WKTV Journal In Focus recently talked with Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack, who late last year was named to co-chair Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new state initiative, the Black Leadership Advisory Council. Go here for the story.
Dr. Afriyie Randle
Talking with ‘Dr. Randle’ about dementia
In a recent “Medical Moments with Dr. Randle”, she talked about the different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, and how early detection can help in assuring your loved one is cared for properly. Go here for the story.
Feeding America West Michigan currently owns 30 trucks, that drove about 418,000 miles in 2019, according to the organization. (Feeding America WM)
Talking with a local non-profit ‘Feeding America’
During a recent visit to the studio of WKTV Journal In Focus, Feeding America West Michigan looked back on 40 years of helping to feed those at risk of hunger after experiencing a 2020 that presented both challenges and opportunities. Go here for the story.
(Not so) Fun Fact:
20
There are at least 20 invasive species of plants being battled in Kent County by landowners and the Kent Conservation District. Jessie Schulte, of the Kent Conservation District, worked with WKTV to explain the problem and a District-led strike force. Video on the issue.
In past 100 years, the average life expectancy of a man in the United States has gone from 40 to 77 with women going from 40 to 88. With the average life expectancy continues to increase so does the likelihood of older adults suffering from four or more chronic diseases.
Amongst these chronic diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia reign supreme. Although both disorders are common, they are not a result of “just getting old”. In other words “getting old” doesn’t necessarily mean you will get dementia.
Mild dementia: In early stages of dementia your loved one may not experience any symptoms though changes in the brain are present. Family members or spouses may notice small abnormalities that are indeed so small that one may dismiss them as normal forgetfulness. This can include forgetting a meeting, loosing your keys, or misplacing an item.
Moderate dementia: In moderate dementia signs of memory changes are more evident. Ability to maintain ones household is more difficulty because bills aren’t being managed. Forgetfulness in regards to managing medication and eating is apparent. Next the individual requires more assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, remembering addresses and hygiene.
Severe dementia: In severe dementia, constant supervision is required. Loosing control of bowel and bladder may be present. Personality changes are noticed. Speech starts to decrease and the ability to recognize loved ones wane. The individual is unaware of his/her surroundings and is unable to communicate their needs.
Dementia effects the patient and the family. The total lifetime cost of care for someone with dementia is estimated to be nearly $350,000. Learn to recognize early and late signs will allow for your love one to be cared for appropriately and always contact your health provider with questions.
Treetops Collective is hosting a four-part speaker series, “Women are Resilient,” beginning today, on International Women’s Day, March 8, and continuing throughout the month of March.
One of Treetops Collective’s core values is a “posture of listening” that recognizes that “each person is an expert of their own experience,” according to supplied material. As a practice of this value, the Women are Resilient speaker series is “an invitation to learn from the strength, creativity, and leadership displayed by women throughout West Michigan who are engaged in transformative work and relationships.”
All four events will take place online and are free to the public.
According to the Treetops Collective website the group’s focus is making West Michigan a place “where refugee women can sink their roots down and flourish with their families for generations to come.”
Also, the March program includes a special opportunity to support local businesses and the work of Treetops Collective by purchasing a cocktail kit for our final celebration of women entrepreneurs.
This series is supported by the partnership of Eastern Kille Distillery and Emme’s Plantain Chips.
“Last year certainly brought its challenges (to the Kent District Library system), but we never allowed those challenges to stop us from serving our communities – our impact continued. Our branches were closed for a time, but the library never closed.”
KDL Executive Director Lance Werner
(pxhere.com)
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming for a wider population
The Kent County Health Department this week was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that the state is expanding vaccination eligibility — including beginning March 22 expanding vaccine eligibility to include all Michiganders 50 years of age and older. Go here for the story.
Despite the pandemic, local lead exposure battle continues
The pandemic has shut down many things, but not the efforts of Kent County and its partners to identify and reduce lead exposure in the community — a serious health hazard especially for children before, during and unfortunately likely to continue after COVID-19. The health department issues a report this week. Go here for the story.
Wyoming City Council debates funding of Kent County Dispatch
While recognizing the accomplishments of the Kent Country Dispatch, the Wyoming City Council this week expressed concern over the funding of the dispatch authority and decided to only approve a one-year renewal agreement for dispatch services at the council’s Monday night meeting. Go here for the story.
(Not so) Fun fact:
33,000 county households without the internet
According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 33,000 households in Kent County do not have a broadband internet subscription. But Kent County, the City of Kentwood, and others are working on the problem. Read the story here.
St. Patrick’s Day runs were a common-place thing in March before 2020 … and COVID-19. Hopefully things will change in 2021, including having a local Shamrock run. (Creative Commons/from a Baltimore run in 2019)
The local running club RunGR has had to cancel many events over the last year, but they are planning to keep their St. Patrick’s Day tradition “running” with a 5K run this year as part of the RunGR Shamrock Shenanigans 5K on March 20.
With the safety of participants in mind, the RunGR Shamrock Shenanigans 5K will be using both Millennium and Meadows Parks in Grand Rapids to spread the course and participants out. They also have created registration by 5-minute time blocks, with each block having a registration cap to limit the number of people gather before and after the race, as well on the course itself.
There is also created a virtual participation option for those who may not able to join be present at the starting line.
According to the group’s website, RunGR’s mission is to “bring running to the Grand Rapids community in a way that enables our members to live healthier and happier lives by providing the structure, organization, support, training, guidance, and friendships necessary to push themselves to new limits and achieve their running goals.”
This year’s run will also be a benefit for Riding for Ryan, a program which promotes the safety of young bike riders through visibility and awareness.
“Riding for Ryan’s goal is to provide free bicycle safety flags to kids to help keep them safe as they enjoy one of the most cherished and memorable activities,” according to the RunGR promotional material. “As the temperatures warm-up, it is a good time to make sure kids are visible to cars and other cyclists while enjoying their bikes.”
RunGR’s goal is to raise more than $1,000, and A+ Family Medicine has committed to matching the first $350 of donations.
Did you know that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? According to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, 58,500 Michiganders will experience a brain injury during 2021. Ranging from mild to fatal, brain injuries happen to people of all ages. Those due to congenital abnormalities or from degenerative disease like Alzheimer’s are called acquired brain injuries. The kind of brain injuries that you can help prevent are traumatic brain injuries—TBIs.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services found that 30% of TBIs in Michigan are caused by car crashes. TBIs can happen if you are in an automobile accident, you fall and hit your head, you dive into shallow water, or you’re hit by a hard ball during sports activities. One type of TBI you’ve probably heard of, a concussion happens when you bump or receive a hit to your head that moves your head rapidly back and forth.
The CDC has put together this list of ways you can prevent traumatic brain injuries:
On the road
Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wear a helmet when you ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or use an all-terrain vehicle.
Tots and tykes
Install window guards to keep young children from falling out.
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
Go to playgrounds with soft material like mulch or sand under swings and slides.
Never shake a baby or child.
Playing sports
Wear a helmet when you play sports—contact sports, skating or skateboarding, running bases, riding horses, skiing or snowboarding.
Jump in first to check water depth in rivers and lakes. Obey “no diving” warnings at pools.
As you age
Review your prescription and over-the-counter medicines—can they make you dizzy or sleepy?
Ask your healthcare provider about vitamin D.
Do exercise, like tai chi, to strengthen your legs and improve your balance.
Get a vision check-up at least once a year.
In your home, remove trip-and-fall hazards like small rugs; install grab bars by the tub or shower and next to the toilet; put railings on both sides of stairs; and keep your home well-lit, including nightlights.
If you or a loved one experience a hit to the head followed by nausea, unsteadiness, headache, or difficulty concentrating, go to your primary care doctor, urgent care, or emergency room right away. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death—or a life lived with severe impairments.
Depending on how serious a TBI is, recovery can be a slow and painful process. Those with serious brain injuries may survive, but never completely recover. A report on the National Institute for Health website states that traumatic brain injuries provide “a unique target of opportunity for complementary and alternative medicine.” The report explored modalities like acupuncture, meditation, and mindfulness.
When one of my patient’s sons was seven years old, his brother accidentally threw a screwdriver at his head. After emergency surgery and nine days in a Grand Rapids hospital, doctors said he might never be able to read or walk very well. During each of those nine days, his chiropractor visited and gave him gentle adjustments. After discharge, the little fellow began music therapy. Throughout high school, he was first-string quarterback—and graduated as valedictorian. Today, he is a successful architect.
That said, the best course of action is to take care of your noggin. Buckle up! Wear a helmet! Avoid falls! In other words, use your brain!
