The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is taking registrations for its spring softball leagues. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
The deadline is looming for signing up for the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s spring-season adult soft-pitch softball leagues, which includes both coed and men’s leagues.
Registration deadline for adult softball leagues is Thursday, March 16.
The coed league will play Mondays and Fridays while the men’s league will play Mondays and Thursdays. These are both 10-game leagues with a $475 cost per team. An additional men’s league, running Mondays and Tuesdays, will be a 12-game league and with a $525 cost per team. They will all include a single-elimination tournament at the end of regular season.
For more information, or to register your team, please contact recreation programmer Kenny Westrate at 616.530.3164 or westratek@wyomingmi.gov.
For more information about other Parks and Recreation special events or programs, please visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy will be holding introductory events this month and in April. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
Wyoming’s Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy recently announced several youth basketball programs, including a March 11 trial event of its Travel Ball League Play and the Saturday afternoon Biddy Ball program starting in April.
Hoop Heaven events are held at the Elevation Church, 2141B Porter St. SW. The program’s mission, according to supplied material, is “Pursuing gospel transformation and leadership development in Wyoming area youth through the game of basketball.”
The Travel Ball League Play event on March 11 will start at 1 p.m. and is for both boys and girls grades 3-12. The cost of tryout is $5 per players and you must pre-register. For registration and more information on this event contact Phyllis Harder at 616-498-1128, email her at phyllis@elevationhoopheaven.org or visit their website at elevationhoopheaven.org or visit them on Facebook at /hoopheavenbasketballacademy
The Biddy Ball program will run April 15 through May 13 and is open to both boys and girls K-2nd grade. Both friend (of teams) and entire team requests will be considered. The cost if $55 per child, with partial scholarships available, which includes a t-shirt. For more information contact Eric Vandyke at 616-272-6244, email him at ericvandyke15@gmail.com or visit elevationhoopheaven.com .
For 20 years, a group of compassionate individuals has bundled up on a cold Saturday morning in the middle of winter to walk. Why? The walkers brave the cold so less-fortunate families don’t have to. They walk for warmth!
The Walk for Warmth is a statewide effort to help low-income households avoid utility shut-offs and keep their homes warm. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will host the 21st annual walk in Kent County on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Grand Rapids.
Energy costs take up a greater portion of the household budgets of lower-income families than those of higher-income families. The increased burden on lower-income households reduces the amount of income left for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Last year, ACSET CAA provided over $1 million in utility payment assistance for homes in Kent County.
Hundreds of residents in our community struggle to pay their utility bills, and the need for assistance outweighs ACSET CAA’s ability to help. Every dollar raised through Walk for Warmth directly helps local families in need.
Want to help? Walk for Warmth offers a variety of ways to get involved:
Become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive recognition of their support in marketing materials and the day of the event. Businesses can connect their brand with a truly heart-warming event. Learn more about sponsor opportunities here.
Sell mittens. Contact a Walk for Warmth representative (give a phone number or email) and ask for a supply of “mittens.” The mittens are $1 each; write the name of the person purchasing the mitten and display at your office or business.
Get competitive. Hold a chili cook-off or cookie bake-off at your work, school or church. For a small donation ($5), tasters can vote on their favorite.
Give an in-kind donation. Consider making a donation of coffee, hot chocolate, juice, water, bagels, donuts or other refreshments for walkers on the day of the event.
Join the walk! Ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to join you or support you with a pledge. You can find a pledge form on ACSET CAA’s website by clicking here.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Time: 8 am Registration; 9 am Walk Kick Off
Where: ACSET Westside Complex
215 Straight Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Walk for Warmth is an annual event, hosted by Community Action Agencies across the country, to raise funds for heating assistance for low-income households. Learn more: http://communityactionkent.org/walk-for-warmth-2017/
Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Want to run through the streets of Holland at Tulip Time? There is a run for you. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
The Tulip Time Festival has announced the opening of online registration and details for the Tulip Time Run on Saturday, May 6, at Kollen Park in Holland. The run — with a 5K, 10K and kids fun run — gives the opportunity to run or walk through Holland’s tulip-lined streets.
All run participants will be issued a race bib, a complimentary gear check tag and a free beverage ticket, redeemable at the after-party at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant. Registering before April 2 ensures runners a participant shirt and a personalized race bib featuring their name.
The 5K will start at 8 a.m. and the 10K will start at 9 a.m. Both races will start at the corner of 12th Street and Kollen Park Drive and finish on 12th Street in the West-bound lane. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age division (male and female). The kids’ run will start at 9:15am at the playground in Kollen Park.
Registration for the 5K and/or 10K is $30, $35 after Feb. 28 and $40 on race day; registration for the kids’ run is $10 through May 3 and $15 on race day. A discount of $2 off each registration is available for families of three to five people. Registration is available online at tulip tuliptime.com/run
By Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET)
Each year, communities across the country conduct a point-in-time (PIT) count of homeless individuals. On January 27, 2016, the PIT count for Kent County was 800 persons. While the majority of the homeless were in transitional or emergency shelter that particular evening, over 5% were identified as being unsheltered. This means they were sleeping without shelter in the harsh winter weather.
Our community has many shelters, serving hundreds of people each year. Every winter they are faced with an urgent need to prevent frostbite, hypothermia and even death among our homeless population. ‘Tis the season to give, so here are some ways you can help.
Emergency Shelter – Warming centers and emergency overnight shelters provide temporary protection from extreme weather. A list of resources in downtown Grand Rapids can be found here. If you see someone on the streets in freezing temperatures, contact the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s 2-1-1 database by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-887-1107 to get help.
Give Winter Gear – shelters will accept donations of warm winter clothing, including thermal underwear, boots, coats, hats and gloves. Or you can contact a shelter to see if they have any specific needs. Again, 2-1-1 is a great resource to find a shelter near you.
Volunteer – Most shelters and homeless programs are busiest during the winter months and could use more help. Contact a shelter near you to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Donate – Because this is the busiest time of year for shelters, they are using more. If you typically make an end-of-year donation, consider a monetary gift to a local shelter. You may even be able to set up a recurring donation so you keep giving throughout the year.
Advocate – Advocacy means using your voice to address the root causes of homelessness, such as access to affordable housing. Whether you generate awareness on social media or make a call to your legislators about the issue, using your voice is an inexpensive way to help fight homelessness.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
With an eye toward providing more medical services and increasing health care options in West Michigan, Metro Health this week officially announced that the affiliation process with the University of Michigan Health System has been completed.
In June, Metro Health and UMHS signed a letter of intent for an affiliation. In September, both institutions approved the affiliation agreement with final regulatory approvals needed. More announcements about the affiliation and its impact are expected in the new year.
“We are a sister organization to them,” said Ellen Bristol, Metro Health director of internal communications and media relations. “Our governance will be by the University of Michigan regents, but we are still Metro Health. It means our employees are still Metro Health employees and U-M employees are still U-M employees.”
Physicians, executives and community members from West Michigan will continue serving on Metro Health boards and committees, working closely with University of Michigan leaders.
“The new affiliation will offer greater access to U-M services and physicians,” Bristol said. “There will be more choices offered and the hospital is able to deepen its services.”
The new logo for Metro Health which shows its affiliation with U-m Health Services.
U-M and Metro Health began working together in 2009 when U-M started providing radiation oncology at The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village. Clinical relations continued to develop in pediatric cardiology and pediatric endocrinology, all of which helped to pave the way for the affiliation, said Marschall Runge, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for medical affairs, dean of the U-M Medical School and CEO of the U-M Health System.
“We are excited to further expand U-M services in West Michigan and to provide access to the highest quality care available to more Michigan residents,” Runge said. “Working together, we will improve the health of our patients and our communities.”
Metro Health President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Faas said the affiliation marks a new chapter in Metro Health’s history, “one that builds on the incredible legacy which began in 1942 when 23 osteopathic physicians opened Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital. I can think of no better way to honor our founders than to ensure Metro Health is able to to grow and continue serving patients of years to come.”
According to the National Institute on Aging, in 2010 13% of the population in the United States was 65 years of age or older. By 2030, it’s estimated that number will reach 20% of all Americans. Additionally, more people are living longer; Americans 85 years old and above are the fastest growing age group of elders.
How are communities addressing the growing needs of this group?
In Kent County, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides a variety of services to assist individuals over the age of 60, including Latin American Services Senior Meals. These meals are designed to provide a healthy meal and social interaction for elders who may face a language barrier and isolation. Elders gather for delicious Latin American food and conversation every weekday. Home-bound elders can have meals delivered to their homes.
Mary with CAA staffer Ramona Alvarez
CAA has been serving meals to elders for 32 years; it has become a tradition for elders in our community and we’ve become good friends with many of them over the years. Our friend Mary announced at our Thanksgiving dinner that it would be her last meal with us. She plans to move to Florida to live with her daughter. With tears in her eyes, she said thank you and goodbye to many long-time friends. Mary has been a regular visitor for 20 years! We will miss her and wish her the best in sunny Florida.
Mary’s story illustrates how important social opportunities can be for elders. This is especially true around the holidays. We are hosting our annual Senior Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11 am.
Our doors are open to those who want to enjoy a warm meal with friendly, familiar faces. Do you have a neighbor or family member that could benefit from our Senior Services? Learn more about our services and eligibility requirements at www.communityactionkent.org/programs/senior-services or call us at 616.336.4000.
