Category Archives: Health

Grant supports ‘farm to cafeteria’ movement

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Local Food, ,

By SYDNEY BOWLER
Capital News Service

The 10 Cents a Day program supports connecting Michigan schools to Michigan farmers for fresh produce. (pxhere.com)

LANSING — Nathan Medina recalls eating bland, boring, non-fresh foods at school as a child.

 

“I remember eating bagged iceberg lettuce, canned corn and green beans or broccoli stems served alongside our cardboard pizza,” said Medina, who now is the 10 Cents a Meal program policy specialist.

Medina said it was refreshing to see some of the eye-appealing meals that are being served by grantees across the state.

 

The state-funded grants provide matching incentive funding up to 10 cents per meal to purchase and serve Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and legumes.

The program is in its second year statewide and was originally a regional pilot program that began in 2016, Medina said.

He’s with the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, which has offices in Traverse City and Petoskey, and which runs the program with the state Education Department, Agriculture and Rural Development Department and Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems.

“This program provides kids with the opportunity to eat real, fresh food that they might not have had the chance to experience before,” said Medina. “While before they might have been eating apples grown in Washington, now they get to try a farm-fresh Michigan apple.”

For the 2021-2022 school year, there were 229 initial grantees, according to the 10 Cents a Meal program. Kent County schools participating include Godwin Heights along with Byron Center, Forest Hills, Kenowa Hills, Kent City, Lowell, Thornapple Kellogg, and West Catholic. Other area schools participating are Jenison along with schools in Holland, Ionia, and Muskegon. According to the 10 Cents a Meal website, about 144 enrolled in the program.

Grants are available not only to school districts, but also to non-school sponsors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition programs. That includes child care centers, after-school programs and other food programs such as the one provided by the Kent County Juvenile Detention program, which also was a 2021-2022 grant recipient. It is estimated that this year’s grants will support more than 553,000 children.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association supports the program to help farmers, schools and children, said Executive Director Amanda Shreve.

“This program really gives school districts one of the tools they need to more easily engage with local farmers,” she said.

Medina said the program can create individualized plans for participating schools and other organizations.

Not only is the program aiming to create better nutrition options, but it also recognizes the agricultural benefits that come with fresh food. Small farms, distributors and every other person involved in the process of the “farm-to-cafeteria” movement” benefit, Medina said.

Shreve said, “This program really gives school districts one of the tools they need to more easily engage with local farmers.”

Some schools face barriers to access fresh produce, such as cost, time or processing equipment, she said.

“When we can expand the awareness and taste buds of children at a young age, they’re going to continue these eating behaviors for the rest of their lives,” Shreve said. “We hope they will continue to scout local produce and eat fresh fruits and vegetables, setting them up for a lifetime of better health and relationships with food.”

According to Medina, the current budget of $5 million may be expanded in the future.

 

Due to the fact that Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the $17.1 billion K-12 budget into law in July 2021, the largest single-year School Aid Fund budget ever passed by the state, this doubled the 10 Cents a Meal’s budget from $2 million in 2020-2021 to $5 for 2021-2022. This has given 10 Cents a Meal an opportunity reopen its applications, which will close on Feb. 11. Officials noted that eligible purchases from the present year may qualify for retroactive reimbursement. For more about the grant, visit tencentsmichigan.org.

WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Local non-profit Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services launches capital campaign

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This video, produced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, as shown at the kickoff of the group’s “Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” fundraising campaign.

By Phil de Haan

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The first-ever major Capital Campaign for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services was publicly launched on January 24, 2022.

“Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” is a $266,000 fundraising campaign that will allow D&HHS to become part of a large non-profit center being developed at the old South Christian High School on 68th Street in Grand Rapids, just west of a major bus line on South Division Avenue.

The project is being headed up by Special Olympics of Michigan and will see the 127,000 square foot building (which includes two gyms and a 735-seat auditorium) become home to 10 non-profits, all of which have advocacy and empowerment at the heart of everything they do.

D&HHS will join Special Olympics of Michigan, Autism Support of Kent County, Brody’s Be Café, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Far Out Volleyball Club, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be nice, MOKA, and Thresholds in this new space.

The public launch event included remarks by Tim Hileman, president and CEO of Special Olympics of Michigan, who said: “I love days like today. It speaks to what really good organizations can do both individually and collectively. What they can do together.”

Hileman commended what he called the “great, great leadership” of D&HHS, including the staff and the board.

He added: “I love the name of your campaign. This new non-profit center truly is multiple organizations coming together to create access, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is an important part of this project.”

D&HHS Board President Rowan O’Dougherty agreed.

“Deaf people need our agency,” he said. “And Deaf people need community. That’s why I am so excited about the move here. We currently have such limited space, but when we move here those limitations will go away. We can draw our community together to socialize, to play sports, have coffee at the Café. Our Deaf senior citizens could make this a weekly activity. It’s going to be great.”

For Mary Andringa, step-mother to Chad, now a Deaf adult, the new space will continue a long legacy of D&HHS service to her family.

“D&HHS has been a rock on which Chad could build his core values and see himself as a unique individual with talents and abilities,” she said. “The people here (D&HHS staff) were pivotal to his growth and mine. He has had the advocates he needed to protect his rights, and he has been called to grow. This agency has been a conduit. Or should I say a can-do-it place. This agency always feeds back truth.”

Board Treasurer, Mickey Carolan, asks for support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services capital campaign. (D&HHS)

Mickey Carolan, the treasurer for the D&HHS board, spoke not just about money (though he did that too!) but also about his experience growing up as the child of Deaf adults, a CODA.

