stayed on a wait list. Reducing the waitlist times by increasing funding for services will help more seniors remain in their homes as they age. Since 2014, waitlists for home delivered meals has been cut in half thanks to previous investment in services for seniors.

 

Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

Providing services for older and disabled adults in Michigan has become hampered by the instability of the Direct Care workforce. The median income of a Direct Care worker is $10,000. While wages in other service industries are increasing, direct care wages have remained stagnant, making it difficult for agencies to hire and keep enough workers to provide care. Advocates support policies that recruit, train and provide adequate wages and call for the inclusion of direct care workers in MI talent development initiatives, in order to build a sustainable support system for senior services throughout Michigan.

 

Approximately 125, 000 seniors are victims of elder abuse and fraud every year in Michigan.  Advocates at Older Michiganians Day will be letting legislators know they support of adequate funding for elder abuse prevention programs and policies. It is important to protect Michigan’s seniors from physical, psychological, and financial abuse.

 

Older Michigangians Day is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. If you’re interested in attending you can call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register for a ticket to attend the event at (888) 456-5664. While the event is free, your ticket provides you with a complimentary lunch. You must register in advance to take advantage of the lunch. If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can also ask about transportation to Older Michiganians Day. Courtesy of AARP, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is chartering a bus to Lansing. Seats are limited and will be available on a first come–first served basis.

 

If you plan to make your own way to Lansing, visit the Older Michiganians Day website for more details and parking information: http://www.oldermichiganiansday.com/home

 

 

 

 

Wyoming high’s annual Paganelli baseball, softball fundraiser games set for Friday

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Action from a previous Christy’s Cause Scholarship Baseball and Softball Games. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

This Friday, the annual Christy’s Cause Scholarship Baseball and Softball Games will be played between Wyoming and Grandville high schools, the seventh year honoring the person and the spirit of Christy Paganelli, who lost a courageous 18-month battle with melanoma.

 

The theme and cause of the games is “Play for Melanoma”, but the event recognizes all cancer awareness and prevention, and is committed to making sure everyone is aware that melanoma skin cancer can happen to anyone and how to prevent it.

 

Christy Paganelli, from her high school playing days. (Supplied)

All funds will be directed towards cancer research and the Christy Paganelli Scholarship Fund, which funds one or two scholarships each year at Aquinas College, where Christy played softball after playing and graduating from Wyoming’s Rogers High School.

 

The games are scheduled for May 4 at Wyoming High School’s baseball and softball fields, with junior varsity games beginning at 3:15 p.m. and varsity games beginning at 6 p.m.

 

In addition to the games, there will be information available about melanoma so everyone can be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what the risk factors are.

Does gardening contribute to daily physical activity recommendations?

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Explore the different ways that gardening activities can help you meet daily physical activity recommendations.

By Tyler Becker, Michigan State University Extension

 

It’s that time of year again. Gardening and landscaping season is upon us. Time to go into the shed and dust off your shovel and go down to your local hardware store to get prepped for growing season. You may be excited to start gardening, but at the same time, maybe you are reluctant because you remembered how sore your muscles were from your first day last year. If you are one of these people, you will not be surprised to hear that gardening activities count towards physical activity recommendations.

 

Heavy gardening activities can strengthen your body.

Gardening and landscaping provide numerous physical and mental benefits. One physical benefit of gardening and landscaping is that you burn calories. This could contribute to weight management by helping you use up some of the energy from the food you consume. The amount of calories used depends on the activity, intensity and duration.

 

You may already think of gardening as a physical activity, one that provides cardiovascular or aerobic exercise for your body, but did you know that some gardening activities can contribute to the muscle- and bone-strengthening guidelines?

Gardening can help strengthen your body

Heavy gardening, which requires you to use a lot of your muscles can help with overall strengthening. Think of bending down to pick up something heavy, digging holes or making a paver wall. Overall, the type of activity and intensity is key. The activity has to be more strenuous than simply bending down to pick up a dropped glove; think of picking up pavers or a bag of mulch. Strive for an intensity in which you are sweating and may not be able to keep a conversation going with someone. Some other activities that may count towards muscle- and bone-strengthening, including shoveling, raking and pushing a wheelbarrow.