The pandemic has shut down many things, but not the efforts of Kent County and its partners to identify and reduce lead exposure in the community — a serious health hazard especially for children before, during and unfortunately likely to continue after COVID-19.
Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London provided an update Feb. 25 to the Executive Committee of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. As part of the report, London detailed the “significant strides the department has taken over the last year to identify lead hazards and conduct education efforts,” according to a statement from the county, work which occurred despite the coronavirus pandemic shutting down site visits for approximately six months.
“There is no safe level of lead in children and it is toxic to everyone,” London said in supplied material. “We have to keep the momentum of this work going to mitigate long-term negative impact of lead exposure on our community.”
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) manages three lead programs including the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), the Multiple Elevated Blood Level (MEBL) list, and part of the county-funded Ready by Five effort.
According to the Kent County announcement, since December 2019, several actions have been taken, including: 161 ongoing or completed investigations at properties that have/had potential lead hazards, and 81 properties on the MEBL List out of 427 properties identified by Lead Action Team; 57 site visits for lead inspection, risk assessments and home health screenings; and 39 homes cleared of lead hazards including helping remediate/abate lead hazards at 28.
In addition, the effort has attained regulatory compliance through working with residents and landlords and initiated enforcement activities at five properties. Also, the lead team has been fully staffed with five lead sanitarians, a health educator, and a lead clerk.
“I am very proud of our team,” Brendan Earl, KCHD supervising sanitarian, said in supplied material. “We have been able to continue the critical work of reducing lead exposure despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19.”
Additionally, according the announcement, the KCHD will be “working in the months ahead to re-engage the Lead Action Team which was formed in February 2020 to bring together local units of government and a multitude of other partners to make our community safer from the harms of lead exposure.”
Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing manager, talking about support of Black-owned businesses and product brands focused on the Black community. (WKTV video)
Woodland Mall, and parent company PREIT, knows it is good for business and good for the local community to support Black-owned businesses and to support brands focused on the Black community, and not just during Black History Month.
Through its “Support Black-Owned Businesses and Brands 365” initiative, the Mall has created a home on its shopwoodlandmall.com website highlighting Black-owned retailers, fashion brands, cosmetics, fragrance lines, books, music and other products for sale within other retailers at the mall.
“We feel this was a concrete step we could take to encourage our guests to support Black-owned businesses throughout the year,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing manager, said in supplied material. “The past year has been challenging for many retailers, but Black-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Consumers can now make even more informed buying decisions that will directly support Black entrepreneurs in our community.”
According to an announcement this week from the Mall, this is part of an ongoing effort by the Mall’s parent company, PREIT, to “spotlight Black-owned entrepreneurs and brands within its portfolio of top-tier and region-leading properties in eight states.”
Among Woodland Mall’s programs was this 2020 African-American legends event during Black History Month (with reenactors from New Hope Baptist Church.) (Supplied/Woodland Mall)
During the coming year, at least two-thirds of PREIT properties also plan to host community-wide Black-owned Business Showcases, providing entrepreneurs with a venue to showcase their goods and services.
Woodland Mall was the first property in the PREIT portfolio to host a showcase, welcoming more than 80 regional Black-owned businesses in October 2020, and the Mall plans to do so again in August.
PREIT properties are also planning events and activities throughout the year as a way to highlight the importance of Black-owned business and brands beyond Black History Month. During 2021, Woodland Mall has hosted an art exhibit, documentary screening and this past weekend’s successful pop-up shop welcoming Black-owned entrepreneurs to the mall.
Mall, retailers have history of Black community support
Woodland Mall is already home to Boutique Boulevard, a unique women’s clothing and accessories retailer curated from locally owned Black businesses. The store is located in the Barnes and Noble wing near Kay Jewelers.
Woodland Mall retailers also feature a wide variety of Black-owned brands and merchandise, including products that can be found at Sephora, including, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Briogeo by Nancy Twine and others. The JCPenney Salon features Hair by Athulia, which specializes in luxury hair care for women of color.
Macy’s honors and celebrates “the brilliant legacies woven into the fabric of Black history and experience,” by spotlighting Black creators and change makers who continue to make their mark. Macy’s is also committed to empowering future leaders by supporting UNCF and Black Girls CODE through donations at the register or online.
Williams Sonoma is paying tribute to the historic achievements of generations of African Americans in the culinary arts and beyond. Shoppers can get cooking with great recipes and expert cooking tips and explore cookbooks by Black authors.
Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing.
In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited as the mall operates on reduced hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 a.m., Friday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
You may have noticed some billboards around the area talking about new and expanded programs of the Kent County Veterans Services office. WKTV Journal In Focus, as part of our continuing effort to support our veterans and their families — and bring notice to groups who are really doing the job on the frontlines — wanted to find out what was going on at the county office.
And there is a lot going on: from a focus on reaching veterans and the families, to expanded dental services, to making sure veterans have other veterans to “walk with them” as they move through life’s ups and downs.
Visiting the WKTV studios is Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services, as well as Rachel Wustman, also from the Kent County office.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced early this month that the state plans to offer a voluntary COVID-19 school-based testing program to provide weekly tests to educators with the “goal of having all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students by March 1.”
But many local school districts, including Wyoming Public Schools, either are already using or plan to use a Kent County Health Department testing program which initially proved successful during a December 2020 pilot testing program at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — one of may local district also already providing in-school education to any student household requesting it.
The county program “is not part of the MDHHS testing program that is available to schools,” Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said to WKTV. “Our pilot predated that program, and since it is up and running smoothly, most schools in Kent County have not chosen to take advantage of the state’s offer for testing.
“In fact, I am not aware of any schools that are using the testing supplies (and) program offered by the State,” said Hoganson, who serves as liaison between the KCHD and the schools . “They are using the saliva tests offered by Arctic Lab and organized by the Kent County Health Department.”
Wyoming Public Schools is one of the school districts taking advantage of the county system.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra. (Supplied)
“Our testing clinic will be located at the Cherry Health Wyoming Community Health Center (in Wyoming) and will be up and running on Tuesday, Feb. 16,” Craig Hoekstra, superintendent of Wyoming Public Schools, said to WKTV. “In this partnership, we will be working with Arctic Labs and the KCHD.
“The credit for making this happen goes to Sarah Earnest, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. She did an excellent job working through the logistics, and we are excited about getting this going for our students, staff, and the greater community.”
The saliva COVID tests to be used, provided by KCHD in a partnership with Arctic Labs, are the same one used by the students, staff, and families of students and staff at Godfrey-Lee schools, Hoganson said. “This was a pilot, which went very well. We now provide similar testing for all of the schools in Kent County at several regional sites.”
Hoganson also provided WKTV with some KCHD numbers associated with the school-based program.
The first school testing site opened on Dec. 1, was available for full access on Jan. 18, and there are now four different sites available in Kent County. According to Hoganson, 20 schools and school districts have participated in testing at the regional sites, with 303 test “records” since the beginning of this year, resulting in 42 COVID-19 positive tests, 255 negative and six inconclusive.
“It is not a ‘rapid’ test … (but) it allows teachers and other staff who wake up with symptoms to get tested quickly,” she said. “They miss that day of school, but they get their results back within 24 to 36 hours. If they are positive, we have kept them out of school and prevented exposure to others. If they are negative, they can return to school much more quickly, thus reducing absenteeism by both students and staff. It is convenient and costs nothing to the person being tested.”
The MI Safe Schools Testing Program, announced Feb. 2, by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides no-cost COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for Michigan educators from both public and private schools.
Approximately 300 schools and 9,000 staff have signed up for testing so far, according to the state.
The rapid antigen testing program is modeled after Michigan’s successful pilot project that tested student-athletes and coaches who were participating in playoffs for high school fall sports such as football, according to the MDHHS. In that program more than 8,300 people were tested, including the Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team.
While some may enjoy all the winter activities, there are others who are facing some of the darkest periods of the year.
These are people who may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is related to changes in the season. SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. For most, it starts in the fall and well into the winter months although some can have the verse of Spring and Summer Affective Disorder.
This past year has been one like no other with stress brought on by the COVID pandemic, an election and unprecedented movements such as the Black Lives Matter movement which may have further complicated those dealing with SAD.
Not able to adhere to exercise routines or to take a trip to sunny or warmer climates or just having access to the therapist presents obstacles.
Don’t brush off your feelings as a case of the winter blues or just being in a funk. If you find you are losing interest in what you enjoy doing, can’t focus or are even having suicide thoughts, make sure to tell someone.