“I was born into a majority Deaf community,” he said. “It’s the reason I am here today. I remember growing up and the access my parents had to communities in Detroit and Flint and Saginaw. There hasn’t been a place on this side of the state for that kind of community. Until now. This is the spot. And I hope that the energy everyone here today brought inspires you, whatever that is. Maybe it’s a gift of $1. Maybe it’s $50,000 I don’t want to limit you. But whatever it is, we are grateful.”

Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1 present a check. (D&HHS)

Indeed, Carolan was grateful at the event to accept a check for $15,000 from Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1. That gift brought the current fundraising total to just over $133,000, just over half of the $266,000 total goal for the campaign.

D&HHS hopes to start the renovation of an old science lab into its new space in March 2022, pending fundraising. If all goes well it would move to the new non-profit center in the summer of 2022.

Images of the D&HHS space and the entire facility, plus the campaign video and photos from the campaign event, are online and available to media at: deafhhs.org/capital-campaign.

Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K, to benefit Little Free Pantry, set for Feb. 12

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The City of Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K will return Saturday, Feb. 12. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org



Valentine’s Day 2022 falls on a Monday (Feb. 14) but the City of Kentwood has a “Sweetheart Deal” to get your “Valentine’s Weekend” started with a little outdoor fun run, a possible partnership opportunity, and support for a great community service program.

The city will host its fifth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K Saturday, Feb. 12, starting at 11 a.m., and benefitting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Valentine’s Day-themed costumes are encouraged. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room at about noon, including refreshments, candy, music and a photo booth.

“Our Valentine’s Dash 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and help foster or fuel a love for running, even in the winter months,” Spencer McKellar, race organizer, said in supplied material. “This course is great for first-time runners or walkers but will also provide a challenge to more experienced racers. All are invited to come out and join us. Bring a friend or a loved one — or meet someone new.”

Online registration is $30 until Feb. 11 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies (while supplies last). Day-of registration is $35. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.

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, last year, 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.

For more event information visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.

As pandemic lingers, local entertainment venues large and modest sized provide live entertainment with varying health protocols

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The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has returned to live performances at St. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied/CMS)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing writer

ken@wktv.org


As the COVID pandemic persists, most local venues have returned to hosting live entertainment — but with varying degrees of safety protocols in place for patrons and performers.

St. Cecilia Music Center, one of the more intimate and popular entertainment venues in the Grand Rapids area, offers concerts featuring a considerable array of musical talents and genres as well as a variety of music education programs.

And after a quiet stretch of a year and a half, they returned last fall and have a full schedule this year.

Cathy Holbrook, executive and artistic director of St. Cecilia Music Center, told WKTV that SCMC put COVID protocols in place in the fall of 2021 based on “both CDC guidelines at the time, what artists were requiring and what we, as an organization, felt would protect our audience, staff, crew and artists as best as possible.”

A CDC COVID-19 vaccination card. (CDC)

According to St. Cecilia’s website, “SCMC requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMS venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert … Home tests are not accepted. All patrons are required to wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building, throughout the concert.”

A recent concert visit by another WKTV writer found the protocol process fairly quick and easy — a quick ID and copy of proof of vaccination from his phone.

Full descriptions of policies and requirements for attendees of St. Cecilia’s concerts can be found on their website, scmc-online.org/.

“The COVID policy we have in place is for all concerts,” said Holbrook. “Most artists are requiring these protocols, but SCMC as a venue has also adopted these for the presenting series concerts so that they do not change from concert to concert and provides the audience a consistent message (of) what is required to attend a concert.”

When asked about the response to SCMC’s requirements, Holbrook said, “While we know that there is no magic formula, we are finding that many people say this policy gave them a comfort level that it was a safe environment to come enjoy live music again.”

Grand Rapids Ballet, another West Michigan entertainment mainstay and modest-sized venue, has also returned to live, in-person performances while implementing COVID protocols in an effort to protect both patrons and performers.

A scene from a previous season work by the Grand Rapids Ballet. (GR Ballet)

“The health and safety of our staff, patrons, and community remain our highest priority,” Jessica Meldrum, marketing director for Grand Rapids Ballet, said. “To create the safest environment possible while attending our performances, we require individuals 12 years old and older to provide proof of fully vaccinated status OR a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of performance. Unvaccinated guests 11 years of age and younger will not be required to provide negative test results. All guests are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose while attending performances.

“Our leaders continue monitoring the COVID environment and will update policies, if necessary, adhering to the appropriate procedures as required by local health departments,” she said.

A complete overview of GRB’s safety policies can be found online at grballet.com/safety/.

Larger venues have own policies

Some venues may not have vaccination or face mask requirements but enforce safety protocols and requirements set by the visiting organizations, artists and performers.

Hilarie Carpenter, director of marketing for ASM Global – Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall, told WKTV that “some organizers may have requirements in place for their particular event.”

When asked about specific requirements of VanAndel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall, Carpenter replied, “We are following all protocols as required by the government, public health officials and event organizers. At this time, venues do not have a COVID vaccination/testing or face mask requirement. … Face masks are strongly encouraged for those events that do not require them.”

Carpenter encourages guests to check the event pages for each venue frequently for information on upcoming events and updates as they occur.

Event pages:

Van Andel Arena Events: https://www.vanandelarena.com/events

DeVos Performance Hall Events: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/events

DeVos Place Events: https://www.devosplace.org/events

Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall have also implemented an environmental hygiene program called VenueShield.

“This program includes HVAC air filtration upgrades, facility enhancements to reduce touchpoints, increased sanitization and more,” Carpenter said.

More details on VenueShield can also be found on each venue’s website:

DeVos Place: https://www.devosplace.org/p/about1/venueshield

Van Andel Arena: https://www.vanandelarena.com/p/visit/venueshield

DeVos Performance Hall: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/p/visit/venueshield

Grand Rapids Symphony is one of those local organizations which play at DeVos Performance Hall.