Latin American Senior Holiday Party
When: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11 am
Where: ASCET CAA – 121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 1st floor of the DHHS building
What: Latin-inspired meal and conversation. A small donation is recommended but not required.
Who: Anyone over the age of 60 is welcome to attend
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
The struggle is real: Getting your child to eat just a few bites of his vegetables can be like pulling teeth. Frustrated? Well, here are five ways you can trick your kid into eating vegetables:
Blend them into a smoothie. Add some kale into a strawberry and banana smoothie. Your child will never know the difference.
Sneak them into baked goods. There are many baked treats that you can sneak nutritious veggies in. Check out this recipe for green zucchini muffins!
Take your kids grocery shopping with you. Allow them to pick out their own vegetables. It will get them more excited to try them.
Serve food your child already likes. Try adding peas or other vegetables into macaroni and cheese. This is an easy way to ease your children into vegetables. And who doesn’t like vegetables covered in melted cheese?
When in doubt, turn them into soup. You can make vegetables savory and delicious by adding them to a stew or soup.
There’s much more than just delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers to be gained by gardening — it can also improve your mental and physical well-being.
And although gardening season is just about over, it helps to know that there are three entities in the area that are actively involved in providing food to the community as well as patients and hospital staff.
Founded in 2014 and measuring approximately 1,380-sq.-ft. divided into 11 raised garden beds, the Community Garden is a partnership between United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM),Metro Heath Hospital and the City of Wyoming. Ten of the beds measure 4×8’ and one bed is raised up on legs, positioned near the front gate of the garden allowing mobility impaired gardeners access to fresh, healthy produce.
The Community Garden’s goal is to introduce fresh, organic produce into gardeners’ and their families’ diets. Over 150 lbs of tomatoes, radishes, lettuces, broccoli, collard greens, kale, spinach, carrots and beets are donated to UCOM’s food pantry each year, with much more produced and shared between gardeners, friends and family.
In addition to fighting hunger in the Wyoming community, UCOM helps neighbors build healthy lifestyles beginning with the food they eat. The organization operates one of the largest pantries in the city, Client Choice Food Pantry, located at 1311 Chicago Dr. SW in Wyoming.
People living in the UCOM service area are able to access the pantry once a month and receive a three-day emergency supply of healthful and delicious food. Committed to personal empowerment, UCOM has encouraged people to select their own food for over seven years.
Starting October 1st, 2016, the food pantry is open to those in need on Mondays from 9 am-12 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 am-3 pm, and Thursdays from 2-8 pm. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 9 am-5 pm.
Metro Health Garden works with its culinary team, master gardeners and community volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables to be used in Metro Café’s patient and staff meals. The garden boasts an approximately 4,000-sq.-ft. area of rich, productive soil located east of the Hospital.
After being harvested, the produce is weighed and recorded. This information is used to track yields and productivity, as well as food costs saved by producing food on campus.
“Gardening helps relieve stress and improve mental health,” said Dr. Diana Dillman of Metro Health Jenison. “It is also a great way to get outside and get active. And of course the fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy, tasty result of all that digging in the dirt.”
All-organic seeds and transplants are used to ensure that the produce is of peak flavor, nutritional value and integrity. A drip irrigation system allows efficient application of water, greatly reducing water waste.
Cooking classes, community presentations, and tours of the garden are open to the public and staff of Metro Health Hospital. Visit the Events Calendar or like us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information. If you are interested in volunteering time in the garden, please contact volunteer services.
The garden also offers educational opportunities for youth and community members. The teaching garden is located behind Metro Health Hospital, in Wyoming. To register for these classes, or any of the other free or low-cost Live Healthy programs, visit Metrohealth.net or call 616.252.7117.
The Metro Health Garden is managed by Metro Health’s Culinary Team and Master Gardeners.
As West Michigan hunters head back to the woods, Metro Health Hospital will host a free Hunters Screening on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Metro Heart and Vascular and trauma services team members will be on hand for the session, which runs 7:30-11:30 a.m. in the main lobby of the hospital at 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. Various screens will be done to determine risk for heart attacks and other cardiac issues.
“Hunting is more than just sitting in a tree stand. It’s important to check up on your health before heading after that buck,” Dr. Matthew Sevensma of Metro Heart and Vascular said. “Walking miles to your tree stand, climbing, tracking if necessary and then hauling back that perfect deer can really stress your body if you are unaccustomed to the exertion.
“While you don’t need to be in peak physical condition, you will want to be sure your body can handle the level of activity necessary to keep you safe while you are out in the field.”
In a study conducted by Michigan’s Beaumont Hospital which was published in 2007 in the American Journal of Cardiology, 25 middle-aged hunters, 17 of whom had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, were fitted with heart monitors.
During deer season, all but three exceeded the maximum rate they had achieved on a treadmill test. Dragging downed game raised heart rates to the most dangerous levels, but several men experienced jumps into the red zone simply from spotting or shooting at a deer.
According to study co-author Dr. Barry Franklin, the strain hunting puts on the heart is attributed to three factors: hunting’s strenuous nature, the epinephrine (or “excitement”) response upon seeing game and environmental stresses, including cold weather and altitude.
Franklin also notes that many hunters in the study exhibited life-threatening heart-rhythm irregularities (aka cardiac arrhythmia) that had not been apparent on EKG readouts during laboratory treadmill tests. This was a disturbing finding. Heart arrhythmia is the trigger for cardiac arrest.
Sevensma advised:
Avoid hunting alone
Let a friend or relative know where you are hunting and when you expect to be back
Bring a cell phone in case of emergencies
Practice tree stand safety
Know the symptoms of a heart attack: shortness of breath, cold sweats and chest pressure or pain and/or pain that radiates to your shoulders, arm, jaw or back
Space is limited and registration is required. The screen will include a number of tests, including:
An EKG to determine cardiac risk
Cholesterol test
Body mass index
Blood pressure screen
Glucose test, which requires an eight-hour fast in advance
Metro Health Hospital has announced it has come to a settlement agreement with a former employee that includes a one million dollar judgment in favor of the hospital.
In the consent judgment received and filed by the Kent County Circuit Court last month, Laura Staskiewicz agrees to the one million judgment against her and dismisses her complaint against Metro Health Hospital thus ending the countersuit filed by Metro Health against Staskiewicz.
In April of 2015 of Metro Health and President and CEO Michael Faas of illegal and unethical conduct in connection with the potential sale of Metro Health to an out-of-state for-profit company. That sale, involving, Tennessee-based company Community Health Systems, has since fallen through.
Staskiewicz eventually voluntarily dismissed all of her allegations against the organization and Faas. In a press release, hospital officials noted that Metro Health did not pay any money to Staskiewicz to give up her claims.
Metro Health countersued Straskiewicz for damages caused by her release of confidential and misleading information about the organization. Straskiewicz agreed to the one million judgment against her to settle the case, according to the press release.
“I am pleased that the truth in these matters has been revealed,” Faas said in a released statement. “We are focused on the future and growing Metro Health. Serving patients has always been and will always be our top priority.
I would like to thank our Board, leadership team and the many employees who invested a great deal of time and energy to defend Metro against these claims. Aggressively defending ourselves was not the easy thing to do, but it certainly was the right thing to do. Our reputation in the West Michigan community is critical to our mission of improving the health and well-being of our patients,” continued Faas.
The Staskiewicz judgment is the second seven-figure judgment awarded to Metro Health against former employees in the last several years. Both million dollar judgments awarded Metro Health damages incurred in defending itself from false claims.
“This is beyond a complete and total vindication, it’s also an indication of how we will defend the integrity of Metro from frivolous, vicious and unfounded attacks,” said Doyle Hayes, chairman of the Metro Health board of directors. “We cannot tolerate baseless claims that take away focus from our mission of improving the health of our community. Senseless attacks against the organization are attacks against the entire community.”
Public Relations/Communications Coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
Each year Medicare offers an Open Enrollment period for those who have a Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and lasts through Dec. 7 and is the time when Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current plan and determine if it is still the best option to fit their current needs. This is the only time during the year that beneficiaries can make changes to their prescription coverage so it’s important that they review all the factors when making their decision.
In fact, the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) which utilizes volunteers to help people make informed health care decisions, including choosing a prescription coverage plan, recommends people follow the five steps below during Open Enrollment.
Five Steps to Choosing the Best Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage:
Review your current plan. Experts recommend that everyone reviews their current plan, even if you are happy with the coverage you have received. Plan information can change each year resulting in changes to medications that are covered, premium prices and even the co-pay amounts. Just because your current plan has met your needs, doesn’t mean it will continue to for the next year. Make note of any changes you see in your current plan and if they don’t work for you be sure to look at the other options available. If you are still happy with your current plan after you’ve reviewed any updates, simply do nothing and you will remain enrolled in the same plan.
Consider ALL your medications. It’s not uncommon to be prescribed a medication that you weren’t taking at this same time last year. Be sure to have a current list of all the medications you are taking and check each one against the plan you are considering to see if it’s covered and what the cost will be. Don’t assume that just because it is a low cost medication or well known drug that it will be covered in all plans. A simple way to start is to visit www.medicare.gov and input all your medications. They will then generate a list of plans that will cover those prescriptions. Again, you need to review those plans for things such as premiums, co-pays and coverage amounts before making a final decision.