It is normal to have some sad days but if those days outweigh the good, then you should talk to someone. Remember, you matter.
Wyoming and Kentwood high school athletic directors wasted no time when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced last week that high school winter contact sports could begin full activities this week, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced that member schools had the green light to being practice and competitions.
And while there is competitive basketball and hockey being scheduled and played this week, some on the first allowed day of Feb. 8, there are some almost COVID-19 Catch-22 restrictions and state health requirements — including many basketball teams required to wear masks on the court and wrestling teams being required to find rapid test options or not take to the mats.
David Kool, South Christian athletic director, on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (2020/WKTV)
“There are still some unknowns with the testing requirements and the mask requirements,” David Kool, athletic director at Grand Rapids South Christian High School, said this week to WKTV. “The MHSAA is hoping to give us more clear guidelines … (this) week before the first games. As of now, we know that the kids have to wear masks while competing and that is what we will stick to until we are told differently.”
Wyoming high will also begin the basketball season with masks on their basketball players.
“Wyoming is planning on masks at this point,” Ted Hollern, Wolves athletic director, said to WKTV. “That is what we have agreed on.”
And Hollern pointed out that even if testing were to be available, there would be the issue of what is the opponent is doing — “Both teams would need to do the same thing,” he said.
South Christian’s Kool echoed his Wyoming counterpart.
“If there ends up being a rapid testing option and it is a level playing field for all, that is something we will consider and look into,” Kool said. “Our main concern is that if there is a testing program, it needs to be equitable for every school.”
Girls and boys basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling could begin contact practice on Feb. 8 — “with some precautions to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19,” according to an MHSAA statement late last week. And while basketball and hockey were able to begin competition this week, competitive cheer and wrestling will not be able to compete until Feb. 12 a the earliest.
Those four winter contact sports have been able to practice since Jan. 16, but only with non-contact activities. So local athletic directors are excited about the start, if still piecing together how they will meet requirements — and responding to other consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on high school sports.
Lee High School athletic director Jason Faasse. (Supplied)
We are “glad that our winter athletes, especially our seniors have an opportunity to compete,” Jason Faasse, Lee high school athletic director said to WKTV. “We are thankful that the research has been done by both the MDHHS and MHSAA to know what precautions are needed to help protect our athletes and their families.”
But Faasse’s optimism is balanced by the knowledge that this 2020-21 high school sports season is unlike any other.
“Many of our athletes have opted not to play this season for one reason or another,” Faasse said. “Some have concerns about playing contact sports during a pandemic, others have been working more hours with the uncertainties surrounding the season. The quick turn around (to allow winter contact sports) doesn’t help us promote the restart to help get more athletes on our teams.”
Ultimately, however, most schools including South Christian are just glad to have a chance to play, starting this week.
“The coaches and athletes have been doing everything they can to ensure they get a chance to compete this season and all they wanted was an opportunity,” Kool said. “The quick turnaround definitely adds to the craziness of this season. The biggest thing we looked at with our coaches was the simple fact that the kids want to play games and they are as ready as they ever will be.”
State and MHSAA testing requirements, and warnings
“All four Winter contact sports also must participate with some level of masking and/or rapid testing,” the MHSAA announced last week. “All testing will be coordinated between schools and MDHHS or their local health departments. … Participants are defined as athletes, coaches and other team personnel active in practice and competition.”
For competitive cheer, teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice.
For ice hockey, all participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. The same testing and mask removal option exists for hockey as for basketball.
For wrestling, testing will be required but competitors will not be required to wear face coverings.
The same masking and testing requirements will be in place for all junior high/middle school teams wishing to participate in the four winter contact sports.
However, the state department of health is allowing school athletics to go ahead with some reservations — with or without testing.
“We are pleased at our continued progress in Michigan that has allowed us to take this step forward in a phased approach,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said last week. “As a parent and former student-athlete myself, I get how important athletics are to our children’s physical and mental health.
“However, parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with contact sports if they choose to participate. Sports that require frequent closeness between players make it more difficult to prevent disease transmission even when mitigation measures are in place, including masks. Even when not required, we urge teams to implement a testing program to protect athletes, coaches and their families.”
In November 2018, Kent County voters approved the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage to fund more than $5 million annually, from 2018-2024, to be directed toward community-based early childhood health and support programs. First Steps Kent was selected to lead the program.
In late 2020, the latest round of funding was approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, after First Steps Kent and its Resident Proposal Review Committee recommended funding 12 programs — including a focus on parental outreach and involvement.
Continuing WKTV’s coverage of the program and its efforts, and to bring you details of the latest funding and the program’s overall status, we will talk in studio with Joslyn Ward, a Kentwood parent serving on the review committee, and we welcome back to WKTV — this time via Zoom — Annemarie Valdez, First Steps Kent President.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) over the weekend that the COVID-19 variant known as SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 — originally identified in the United Kingdom (U.K.) — has been confirmed in an unidentified Kent County resident.
According to a KCHD statement on Feb. 7, the variant “is concerning because it is associated with increased transmissibility.”
Compared to the original virus, the B.1.1.7 variant is approximately 50 percent more transmissible, leading to faster spread of the virus and potentially increasing numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, according to the KCHD statement.
“Fundamentally this is a race for the coverage of our population; a race that pits vaccination efforts against the transmission of infections,” Dr. Adam London, KCHD director, said in supplied material. “While we work to minimize the impact of COVID-19 infections, the B.1.1.7 variant is giving the virus increased velocity.”
The presence of the quick spreading variant in Kent County illustrates the importance of preventing the spreading COVID-19, according to the county, with proper mask usage, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene continuing to be the most effective measures in combating the spread of the disease.
The KCHD is also encouraging residents to limit their interactions with people who live outside of their own households.
The KCHD is encouraging testing of individuals who have traveled out of Michigan in last 14 days, especially to areas in which the new variants are widely circulating.
The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in many countries and states. The MDHHS has identified 30 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in Michigan.
While most of these cases have been found in the southeast portion of the state, the recent confirmation of a case in Kalamazoo and now in Kent counties illustrates the “fast-moving nature of the variant,” according to the KCHD statement.
In honor of Black History Month, Woodland Mall will host the first LOVE.ART.HISTORY. art exhibit as well as screenings of “In Between the Trees,” a documentary about African American history in the Michigan produced with the support of WKTV Community Media, over Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 12-14.
With themes of love, Black culture and Black history, the pop-up art exhibit by ArtXchangeGR, will “acknowledge and celebrate talented local artists of color, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day,” according to a statement from Woodland Mall.
Shoppers will be able to view original works of fine art and reproductions available for purchase during the three-day exhibit, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, and noon-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 14. The free show will be located in the mall’s center court.
“We are honored to host this timely pop-up art exhibit to lift up local artists of color,” Cecily McCabe, marketing manager for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We appreciate the opportunity to showcase an amazing group of artists and their artwork, which will highlight Black culture and history.”
Artists who will be featured throughout the weekend include Olivia Thorns, Lowell Reynolds and Steven Reynolds. ArtXchangeGR will hold a reception for all participating artists at the mall from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13.
Rare Idlewild photos collected by Rose Hammond. (Supplied)
Across the hall from the exhibit, Rose Hammond will be showing her documentary, “In Between the Trees,” multiple times a day. The film, which has just been selected to be shown at the Montreal Independent Film Festival, is loosely based on Hammond’s book “Idlewild & Woodland Park, MI (An African American Remembers).”
Hammond, who has a long history as a community volunteer and producer at WKTV, edited much of the film at WKTV.
Inspired by her grandparents’ stories, Hammond’s film shares what life in Idlewild and Woodland Park, Mich., was like for people of color “with the intent to educate youth and individuals of the African American history in our country,” according to supplied material.
“After seeing the racial justice events that occurred throughout our nation last year, many of us made a promise to educate ourselves,” McCabe said. “Presenting this documentary allows Woodland Mall to provide the opportunity for our community to continue engaging in these important conversations.”
Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC pandemic recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing.
In order to comply with Michigan health department requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited as the mall operates on reduced hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 a.m., Friday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.
“Getting vaccinated does not say you have a free pass to travel. Nor does it say you have a free pass to put aside all the public health measures that we talk about all the time.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci
The COVID-19 vaccination effort is continuing to expand, including in West Michigan. (U.S. Government).
Local mass vaccine clinic seeks volunteers … who will get vaccinated
Hoping to push yourself up in the line for the COVID vaccine? Well the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place maybe able to help. The clinic, which is operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan, is seeking community volunteers in non-clinical roles to support the vaccine clinic. Go here for the story.