 

A previous season concert by the Grand Rapids Symphony at the DeVos Performance Hall. (GR Symphony)

Director of Communications for Grand Rapids Symphony Holly Okonoski said, “We have followed the guidelines of the CDC, and health department recommendations. Also, the major users of DeVos Performance Hall came together to agree on a unified set of protocols for consistency and solidarity for our audiences.”

Okonoski said the protocols for each performance are the same across the board, offering consistency for patrons. A complete outline of GR Symphony’s health and safety protocols can be found at grsymphony.org/health-and-safety.

When asked Okonoski what she would like community members to know as they look to Grand Rapids Symphony for artistic entertainment, she said, “We care very much about the health and safety of our patrons, orchestra and staff, and have implemented these safety protocols to help keep live music available for everyone.”

Y program helps lift weights – both physical and mental – for those who are cancer survivors

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“Let’s get the lighter weights,” said Tami Groothuis to her exercise partner Ruth Veenstra.

Tami Groothuis went from being a Livestrong participant to a certified instructor. (WKTV)

The two disappear into another room for a couple of minutes returning with blue hand weights and from there Groothuis starts leading the two through some arm strengthening exercises.

The exercises are what you would expect from an exercise class, bicep curls and tricep extensions. Except this isn’t a regular exercise class, but one designed specifically for adult cancer survivors.

 

The Livestrong program, offered by the Y, is an evidence-based physical activity and well-being program. During the 12-week program, participants spend 75 minutes twice a week on cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises under the guidance of YMCA-certified instructors.

For Groothuis, the program became just what she needed to help overcome her cancer diagnosis.

“I feel as if certain doors are open at certain times,” Groothuis and it was certainly the case when it came to discovering the Livestrong program. It was eight years ago, when Groothuis received her first diagnosis of breast cancer.

“I had felt something in my breast and thought that just doesn’t feel right,” she said. A registered nurse, Groothuis decided to get the suspicious lumps checked out and her suspicions were confirmed, they were cancer.

Even with the diagnosis, things were looking good since the cancer had been caught early and could be removed, which it was. But even before starting treatment, Groothuis knew that the surgery and the treatments were going to have an impact on the very active Groothuis who use to run with friends before work, teach a cycling class and had even competed in a few triathlons.

 

A longtime Y member — “I have friends at about every location,” she said with a laugh — Groothuis happened to pick up a brochure about the Livestrong program. She knew she had found an answer in how to keep active.

Livestrong instructor Tami Groothuis leads participant Ruth Veenstra through some exercises. (WKTV)

“It really helped me as I was going through treatment, said Groothuis, who was one of a few people who could participate in the program during her treatment process. Most participants join after their radiation and chemotherapy have been completed. Medical clearance from a physician is required and participants also receive fitness and quality of life assessments before they begin the program.

“Being with other people who were going through what I was going through and having instructors who understood our realities added a whole new and beautiful dimension to group exercise,” she said.

 

Groothuis found the program so rewarding that she decided to become a certified Livestrong instructor, which she accomplished in 2020.

 

“Coaching is a way for me to give back to other people while feeling productive,” Groothuis said. “”It really has become a pay-it-forward.”

 

It also has been an anchor in helping Groothuis face her second cancer diagnosis in 2020.

 

“We spend time talking about what we are facing and often, I’ll say lets walk and talk,” she said. “We do the exercises, sharing our stories and knowing that we are not alone.”

Groothuis was only able to teach a few classes before the COVID pandemic shut down the Ys in 2020. As places reopened, including all the Y facilities, the Livestrong program has been re-started at all the Ys. Groothuis said she hopes others who are on the cancer journey will take advantage of the opportunity to lift weights, both mental and physical.

“I know I was afraid that I wouldn’t feel like doing anything after treatment,” Groothuis said. “It was thrilling to be able to engage with people while doing something to improve my health.”

To learn more about the Livestrong program, click here.

Pine Rest’s new 12-bed residential unit designed to help with growing substance abuse disorder

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Dr. Cameron Risma, medical director, outpatient addiction services, talks about the new Birch Lodge Substance Use Disorder Residential Unit. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The gray building tucked neatly on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services does not appear to be anything unique, but what it offers to those with a substance use disorder is a bridge from addiction to normal life.

This week, Pine Rest officials celebrated the opening of its first independent substance use disorder residential unit, Birch Lodge, located on its main campus just off of 68th Street.

The 12-bedroom facility original served as Pine Rest’s detox center, which had been moved to be with its substance use disorder residential program.

“What was happening is people who were coming in for detox were not really ready to hear about resources such as AAA or exercising,” said Dr. Talal Khan, the medical director, outpatient and recovery services, for Pine Rest. “What this does is provide a bridge between acute care and life, offering a smoother transition into life and its activities.’

Those in the Pine Rest substance use disorder program may move to the step-down program at the Birch Lodge Residential Unit after completing detox. Residents may stay up to 30 days but the facility’s short-term stay is expected to be seven to 10 nights. The facility includes a living room, dining room and kitchen, double occupancy bedrooms, a class room, exercise area, and offices.

“We will be having dinner together which for some will be a challenge in having dinner without having a drink,” said the Clinic Manager Lisa Zwerk, RN.

The patients at the Birch Lodge residential facility will participate in group therapy, spiritual reflection, case management sessions, technology time, fitness time, and recover support meetings. Patients also will be attending outings to Griffins and Whitecap games along with visiting local restaurants to learn about their triggers and how to plan for them, Zwerk said, adding the group also will visit community-peer led sober support programs as well to learn about resources that are available to them.

 

Khan said it takes time for medications to stabilize and relearn daily activities which is something that the facility offers versus residents going straight from acute care right back into daily life.

“When you have a substance use disorder, you burn a lot of bridges in the process,” Khan said. “Mending those bridges takes time.”