See if you qualify for help. Experts encourage those on a fixed income to see if they qualify for help through the Extra Help, Medicare Savings or the Medigap Subsidy Program. Extra Help is a Social Security program that helps to reduce or eliminate prescription plan premiums, deductibles and copays for covered medications. The income limit for the Extra Help program is $1,505 for a single and $2,023 for a couple (asset limits of $13,640 for single and $27,250 for a couple). The Medicare Savings Program is a Medicaid program that will pay the Medicare Part B premium, with income limits of $1,010 for single and $1,355 for a couple (assets must be below $7,280 for single and $10,930 for a couple). The Medigap Subsidy Program through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund will provide assistance with Medigap premiums if the beneficiary has a participating policy. The income limits for this program are $1,485 for a single and $2,003 for a couple, with no asset limit. The financial assistance plans can make prescription costs more affordable for those on fixed incomes. Experts say often people are unaware that these programs are available to help and can often make a big difference for those who qualify.
Don’t procrastinate! Even though Open Enrollment seems like a long time, experts encourage people not to procrastinate and to start researching early. “We encourage people to start right away, this way if they run into questions they have time to get their questions answered and they aren’t left scrambling,” said Bob Callery, Program Coordinator at MMAP. “During Open Enrollment, our volunteers across the state as well as those that work at Medicare receive a lot of phone calls and it may take a day or two to return calls and sometimes longer, depending on the call volume. Any technical glitches with the medicare.gov website can make people anxious, so we always encourage starting early.”
Ask questions! Changes to your Medicare Prescription coverage can only be made during open enrollment, which means if you make a mistake you will be stuck for the rest of the year. Mistakes can translate into increased costs and confusion about coverage. Experts encourage asking questions to make sure you understand your coverage. “Medicare and the Prescription Drug Plans can be confusing for a lot of people, which is why we have volunteers to help,” said Callery. “If you have questions, you can look at the Medicare.gov website, call Medicare directly or call MMAP. We just ask that you understand we may not be able to return your phone call the same day, depending on call volume, but we do everything we can to answer all the questions that come to us.”
Experts also encourage those with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Legacy Medigap plans to contact MMAP today as Blue Cross Blue Shield announced this summer that they are raising the monthly premium for these plans starting January 2017. For many people, these premium prices can be a significant increase to their monthly budget. MMAP volunteers can help individuals review their options if they are enrolled in one of the BCBSM Legacy plans and wish to find a better option.
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is a free and unbiased statewide program made up of volunteers who can help you sort through Part D information. Volunteer counselors have gone through extensive training and can help navigate the maze of Medicare and Medicaid. To speak with a counselor, contact 1-800-803-7174.
Have questions on services for older adults and caregivers? Contact the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 616-456-5664 or 888-456-5664 or visit www.aaawm.org for more information and resources.
Metro Health Hospital has been recognized for its exceptional care and treatment of patients with four awards from The Women’s Choice Awards.
The recognition includes the following honors:
One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience as judged by scores derived by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, or HCAHPS, database on questions of patient’s willingness to recommend, doctor and nurse communications, staff help, pain management, cleanliness and explanation of medications.
One of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care as judged by Emergency Department, or ED, performance measures reported by CMS for average time before outpatients with chest pain or possible heart attack receive an ECG, average time spent in the ED before being admitted, average time in the ED before being seen by a healthcare professional, percentage of patients who came to the ED with stroke symptoms who received brain scan results within 45 minutes of arrival and more.
One of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics as judged by data reported in HCAHPS surveys and additional consideration for ranking above the national average for patient safety, low rates of early elective deliveries and more.
One of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics as judged by services offered, results from HCAHPS surveys for patient recommendations and post-operative recovery instructions and rates of surgical complications and infections.
Women’s Choice Awards are unique in that they focus on evidence-based measures of issues that matter most to women. Scores are generated using data hospitals participating with CMS report through their HCAHPS surveys.
“Women are the Chief Medical Officer for the household, making upwards of 90 percent of all healthcare decisions. Considering she bears the responsibility of making these incredibly important decisions, the Women’s Choice Award offers a trusted solution by identifying the hospitals that have proven superior patient experience. Finally, a source that shares her values and priorities is available,” said Delia Passi, CEO and founder of the Women’s Choice Award.
The list of award winners, including Metro Health Hospital, represents hospitals that create an extraordinary patient experience for women and their families by providing exceptional care.
“We are pleased to be rated among the nation’s top performing hospitals in these four important categories,” said Mike Faas, president and CEO of Metro Health. “We want to create an environment where every member of the family is welcome and can receive the highest quality care and experience. Knowing that family decision makers recognize our efforts helps us know we are meeting the needs of our community.”
“We are excited about this relationship that should continually improve the care we can – together – provide residents of the state of Michigan. Metro Health will be essential to helping us move groundbreaking research and discovery from bench to bedside,” said Marxchall Runge, M.D., Ph. D., executive vice president of medical affairs, dean of the U-M Medical School and CEO of the U-M Health System.
Metro Health and U-M Health System will create a clinical care network that builds upon the strengths of the world-class U-M academic medical center and a very successful community-based health system. Together the two organizations will be able to collaborate on new and improved clinical care models across the system, enhancing patient access to physicians and other care providers at both organizations.
The partnership will focus on bringing increased health care innovation to West Michigan and Beyond.
“We are very excited about the opportunities we will have, together, to advance the boundaries of clinical practice and medical science through research discoveries and disseminating knowledge,” added Michael Faas, chief executive officer of Metro Health.
Along with innovation, the affiliation will enable Metro Health to further expand its primary care and speciality services, as well as enhance its use of complex medial technology.
Metro Health and the University of Michigan have no current plans for a satellite medical campus like the partnership with Spectrum Health and Michigan State University.
The deal is expected to be completed by year end, pending final regulatory approvals and completion of the closing process.
To many people, ‘homelessness’ is just a word. Maybe we understand this state of being intellectually and academically, but it’s next to impossible to empathize — unless we’ve experienced similar circumstances or have a friend or family member who has lived on the streets. Putting a real face on this dilemma helps humanize the condition, and that’s what Tom Gunnels’s project, ‘Waiting On Division‘ is all about.
Tom Gunnels (by Tom Gunnels)
You may recognize the name — Gunnels played banjo with local folk band, The Crane Wives for five years (2010-2015) before moving on to work on the Great Lakes Natives music project. Currently, he’s a free-lance photographer and videographer.
Interested in humanitarian efforts since he was a kid, Gunnels originally considered joining the Peace Corps to help disadvantaged people in other countries. Then one day, he realized that there were people in dire straits right in our own backyard.
It doesn’t take much
Earlier this year, he began documenting his encounters with homeless folks by writing a nearly daily diary on Facebook, taking still photos and videotaping people’s stories. Some days he doesn’t unpack his equipment. It all depends on whether or not people feel like being filmed or photographed. Some days are better than others.
“Several of [the street people] are now my friends,” said Gunnels. “They’re people with feelings, just like you and me, it’s just that their circumstances have one way or another led them down this path.”
I shadowed Gunnels one day as he made his “rounds” visiting the street people of downtown Grand Rapids. Soft-spoken and unassuming, he walks with a heavy backpack containing camera and video equipment on his back, trudging through downtown everyday on a personal mission to help folks less fortunate than him by listening, offering a hug when needed and making sure his friends are OK.
Portrait of David by Tom Gunnels
“Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear or a hug or just a kind word,” he said. “Such simple things make a huge difference in someone’s life. It really doesn’t take much.”
He carried a book with him, Ending Homelessness: Why We Haven’t, How We Can, edited by Donald W. Burnes and David L. DiLeo, as well as a blank journal and a scan disk. He planned to give the journal to a friend who loves to write. The scan disk was for another friend whose camera needed more memory. He’s been in touch with Burnes, who wants Gunnels to be involved with a major project.
The day was hot and muggy and it was only 9 am. Less than an hour in, I was already dripping and wilting. How do people tolerate this day after day after day? I just can’t fathom it.
What is going on in our world? To say this is not okay would be a major understatement. ~Tom Gunnels
“This project is so much more about process than it is anything else,” Gunnels wrote in a Facebook post. “The process of walking downtown with all of the gear, being recognizable on the street as ‘that guy who is filming.’ I try to make a morning walk downtown every day that I can, just to say hi and maybe catch someone who has been wanting to film, but maybe just waiting for the right day.”
Puritan values still rule
Homelessness in Grand Rapids is a microcosm of what is happening across America, where the impact of 1600s Puritan values still thrives. Many people hold on to the notion that one only needs to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and into the pursuit of the American dream. Those who can’t “deserve” to be destitute, as they are thought to bring no added value to society.
Portrait of Dan by Tom Gunnels
Many homeless folks are disabled or suffer from addiction, some are war veterans, all face social disadvantages that go far beyond the lack of a safe and suitable home. They have reduced access to private and public services, as well as limited access to vital necessities such as healthcare and dental services. They are often seen as unsuitable for employment and their travel options are few.