Some ideas on how to get to mass clinic easily … and avoid parking fees
The new West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is up and running, but just how do you get here and, if you drive, where do you park? People can park below the facility with the first two hours of parking waived. But an even better idea is that The Rapid has several bus routes that provide service to or near DeVos Place. Go here for the story.
And more places and ways … including one-stop shopping
SpartanNash and other grocery stores with pharmacies have partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the nationwide rollout plan. For SpartanNash, the vaccine will be administered at no cost to patients and will be available at each of SpartanNash’s 88 company-owned pharmacies. Go here for the story.
Fact … just a fact:
29 million
Since vaccine distribution began in the U.S. on Dec. 14, and through Jan. 28, more than 29 million doses have been administered, reaching 7.2 percent of the total U.S. population, according to federal data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source.
In-person education will look a little different than in this 2018 photo from Godfrey-Lee High School, but a new state education council led by the district’s superintendent will guide what it will look like. (WKTV)
When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week the creation of an Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan to “provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track,” a local education leader was named to lead the committee.
Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, will be the chairperson of the council, established via the governor’s Executive Order 2021-02 and set to include 29 members from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the governor and will be “housed” within the Department of Technology Management and Budget.
“It’s an honor to serve our students, families, and educators as the chairperson for the Student Recovery Advisory Council and advise Governor Whitmer,” Polston said in supplied material. “I look forward to serving alongside the talented team of engaged citizens as Michigan strategically plans the recovery from the effects of COVID-19.”
The council will guide the work for our education system to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 including, among other issues, academic recovery, social-emotional and mental health, and physical health and wellbeing.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan hard, and our students, families, teachers, and school staff have all felt the strain,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “Still, our educators have worked tirelessly to teach our children during this pandemic under the most stressful conditions … (And) it is important to remember that schools also provide other services that students need to succeed including reliable access to the internet, nutritious meals, and mental health supports.”
The newly established committee follows others actions by the governor and state government to support Michigan’s education system.
In summer 2020, the governor launched the Return to School Advisory Council which “developed a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year,” according to a statement from the governor’s office. This past month, the state prioritized educators for vaccine distribution.
And this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced plans to offer a voluntary COVID-19 testing program that will provide weekly tests to educators. The MI Safe Schools Testing Program is part of he governor’s goal of having all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students by March 1.
“COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our education system, and we know more work is needed to address the significant impact this pandemic has had on our children,” Gov. Whitmer said. “This Council will be integral to ensuring our students and educators are equipped with everything they need to thrive.”
Polston was a member of the earlier Return to School Advisory Council as well.
“Last summer, this collaborative group of engaged citizens developed the MI Safe School Roadmap, which was vital to supporting in-person learning,” Polston said. “We look forward to ‘fixing the road ahead’ for the state of Michigan through a safe, equitable, and high-performance educational system that provides access and opportunity for each child to reach their full potential.”
Tasks, makeup of the new council
Among the goals of the council are to:
Develop and submit recommendations to the governor, state superintendent, and state budget director regarding student recovery.
Recommend actions to develop and improve systems for academic support for students who experienced learning loss due to COVID-19; actions to develop and improve systems for mental and physical health for students impacted by COVID-19; recommend actions to develop and improve systems to support high school students transitioning into postsecondary education; and recommend actions to develop and improve out-of-school time supports, including, but not limited to, summer school, before and after school programs, and extended school years.
Other goals are to assemble “critical voices from the education and public health communities to assist in identifying key challenges students face due to the pandemic,” providing other information or advice or take other actions as requested by the governor and report regularly to the governor on its activities and make recommendations on an ongoing basis.
The members of the council reflect “the diverse geographic and demographic composition of this state and representing parents, students, school leaders, educators, individuals with expertise in public health, pediatrics, mental health, and community members,” according to the statement from the governor’s office.
In addition to Polston, other West Michgian members of the group include: Nicholas J. Paradiso, III, of Grand Rapids, vice president of government relations for National Heritage Academies; Lisa M. Peacock, of Traverse City, health officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan; Bill Pink, Ph.D., of Ada, president of Grand Rapids Community College.
The council will also include four participating members of the Michigan Legislature: Sen. Wayne Schmidt and Sen. Dayna Polehanki and Rep. Lori Stone and Rep. Brad Paquette.
Within hours of Gov. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announcing that high school winter contact sports could begin full activities next week, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced that member schools had the green light to being practice and competitions.
But there will be restrictions.
Girls and boys basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling can begin contact practice on Monday, Feb. 8 — “with some precautions to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19,” according to a MHSAA statement. Competition in those four sports can also begin, with basketball and hockey able to also start play Feb. 8, and cheer and wrestling able to compete starting Feb. 12.
Those four winter contact sports have been able to practice since Jan. 16, but only with non-contact activities.
“All four Winter contact sports also must participate with some level of masking and/or rapid testing,” according to the MHSAA statement. “All testing will be coordinated between schools and MDHHS or their local health departments. … Participants are defined as athletes, coaches and other team personnel active in practice and competition.”
For the Governor and the state health department, the action continues a gradual expansion of allowed activities driven by increasingly lower numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, at a large January news conference. (State of Michigan)
“We are pleased at our continued progress in Michigan that has allowed us to take this step forward in a phased approach,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said in supplied material. “As a parent and former student-athlete myself, I get how important athletics are to our children’s physical and mental health.
“However, parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with contact sports if they choose to participate. Sports that require frequent closeness between players make it more difficult to prevent disease transmission even when mitigation measures are in place, including masks. Even when not required, we urge teams to implement a testing program to protect athletes, coaches and their families.”
Sport by sport details
The MHSAA statement gives some detail on the masking and testing requirements, as well as competition limits, for the various winter contact sports.
WKTV’s coverage of high school basketball could be returning soon as local teams can begin play as early as Feb. 8. (WKTV)
For girls and boys basketball, all participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. There will initially be a competition limit of up to three games per week. However, a testing requirement “may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day.”
More details of the testing option “will be provided to schools when confirmed,” according to the MHSAA.
For competitive cheer, teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice. And teams may participate in 12 days of competition, not counting MHSAA tournament events.
For ice hockey, all participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. The competition limit will allow teams play up to three games per week, but “teams also may play two games on one non-school day twice; during those two weeks, teams are allowed up to four games Monday through Sunday.” The same testing and mask removal option exists for hockey as for basketball.
For wrestling, testing will be required but competitors will not be required to wear face coverings.Teams may compete two days per week, with no more than four teams at a site, “with each individual (wrestler) competing in up to three matches per day,” according to the MHSAA.
The same masking and testing requirements will be in place for all junior high/middle school teams wishing to participate in the four winter contact sports.
The updated MDHHS epidemic order allowing for the resumption of winter contact sports remains in effect through March 29. at this point in time.
Positive results led to change
“We continue to make progress in reducing cases and hospitalizations, helping protect our families and frontline workers and saving lives,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “Michigan continues to be a national leader in fighting this virus, and we must continue using a fact-based approach so we can return to a strong economy and normal day-to-day activities.”
According to the MDHHS statement, the state “has been closely monitoring three metrics for stabilization or declines over the past several weeks, and Michigan continues to see improvements” in the following areas:
Hospital capacity dedicated to COVID-19 patients has been in 10-week decline, with current capacity at 6.6 percent for beds with COVID-19 patients. The number peaked at 19.6 percent on Dec. 4, 2020.
Overall case rates are currently at 159 cases per million after peaking at 740 cases per million on Nov. 14. The rate has been in solid decline for 24 days.
The positivity rate is currently at 4.9 percent and declining — the last time positivity was as low was mid-October.
The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to host the 6th annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament — a best-shot doubles competition open to all levels of golfers — on Saturday, Feb. 20. The event is also a food drive with all proceeds supporting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
The tournament will be at Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE, with on-site registration beginning at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/freezefest. The cost is $40 and one canned food donation per team.
Whatever the weather, disc golf is in season; and donating to the Kentwood food bank is also always in season. (Wikimedia Commons)
“It’s always incredible to watch community members come together in support of Kentwood initiatives,” Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “The disc golf community is no exception. We are grateful so many disc golfers join us at our annual tournaments for some friendly competition and to generously restock the Little Free Pantry.”
The Freeze fest has become an annual winter tradition in Kentwood but for all West Michigan disc golfers.
“Great Lakes Disc is happy to host the Freeze Fest with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for our sixth consecutive year,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “We’re excited about this event’s continued growth, which allows us to give back to the community in a very tangible way.”