Modify gardening and landscaping activities to exercise your whole body

One easy way to include additional musculature (exercise different muscles) during gardening is to switch hands periodically when doing tasks like raking or shoveling. Another method is to change the activity you do every 15 to 30 minutes. An example could be pulling weeds for 15 minutes and then switching to dumping bags of mulch around your trees or bushes. It is likely you already have a rhythm down, but simply going from one activity to another in this way, can incorporate more musculature and increase the number of calories burned. Plus, this approach can break up the monotony of performing the same activity over and over again.

Tips for reducing pain and soreness.

Do you avoid gardening because it makes you feel too sore? There are a number of ways to prevent or even alleviate pain while gardening and landscaping. First, always use proper form during activity regardless of what it is. Moving with proper form helps you avoid pain and injury. For example, if you are picking something up from the ground, keep your shoulder blades back and down, and bend and lift with your knees, not your back.

 

Always listen to your body. If you “overdid it” one day, you probably should take it slow the next day. Also, there are a number of garden tools available that can help alleviate any potential or existing pain. Your local hardware store may have gloves and garden utensils designed for those with arthritis-related issues. Using garden tools as simple as knee pads or foam pads can help lessen any potential knee pain. You should also take breaks here and there while gardening just as you would if at the gym. Try sitting down for five minutes and rehydrating with water. Lastly, be sure to stretch after gardening. This can help not only improve/maintain flexibility but improve muscle recovery too.

 

Remember, if you do not currently garden or landscape, start slow and ease into it; especially if you are focusing on using it to contribute to daily physical activity recommendations, including muscle- and bone-strengthening exercise.

 

Michigan State University Extension has a number of resources including the Master Gardener Program for those considering gardening, and those who have been gardening for a while.

 

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

Kentwood community clean-up day, brush drop-off planned for city residents

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Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

City of Kentwood

 

The City of Kentwood is sponsoring a Community Clean-Up Day for residents wanting to spring clean their homes and yards.

 

The Community Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will allow residents to bring general debris, gently used items for donation, household hazardous materials and electronic devices to be recycled.

 

The drop-off will be located near the Kentwood Recycling Center, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

 

“This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose or recycle items they no longer want or use,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We are excited to partner with organizations like the Salvation Army, who will be accepting donations; Comprenew, who will be able to properly dispose of electronics; and Kent County, who will accept household hazardous waste.”

 

Examples of accepted electronics include mobile phones, computers and fax machines. Although CRT monitors (old-style vacuum tubes used as display screens in older computer monitor or TVs) will not be accepted at the drop-off site, they can be brought directly to a local Comprenew store. (Comprenew has a local store at 1454 28th St SE, Grand Rapids; call 616-243-5310 for more information.)

 

Yard waste, mattresses and tires are not accepted at Community Clean-Up Day.

 

Community Clean-Up Day is free and open to residents of Kentwood. Residents will be asked to show their photo ID for proof of residency.

 

In addition to Community Clean-up Day, the City of Kentwood will also provide a brush drop-off site from May 7 to June 2. Acceptable items include sticks, branches, logs and tree stumps. Kentwood residents can drop-off between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The site will be closed on Sundays.

 

For more information, please visit www.kentwood.us or call 616-698-9610.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Kentwood Fire Department annual report highlights funding, manpower, emergency calls

Kentwood Fire Department Chief Brent J. Looman presented, and the City Commission accepted, the department’s 2017 annual report at the commission’s April 9 regular meeting, with highlights including funding, manpower and last year’s emergency calls.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

School News Network: Wyoming Public Schools selects one of its own for top spot

“Dream big, work hard and make it happen”: That’s the mantra of Craig Hoekstra, a familiar face in the district, who this week was selected as the new superintendent.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Kentwood to hold Community Clean-Up Day this week
Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

The City of Kentwood is sponsoring a Community Clean-Up Day for residents wanting to spring clean their homes and yards. The Community Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will allow residents to bring general debris, gently used items for donation, household hazardous materials and electronic devices to be recycled.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Good mental health habits for kids

May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Children can have mental health challenges just as adults can. As a matter of fact, over 2 million children in Michigan experience mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Employment in the Digital Age — free computer literacy workshops available

West Michigan Works! is now offering a free workshop to help individuals gain basic computer skills. Computer Literacy helps attendees become comfortable using a computer, accessing the internet and using email — all of which can help you find, apply and qualify for a new job.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Good Mental Health Habits for Kids