Getting proper help when one is homeless can seem insurmountable. First, you have to know what services are available. That may take some time to figure out if you’re new in town or mentally ill, as many homeless folks are. Or perhaps you’ve been homeless for a few years and have given up on “the system,” but for whatever reason, today you’re going to give it another shot. Either way, you’ll need to fill out the correct forms. If you don’t have the proper I.D. — like a Social Security card or birth certificate — you can’t apply for basic social services.
If you don’t get it right that day, you’ll have to start all over again. The process is demeaning, time-consuming and frustrating.
On a more basic, day-to-day level, homeless folks are discriminated against at every turn. People cross the street to avoid them. Access to drinking water is limited, even on the hottest days, and some people suffer from dehydration as a result. Access to restrooms is another huge problem.
Then there is the matter of trespassing and loitering. Gunnels showed me a small patch of grass between a building and a fence. It was maybe eight square feet.
“See how small this space is,” he said. “A couple of my friends were just standing here the other day, not bothering anybody, when the owner of the property came out and threatened to call the cops.”
No SittingNo Public Restrooms. No Soliciting. Thank You.
Moving onto the sidewalk was not an option.
“They tell them that it’s still trespassing,” said Gunnels. “Now, if I were to stand here for a while, that’s OK, because I don’t look homeless.”
Everybody is waiting
‘Waiting On Division’ is not simply about a street in downtown Grand Rapids.
“It’s about division in every sense of the word,” said Gunnels. “What divides us as people, as humans.”
One observation became apparent to Gunnels early on: Everybody was waiting for something, whether waiting in line for food, to get in a shelter or waiting for a social services facility to open.
“There’s just a lot of waiting,” said Gunnels. He was convinced that one of the first people he met was just waiting for someone to be his friend.
I was with Gunnels when his friend, Michael offered up some photography equipment. Michael has some camera lenses in storage and wants to give them to Gunnels — for free. This, from a man who has little to nothing in the way of possessions.
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Gunnels said he sees countless such acts of giving and selflessness on the street. And he noted that many street people are surprised when Gunnels tells them he’ll be back and then returns. They’re so used to people blowing them off that a simple gesture of showing up moves them to tears.
Later on our walk, Gunnels introduced me to Amber and her friend, George. Amber looked rough around the edges. She was in pain and told Gunnels that she had pancreatitis — probably a result of her heavy drinking — and would be going to the hospital later in the day. Gunnels spent a good amount of time with her, listening and offering support. I found out later that Gunnels gave Amber a cell phone so that she could call him if she needed anything.
Such simple gestures as this go a long way.
“Amber writes poetry when she can, but it’s easy to lose things on the street,” said Gunnels. “It’s easy to lose a notebook or have it ruined by the rain, while you’re sleeping outside.”
All I can do is listen, film, be a messenger, and shed a few tears along the way.
On the ‘Waiting On Division’ Facebook page, Gunnels wrote, “It’s easy to lose things like pencils and paper, or even motivation to write. Motivation lost because somebody gave you a black eye and a swollen jaw, like Amber received just a few weeks ago. Motivation lost because of dehydration and difficulty staying in the shade on a 92-degree day, or out of the rain during a mid-summer thunderstorm.”
(To see Gunnels’s film of Amber reading her poem, ‘I’m a Bum,’ go here.)
Many of the people Gunnels meets are initially shy to be photographed, but once they get to know him, they open up.
“When I first met a man named Henry, he didn’t want my camera out,” Gunnels said. “After meeting him a few more times, he apologized because he said he thought he was rude towards me, and he then asked me to take his photo.
“This time, we were all hanging out and he asked if I would take my camera out again, so I did.”
Making a difference
“I guess I just hope that by explaining what I see and hear, I hope that others will hear and these stories make their way to somebody who can step up and actually help,” said Gunnels. “Respect is an important thing. If it is given, it will be received.”
One by one, Gunnels is making a difference. Since beginning the project earlier this year, Gunnels has helped get three people into rehab. A fourth was considering the option.
Portrait of Red by Tom Gunnels. When Gunnels and Red first met, Red was convinced he had only three months left to live. Gunnels helped get Red into rehab.
Social media plays a huge role in the project. People enjoy seeing themselves in photos and videos and proudly share these with their Facebook friends. The exposure gives them confidence. They feel they are valued.
Many of the folks downtown have a presence on Facebook — yet their own friends may have no idea that the person they see on Facebook has nowhere to live.
Being pushed out
Gunnels’s project comes at a time when friction between business owners and people on the street has steadily been increasing. Business owners in downtown GR see these folks as a nuisance and a deterrent to business. Signs in windows warn, “No Sitting” or “No Public Restrooms, No Soliciting, Thank You.”
Metro Health Hospital has appointed Tom Heetderks as vice president of human resources, Thomas Mulder as vice president of practice administration for the Metro Health Medical Group, Penny DeVries as director of marketing and Laura Smith as director of its cancer center.
Heetderks brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership to his new role, which includes implementing strategic human resource initiatives and leading the day-to-day operations of the human resources team. He will lead the organization’s focus on employee relations, recruitment and retention, management and staff development, HR technology and innovation, and compensation and benefit programs.
Before joining Metro, Heetderks served as the vice president of human resources at ResCare in Louisville, Ky. Earlier, he was vice president, strategic accounts with Kenexa/IBM, where he was the lead human capital consultant on strategic HR/talent initiatives with several Fortune 100 companies. Also, Heetderks was a human resources executive with PepsiCo/Yum! Brands for 15 years.
Thomas Mulder
Heetderks holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Calvin College. He has been published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations and the Journal of Labor Research, in addition to co-authoring a book on compensation structures.
Mulder is also a healthcare veteran bringing more than 15 years of experience to his role. As vice president and practice administrator of the Metro Health Medical Group, Mulder is responsible for maintaining relationships with physicians, the hospital and ancillary providers. He is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Metro Health Medical Group, including quality improvement activities.
Most recently, Mulder served as the director of operations for the Emory Clinic in Atlanta, Ga. There he was the regional administrator and focused on business development, practice evaluation and acquisition, physician recruitment and organizational alignment with physicians, ancillary services, acute care and community stakeholders. Also, Mulder has held leadership positions with St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare and Humboldt Medical Specialists in Calif. and Centura Health in Denver, Colo.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in health administration from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and Spanish from Calvin College in Grand Rapids.
“We are very pleased to welcome both Tom Heetderks and Thomas Mulder home to their West Michigan roots,” said Mike Faas, president and CEO of Metro Health. “Their expertise and experience will be a great asset as we work to position Metro Health for an exciting and successful future.”
DeVries joins Metro Health as director of marketing after having owned and operated her own marketing agency and consulting firm for more than 20 years. With a client list that included a variety of Fortune 500 clients, DeVries is known for bringing both creative and business thinking to problem solving and strategy development.
In the marketing director role, DeVries will be responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring ongoing strategic marketing plans for key service lines and organizational initiatives. She will also be responsible for website development and physician marketing.
DeVries studied marketing, merchandising, film and video at Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University. She is a native of Wyoming and resides in West Olive with her daughter.
Smith will serve as the new director at the Cancer Center at Metro Health Village. In this role, she will manage the clinical and financial operations of the cancer center. She will also serve as a liaison between physicians, staff and Board of Managers of the West Michigan Radiation Oncology, LLC, a joint venture between Metro Health and University of Michigan Health System Division of Radiation Oncology.
Smith brings nearly 10 years of healthcare operations leadership and consulting experience with her. Most recently she managed two outpatient cancer centers that saw more than 100,000 patients per year at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Ill.
Smith holds a Master of Technology from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science from Ferris State University. She is originally from southern Michigan and resides in Grand Rapids.
“I am excited to welcome these dynamic professionals to the Metro Health team and to our community,” said Faas. “This is an exciting time to be part of Metro Health, and I am sure they will help lead us forward.”
The old South Kent Landfill — formerly known as the Paris Township Dump — has been closed since 1976 but 40 years on, the community is still dealing with the consequences of waste disposition during an era with no environmental protection standards in place. The 72-acre landfill is one of 65 sites in 30 Michigan counties that are designated as Superfund sites — sites that were polluted decades ago and are now eligible for federal funding for cleanup.
The closed Kentwood Landfill is under regular monitoring by the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) with oversight by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (The City of Kentwood owns the property; Kent County manages it pursuant to a consent agreement between Kent County and the EPA.)
Recently, testing at the site at 4900 Walma SE in Kentwood — off Breton Road north of 52nd Street — found methane gas underground at several depths to the west of the landfill site; it has spread farther beyond the landfill boundary. Eleven monitoring wells detected methane in the ground at depths of 5 feet to 50 feet. Concentrations of the gas are high above flammability levels and could cause an explosion if not vented and flared.
It’s important to note that residents don’t face any higher risk than they have been in the past, according to Kristi Zakrzewski, the DEQ’s project manager for the landfill.
If you are one of the 150 households located within 1500 feet of the west edge of the old South Kent Landfill, you should receive — or have already received — a letter from Kent County about arranging testing for methane gas. You’ll be able to request quick, on-site testing for methane through the Kent County Department of Public Works at no cost to you.
“Safety is our priority as we move forward with this investigation,” said Dar Baas, Director of the Kent County Department of Public Works.
Action shot of trash disposal at the current South Kent Landfill
“We are hiring an engineering consultant and have already started investigating methods to resolve the gas migration. We also have been in contact with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA.”