A City of Kentwood Little Free Pantry, now one of two, is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since it opened, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the City of Kentwood.
To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood recently launched another Little Free Pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
Hoping to push yourself up in the line for the COVID vaccine? Well the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place maybe able to help.
The Clinic, which is operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan, is seeking community volunteers in non-clinical roles to support the vaccine clinic.
According to officials, when the vaccine is available for the clinic to open at full capacity, approximately 150 volunteers are needed per 4-hour shift. Volunteers may assist with greeting clinic attendees, providing directional assistance, escorting attendees who need help, sanitizing and organizing supplies, performing temperature checks and more. Volunteers need not have prior healthcare experience.
To begin the volunteer process, community members ages 18 and older are asked to complete this survey with Kent County Emergency Management, which is partnering to assist with volunteer management at the clinic. Additionally, volunteers must not have any felonies or misdemeanors within the last ten years, have a valid driver’s license with no suspensions in the past five years, and not had a fever or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus for at least 14 days prior to volunteering. The survey will include authorization for a routine background check. Upon completion, eligible volunteers will receive a confirmation email and instructions for signing up for available shifts.
“Vaccinating our community is a huge undertaking. Just as our organizations are working together, we believe that the West Michigan spirit in so many of our community members will draw people to this volunteer opportunity,” said Dr. Adam London, administrative health officer at the Kent County Health Department. “We are all in this together, and we believe the COVID-19 vaccine provides great hope for us to be able to return to normal and enjoy being with our families and friends again.”
Volunteers who sign a commitment promising at least 20 hours of service at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic will become eligible for vaccination as a health care volunteer and part of critical infrastructure. These vaccinations will be made as soon as reasonably possible given the limitations of available vaccine supply and clinic schedule.
Volunteers will not receive pay for their time or travel; however, they will receive free parking in designated nearby parking structures and light refreshments will be provided.
Volunteers will receive training for their role immediately prior to their shift. Also, all volunteers will be required to wear a mask for their entire shift and must complete the CDC Facilities COVID-19 screening survey within four hours prior to the start of their shift.
Clinicians who are interested in volunteering are invited to complete the survey and may serve as general support volunteers. At this time, clinical roles are being staffed through partnering healthcare organizations and healthcare education partners. Should clinical volunteer shifts become available, clinical volunteers may be contacted with opportunities to fulfill such assignments.
As vaccine clinics expand and open within all west Michigan counties and with a focus on historically underserved communities, additional volunteer opportunities will arise here and with other vaccine providers.
Did your New Year’s resolution to lose 2020’s COVID weight gain stall out by the end of January? Maybe you need a new approach. I’ve been impressed with the macro approach to weight loss. You only have to think about the three macros, short for macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are the nutrients your body needs in smaller amounts. Whether you follow a vegan, paleo, Mediterranean, or USDA MyPlate diet, you can make macros work for you.
With a macro diet, you focus on getting a certain number of grams from each of the three macros. This approach helps ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs—the best way to use macros to lose weight is to choose healthy, whole foods.
Fats have gotten a bad rap but your body actually needs them – but hold the fries. Healthy fats help your body convert calories to energy, support organ health, and cell growth, and enable your body to absorb vital nutrients. Chow down on avocados, tree nuts, and seeds. (We love pepitas—pumpkin seeds.) Cook with olive or grapeseed oil. Experts now tell us that bacon fat is OK, as long as the bacon is uncured, preferably from free range pork, and has no harmful additives like nitrates and nitrites.
Healthy carbs provide fiber, naturally. Dig deep on the grocer’s shelf for 100% whole grain breads. Fresh fruits and veggies are also fiber-rich carbs, especially dark, leafy greens. Cook up a pot of black beans and brown rice with a side of home-cooked collards or kale. Now we’re talking healthy carbs.
When you think “protein,” your first thought might be meat. And you’re right. Lean cuts of chicken, turkey, or beef and fatty fish (think salmon or mackerel) are great meat-based proteins. Eggs, milk, and cheese also provide a good amount. Plant-based protein options offer an inexpensive way to meet your body’s protein needs. Legumes (like black beans or unsweetened peanut butter), tree nuts, tofu, and seitan are a few examples.
So how do you count your macros? How much do you need of each? That depends on your weight loss goals and physical activity. You can find a great macro calculator at FreeDieting.com that even lets you figure in the kind of diet you want to follow, e.g., keto. In general, you should eat 30% fat, 30% protein, and 40% carbs if you exercise an hour or less every day. Those numbers shift to 25% fat, 30% protein, and 45% carbs if you exercise one or two hours every day.
Maintaining your ideal weight and eating nutrient rich foods are two ways you can achieve optimal health. But sometimes, doing those two things can be difficult, especially if you have other health concerns. Before you start any diet, check in with your medical doctor or a certified nutritionist to get the go-ahead. And don’t forget to get adjusted by your chiropractor on your journey to better health. An aligned spine improves the function of your nervous system and supports the health of your body’s organs, which in turn can impact your metabolism and cravings.
When Thelma Ensink decided to step down as the administrator for Calvin Christian Schools, all she knew was the calling to go back to her roots and work with the most vulderable population.
Within a few months, the Wyoming resident would discover a possible direction as Marge Palmerlee, the longtime executive director for Dégagé Ministries, had announced her plans to retire.
“When I did hear about that position opening up, I thought this is the right fight,” Ensink said. “This is the type of organization I wanted to serve in this next chapter of my career.”
Born and raised in South Africa during apartheid, Ensink said her experiences ignited “a passion for social justice because I grew up around racial injustice.” Her family immigrated to the United States, settling in the Grand Rapids.
Ensink attend Calvin University and through a friend’s suggestion became a paramedic, which introduced her to Dégagé Ministries, where she learned the residents’ stories were not that much different form her own.
“In may ways they were living lives just like mine until there was a tragic event or maybe they served in the military and that sent their life into a very different course,” she said. “All of sudden they find themselves experiencing poverty, being without a home, being without the resources and relations to be in a stable place.”
Ensink did not forget those stories through her career which included working at a rural Ionia medical practice and serving as a teacher and administrator for Calvin Christian Schools.
Heeding the call to work with the most vulnerable population, Ensink decided to leave Calvin Christian Schools last spring.
“I just knew I wanted to work in that field, so I kind of took a step of faith, stepping away from the education world and really seeking the right opportunity,” Ensink said.
Now in the Dégagé director position for about a month, Ensink said she is enjoying the opportunity to work with the staff and volunteers.
She admits it has been an interesting time to step into the role as many, because of the pandemic, are facing hardships for the first time.
“We are focused right now on the immediate needs and looking forward to when we can welcome our volunteers back and host community events,” Ensink said.
Also this past October, Degage broke ground on a new $6 million project that will expand services to the area’s homeless and low-income families. Part of that project includes a sleeping area for those who are on third shift and a recovery area for those who had surgery.
For more on Dégagé Ministries, its projects and needs, visit degageministries.com.
A winter run for a good cause with costumes — sounds like another fun day in Kentwood.
The City of Kentwood will host its 4th annual Valentine’s Dash 5K — with Valentine’s-themed costumes encouraged — on Saturday, Feb. 13, to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.
“We’re excited to roll out a new route for this year’s Valentine’s Dash 5K that features a great combination of trails and paved pathways in two Kentwood parks,” Spencer McKellar, race organizer, said in supplied material. “Whether you plan to run with your sweetheart or run solo, this 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and foster a love for running.”
The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at East Paris Nature Park, 5995 East Paris Ave. SE. The course will take participants from East Paris Nature Park to Paris Park via the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail and back to the finish line.
COVID-19 precautionary measures will be in place, including staggered start times beginning at 11 a.m., required face coverings at packet pickup and physical distancing.
While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed. Awards for the fastest men and women in six age categories and overall will be available for pickup at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, the week after the event or can be mailed upon request.
Online registration is $25 until Feb. 12 and includes a long-sleeve shirt while supplies last. Day-of registration is $35. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. If participants bring a non-perishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, they will be entered to win a special door prize.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Those interested can sign up online.
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City recently launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
With gyms and parks closed and people sheltering in place, it is easy to see how people have been able to gain weight during the pandemic.
Obesity can aid in worsting the effects of COVID as well as lead to diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
But now is the perfect time for people to make healthy lifestyle changes, according to Dr. Afriyie Randle, the host of WKTV’s Medical Moments.
They key to doing this is scheduling a routine: plan your bedtime, your meals and everyday, wake up and dress for success.
Cook new foods and add fruit, vegetables and grains to your diet. Try a new form of exercise such as yoga or tai chi.