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Courtesy Cherry Health

By Mandy Dahms, RN, Registered Nurse Care Manager

 

May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Children can have mental health challenges just as adults can. As a matter of fact, over 2 million children in Michigan experience mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. In order to decrease this number, it is very important to provide our children with whatever there is possible to promote good mental health. The following are some simple suggestions to promote the mental health of a child:

  • Make sure that your child gets regular exercise, balanced meals, plenty of sleep and has time for relaxation.
  • Talk about your child’s troubles with them. Let your child know that their concerns are important to you.
  • Be a role model. Talk about your own feelings when possible, apologize, and don’t express anger with violence.
  • Provide your children with unconditional love. The love, security, and acceptance trio are the foundation to children’s good mental health.
  • Praise your children for the little and big things they do for the first time and/or well, encourage them to make the next steps and help them explore and learn about new things.
  • Surround your child with supportive teachers and care takers.
  • Bring fun and playfulness into your routines. Families tend to stick to routines and forget to have fun. If your child seems stressed or overwhelmed by the routine change it up; for example, every Friday night your family goes to the library – change it up and go to a movie, play games or simply find something different to do.

Children can live happy and productive lives that are filled with love, harmony, and great mental health, but it will take us adults to help them in this direction!

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

5 Local Things You Need to Know:  For the weekend, to start next week

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Recreation
Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: City’s family-friendly Spring Carnival at Lamar Park opens 

 

It’s time to celebrate spring as the City of Wyoming hosts its annual spring carnival at Lamar Park, with the carnival opening on Friday, April 27 and running through Sunday, May 6, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Carnival times are Monday through Thursday from 4-8:30 p.m.; Fridays from 2-8:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

 

The carnival will feature entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming parks and recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood: Police department’s Drug Take Back day planned for Saturday

 

The Kentwood Police Department will be part of a region wide Drug Take Back day Saturday. (Supplied)

The Kentwood Police Department also will be offering Drug Take Back services Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its department offices, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Only pills or patches will be accepted at this location.

 

Those looking to get rid of sharps — the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as needles — should contact the Kent County Health Department about the Sharps program.

 

Kentwood’s event is part of a region-wide; for the full story, click here.

 

WKTV sports: Golden Gloves boxing, high school ball games, available

 

WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage Michigan Golden Gloves state finals this weekend. (WKTV)

If you are fans of local Golden Gloves boxing, WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage of this week’s action on Saturday, April 28, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

But if you are more in the mood for something outdoors, we have your schedule of local high school baseball and softball action around the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: GRPM hosts annual cocktails and collections event

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum will host Collections & Cocktails May 2. (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will once again host Collections & Cocktails, a new annual fundraiser focusing on the museum’s collections, their stories and the preservation and education with these artifacts, on Wednesday, May 2.

 

This year, Collections & Cocktails will focus on the museum’s transportation collection, featuring dinner and signature cocktails to go along with the exciting stories of artifacts such as Grand Rapids’ own 1949 Herpolsheimer Child Passenger Train, the Austin Model 60, and a 1913 Indian Model E Motorcycle.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Lake Michigan: MSU study looks at recreation, climate change on lakeshore

 

According to scientists and some users, Lake Michigan is seeing an impact from global warming. (Supplied)

Coastal communities and sensitive coastal ecosystems experience a variety of weather-related impacts that are influenced by changing climatic conditions, but Michigan State University researchers have found that Michigan residents’ opinions about climate change vary for many reasons.

 

For example, the authors found that greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities, higher levels of education, and lower levels of income were key factors. And, males and older individuals tended to be more dismissive of or disengaged with climate change than their counterparts.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

As temperatures begin to rise, so do car interiors

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Precautions for those with heat sensitivities and weakened immune systems.

By Pam Daniels, Michigan State University Extension

 

Even mild external temperatures can quickly raise the temperature inside a closed vehicle to dangerously high levels.

 

Sitting in a closed up car for 10 minutes can cause the body’s core temperature to climb. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report that very high body temperatures can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, as well as heat stroke or death. For individuals with chronic disease, weakened immune systems, the elderly or the very young (and pets), high temperatures coupled with heat sensitive immune systems can rapidly become dangerous.