The new unit will expand Pine Rest’s use disorder services from 14 to 26 beds with Pine Rest officials estimating the organization will be able to treat up to 400 additional patients each year through the Birch Lodge Resident Unit.

The Birch Lodge Residential Unit includes double occupancy bedrooms, a living area and an exercise room. (WKTV)

Substance use disorder is a broad term that covers what used to be called substance abuse and substance dependence. The term can be applied to most additions, drug and alcohol as well as gambling, internet addiction, sex and others. According to Zwerk, the residential program has handled about 70 percent alcohol-related dependencies and about 30 percent have been drug related. The need for substance use disorder support has continued to grow with it being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Khan, there has been 30 percent increase in substance use disorder since the start of the pandemic. The number of people who seek treatment remains at about 10 percent, he said.

Zwerk noted that patients who move on from the Birch Lodge will be able to work with the same professional providers and clinicians as they move on through each level of care.

 

“So a person who has been discharged from the residential program may continue to meet with the same doctors and clinicians they worked with here in outpatient care,” she said, adding that the program is designed for people of all income levels.

 

The Birch Lodge Resident Unit officially opened on Tuesday accepting its first patients that day.

For more about the Birch Lodge residential program or the services available at Pine Rest, visit the organization’s website. 

Senior Living: Healthy aging in the New Year

3-bottom, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Yoga is just one of the classes offered through Eaglecrest Healthy Agining, which is part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. (pxhere.com)

Are you looking for ways to become or stay active in the new year? Don’t know where to start? Eaglecrest Healthy Aging — part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan — may be the right fit for you. Their motto is “Start where you are! Use what you have! Do what you can!” There is no pressure to jump into the highest level, instructors have modifications throughout the programming and can meet you where you are. They like to say, “You do You”.

 

In the new year, Eaglecrest Healthy Aging has expanded its suite of programming to include more specialized classes. The SISU Seated class will give folks just beginning to exercise, or those recovering from illness or injury, a place to start. Yoga, EnhanceFitness, Tai Chi, Boom Muscle, and Silver Sneakers Circuit are other classes that will help build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Eaglecrest Healthy Aging programs are designed specifically for older adults. They are dedicated to helping older adults stay active and independent, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. As people get older the chance of suffering a fall increases. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Incorporating a balance and exercise program can help build up a body’s flexibility and strength.

The Eaglecrest Healthy Aging classes come to you via Zoom. Want to try it without making a commitment? Interested participants can try all the live classes virtually for a week for free. Participants can meet the team of certified instructors and see the class format before committing to buying a package. There is no cost for SilverSneakers or Silver & Fit insurance members.

  

As an Eaglecrest Healthy Aging member, participants also gain access to its wide library of videos, so you can fit your workouts into your schedule. The revamped virtual class schedule just launched on Jan. 3.

To sign up for your free week or to learn about membership and view the latest class calendar, visit www.aaawm.org/HA. You may also email healthyaging@aaawm.org, or call 616-588-2580.

Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

City of Wyoming, Health, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A University of Michigan Health – West staff person shows her vaccine record. (Supplied)

University of Michigan Health-West is partnering with three other organizations to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to residents on Martin Luther King Jr .Day which is Monday, Jan. 17.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m .at Brown-Hutcherson Ministries, 618 Jefferson Ave. SE.

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAH, an organization devoted to achieving healthcare parity for African Americans, is leading the coordination and public awareness efforts for this event. UMHW healthcare professionals will be providing vaccination services. Brown-Hutcherson Ministries has provided the space to host the event and the Grand Rapids MLK Community Worship Celebration Committee is providing the marketing support.

The goal of the event is to increase the vaccination rate among African Americans while building greater awareness about the positive impact of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Residents five-years-old and up can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the event. To pre-register online click on this link or walk in and register on-site the day of the event. COVID safety protocols will be enforced including mask mandates and social distancing.

To learn more about this event, visit the GRAAH website.

Kentwood’s 62-B District Court now offering innovative kiosk, distance payment system

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Kentwood’s 62-B court’s touch-screen kiosk, among other uses, allows individuals to check-in for court remotely and receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the courtroom. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has announced that the city’s 62-B District Court is now offering a new — and innovative — service kiosk to “maintain public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide better access to court services.”

The touch-screen kiosk is the first of its kind in Kent County that allows individuals to check-in for court remotely and receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the courtroom, according to the announcement.

Individuals can make payments online by scanning the QR code located on signage in front of the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. (Supplied)

Individuals can also visit the kiosk during business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, to make payments or place court documents in a secure drop box.

Additionally, individuals can make payments online by visiting here or scanning the QR code located on signage in front of the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE.

“We are proud to be the first court in the county to offer this safe, innovative and convenient option for the community,” 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “The kiosk allows individuals to safely conduct business with the court, which is particularly important during the current surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduces time spent waiting in line or going through security protocols to enter the facility.”

In addition to English, the kiosk’s software offers five other languages to serve the diverse Kentwood community: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Kinyarwanda, Korean and Spanish.

The system has been operational since late December 2021 and was purchased by the court using federal pandemic support Cares Act funds.

According to the announcement, “The 62-B District Court strives to earn the public’s trust and confidence by providing a fair and just forum for the resolution of civil and criminal disputes, providing services in a professional, timely and efficient manner with respect and courtesy, educating and providing services in an understandable and user-friendly fashion, being accountable for the resources invested in the court and recognizing the changing needs of the judicial system and the people it serves.”

For more information on the new system contact Court Administrator Michele White at 616-554-0715 or whitem@kentwood.us.