Now is a good time to access your lifestyle and make some healthy changes. Get to know you again. Remember losing weight is possible in this pandemic, just create a plan and do it.
The Tri-unity Christian boys basketball (shown here in a 2019 practice) is one of the many local sports teams currently unable to hold full-contact practices or compete. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Anybody hoping for the rapid resumption of high school winter contact sports such as basketball and wrestling — athletes, coaches, parents and fans — after the successful state-approved fall sports rapid testing pilot program, are going to be disappointed.
Despite the touted success of the recent testing of football and volleyball players engaged in contact sports, in a dual effort of both the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), the testing protocol will not be used for winter sports. And, so, current plans are that it will be at least Feb. 21 before prep basketball, hockey, wrestling and competitive cheer can begin competition.
“The purpose of the pilot (program) was always to ease the pathway to expanded use of antigen testing to support school reopening, which is the state’s priority given limited testing resources,” Bob Wheaton, MDHHS public information officer, said to WKTV this week.
The MHSAA “also have said all along that MDHHS told us testing would never be an option for winter sports,” Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA assistant director for communications, said to WKTV. But the state governing body for high school sports still touts the success of the program and advocates for the beginning of winter contact sports, even without rapid testing.
The South Christian High School football team returns to practice Wednesday, Dec. 30, after mandated COVOD-19 testing was completed. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“This past weekend the MHSAA concluded its remaining Fall tournaments with 11-Player Football Finals,” a Jan. 27 statement from the MHSAA reads. “Earlier this month, Girls Volleyball, Lower Peninsula Girls Swimming & Diving and 8-Player Football Finals were competed to conclude those seasons.
“All four were allowed to complete their seasons because those teams took part in the MDHHS rapid testing pilot program. Results of that program were overwhelmingly positive. A total of 5,376 individuals (athletes, coaches, team personnel, cheerleaders, etc.) were tested, and 57 — or 1 percent — tested positive at some point in the pilot. Nearly 30,000 rapid antigen tests were administered — and 99.8 percent were negative.”
(According to the statement, the statistics were through Jan. 19, and were provided to the MHSAA by the MDHHS.)
And MHSAA leadership clearly believes not allowing Michigan athletes to return to the basketball courts and wrestling mats is unfair and could be putting the athletes at a greater risk of COVID-19 infection.
“Each week, we see hundreds of examples of children and families competing in non-school competition, both in-state and out-of-state,” Mark Uyl, MHSAA executive director , said in the Jan. 27 statement. “This not only is in violation of current MDHHS orders, but sending all of these families into different states will only become an impediment to getting students back in school full time.
“But we can contribute to students returning to in-person learning by allowing MHSAA member schools to begin full activities, participating locally and against more local competition, and under the guidance of trained, professional educators,” Uyl said.
State’s goal is safe communities and schools, first
“Counties around the country have faced outbreaks of COVID-19 associated with sports teams,” MDHHS’s Wheaton said to WKTV. “In Michigan, there were 42 outbreaks associated with athletics (K-12 schools, professional, collegiate, and commercial venues) in August and September 2020 before restrictions on contact sports were implemented … Outbreaks of this magnitude have the potential to affect not just a sports team, but the community in which the players and coaches reside as well.”
Competitive cheerleading is just one of several high school winter sports on hold at this time. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Sports that require “frequent closeness between players” — including basketball and wrestling — make it more difficult to prevent disease transmission, according to the MDHHS. And the risk of COVID-19 transmission is increased by the number of individuals a player physically interacts with, as well as the intensity and duration of that interaction.
“The arrival of the new B.1.1.1.7 variant also means even more caution must be taken so we avoid the rapid rise in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths that other countries that have seen this variant have experienced,” Wheaton said.
“Even with mitigation measures in place, such as wearing of masks, disease transmission cannot be completely prevented when players are in prolonged or intense contact,” Wheaton continued. “These risks are even greater for indoor contact sports where there is not natural ventilation to mitigate the close proximity of participants. Teams that can implement robust public health measures may be able to decrease risk, but risk remains elevated.”
And when asked about when contact sports might be able to begin in 2021, Wheaton said that is at unknown at this time — for several reasons, including the lack of resources to implement a more widespread rapid testing program.
“Contact sports can be more safely played at this time when teams undertake significant infection control steps that include testing participants at least three times a week on alternating days, ensuring no social contact outside of school and the team, and supervision by medical staff,” Wheaton said. “It is not easy to meet these standards, and typically requires institutional support from a college or university, or professional sports organization, to have sufficient resources and infrastructure to comply.
In the fall sports pilot program, about 200 schools that allowed several thousand high school athletes to safely complete their fall volleyball, football, and swimming and diving championships under these protocols, according to the MDHHS. But the enhanced testing during this pilot uncovered dozens of positive cases that could have otherwise spread to the rest of the team and their communities.
“We will continue to carefully watch the data to assess what other activities can be permitted,” Wheaton said in conclusion.
And the MHSAA will be ready when — and if — the state allows winter contact sports to begin.
“We have said from the start of the 2020-21 school year that we would do everything possible to have three seasons, and play all three to completion,” Uyl has previously said. “Our strong advocacy for all sports and seasons — and especially winter sports —continues every day.”
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health’s newest outpatient office is now open, bringing more services, including heart and vascular specialists, to East Grand Rapids, Cascade and surrounding areas.
Metro Health Beltline, at 1310 E. Beltline Ave. SE, just north of Lake Drive, replaces a smaller clinic on Cascade Road. All the providers from that office are relocating to the East Beltline site, and their phone numbers will not change.
The building’s modern design emphasizes a patient-centered concierge atmosphere. Nurse triage spaces provide convenient access for walk-in patients. The office is equipped with technology that allows self-rooming and self-checkout to reduce patient wait time and promote safety.
“As we enter a new world of healthcare delivery, this office is an example of Metro Health’s commitment to finding new and innovative ways to deliver quality care to our patients,” said Dr. Rakesh Pai, Chief Population Health Officer and President of the Medical Group.
At 30,500 square feet, the office is Metro Health’s largest primary care site. It has the capacity to accommodate up to 20 providers and 55 staff, caring for between 400 and 500 patients a day.
The office’s comprehensive services include family practice, sports medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health and diabetes education. Additionally, with adult and pediatric heart and vascular specialists, patients will have the choice of seeing their cardiologist at the main hospital or the East Beltline location. Heart and vascular services offered include chest x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKG / ECG), stress echocardiogram exercise or medication, graded exercise tests (GXT) and continuous portable telemetry monitoring.
With two patient care levels, the building also includes on-site x-ray and laboratory services. The office is open 7am to 5pm weekdays, with walk-in visits accepted. Call 616-252-1500 or visit Metro Health’s website for more information.
“We’re all looking forward to maintaining a relationship with our existing patients in this new location, where they will have convenient access to a wider range of services,” said Dr. Edwin Kornoelje, Metro Health Beltline Site Director. “At the same time, we look forward to adding new patients to the Metro Health family.”
The new West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is up and running and within the first day vaccines about 800, according to officials.
The new venture, which is a partnership between Spectrum Health, Kent County Health Department, Mercy Health St. Mary’s, the new clinic is designed to provide a central location to area residents with the goal of vaccinating up to 20,000 people a day.
Currently, clinic is vaccinating to the amount of vaccine that is made available. For the first week, the hope is to vaccinate 8,500 people, according to Spectrum Health Public Relations Corporate Manager Ellen Bristol.
One of the concerns has been parking, which according to Spectrum Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Brasser, who is overseeing the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, said people can park below the facility with the first two hours of parking waived. This will be enough time for a person to go through the line and receive the vaccine, Brasser said.
This week, The Rapid announced it has several bus routes that provide service to or near DeVos Place.
The routes with direct service is Lake Line, Silver Line, Route 11, and DASH North.
Bus routes that have stops near DeVos Place are Route 9 (Alpine), Route 13 (Michigan/Fuller) and DASH West.
Also, GO! Bus riders can call to schedule a ride to DeVos Place at 616-454-6141.
To view bus schedules and plan a trip, visit ridetherapid.org or call 616-776-1100 with questions.
Juliana Ludema, communication specialist for Feeding America West Michigan, with host Ken Norris, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus in January 2021. (WKTV)
During a recent visit to the studio of WKTV Journal In Focus, Feeding America West Michigan is looking back on 40 years of helping to feed those at risk of hunger after experiencing a 2020 that presented both challenges and opportunities.