 

Michigan State University Extension offers the following information to help you and your family stay safe:

  • When outside temperatures are in the 60 degree Fahrenheit range it will cause the temperature insides a closed car to rise well above 110 F.
  • The temperature inside the car does not have to hit 100 F for a person to be at risk.
  • The inside of a closed vehicle acts like a greenhouse, trapping sunlight and heat making the inside of the car much hotter than the air outside. Even when outside temperatures are mild, anyone sitting in a closed car for a short period of time (20 minutes) is at risk of hyperthermia (body temperature greatly above normal).
  • Child safety – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers valuable tips on preventing heat stroke to children in parked cars. They have also investigated various alarms and reminder technology equipment for cars that help reduce heat stroke fatalities.
Take precautions
  • Avoid leaving anyone unattended in a closed vehicle. Rolling down the window two-inches or even half way, won’t help cool the interior temperature.
  • Lock your cars while at home. Children have died from getting into cars, for whatever reason, an then becoming confused and trapped inside the vehicle.
  • Always check the car seats before leaving the vehicle. Making a visual check of the car a part of your routine can help make sure that no child or pet is left unintentionally in the car. Use notes, colored stickers or some type of reminder system so when you exit your car you check the backseat.
Learn the laws
  • Become informed by learning about your state’s vehicle code. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles and/or contact any local law enforcement agency.
  • Keep a watchful eye and if you sense that a child or pet is left unattended in a vehicle and is in danger, don’t hesitate to seek help. Do not go in search of the car owner. Dial 911 and let the authorities handle the situation.

For more information on health and wellness visit Michigan State University Extension.

 

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

How long does home-preserved food last?

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Know the shelf life of home-canned and frozen food to avoid food waste and maximize nutrition.

By Kara Lynch, Michigan State University Extension

 

Don’t let your preserved food go to waste — enjoy it when it tastes great and is nutritious.

May brings flowers and seed magazines stuffed into your mailbox. It is also the perfect time of year to start planning your garden with canning season in mind. Preserving food is a great way to avoid wasting food when you have more fresh produce than you need right away. Just make sure you are able to use all your canned or frozen food within the recommended time.

How long do home-canned foods last?

If foods are preserved correctly, they are safe for years but the quality and nutritional value decreases with the passing of time. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends only preserving enough food to last one year. So that your home-canned foods taste great and are nutritious when you decide to eat them.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a planning guide (page 32) that may be helpful when working out how much food to can or freeze to meet your needs for the year.

Choosing the right canning equipment

It is critical to can foods safely using the right equipment. Use a steam canner or water bath canner for high-acid foods and a pressure canner for low-acid foods. Just within the last couple of years, atmospheric steam canners have been approved to use with high-acid foods. It is also important to use research-based recipes and follow directions carefully. Research-based recipes can be found in updated Ball Blue Books, So Easy to Preserve, the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving. Michigan State University Extension also offers an online home food preservation course.

How long do frozen foods last?

Frozen foods lose moisture the longer they are in the freezer. If the food was correctly frozen and kept at it zero degrees Fahrenheit it is safe indefinitely, however the quality and nutritional value deteriorates, just as it does with canned foods. The USDA has developed the Food Keeper app for smartphones, as well as a website, that lists the shelf life of various foods.

Tips for using up preserved food
  • Home preserved food makes great gifts. If you do have a bountiful harvest, can the extra produce, put a pretty label on the jars and share with your loved ones.
  • Are you in need of an appetizer but don’t have time to make anything?  Pull the dilly beans from your pantry or get the pepper jelly out and combine it with cream cheese to make an amazing dip.
  • Consider your home preserved foods when planning your meals. This helps ensure that you are using up your stored items in a timely way and creates less waste. As you make your grocery list, you may notice cost savings as you pull from your pantry rather than purchasing additional food.
  • Use your home preserved foods in the search cue when looking for a recipe online. This will bring up unique, nutritious recipes utilizing your preserved items. Use pickled beets in a salad recipe, add frozen peas to a casserole, try frozen peaches in a peach cobbler, top cheesecake with home preserved jams, the list is endless.

Michigan Fresh is a Michigan State University Extension initiative that provides information on safely storing and preserving a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. MSU Extension also offers a range of food safety and food preservation classes, in person and online. Contact your local MSU Extension county office to learn more about available classes.