Kent County offers free radon test kits in January for National Radon Action Month

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The Kent County Health Department, responding to the month of January being National Radon Action Month, have a supply free radon test kits available to residents … while supplies last. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department recently announced that during the month of January — National Radon Action Month — county residents can gain free radon test kits while supplies last. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading month-long the public information effort.

“You cannot see, smell, or taste radon but the radioactive gas can kill,” the county announcement stated. “Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.”

Radon-caused lung cancer kills more than 20,000 Americans every year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

“Testing for radon is an easy and important step in protecting the health of your family,” Rusty Flewilling, Supervising Sanitarian with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). said in supplied material. “The kit is easy to use. Simply hang a filter inside your house for a few days, then send it in a self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope for testing.”

The KCHD recommends that all homes be tested for radon every few years. Testing kits are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the KCHD’s main clinic location at 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.

Test results will be sent to residents and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. People can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and the State gains a better understanding of the prevalence of radon in Michigan.

For help understanding the test results, residents should contact the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.

Radon occurs naturally in the ground and seeps into buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation of floors and walls. It occurs in both new and old homes. The EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a map of risk zones for the United States which can be viewed by clicking here. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.

The KCHD podcast “A Matter of Public Health” recorded two episodes dedicated to educating people about the issue. In the first episode, residents will learn what radon is, how prevalent it is in Michigan, and how often testing should be done in homes.

In the second episode, the discussion focuses on how to get rid of the radon, how to select a contractor, and how to avoid getting ripped off by unscrupulous contractors. Guests include KCHD subject matter experts, Michigan’s top radon expert, the President of the National Radon Safety Board, and the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan.

For a link to the podcasts and more information visit here.



County public works’ GR center offers electronics recycling, ‘SafeChem’ drop-off — and new swap shop in multiple locations

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The opening of the Kent County Department of Public Works’ Grand Rapids administrative offices, including a SafeChem Swap Shop, on Wealthy Street Jan. 6. Addressing the crowd were, from left at podium, were Cynthia Janes, vice-chair of the Board of Public Works; Emily Brieve, Kent County commissioner; and Dar Baas, DPW director. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Operating by the often-used “3-Rs” recycling slogan of “reduce, reuse, recycle”, Kent County Department of Public Works opened its new Grand Rapids administrative offices on Wealthy Street Jan. 6 — a facility that also includes a soon-to-open recycling center, an education center, an electronics drop-off station and not only a SafeChem drop-of station but also a “SafeChem Swap Shop”.

Maybe it should be 4-Rs, with “reimagine” added to the slogan.

Continuing its efforts exemplified by its slogan “Reimagine Trash”, with the county’s Department of Public Works  (DPW) website actually being reimaginetrash.org, Kent County officials and DPW leaders held a facility ribbon cutting Jan. 6 to officially open the facility, with its returning and new offerings.

“The new administration center brings our team together and makes it easier for the community to connect with our department and services,” Dar Baas, DPW director, said in supplied material. “The facilities are designed to foster collaboration.”

And that collaboration is exemplified by the new dual SafeChem operations.

The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off cleaning chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)

“The SafeChem Drop-off station and Swap Shop are a real asset for our community,” Baas said. “Not only do they keep hazardous materials out of area landfills and the environment, they also provide people free products to avoid them being discarded in the first place.”

The “drop and shop” operation is offered all five of the county-managed chemical drop-off locations, including ones in the Kentwood and Wyoming area.

The Wealthy Street Recycling and Administration Center located at 1045 Wealthy St. SW, adjacent to the Recycling and Education Facility, the SafeChem Drop-off station, SafeChem Swap Shop and electronics recycling services. The DPW offices were previously co-located with the Kent County Road Commission on Scribner Avenue and the property was sold in 2021.

All of Kent County’s SafeChem stations — there are several, with varying days and hours, including one each in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming —  allow residents to drop off household waste like cleaners, garden or garage products. The Wealthy Street location also includes a Swap Shop where products that are in good condition can be offered at no cost.

(The reopening the residential recycling drop-off station on Wealthy Street, which has been closed during construction, will be announced soon on reimaginetrash.org, according to a DPQ statement.)

For more information on the DPW’s SafeChem program, visit here.

Also opening last week, on Jan. 8, at the Wealthy Street location, was its electronics drop-off station, planned to be open for drop-off during the same year-round operational hours as our SafeChem household hazardous waste drop-off and SafeChem Swap Shop. (For more information on the list of electronics accepted for recycling at DPW facilities, as well as other local electronics recycling locations, visit here.)

Kentwood, Wyoming, Byron SafeChem site information

According to the Kent County DPW website, the Kentwood location is 5068 Breton SE, Kentwood, with days and hours November-March, Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m., and April-October, Tuesdays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off automotive chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)

The Kentwood SafeChem site remained open after the closure of the city’s satellite recycling-drop off.

“A special thank you to City of Kentwood for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Kentwood for hosting this SafeChem collection site.”

The Wyoming area location is 2350 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, with it open Mondays, 1-3 p.m., and Thursdays 7-9 a.m.

“A special thank you to City of Wyoming for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Wyoming for not only hosting this SafeChem collection site but for staffing the SafeChem collections.”

The Byron Center location is 10300 South Kent Dr. SW, with its days and hours being November-March, Mondays, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and April-October, Mondays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Tiger at John Ball Zoo doing better, Artemis still on the loose

3-bottom, Environment, Health, Recreation, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Nika, the Amur tiger at John Ball Zoo, is reported doing much better after testing positive for COVID. (Supplied)

The John Ball Zoo had good news today in that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger, Nika, is doing well after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Nika continues to do well and has been symptom free since approximately five to seven days after her initial presentation,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian. “No other animals at John Ball Zoo have shown signs of or tested positive.”

In December, John Ball Zoo announced that the Amur tiger had COVID. It is believed that a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team exposure the tiger to COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been worldwide reports of animals being infected with COVID by humans. At this time, it is believed that the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.