Methane, caused by the natural breakdown of organic materials — such as paper, cardboard, branches and wood — normally forms in landfills. Escaping methane is flared (burned) at gas stand wells on the site to prevent the gas from reaching the atmosphere, where it is detrimental to the ozone layer. An alternative to burning it is to convert it to electricity, and Kent County is looking into the feasibility of doing so, but there is no way of knowing how much methane is trapped under the landfill and whether it would be economical to build an electrical facility there.
Although the migration of methane beyond the landfill boundary is concerning, the DPW did not detect methane inside any neighboring buildings. They are working with the Kent County Health Department; if methane is found at the outer edge of the landfill, they will expand the gas stand wells.
Methane gas likes to spread upward. When it can’t, it seeks alternative ways to travel — horizontally — which is why it may be found outside the perimeters of the dump site. Any leaks are most likely to occur in crawl spaces and cracks in a building’s foundation, any place where methane gas can get through.
We’ve come a long way since the 1800s when people simply opened their back doors and threw their trash out. The Pantlind Hotel once had a piggery where people dumped their organic matter to feed the pigs.
Baas said that the South Kent Landfill dates back to the late 1940s when dumps had no environmental standards for the waste that was deposited there.
“The Baby Boomers started these dumps after World War II,” Baas said. “There’s a little bit of everything here.”
In the early 1950s, the area was the town dump, then became a licensed solid waste facility in 1966. The City of Kentwood operated the landfill from 1968 to 1970; Kent County operated it from 1971 to 1975. It was closed in early 1976 and capped in 1995 with several layers of clay — 6-inch layers creating a 2-foot cap — after which it was covered with topsoil and seeded with grass seed to keep the methane gas trapped. The site is mowed regularly to keep plants and trees from taking root and contributing to the methane problem.
In addition to organic materials, the site contains industrial waste.
“We used to have to treat the leachate waste water after the dump closed in 1976,” said Baas. “Forty years later, we are still dealing with the ramifications of this landfill, but we no longer have to treat the leachate as it’s a lot cleaner.”
Business as usual at current South Kent Landfill
Cleanup, operation and maintenance activities and groundwater monitoring are ongoing.
“We will always have to watch over it,” Baas said. “Today, it looks like a meadow, but we have no way of knowing how long it will be before it can be used for other purposes.”
The public is invited to attend a Q&A session presented by the Kent County Department of Public Works on Wednesday, August 31 at 7 pm at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Officials from the City of Kentwood will also be at the meeting to answer questions.
If you have questions, contact the Kent County Department of Public Works at 616.632.7920.
If you have branches, limbs and brush to dispose of after Saturday’s storm, you may bring them to Grand Rapids’s yard waste facility at 2001 Butterworth Street SWfrom 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday, Aug. 21. The facility is self-serve, so you’ll have to bring the storm debris yourself.
At least four radar-reported tornadoes downed trees, damaged homes and snapped power lines on Saturday, August 20. Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming sustained most of the damage, and at least 25,000 Consumers Energy customers lost power in Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa counties since the storm.
Because the tornados were wrapped in rain, they were not visible to viewers. There were no reported injuries.
The National Weather Service said that damage surveys will be conducted on Sunday to determine the number, wind estimate and severity of the tornadoes.
The new millennium ushered in a stark rise in the use of technology with the internet, cell phones, and social media allowing us to know the intricate details of each others lives. However, the new millennium also brought us another unforeseen phenomenon, obstacle course racing (OCR).
Be it a Tough Mudder, Spartan Race,Warrior Dash, or a BattleFrog, these obstacle courses have latched onto the fitness phenomenon sweeping the country. These races can be done individually or in teams and include fitness (obviously), usually their fair share of mud and grime, and obstacles to make your workout feel fun and exciting.
For the Grand Rapids Mud Run, the excitement and popularity of an OCR is harnessed into an act of charity. The race is an extreme 5K mud run to raise money for a worthy cause. This year, the benefits will help Never The Same, a local faith-based non-profit focused on peer-to-peer youth ministry that organizes the Grand Rapids Mud Run, as they change locations due to a fire last year.
In June 2015, a devastating fire hit the Never The Same headquarters at Eastern and 44th Street in Grand Rapids. The headquarters have since been moved to a new location at 2725 29th Street. Staff moved into the office late last year, just in time to begin preparing for its largest annual fundraiser.
“We were not going to be discouraged,” says Jeff Eckart, CEO and Founder, Never the Same. “We actually became even more motivated to continue our cause, move forward in a new, permanent space and create an even more exciting Grand Rapids Mud Run in 2016.”
Back in 2009, Jeff Eckart came up with the idea for the mud run. Since the first run on August 28, 2010, the Grand Rapids Mud Run has seen a steady increase in participation. Over 1,000 participants are expected to run the brand new course, filled with mud pits, a 60-foot mudslide, tunnel crawls, walls, and slippery hill climbs. With spectators, over 3,000 are expected to attend this year.
The 2016 Grand Rapids Mud Run will be held on August 27 at 1200 60th Street in Kentwood, next to Celebration Cinemas South. Both adults and kids are able to participate. For more information, visit GrandRapidsMudRun.com.
Makes: 2 sandwiches
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
4 slices center-cut bacon, halved
1/2 ripe medium avocado
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon finely grated or minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
4 slices wheat bread
1 small tomato, cut into 4 slices
2 romaine leaves
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
Directions
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Meanwhile, mash avocado in a medium bowl. Stir in basil, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and pepper. Toast bread.
3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the avocado mixture on 2 slices of toast. Top each with 4 pieces of bacon, 2 tomato slices, a lettuce leaf, 1/4 cup sprouts and the remaining toast.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 sandwich): 345 calories; 16 g fat(3 g sat); 10 g fiber; 37 g carbohydrates; 15 g protein; 60 mcg folate; 15 mg cholesterol; 2 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 1065 IU vitamin A; 13 mg vitamin C; 21 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 542 mg sodium; 452 mg potassium
As part of its Women of Color strategy, Our Kitchen Table is bringing some amazing women (and one man!) to Grand Rapids to educate and inspire through a series of events entitled Women of Color Cook, Eat and Talk. On August 11, Adela Nieves ADS, CCT, RMT, presents “One Bite at a Time: Food as Medicine.” OKT cooking coaches will start the event with a healthy-foods cooking demo and sampling.
“Take the time to nourish your body by learning some important guidelines for food grouping and combining for ailments such as arthritis, gout, sinus allergies, anxiety and hypertension,” Nieves says. “In this workshop we will share information that supports a strong digestive system and helps the body break down food easily, while also discussing simple and hearty meals. So fun!”
A traditional community health and healing arts practitioner, Nieves currently is studying to become a Naturopathic Doctor. She is deeply committed to integrative wellness approaches, practicing Acudetox (ear acupuncture), indigenous traditional medicine, cupping therapy, whole person natural care, and Reiki for individuals and groups struggling with addiction, PTSD, stress and trauma.
Nieves co-founded Homemade Healing, a small neighborhood wellness center in Southwest Detroit. There, she practices supporting those in their journeys to tell their own stories and define health, healing and wellness for themselves. “Homemade Healing is a collaborative space where we decide and practice what healing is for ourselves,” Nieves says. “We offer bodywork and energy work, natural health consultations, classes and shared space that prioritizes the local community.”
Her lecture will be from 6-8 pm, Thursday, Aug. 11, at Sherman Street Church, 1000 Sherman St. SE.
In February, the Women of Color Cook, Eat & Talk event featured, Lila Cabbil, president emeritus of the Rosa Parks Institute, and Barbara Roos, former GVSU film department head and ’60s civil rights activist, facilitated a dialogue on white allies against racism. On May 12, Lottie V. Spady, Detroit food and media justice activist, taught about “Herbs from Your Garden as Medicine.” On May 21, Shane Bernardo, outreach coordinator for Detroit’s Earthworks Urban Farm, led a daylong Anti-racism Summit.
On November 10, Shakara Taylor, mother, returning generation farmer, educator, activist-scholar and doctorate student at Michigan State University Department of Community Sustainability, will speak about “Woman-ism and Agroecology: An Intersectional Praxis.”
Are you 60 or older? Need a ride to a medical appointment or other local destination?
The Rapid’s Go!Bus TicketProgram offers a door-to-door transportation service for seniors age 65+ and persons with disabilities who cannot ride a fixed-route bus.
GO!Bus is a shared ride, advanced reservation, ADA paratransit service. GO!Bus riders share trips traveling in the same direction at the same time. Trips are scheduled without regard to the purpose of the trip. The Rapid also provides GO!Bus service to non-disabled seniors (NDS) aged 65 and older.
Non-disabled senior citizens must present proof of age (i.e., copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.) with their completed application. To use the service due to disability, you must complete an ADA application AND ‘Professional Verification of Functional Disability’ form.
Once you’re approved, the GO!Bus provides service in the same area and at the same days and times as The Rapid fixed-route buses. Go!Bus is also available to companions of qualified riders, personal care attendants (PCAs) and service animals. To ensure there is a seat available for companions, be sure to notify GO!Bus that you will have someone accompanying you when you make your reservation. Read the Go!Bus rider’s guide here.