 

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

Proudly conservative state senate candidate, local author on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Election, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Politics, , ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Keith St. Clair (WKTV)

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, new volunteer host Keith St. Clair, an instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, talks conservatism and the state of Michigan state politics with  Bob Genetski, a Republican who is running for the 26th State Senate district seat currently held by Tonya Schuitmaker.

 

Genetski served the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 through 2014, when he was elected as Allegan County Clerk. He is both a one-time public school teacher and was named one of the Michigan House’s most conservative elected officials.

 

Also on this episode of In Focus today is Kathey Batey, a key volunteer with the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, a domestic relations mediator, and accomplished author and sought-after speaker, as well as corporate trainer specializing in conflict communication. She talks with In Focus host Ken Norris about her work with the chamber, in the community and a new book she has written.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, April 24, and will again air on Thursday, April 25, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of April 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

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Wyoming will hold its drug take-back day this week. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming: Drug take back day is this Saturday

The City of Wyoming has partnered with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide Drug Take Back services between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the main lobby of the Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

 

Wyoming Public Safety officers will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kentwood/Kent County: Ford airport continues to grow amenity options
The Gerald R. Ford Airport continues to grow its passenger and pubic amenities.

More food and beverage offerings are coming to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, this time in the pre-security area, as “Leinie Lodge” has now opened adjacent to Starbucks in the Airport’s Grand Hall.

 

Leinie Lodge will predominantly feature Leinenkugel’s wide range of award-winning German-inspired beers, as well as a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and an assortment of snacks.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kelloggsville: Retiree stays active as school-based community advocate 
Jane and Jim Ward meet the KDL elephant, Katie L.

Kent District Library’s Kelloggsville Branch, and community member Jim Ward, are all about getting books into children’s hands. Together they have made it happen inside Kelloggsville High School.

 

Ward, who is retired, was instrumental in planning the library, which opened this winter inside the high school. A Forest Hills Public Schools media specialist for 38 years, he had a strong interest in the concept of public libraries operating within schools, and worked with administrators, who tapped into his knowledge to make that happen.

 

For the complete story, click here.

WKTV programs: ‘Feel Like You Belong’ looks at mentoring minorities — in  golf
Alan Headbloom tapes his show here at WKTV.

This week’s “Feel Like You Belong” program — produced here at WKTV — tackles the subject of how do we change the notion that certain sports are just for white athletes or male participants? By mentoring females and youth of color in those sports. PGA professional Andre Pillow talks about his work with The First Tee of West Michigan and creating access to golf for all young people.

 

For the complete story, click here.

West Michigan: Bennett Prize ($50,000) for women figurative style artists
The Muskegon Museum of Art will host a contest for women painters.

Women who paint in the figurative realist style are invited to apply for the $50,000 Bennett Prize, the largest ever offered solely to women painters. The winner of The Bennett Prize will create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which will first be shown at the Muskegon Museum of Art and then travel the country.

 

The call for entries runs from April 13-Sept. 28, 2018. Details are at www.thebennettprize.org.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Updated 2018 hop management guide available to Michigan hop growers

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By Erin Lizotte, Michigan State University Extension 

 

Updated management reference available for Michigan hop growers through Michigan State University Extension.

 

In an effort to assist hop growers in making pesticide and nutrient management decisions, an updated “Michigan Hop Management Guide, 2018” has been created and is available at the Michigan State University Extension Hops page. The packet includes an updated list of registered pesticides, nutrient management recommendations and a guide to seasonal pest occurrence in Michigan.

 

As the growing season approaches, please sign up to receive MSU Extension’s Hop & Barley Production Newsletter, and follow the Michigan State University Hops News Facebook page for up-to-date information. Finally, please sign up for the new MSU Hop listserv for an interactive discussion of all things hop-related. To subscribe:

  • Send an email to: listserv@list.msu.edu
  • Leave the “subject” line blank
  • In the body of the email, type: SUBSCRIBE Hops
  • You will receive a confirmation email directing you to click on a link (this is to avoid spammers). Click on the link.
  • To send an email to the list once you have joined, just send it to: hops@list.msu.edu

To protect yourself, others and the environment, always read the label before applying any pesticide. Although efforts have been made to check the accuracy of information presented in the “Michigan Hop Management Guide,” it is the responsibility of the person using this information to verify it is correct by reading the corresponding pesticide label in its entirety before using the product.

 

Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. Information presented here does not supersede the label directions.

 

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2015-09785. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).