Juliana Ludema, communication specialist for Feeding America West Michigan, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus in January 2021. (WKTV)
The local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series. With us is Juliana Ludema, communication specialist from the organization, and we will talk with her about what food banks do, the history of Feeding America West Michigan, and find out about its efforts before, during and after the current pandemic time of extraordinary local need.
For more information about Feeding America West Michigan, visit feedwm.org.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced last week that “to help families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic” more than 1.2 million people in Michigan who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional 15 percent payment to their monthly amount by the end of January.
The temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is for six months, ending in June.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the MDHHS advocated for the increase in the federal benefit and it was recently passed as part of a recent congressional relief bill with the effort led by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich), according the MDHHS statement.
“No Michigander should worry about how they’ll put food on the table for themselves and their family, especially during a pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our state, and we must continue providing crucial support to families that need it most.”
Michigan food assistance recipients will see the increase added to their Bridge Cards by the end of January that are in addition to benefits they received earlier in the month. Food assistance increases by $102 per month for a household of four, which will now receive $782 per month.
Whitmer and MDHHS also are announcing continuation of an initiative that provides additional food assistance to 350,000 Michigan families as a response to the pandemic.
Through the initiative, anyone receiving food assistance who doesn’t already qualify for the maximum monthly benefits will see their payment raised to the maximum monthly amount for their household size. Eligible clients will see these additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Jan. 30, with payments beginning for some households on Jan. 20.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling a customer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, at a Jan. 22 news conference. (State of Michigan)
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the governing body for high school sports in the state, has been dutifully working with the state health department and the governor’s office as rules and restrictions have repeatedly changed during the last 10 months.
And they will again work with the latest changes, announced Friday, Jan. 22, but they are expressing their “disappointment” both from their own scheduling and logistical standpoint, and from the expected impact on student-athletes across the state.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in its latest directive, altered the allowed number of spectators at events such as this weekend’s prep football finals as well as delayed until at least Feb. 21 all contact sport’s full-contact practices and any possible beginning of those sports’ competitions.
Winter contact sports such as basketball, hockey, wrestling and competitive cheer currently are only allowed non-contract practice but they had been expecting to begin full-contact practice on Feb. 1 and completion later that week.
Mark Uyl, MHSAA executive director, from a previous Zoom meeting. (MHSAA)
“We found out about this decision at 9:30 a.m. (Jan. 22) like everyone else, and we will address it as quickly as possible after taking the weekend to collect more information,” Mark Uyl, MHSAA executive director, said in supplied material. “We did not anticipate this delay in winter contact practices and competition, and today’s announcement has created many new questions.
“Obviously, this is disappointing to thousands of athletes who have been training with their teams over the last week and watching teams in other states around Michigan play for the last two months.”
The latest state pandemic-related changes in rules and regulations also could have allowed more people to attend this weekend’s football finals — but news came too late for the MHSAA to alter established plans to meet now-altered MDHHS rules and regulations.
Also on Jan. 22, Gov. Whitmer and MDHHS announced that sports arenas with capacities of at least 10,000 spectators may allow up to 500 to attend events. But, the MHSAA later announced, “no additional tickets will be sold for today and Saturday’s 11-Player Football Finals at Ford Field” due to the lack of sufficient notice.
“We have been planning these Finals for weeks to include immediate family, and unfortunately this isn’t a process we can adjust midstream,” Uyl said. “Distributing more tickets would put stress on those plans and Ford Field staffing, and force schools to make more hard decisions on who will be able to attend, but at the last second instead of with prior planning.”
COVID-19’s impact in 2020 have led to things being pretty quiet — really quiet — at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and other independent music venues in Michigan. But there is optimism for 2021. (Seven Steps Up)
In the spring of 2020, WKTV visited Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up, one of more than a dozen West Michigan and more than 3,000 nationwide “independent” music venues, asking them how they could survive the crippling impact of COVID-19 and related government restrictions.
At the time, Michelle Hanks, who with husband Gary Hanks, own and manger Seven Steps Up, was cautiously optimist despite a total stoppage of the nation’s independent venue musical artist tours, not to mention restrictions that either limited venue attendance or shut them down completely.
“Out of crises, good things can sprout up,” she said, referring to a planned national independent venue advocacy group, to possible governmental support, and to fans of small music venues simply stepping and giving what they could give.
So, now more than six months — six hard months — later, with a new State of Michigan funded Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program now taking applications, following up on a successful GOFundMe campaign for Seven Steps Up and other support from various sources, Hanks remains optimistic despite the venue’s currently dark stage.
Michelle and Gary Hanks, owners and mangers of Seven Steps Up. (WKTV)
“As of now, we are still closed with no known opening date. Our employees are permanently furloughed. Our calendar is bare,” Hanks said this week to WKTV. But “we are cautiously optimistic that we will have regular concerts in the fall. We have many dates held and rescheduled, and the conversations are definitely increasing.”
Hanks credits the venue’s survival so far to several sources, both local and national.
“Seven Steps Up received GoFundme support in the second quarter of 2020,” she said. “We are extremely grateful for the support we received when we received it and we hope that every venue in Michigan that is eligible applies for this (Michigan Stages Survival) grant, as well as the federal Save our Stages grants.”
Seven Steps Up also received a grant through Live Music Society (livemusicsociety.org) in November 2020.
“We were one of only 20 venues in the U.S. and the only one in Michigan to receive the first round of grants,” she said. “Between the GoFundMe and this grant, we’ve been able to survive. (But) we really need the federal funding to get us past this and help us as we open our doors.”
Governmental grants and touring acts needed
The Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will provide a total of $3.5 million in one-time grants of up to $40,000 to eligible entertainment and live music venues throughout Michigan “that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declarations.”
The application window open Thursday, Jan. 21, and will close at noon on Thursday, Jan. 28. For more information on the grant, visit michiganbusiness.org/stages/. The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA) will be responsible for accepting, reviewing and approving applications. The state will then distribute the grant funds based on the recommendation of the MIVPA.
The MIVPA is one of those small venue organizations which formed in the aftermath of the early 2020 industry shutdown. On a national level, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was first formed to advocate for the industry in Washington, D.C.
“The MI Stages Survival Grant Program is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of many venues involved in the Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association (MIVPA), a new trade association here in Michigan that came about through relationships developed through NIVA (National Independent Venue Association),” Hanks said. “These grants can be a lifeline to Michigan venues as we await for the Federal relief grant program.”
Seven Steps Up is a member of both NIVA and the MIVPA, and Hanks is one of the co-founders of the MIVPA.
But in addition to simply keeping the bills paid and awaiting the opening of venue doors, Seven Steps Up and other venues still need a regular schedule of touring acts.
A full house at an undated concert at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake. (Seven Steps Up)
“One of the things that is a challenge for us, and for other small venues like us, is we can’t just bring our employees back for one show,” she said in the initial interview last year. “We have to be able to get up and do a regular number os shows for it to make any kinds of sense for anyone.”
Seven Steps Up usually has 7-to-9 part-time employees for 132-seat sold-out shows.
“I think we may get an opportunity for some sporadic shows earlier in the year, but don’t think we will see regular concerts and tours before (fall),” Hanks said. “So much depends upon what is happening with the roll out of the vaccine, COVID cases, etc. I feel really good about the fall, and am hopeful for anything earlier.
“I think the entire industry is simply waiting to feel safe. If we open our doors and people don’t feel safe to come inside to enjoy the concert or artists don’t feel safe to travel, we won’t see this industry restart. … Hopefully, the vaccine will allow this to happen within the next few months.”
For more information on the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) visit their FaceBook page here. For more information on Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association (MIVPA), visit its Facebook page here. For more information on Seven Steps Up, located at 116 S. Jackson., Spring Lake, visit sevenstepsup.com.
Wyoming and Kentwood small businesses unpacked by COCID-19 — like Kentwood’s Daniele’s Pizzeria, show here in December 2020 — have the opportunity to apply for a new state emergency funding program. (City of Kentwood)
From the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, to the regional business advocate The Right Place, to the Governor, small businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 and related governmental restrictions are being urged — strongly urged — to waste no time in applying for the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program.
The $55 million grant program, signed into law late last year but approved for funding by the Michigan Strategic Fund last week, is open for businesses to apply starting today, Jan. 19, but closing at noon Friday. Jan. 22.
According to a statement from the local chamber of commerce, “the $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program (is designed) to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship” due to the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders” and those orders either forcing the closing a small business or the significant reduction in revenue.
“Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise are open and can demonstrate an impact,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber, said in the statement. “All applications received during this period will be reviewed and scored according to predetermined criteria. Funding is not first come, first serve.”