People can spread COVID to companion animals such as dogs and cats. At zoos and sanctuaries, several types of big cats, otters, non-human primates, and hyenas have been reported being infected. Also white-tail deer in several U.S. States have been reported as being infected as well.

According to John Ball Zoo, Ryan and his teams have now successful administer vaccinations to many animals at the zoo who are considered high risk of COVID infection as well as continue to monitor Nika for viral shedding.

Still on the hunt

Blandford Nature Center continues to search for its missing Bobcat, Artemis.

Artemis, the female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Artemis escaped from the Department of Natural Resources’ approved enclosure on Dec. 31. Her brother, Apollo, had escaped earlier in December but was captured in a live trap by a neighbor and returned to Blandford on Dec. 20.

“We know our community’s been eager to hear good news about our missing bobcat, Artemis,” it states on the Blandford Nature Center Facebook page. “We want to thank everyone who has contracted us with sightings and leads on her location or reached out with kind words, we are so appreciative of the help we have received so far.

“We are sad to report there are no new developments at this time, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to find her and bring her home safely.

According to Blandford’s wildlife staff, Artemis has been on Blandford’s property in the past few days and has been spotted by Blandford trail cams. Blandford has received several reported sightings near or on its property which gives staff reason to believe she won’t be traveling far and are hoping to catch her in one of the many live traps that are being placed on Blandford’s property.

Blandford Nature Center got the sister and brother bobcats in the fall. The cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed by a car. Because they did not receive the survival training from their mother, it was determined by registered wildlife rehabiliators that the cubs would not be able to survive in the wild.

Apollo, the male bobcat, at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Blandford had an existing bobcat enclosure that was built for two but only housed its former bobcat, Bob, who died in 2020. The cubs were placed with Blandford.

Bobcats are solitary. Their prey is usually rabbits. rodents or similar in size small animals. According to Blandford, due to Artemis’s age and size, that of a large house cat, she is unlikely to be a threat to humans or most animals. The main concern is for her safety.

If a resident does spot Artemis, they should not approach her but should call the Grand Rapids Police Department’s non-emergency number, 616-456-3400. The GRPD will notify Blandford. The social media and phones at Blandford are not monitored 24/7 which is why residents should contact the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Apollo is currently being housed at the John Ball Zoo where he is doing fine. According to the Facebook announcement, Blandford’s bobcat enclosure is scheduled to have more reinforcements made next week.

In Love and Health: Keep your New Year’s Resolutions

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Recreation, ,

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year resolutions this year? Many of us did. And most of us have failed to keep them in years past. In one study, 77% of people kept their resolutions for 1 week but by the end of two years, only 19% were still going strong— and 53% reported slipping up at least once. Yes, it can be difficult to stick to your resolutions.

 

To keep yourself really focused on your goals, take time to quietly imagine how you will feel when you achieve them – and hold on to that feeling. If you Google, “keeping New Year’s resolutions,” you’ll find lots of good advice. For example, CNN Health shared these five tips for keeping your resolutions, based on the book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

  1. Make a cue-based plan. For example, instead of generalizing that you will exercise, plan a time each day when you will exercise and have your electronic calendar remind you to do it. Or, if you want to eat healthier, plan a weekly menu and make a shopping list to support it.
  2. Give yourself a fine. Make a deal with yourself, a friend, or a charity, that every time you slip up, you will pay them a designated amount of cash. Psychologically speaking, it seems penalties can be pretty motivating.
  3. Make it fun. Watch your favorite TV show only when you work out. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink when you buckle down and learn that new subject or listen to your favorite tunes organize the house. 
  4. Give yourself a few “Get out of Jail Free” passes. If you miss a day at the gym or gorge on chocolate cake one night,  give yourself a pass and get back on the wagon.
  5. Find an encouraging friend. Including a friend on your journey keeps you more accountable. Also, they might have some wisdom for you as you seek to achieve your goals, and vice versa.

     

Whatever your 2022 New Year resolutions are, another good way to achieve them is to choose health in every choice you make. Even if your resolutions have nothing to do with physical health, being active, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support you in every other area of your life. So does keeping your spine healthy. Regular chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain that can discourage you from meeting your goals but keeps your whole body humming in tune.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

Leaders of Kent County Board of Commissioners look back on 2021, forward to new year

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The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

As the outgoing chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners looked back on a list of the county’s 2021 accomplishments — not the least of which was being a key partner in the West Michigan’s efforts to battle the pandemic — the board selected new leaders to begin 2022.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously selected Stan Stek (District 6) as chair and Emily Brieve (District 10) as vice-chair during a Monday, Jan. 3, organizational meeting. Stek, who had served as vice-chair, takes over as chair from Mandy Bolter.

As incoming vice-chair, Brieve will lead the Legislative and Human Services Committee.  Commissioner Diane Jones (District 4) will continue to serve in her role as chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee.

Kent County Board of Commissioner Chair Stan Stek. (Supplied)

“It is truly an honor to be chosen to lead this Board,” Stek said in supply material. “I look forward to working together to maintain our strong fiscal position, improve residents’ quality of life, enhance the overall delivery of services, and ensure continued economic growth for the region.”

And, in a statement from the county detailing some of the board’s 2021 accomplishments, the wide-ranging duties and efforts of the county board were detailed.

Financially, the board late last year approved a balanced 2022 budget of $527 million, including $454.8 million for operating expenditures, of which $16.7 million will be capital improvements. It also maintained maintained its dual AAA bond rating from S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service — for the 23rd consecutive year.

The county also was a key player in the local effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to distribute federal funds meant to do the same.