Reduced-price tickets for the Inter-urban Transit Partnership (ITP) Go!Bus service are available to Kent County residents who are approved Go!Bus riders, thanks to funding by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. If you are 60 or older, live in Kent County and are an approved Go!Bus rider, you may apply to purchase the discounted tickets at the Wyoming Senior Center. Please call the Wyoming Senior Center at 616.530.3190 or email mywsc@wyomingmi.gov. More info about Go!Bus here.
Ten-year-old Wyatt Fuss was diagnosed with life-threatening spinal cord tumors when he was very young. While his health issues may not be visible to the average person, they are very real and very urgent to Wyatt and his family.
Spinal cord tumors are life threatening, especially the internal tumors found inside Wyatt which cause severe nerve damage. Wyatt no longer has feeling in his hands and arms. As the tumors grow, paralysis is yet another step in the disease’s progression. According to his mother, Jennifer, he is fortunate to not be totally paralyzed at this time.
“There is no cure at this time and the condition is fatal,” said Jennifer. The benefit foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, is raising funds in hopes of hiring research staff and facilities to pursue a cure for the condition. Life expectancy for spinal cord tumor patients is often less than twenty years.
Wyatt does not let his disability stand in the way of his farming dreams. He helps his grandfather with feeding cattle, and last summer rode along with him and selected the calves they would purchase to raise for beef. Wyatt loves the outdoors and fishing or hunting. He dreams of becoming a Department of Natural Resources officer and owning a small farm as a side business.
Jennifer Fuss works for her father at the Clarksville Feed Store. Between doctor appointments and therapy for Wyatt, working, farming and caring for her family is overwhelming. “It’s hard to keep a job, which is something I want to do,” Jennifer said.
Michigan AgrAbility has assisted the family in developing ways that Wyatt can remain involved and active on the farm while not aggravating his condition, yet working within his physical limitations. “Having AgrAbility here to help is very comforting. It does so much more than just trying to keep us farming,” Jennifer said.
The Fuss family was compelled to help build the fund that will pay for research and hopefully find a cure through the organization, Alex’s Lemonade Stand. “We couldn’t sit here and cry,” said Jennifer.
Thus was born the Pullin’ for Kids event, a day long festival of farm and family fun. The event is dedicated to Wyatt who loves all things about farming and tractors. It is held behind Clarksville Feed Store which is owned by his grandparents.
Games, face painting, food, silent and live auctions, and learning activities will be available all day on July 9, 2016, at 401 S. Main St. in Clarksville.
The highlight of the day is two tractor pulls—-one for local farmers and adults who bring their tractors to compete in a test of strength and horsepower. The second pull is reserved just for kids, where horsepower is replaced with muscle power in a contest of pedal powered children’s toy tractors. Jennifer says the event grows yearly and attendance exceeded 1500 people last year alone, bringing the community together for a day of play in support of one of its own with a critical need.
In 2015, Pullin’ for Kids raised over $25,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In total, the event has contributed over $100,000 towards the foundation.
Throughout the ages, cats and dogs have been two of the primary animal companions for people. Walk down almost any residential neighborhood in the United States and you’ll see firsthand the camaraderie between humans and canines, but that bond goes back before the nation itself. In fact, dogs were the first animals to take up residence with people and can be found in human societies all over the world. In addition, the affection of the feline that peppers domiciles throughout the planet goes all the way back to ancient Egypt.
Unfortunately, this symbiosis is experiencing some critical failures that demand attention. Pet populations and animal abuse have run amok, leading to a cycle of suffering that requires a remedy. The Humane Society offers a viable antidote.
Spinelli
The truth of not only the ailment, but also the prescription, for the crisis at hand is demonstrated with a dog name Spinnelli.
Four years ago on Thanksgiving, a jogger was enjoying what seemed to be a routine trot through riverside park. As she ran, the jogger noticed something unusual, a moving cardboard box. Curiosity led her to the discovery of nine puppies less than a day old. The Humane Society took in these abandoned animals and bottle fed them for four weeks.
Spinnelli was one of the lucky nine to be found, rescued and adopted. On top of being loved and cared for, Spinnelli participates in frequent seminars with the Humane Society educating children on how to work safely with animals.
The solution to overpopulation and abandonment illustrated above is one of many that the Humane Society offers to ameliorate the pain that animals endure. An institution rooted in compassion, the Humane Society of the United States was founded in 1954 and addresses five key issues.
As a Washington D.C. institution, the Humane Society involves itself in engineering national legislation that champions the rights of animals.
Luckily, the Grand Rapids area has its own chapter of the Humane Society offering some relief to this distress. The Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) achieves this through several programs that go beyond these animals’ basic requirements of food, shelter and medical care. These include, the rescue wagon, dog shadowing, reading with Fido, and an ongoing intensive adoption program.
Rescue wagon is a charitable operation that goes to shelters in the southern states, collects dogs, and ferries them to shelters like the HSWM that are more capable of caring for them. Shelters is these southern states are overwhelmed as a result of overpopulation reaching staggering levels and leaving countless animals on “death row.” The dog shadow program assures that the canines are taken on regular walks while they stay at the society and, of course, are provided with treats.
Reading with Fido, which has a parallel program for felines, provides companionship and affection for the animals while at HSWM. Reading with Fido volunteers take the animals to a separate room or sit in their cages and provide them attention.
The noteworthy benevolence of the Humane Society has experienced an overflow that has cycled itself back in offshoots to humankind. This circle of benign activities giving back to humanity is evident in Pets for Patriots, companion animals, and summer camp programs.
Pets for Patriots allows those who have served or are currently enlisted in the United States military to participate in a mutually beneficial condition of friendship. The Patriot program coordinates adoptions while providing ongoing financial assistance for animal care.
Similarly the companion animal program allows anyone with need for emotional support to involve themselves in rescuing an animal while fulfilling mutual requirements for affection. Lastly, the summer camp program provides attention and training for shelter animals while giving participants an education in handling animals.
The words of the Dalai Lama work well to illustrate the reasons the compassion being dealt by the Humane Society and others appreciates a condition of justifiable continuity. “Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. Even now an animal is waiting to realize a deliverance from their predicament.”
The Humane Society does much to resolve the impasse the relationship between humans and their four-legged friends has reached. However, as the saying goes, one person cannot do everything, but everyone can do something.
Truly the Humane Society’s success is due to a concerted, determined effort of many caring individuals.
The Humane Society holds years round adoption drives. Through these, and other programs, the Humane Society of West Michigan – located at 3077 Wilson NW, Grand Rapids, 49534 – assists over 8,000 animals annually.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll is looking to have his first bike cruise through Wyoming, and you’re invited!
“The Mayor does a neighborhood walk every summer in the community, so it’s the same concept, just with bikes.” said Jennifer Stowell, administrative assistant to the city manger.
The two-mile bike ride starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16, from the Women at Risk parking lot, 27900 44th St. SW and concludes at 7:30 p.m. at Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar, 5675 Byron Center Ave. SW. After the ride, all participants are invited to join Mayor Poll for food, drinks, and mingling with other Wyoming residents.
“It will be a leisure bike ride through the neighborhood. The mayor will be stopping throughout the ride, periodically, to talk and greet people,” said Stowell.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and protection, such as helmets, as there will be no bikes available for rent or borrowing. During the bike ride, there will be limited t-shirts and bike lights given out to those who attend. You must have a bike In order to receive a bike light.
“If it is a successful turnout, it will most likely become an annual event added to the community walks that happen yearly in the community,” Stowell said.
For more information on the bike ride with Mayor Jack Poll event, visit http://wyomingmi.gov/ or call the City of Wyoming’s City Hall at 616-530-7226.
“When I first heard there was lead in the water, it was a call to action,” said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of Hurley Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Residency Program.
The 39-year-old mother of two daughters shared her perspective on the Flint water crisis with a crowd of 400 at the ACLU’s third annual luncheon, ‘Standing Together For Justice’ on Wednesday, May 18, at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
“Pediatricians–we know about lead, it’s a no-brainer,” said Dr. Mona. “We know what lead can do to our children, especially our most vulnerable children. It impacts cognition, it impacts behavior, it impacts the entire life-course trajectory.”
The Flint-based pediatrician sees many of the city’s poorest families, and it was Dr. Mona who raised the alarm about the harmful lead levels seen in Flint-area children after the emergency manager ordered a switch from treated Lake Huron water to untreated Flint River water in April 2014. The idea was to save $5 million in less than two years.
The extent of the problem came to light after a Virginia Tech researcher had discovered Flint River water to be 19 times more corrosive than water from Lake Huron. Dr. Mona compared Flint children’s blood tests with results from kids in adjacent Genesee County. What she found disturbed her: A shocking rise in lead levels between January and September 2015. She saw lead levels that were twice what they were a year before, and sometimes even three times higher, depending on the child’s location within Flint.
“We can’t take this away,” said Dr. Mona. “There’s no antidote, there’s no pill.”
When state officials refused to acknowledge the problem, Dr. Mona felt the urgency to share these findings with the public.
“We normally don’t release medical findings at a press conference,” said Dr. Mona. “But we had this ethical, moral and professional obligation to share this information with the public as quickly as possible, because it was so dangerous.”
The state still refused to acknowledge the issue.
Curt Guyette on the ‘Rachel Maddow Show’
ACLU investigative reporter Curt Guyette was one of the first reporters to uncover the story and try to get the state government to pay attention to the issue.