The Grand Rapids based economic development organization (EDO) The Right Place, Inc., is assisting the state’s Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in facilitating grants to businesses in 11 West Michigan counties affected by COVID-19.
According to a statement from The Right Place, it will be coordinating the distribution of $5.25 million to business applicants from Kent, Barry, Ionia, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.
“West Michigan’s small businesses continue to be critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., said in supplied material. “As we approach nearly a year of navigating this pandemic the demand for assistance remains high, and the Survival Grants will offer a needed financial lifeline to small business throughout our region.”
According to The Right Place statement, businesses must meet eligibility requirements including having had 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a worldwide basis on Nov. 17, 2020; be in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the DHHS epidemic orders; needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses; and can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the state health orders “as determined by the EDO in which an eligible business is located” — for local businesses, The Right Place.
Local small businesses, to qualify, also must not be a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the separate Michigan Stage Survival Grant Program.
(The $3.5 million Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will provide up to $40,000 in one-time grants to eligible Michigan live music and entertainment venues that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visit michiganbusiness.org/stages/.)
“The Michigan Small Business Survival Grants Program will help small businesses throughout Michigan hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19, especially as they continue to experience additional strain in the winter months,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in supplied material. “This program provides a significant opportunity to address the immediate needs of these businesses, and I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for assistance.”
The state also advises applicants that an electronic queue system will also be in effect with businesses entering the queue prior to entry into the application. Businesses will be able to sign up to receive an alert when they have reached the front of the queue with 15 minutes to start the application once they have been notified that they have reached the front of the queue.
Local high school basketball is a huge step closer to hitting the floor. (Photo from previous year game televised by WKTV with East Kentwood High School’s boys basketball team at Wyoming.)
When high school sports teams including football and volleyball were allowed to begin competition early this month after following extensive COVID-19 rapid testing protocols, not only were those sports given a chance to finish their season but winter sports including basketball could see a path ahead for their restart of practice and competition.
The antigen rapid test results — which showed more than a 99 percent non-infection rate among the student athletes as of last week — were seen as a success by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).
And last week, both state officials and the MHSAA moved forward with plans to lift all restrictions on non-contact winter sports such as bowling and gymnastics, and began easing of restrictions even on contact sports, many local high school basketball teams began “non-contact” practices this last weekend and they are shooting for a beginning of February start to their seasons.
“We have shown with our remaining fall sports this month that our schools can participate safely, and we’re confident teams will continue to take all the appropriate precautions as we jump back into indoor winter activities,” MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl said last week in supplied material.
And the success of the rapid testing pilot program with the fall sports was a key factor in the continuing opening of high school athletics.
Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test. (Abbott)
According to numbers supplied by the MDHHS on Friday, and of Jan. 15, the antigen test results (which included multiple tests of same individuals) there were 25,601 total tests with 25,533 negative (99.73 percent) and only 69 positive (0.27 percent).
“Overall, schools have deemed this testing pilot a success that has allowed close to 7,000 student-athletes and staff to safely compete in high school athletics,” Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the MDHHS, said to WKTV Jan. 15. “More than 99 percent of the tests were negative, however, testing allowed the department to find dozens of positive COVID-19 cases among student-athletes.”
One local school which participated in the testing pilot program was the Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team, which was able to finish their season on the field on Jan. 9 after beginning testing beginning just after New Years Day.
“The MHSAA and the MDHHS have clearly outlined their expectations and have given very sound guidance on the process so we are ready to begin the testing,” South Christian athletic director David Kool said to WKTV at the time testing began.
And that success was good news to local basketball coaches, including Wyoming High School’s head boys basketball coach Thom Vander Klay.
“We are so excited to get back in the gym go to work,” Vander Klay said to WKTV. “We could only see them via remote media using zoom meetings. The kids could not use school facilities either so we are a bit behind. … (But) even with masks and non-contact we will make up a lot of time, being to install our fundamentals and schemes.”
Vander Klay also said that at this point he is not sure if his team will need to work within the same rapid testing protocol or not, but “regardless of what the mandates are as long as we can practice and work on our game we will have plenty to do” in preparation for a scheduled Feb. 4 opening against South Christian.
MHSAA acts as state health department eases restrictions
The MDHHS updated its epidemic order last week to allow re-opening of additional activities including indoor group exercise and non-contact sports — with non-contact practice for contact sports such as basketball also allowed. The new order will last until Jan. 31, according to the MDHHS statement.
Currently, basketball, hockey and wrestling are allowed to practice but not allowed to have competition, while other winter sport include girls gymnastics, girls and boys bowling, and girls and boys swimming and diving are allowed to begin competition.
Masks will be required of all participants of the three sports now allowed competition “except when they are actively participating in gymnastics and swimming & diving,” according to the MHSAA statement. Spectators will be limited to 100 persons in school gyms or 250 in stadiums and arenas, “per MDHHS orders” in place.
“We are glad to have three more sports join skiing in returning to full activity, but we understand the disappointment and frustration on the part of our athletes and coaches whose sports are not yet able to restart completely,” MHSAA’s Uyl said. “We will continue to adjust schedules to provide all of our winter teams as substantial an experience this season as possible, as part of our greater plan this school year to play all three seasons to conclusion.”
Additionally, spring sports teams and fall teams not participating in the MDHHS rapid testing pilot program may begin four-player workouts and resume conditioning but only with non-contact activities.
“We are reopening cautiously because caution is working to save lives,” MDHHS director Robert Gordon said in supplied material. “The new order allows group exercise and non-contact sports, always with masks and social distancing, because in the winter it’s not as easy to get out and exercise and physical activity is important for physical and mental health.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today, Jan. 16, the first confirmed case of the new COVID-19 variant, “B.1.1.7.”, in an adult female living in Washtenaw County and identified by the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories.
According to the MDHHS statement, the person recently traveled to the United Kingdom, where this variant is thought to have originated.
“Close contacts of this individual have been identified and are in quarantine,” according to the statement. “At this time two new cases have been identified from close contacts with the person, but it is not known if they are infected with the variant.”
B.1.1.7. is believed to be more contagious, and a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. To date, the virus has been identified in at least 16 other states and jurisdictions in the U.S.
“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said in supplied material. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant, according to the MDHHS statement. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7.
Feeding America West Michigan, along with its partners and supporters, have been fighting hunger alongside in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 40 years. (FeedWM)
Feeding America West Michigan is celebrating its 40th year of fighting hunger alongside its partners and supporters in 2021. And, throughout the year, the local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series.
While the group announced its first honored person last week — the Rev. Donald Eddy, who in 1980 worked with Grant-area farmers to get unmarketable fresh vegetables into the hands of the needy and hungry — the local Feeding America is looking for the general public to submit stories and persons who have helped “feed America” locally.
“Countless people have played a role in our 40-year history,” Molly Kooi, Feeding America West Michigan’s communication manager, said to WKTV. “We want to honor 40 of them in our 40 Years 40 Faces series … (and the public can) nominate someone to be featured, or to share your own story.
To share a story or nominate someone, go to FeedWM.org/40-years and click on the share your story button, she said.
People, stories of people feeding people
Rev. Don Eddy (FeedWM)
The Rev. Eddy’s story is a prime example that small actions can make a difference. In early 1980, he saw a truckload of perfectly good carrots being composted on a farm in Grant, according to supplied material. As director of United Methodist Metropolitan Ministries, he knew many people who faced hunger, so he asked the farmers to stop dumping them and said he could ensure the carrots got to families who could really use them.
A year later, on April 23, 1981, the food bank that became Feeding America West Michigan (FeedWM) formed. That small beginning has culminated in the food bank’s current network that serves 40 counties across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
As the year 2021 goes on, each 40 Years 40 Faces story will be shared on social media (@feedingwestmich) and on the food bank’s website (FeedWM.org/40-years).
The series will feature FeedWM staff — like its longest tenure executive director, John Arnold and current CEO, Kenneth Estelle, as well as board members, volunteers, farmers, donors and others who have been part of the food bank’s ongoing journey toward a hunger-free community. And there are opening for others.
Mobile Food Pantry boxes, undated. (FeedWM)
In addition to the story series, the food bank will release a historical timeline and photo album. The food bank welcomes the public to submit photos here to be included.
“We are excited to share about the food bank’s 40-year journey and honor some of the many people who have been a part of our story,” Estelle said in supplied material. “Our partners and supporters have made and continue to make our work possible.”
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources, according to supplied material. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of more than 900 partners to fill hundreds of thousands of neighbors’ plates instead of landfills.
For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.