The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, created in response to the need to vaccinate as many people as possible, saw Kent County, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Spectrum Health develop one of the largest vaccination clinics in the country at DeVos Place — with more than 231,000 COVID-19 vaccinations administered between January and May 2021.

In addition, the county Health Department added three new mobile health units in 2021. These self- contained mobile health facilities have been used extensively to target vulnerable populations in the administration of COVID-19 and other vaccinations, HIV testing, and community outreach. To date, more than 1,000 county residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics supported by these units, according to supplied material.

 

Kent County Commissioner Mandy Bolter. (Supplied)

“Despite the various pressures placed on public services this past year, our Board and staff were dedicated to continuing to provide excellent service to our community,” Bolter said in supplied material. “While we continued to meet the challenges of the pandemic, we also maintained a strong focus on meeting the needs of continued economic growth.”

Other stated accomplishments, according to the county statement, included expansion and bonding of The Gerald R. Ford International Airport; the hiring of the county’s first Chief Inclusion Officer “to underscore our commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our strategic priorities and service delivery”; and establishing three new “issue-focused” subcommittees (Broadband, Judicial Resources and Veterans Millage Review).

The county also funded county Sheriff’s Office cruiser and deputy body cameras, and secured an expansion of the Chief Hazy Cloud Park into a 395-acre natural preserve along the Grand River and allow for future trail expansion to connect multiple communities.

Incoming leadership has long local history

Stek, whose District 6 includes the city of Walker and part of the city of Grand Rapids, was first elected to the commission in 2014. He is an attorney at Miller Canfield and, according to supplied material, has a long history of serving his community on various boards and committees.

Among his current and past work is serving on the Crisis Center Task Force, Dedicated Millage Committee, Kent County Community Action Board, Kent County Workforce Development Board, Lakeshore Regional Entity, Millennium Park Advisory Board, Michigan Works!, Network 180, Senior Millage Allocation Board, Substance Use Disorder Oversight Board, and Walker Citizens Advisory Committee.

 

Kent County Board of Commissioners vice-chair Emily Brieve. (Supplied)

Brieve, whose District 10 includes Gaines Township and part of Caledonia Township, has served in the board since 2014. She works for her family’s small business, FastoolNow.com.

She currently chairs the Board of Public Works and Community Health Advisory committees and is a member of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and West Michigan Sports Commission.

The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are represented on the county board by Stan Ponstein (District 7), Dan Burrill (District 8), Matt Kallman (District 9), Monica Sparks (District 12), and Michelle McCloud (District 13). For complete information on the members of the board, and the areas they represent, visit here.

“We have a strong Board and an incredible community, and we are committed to supporting the prosperity of our businesses and residents,” Stek said. “We look forward to tackling the challenges ahead with fiscal responsibility, innovation, and collaboration.”

 

Financial Perspective: Dental hygiene stretches beyond just a smile

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Pxhere.com

As teeth are one of the busiest organs of the human body, they need to be taken care of with utmost priority. Our recklessness often neglects our oral health (dental health) in eating habits and hygiene routines. Our overall well-being is dependent upon our dental hygiene. A single shred of bacteria can set our whole body in pain and jeopardy as many organs get affected by the bacteria deposits in our teeth.

The matter of dental health includes the overall condition of our gums, salivary glands, lips, tongue, ligaments, and mouth tissues, and chewing muscles. It means being free of ceaseless oral-facial torment conditions, oral and pharyngeal (throat) tumors, oral delicate tissue injuries, and craniofacial tissues, all in all, known as the craniofacial complex.

Dental care is neglected at a very early age, due to which the dental health deteriorates on the arrival of adulthood and mostly in old age. Today, many senior citizens in the US are facing oral health-related problems that affect their overall health. There are ample medical outlets that provide dental care for senior citizens at cost or free throughout the country.

Importance of Dental Health

More often than youngsters, senior citizens fall into the trap of oral health malfunctioning. This is because, after retirement, they find it difficult and unnecessary to avail themselves of dental care facilities and checkups. Secondly, they often have inadequate and unbalanced appetites due to soreness, and tooth loss is inevitable. This minor health negligence can be a driving force behind many other chronic dental and overall health issues.

Good dental health influences the overall health and well-being of a person. Painful cavities and bleeding gums are signs of deteriorating dental and overall health. Children need to be guided about the significance of oral hygiene so that they do not face chronic tooth decay or tooth loss at the slight onset of old age from an early age. Recent reports indicate a relationship between strokes, cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, and periodontal diseases with dental health.

The tooth diseases start at the onset of plaques, which accumulate in the teeth if they are not cleaned properly. This gives birth to bacteria that can be harmful to the whole body’s functioning, as this bacterium runs through the bloodstream to different organs of the body such as the heart or lungs. This bacterium becomes a hard base gathered at the base of teeth, inflaming the gums and causing painful swelling and bleeding. Daily brushing is necessary for oral hygiene; otherwise, these bacteria thicken into black substances such as tartar and cause multiple infections.

Another reason why you should take care of teeth is because it can cause cavities in the mouth, resulting in holes in the tooth structure. Cavities can rot the teeth at an early age; thus, one entirely becomes toothless by old age. So, if you want to possess some teeth as you age, the observance of dental health is a must.

Studies have also indicated a link between diabetes and tooth infections. Diabetic conditions are more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum infections, and cavities. This further puts a person’s overall health at risk.

Some tips to enhance your Dental Health 

  • It is advisable to brush your teeth twice every day with nutrient-rich toothpaste, like fluoride-containing toothpaste.
  • Flossing can prevent the accumulation of bacteria or any food leftover; thus, it can be done at home or done at a dental clinic.
  • The best practice to keep your teeth healthy is to visit the dentist once a week or twice a month. Dental checkups can be very beneficial as the dentist can advise on the onset of any medical condition or provide counseling on preventive measures.
  • Diabetic patients must immediately visit the dentist if they feel a slight ache, swelling, or bleeding in the gums.