“I was hired to investigate and write about issues involving emergency management in Michigan, and I started going up to Flint because they were under the control of an emergency manager,” Guyette said. “It was the emergency manager who unilaterally made the decision to begin using the Flint River as the city’s water source.
“People were complaining about the qualify of the water, the way it looked, the way it tasted, the way it smelled. And so we did a short documentary about the problems people were experiencing.”
Said ACLU attorney, Jay Kaplan, “Nothing like this should ever happen in any civilized place, especially where the government is not being responsive. We’re concerned about communities and we’re concerned about people. We work to ensure that everyone is afforded their rights and their civil liberties, regardless of one’s economic status or where they live or what their race might be.
“Everyone is afforded those protections, and I think sometimes it can be selective in terms of the way the government will work.”
The irony of this tragedy occurring in a state that is surrounded by the largest source of fresh water in the world is not lost on Dr. Mona. Two years on, the water is still not safe to drink. But she wants people to know that something positive has come out of this tragedy.
“There are Flints everywhere,” she said. “There are injustices everywhere and there have been so many bright stories that have happened because of Flint. People across the nation are talking about lead, they’re talking about infrastructure, about democracy, about environmental injustice, about poverty, about forgotten people in forgotten places.”
Dr. Mona is working to actively flip the story. She directs the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Public Health Initiative, an innovative and model public health program to research, monitor and mitigate the impact of lead in Flint’s drinking water.
“We want the word ‘Flint’ to not mean disaster,” she said. “We want it to mean hope. So, we are working everyday to wrap these children around with interventions to promote their development.
“Flint kids are smart and they’re strong and they’re beautiful. We’re going to make sure they don’t slip through the cracks and that they get everything that they deserve.”
As certain mammals hibernate through the winter, us humans treat winter as a time to become a pack rat. Whether it’s your house, car, or garage, no one likes tidying things up in the cold. However, once the weather turns and the sun peaks out over the horizon, suddenly cleaning becomes a lot more manageable. The warmth, coupled with the excessive amount of junk accumulated throughout the winter, gives people a reason to take pride in their surroundings and start spring fresh.
Spring cleaning doesn’t always have to be greeted with sighs a groans!
On Saturday, May 7, from 8:00am – 2:00pm, the City of Kentwood will host their annual Pride Day for the citizens of Kentwood to take pride in their community. The community wide cleanup will be held at the Kentwood Recycling Center (5068 Breton Avenue) and is limited to Kentwood residents with proof by picture identification.
“The cleanups originally started with dumpsters in neighborhoods, but it was more difficult to dispose of everything,” said John Gorney, Kentwood’s Director of Public Works. “Having the community cleanup at a central location makes everything run smoother for everybody.”
Gorney has been an advocate for community cleanup days since he started working with the City of Kentwood 9 years ago. He was quick to point out that the city has been offering cleanups well before he arrived.
“I’ve been here for nine years, but our community cleanups have been going on for much longer. It’s a great way for the city and the community to work together to properly dispose of big, and potentially dangerous, items that are accumulated throughout the year,” said Gorney.
While most items will be accepted, latex paint, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, ammunition, fireworks, tires, and yard waste will not be accepted. The Kent County Department of Public Works will be available to accept household hazardous waste items.
Joining in on the cleanup will be the Salvation Army and Comprenew. The Salvation Army will be on hand to accept gently used items for donations. Comprenew will also be present to receive electronic waste (mobile phones, computers, fax machines, and other items will be accepted at no charge. CRT screens will not be accepted, but they can be dropped off directly at any Comprenew commercial location for a small fee.
Those planning to attend Kentwood’s Pride Day are asked to enter the drive off Breton Avenue. Volunteers will be checking for valid residence identification and approved items for disposal.
If you have any further questions, or are seeking more information, please call the City switchboard during business hours at 698-9610.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, with medications and lifestyle changes, many people are able to control their hypertension.
How do I know if I have hypertension?
A person can have hypertension for years without symptoms. Because of this it can be a silent killer, leading to a heart attack or stroke without ever presenting itself earlier. However, there are many risk factors that contribute to hypertension, which can be an indicator for your physician:
Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age – eventually everyone develops a degree of hypertension.
Race: Hypertension is particularly common among African Americans and Hispanic Americans, as is the risk for stroke and heart attack.
Obesity
Family history
Low physical activity
Tobacco use
Excess salt in your diet
What treatments are available?
Despite the lack of symptoms, hypertension is easy to diagnose. Once diagnosed, you and your physician can work together to manage it with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
Learn more:
Dr. Eric Walchak – a cardiologist at Metro Heart & Vascular who is board certified in hypertension care – will be presenting a FREE seminar about hypertension and will talk about causes, prevention and the latest treatment options.
Metro Health Hospital will be hosting a seminar on hypertension tonight, March 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Metro Health Conference Center, 2225 Main St SW, Wyoming. Register by clicking here or by calling 616-252-7117.
LaughFest is hoping to reclaim the rubber chicken toss record
By: Eric Snoek
Who wouldn’t want to laugh, break a world record, and help support an amazing organization within your community? Gilda’s LaughFest does exactly that!
LaughFest is in its sixth year of bringing enjoyment and excitement to the community of Grand Rapids. The festival runs for ten days starting with the Community Kickoff on March 10 at 5:30 pm at the Calder Plaza.
What better way to kick off such an incredible event then breaking a world record?
Gilda’s LaughFest has done an amazing job over the past six years by finding silly ridiculous records that are exciting and fun for the community to achieve together. This year they hope to redeem themselves by taking back the Guinness World record for “largest rubber chicken toss.”
“This will be our sixth attempt to set a world record. We’re hoping to take back our original world record we set tossing rubber chickens in our first year of LaughFest,” said Wendy Wigger, President of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “We’ve broken four out of five world records for most people wearing sunglasses in the dark, wearing false mustaches, wearing animal noses at a single venue and of course, the number of rubber chickens tossed.”
Back in 2011 Gilda’s LaughFest broke the rubber chicken record with 925 rubber chickens tossed. That same year, a church in Ontario, Canada broke the record by tossing 999. LaughFest plans on providing the first 1,200 participants with rubber chickens so they can shatter the previous record.
LaughFest is designed to bring the community of Grand Rapids together for laughter and a bigger cause. There will be 200 different entertainment events throughout the city, many of them free, during the ten-day festival. There are events for all ages.
By attending LaughFest, you are not only helping yourself by adding more laughter to your life but you are always helping many community members in needs. About 15 percent of the profits go towards Gilda’s Club. Gilda’s Club helps support grieving children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death due to any cause. The organization runs solely on charitable donations and currently helps more than 10,000 individuals every year.
Make sure to enjoy LaughFest in its entirety! It only comes once a year.
Joy Tatum said she decided Leap Day is a great day for her daughter’s birthday. “It makes it more special,” she said. “She is unique. So, I’m happy.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Victoria Mullen
The chances of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,461. So for brand-spanking-new Grand Rapids-area babies, Skylar Tyler, Luke VanWoerkom, and Riley Ann Schiefla, the odds were in their favor this year.
Just for the record, there are about 187,000 people who were born on what many call Leap Day, Feb. 29, which occurs only once every four years. Although according to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who took to Twitter to debunk Leap Day naming, the day is not about leaping anywhere. “The calendar is simply, and abruptly, catching up with Earth’s orbit,” according to Tyson’s tweet.
We’re fans of Neil’s just like the next guy, but geeze, what a wet blanket.
Actually it takes the earth 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds to go around the sun. In order to even out the calendar, a day was added every four years. Otherwise our calendar would be off by about 25 years every 100.
The VanWoerkoms said they plan to let Luke choose the day he celebrates his birthday. They might even celebrate two days – from Feb. 28 to March 1- in years when his birthdate is not on the calendar. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
On the plus side, Leap Day babies have an awful lot of freedom with their birthday. Some may choose to strictly adhere to Feb. 29, while others elect to melt in with the crowd with Feb. 28 or March 1. Tatum said her family plans to celebrate Skylar’s birthday on March 1. We’ll have to ask Skylar how she feels about that when she’s old enough to have an opinion. By then, she’ll be either 8 or 2. Or maybe 4 or 1, depending on how precocious she turns out to be.
Aside from these fun facts, what can leaplings look forward to throughout their special lives? Here are but a few of the emotional and psychological benefits:
Leaplings may be buffered from the emotional pressure of aging one year at a time. Instead, they’re reminded only every four years. (But we must take into account petty annoyances, which we address below.)
Some may choose to take advantage of this quirk in time and celebrate their birthdays on both February 28 and March 1 in off-leap years. More cake and ice cream. And maybe more presents, too.
Others make the most of a fabulous thing and pull out all the stops, throwing an amazing party every four years on their real birthdays. One leapling’s parents rented a pony for her when she turned 4 on her first real birthday. And for her 16th birthday, her parents sent a limo to pick her up from school.
Having a Feb. 29 birthday is a great conversation-starter at parties, on first dates, while waiting in line, etc.
Holly Mercer and her husband laughed about the chance they would have a Leap Day baby. “I said, ‘Oh, that will never happen,'” she recalled. “I always go late.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
On the minus side, there are way too many documented cases of tasteless jokes by well-meaning friends, such as gifts of coloring books and crayons on a leapling’s “real” birthday; being told they look old for their age (e.g., 24, or 6). Etc. In our opinion, these stunts are merely displays of ill-concealed envy.
But life isn’t easy for any of us, and this shouldn’t scare any baby away from being born on Leap Day.
Thankfully, our three little leaplings won’t have to worry about any of these things for a few years. For now, let’s just welcome these little cutie pies into the world and wish them all the best. Being a leapling can be enormous fun, and that’s what we hope for Skylar, Luke and Riley Ann.
Members of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department participating in the “High Five” Challenge
By Tyler Lecceadone
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, has announced their upcoming “HighFive” Corporate Challenge Day open to all West Michigan businesses, offices and organizations to participate.
The “High Five” campaign celebrates the importance of emotional health and the role laughter plays in our lives. It creates visibility for the cancer and grief support programs offerfed through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and Gilda’s Club Lowell. This year they’re illuminating their children’s programs – cancer, grief and in-school emotional health programs.
Organizations may collect donations by inviting employees to wear jeans to work, or a hat, or a tee shirt, or the color yellow (for LaughFest!) or any other seriously fun and funny thing they can offer their team as “special” that fits with their culture and work environment. This year’s Grand Prize for the organization that raises the most money in High Fives on March 4 includes LaughFest tickets, merchandise, and goodies, along with restaurant gift certificates and more.
How the “High Five” campaign works is simple. Each participating business or organization is asked to give Gilda’s LaughFest a “High Five” ($5 donation or greater per person that wishes to participate). Their goal is to generate $50,000 for children living with cancer or grief, and for their in-school emotional health programs. All proceeds raised go directly to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
“We’re very grateful for all the past companies who participated and helped us raise funds for our children’s programs,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapidsand LaughFest. “We’re hoping to get many more local businesses and organizations to participate this year.”
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFestfeatures free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. PastLaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Iliza Schlessinger, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit the website, or call 616.735.HAHA(4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.
To sign up to participate in the “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day on March 4, please contact Shawn Ruetz, Director of Development atsruetz@gildasclubgr.orgor 616.453.8300 ext. 137 for details and materials.
No, Virginia. There is no St. Baldrick. Nope, no such saint. But there is a St. Baldrick’s Foundation. And every year, people around the U.S. and in some countries shave their heads to raise awareness and money to fund childhood cancer research.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Its name is a combination of “St. Patrick’s Day” and the word, “bald.” People who shave their heads are known as “Shavees.”
Things sure have changed since the event’s inception on March 17, 2000, at Jim Brady’s Bar and Restaurant in New York City. What began as a challenge between three friends has morphed into the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraiser to benefit childhood cancer research.
Childhood cancer affects thousands of kids and families around the world each year. It’s the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. The statistics are sobering: Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every three minutes. (Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.) And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined.
Approximately 1 in 285 kids in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. What’s particularly tragic is that at the average age of 6, kids will lose 71 years of life to cancer. They won’t grow up, marry or have children of their own.
“I can’t wait for the event!” said Patrick Schrager, who is organizing the March 6 event. This will be his eighth year as a Shavee and his third year running an event. His fundraising goal is $15,000. If you’re interested in making a donation on Schrager’s head, go to St. Baldrick’s website or call 888.899.BALD.
Now you won’t be blindsided when you happen across a bunch of bald folks Sunday, March 6, at 84th Street Pub &Grille (8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, Byron Center). Au contraire. You’ll know that they stand in solidarity with kids being treated for cancer.
It’s often said laughter is the best medicine. Unfortunately for many, laughter simply isn’t enough. So for the fourth year in a row, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (GCGR) and LaughFest are partnering with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network to host blood drives during LaughFest. The drives will be held February 29-March 3, 2016.
“We are thankful for this partnership with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network,” said Wendy Wigger, president, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “Many cancer patients rely on blood product transfusions. Donating blood is a great way for loved ones, and even complete strangers, to make a real difference in the health of patients in need.”
For every person that donates blood, Blue Care Network (BCN) will donate $5 towards LaughFest’s High Five campaign, which supports the free emotional healthcare, cancer, and grief support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Individuals interested in donating directly to the “High Five” campaign may do so by clicking here.
“Hundreds of Michigan patients are in need of blood every single day,” said Jessica Iloff, manager of community responsibility at Blue Care Network. “Whether they suffered an accident or are receiving treatment for cancer, these patients depend on lifesaving transfusions. Blue Care Network is happy to partner with Gilda’s Club and Michigan Blood each year to make it convenient for LaughFest attendees to provide blood to those who need it most.”
Donors will also receive a t-shirt, along with a chance to win tickets to see Michael Palascak, Roy Wood Jr., and other hilarious LaughFest shows.
Please visit one of the following locations for your chance to save a life, support Gilda’s Club and share some laughter.
Grand Rapids Donor Center 1036 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids
Monday, February 29, 9 am – 7 pm
Grandville Donor Center Grandville United Methodist Church
3140 Wilson Avenue SE
Thursday, March 3, 12:00 – 7:00pm
Michigan Blood wants to remind the public that they are the sole provider of blood and blood products for the majority of hospitals in Michigan, including Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. Donations that are given outside of Michigan Blood do not stay local nor have a direct impact in your local community. Donate blood at Michigan Blood and help save the lives of patients in Michigan hospitals. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate.Blood donors should bring photo ID. For additional information on donating blood, and to make an appointment, click this link.
About Michigan Blood Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is a fast growing, independent, non-profit blood bank headquartered in Grand Rapids. It provides blood products and services for more than 50 hospitals throughout Michigan and is an established leader in quality and service. Michigan Blood collects more than 125,000 units of blood each year at nine permanent donation sites and more than 3,600 mobile blood drives in 40 counties statewide. Michigan Blood has a nationally recognized stem cell (marrow) program and created Michigan’s first public cord blood bank. In addition, Michigan Blood provides therapeutic apheresis, cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and transfusion medicine consultations. For more information, click this link.
About Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a free cancer and grief support community of children, adults, families and friends. Its comprehensive program includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit their website.
About Blue Care Network
Blue Care Network of Michigan features award-winning disease management programs and the largest HMO network of physicians and hospitals in the state, with more than 5,000 primary care physicians, 16,000 specialists and most of the state’s leading hospitals. Blue Care Network is the affiliated HMO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, go here and here.
With spring just around the corner, a time when many people take advantage of the warmer weather and head outdoors, the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the first ever Wyoming Community Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, March 5.
“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This event was created to inspire the community to prioritize their well-being, and connect them to local resources.
The free event will run from 1 – 3 pm. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. About 20 different businesses, clubs and organizations from the Wyoming area will host tables and hand out samples, coupons, and other goodies. Fitness demonstrations, nutritious snacks, speakers, and health screenings will be some of the activities.
The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a sampling of its fitness programs such as yoga, Zumba and line dancing, said Valarie Mester, a recreation programmer for the department.
“We offer a number of programs through our offerings at the senior center and through our youth and family programs,” Mester said, adding this is a chance for people to try these programs and see what they are like.
Also on hand will be Shape for Life Studios, 1290 36th St. SW. Through its partnership with the recreation department, Shape for Life Studios offers spin classes and personal training. Mester said the studio representatives will be bringing in spin bikes for participants to try. Another recreation department partner is Metro Health, which will be providing health information.
Several other city departments will be at the expo such as the city’s water department, which will be covering the topic of clean water, and both the fire and police departments will be on hand to talk about related health and safety issues.
“It’s really about getting people more active, thinking about the food that they are eating and making sure they are visiting their physicians for regular check ups and screenings,” Mester said.
While a brand new event, Mester said organizers are expecting between 200 to 400 participants this year which is based on the number of current participants in the Parks and Recreation Department’s programs.
“The event is free and open to anyone, both residents and non-residents,” Mester said.
For more about the Wyoming Community Health and Wellness Expo or other programs offered by the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-3164.
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community
By: Mike DeWitt
What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.
“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”
That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.
Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.
Wyoming’s former tree planting program
A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.
“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.
Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.
On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.
While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.
According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.
With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.
That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”
Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.
Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”
Each year, communities across the country conduct a point-in-time (PIT) count of homeless individuals. On January 27, 2016, the PIT count for Kent County was 800 persons. While the majority of the homeless were in transitional or emergency shelter that particular evening, over 5% were identified as being unsheltered. This means they were sleeping without shelter in the harsh winter weather.
the root causes of homelessness, such as access to affordable housing. Whether you generate awareness on social media or make a call to your legislators about the issue, using your voice is an inexpensive way to help fight homelessness.
Because the tornados were wrapped in rain, they were not visible to viewers. There were no reported injuries.
For the 
Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
Jennifer Fuss works for her father at the Clarksville Feed Store. Between doctor appointments and therapy for Wyatt, working, farming and caring for her family is overwhelming. “It’s hard to keep a job, which is something I want to do,” Jennifer said.
Rescue wagon is a charitable operation that goes to shelters in the southern states, collects dogs, and ferries them to shelters like the HSWM that are more capable of caring for them. Shelters is these southern states are overwhelmed as a result of overpopulation reaching staggering levels and leaving countless animals on “death row.” The dog shadow program assures that the canines are taken on regular walks while they stay at the society and, of course, are provided with treats.
By: Mike DeWitt