Facilities by Government

In the U.S., the government has devised free medical health, dental, and insurance plans for senior government agencies through which clinics, charities, and non-profit organizations offer extensive medical and dental care. These dental and medical care facilities are free of cost and quality assured, with special attention paid to senior citizens’ health.

The senior citizens can apply for government-funded health programs that suit their medical conditions: a renowned government-owned free health and dental organization. Medicare provides assistance in dental care for senior citizens.

The public medical care service is like a free health insurance plan with comprehensive and extensive medical and dental facilities and allowances. The U.S. government founded it in 1965. This program is for senior citizens, youngsters, and other patients with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The senior citizens can enroll in this program and apply for Medicare medical and dental facilities for 50% and above provisions.

Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a database of specialists and doctors who act as consultants. They also assist senior citizens in understanding the importance of medical care, dental health,insurance plans, and billing processes. Many other such plans can be of great assistance to senior citizens.

Apart from this, every county’s dental association can provide accessible dental care facilities, dental checkups, and dental medicines to the enrollees.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Migrant Legal Aid supports migrant agricultural workers, educates community — before, during and after pandemic

3-bottom, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Local Business, Local Food, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, ,
Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

West Michigan has a thriving agricultural economy with miles of apples and other crops that often need to be picked by hand each fall. Thousands of migrant workers travel to Michigan each year to harvest these crops for local farmers and growers, filling approximately 100 migrant camps to capacity in Kent County.

With that influx of workers and nomad-style workforce, issues can and often do occur — not the least of which was dealing with the recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Local non-profit Migrant Legal Aid has been an advocate for those workers, their health and their rights, for many years, and they continued to do so in 2021.

MLA defines a migrant worker as a person who lives and works at the same place and travels seasonally according to which crops are in season. Due to poverty, language barriers, and discrimination, seasonal workers often find it hard to protect their basic human rights and dignity. This is where Migrant Legal Aid say they step in.

Many migrant workers come from such severe poverty that when they are treated unfairly, most don’t speak up, Molly Spaak, attorney for MLA, said to WKTV. “Culturally, they say they can’t complain. They don’t realize they have a voice … There is also a definite fear of deportation if they come forward.”

Problems and solutions

Undocumented workers make up approximately 50 percent of the agricultural work force. Because of this, there is anxiety among the workers that deportation would occur if they come forward when treated unfairly. A way to eliminate this apprehension is found in case law.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

“MLA has good case law that protects undocumented folks from irrelevant immigration questions and retaliation in the workplace,” Spaak said. “This helps them feel more comfortable coming forward with their concerns.”

Young children have often been found in the fields with their parents, helping to harvest the crops so their parents meet the daily quota mandated by the growers.

“Child labor laws absolutely apply to migrant workers and their families,” said Spaak when asked if Michigan law extended to seasonal workers. “There are now migrant daycares and Head Start programs parents can utilize. These are free to the families. Because of this, there has been a drastic decrease of children in the fields.”

Migrant Legal Aid also provides help for those suffering from domestic violence.

“The Hispanic community is very patriarchal,” said Spaak. “Because of this, DV (domestic violence) cases are always popular.”

MLA offers special visas for victims who come forward. These visas help in many ways, providing social security numbers to the victims so they have the opportunity for steady work among them.

“This gives women and men more justification and incentive to come forward,” Spaak said.

Communication, community awareness

Educating the migrant workers on their rights and the services Migrant Legal Aid offers is a daunting yet necessary task. MLA produces many social media campaigns, newsletters to the community, and press releases to the media in an effort to raise awareness.

However, there are still challenges.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

“Social media helps build community awareness, but not our clients’ awareness because our clients don’t always have access to social media like the general population,” said Spaak.

To develop this knowledge, MLA sends migrant advocates into camps two to three times a week during the summer and fall to pass out Migrant Legal Aid information and speak with the workers personally.

Over the past year, advocates also handed out information on COVID-19.

“Migrant housing is jam-packed with people with one kitchen and one shower—it’s impossible to social distance,” said Spaak. “New COVID-19 regulations are not always followed, and the migrant camps were a hot bed for Coronavirus. Even when the vaccines rolled out, myths about the vaccine stopped a lot of people from getting it because they were worried about what it might do to them. We had to dispel those myths.”

Though MLA does have cases of mistreatment that require court appearances, Spaak said that many issues “can be resolved extremely quickly by speaking with the growers. A lot if it is communication and language issues with the workers.”

Migrant Legal Aid works hard to educate the community about migrant workers’ needs and situations but still needs help from the public. Being a self-funded organization, MLA relies on grants, private party donations, and fundraisers to subsidize their work. Two of their largest fundraisers are annual events — Cup of Justice, a golf outing in the spring, and Harvest of Justice, a luncheon in the fall.

While seeing so many cases of injustice against migrant workers is emotionally hard on the MLA attorneys and advocates, personal migrant success stories give them hope.

“Rene Rodriguez was a migrant worker from several years ago. His parents emigrated to the United States and were a farm worker family,” said Spaak.

Rodriguez went to school, worked hard, and became a professional website designer and marketing designer.

“We (MLA) bought several photographs from him that are now hanging in this office,” Spaak said of Rodriguez. “Rene also helps us with marketing, brochures, and photos.”

To find out more about Migrant Legal Aid and how you can help MLA protect migrant workers’ legal rights, visit here.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

West Michigan restaurant beats the odds by opening, thriving in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic

3-bottom, Beer, Community Health, Food, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, ,
The interior of Condado Tacos in Grand Rapids (in good weather there is also an outdoor space). (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

While launching a new restaurant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic may seem daunting, in West Michigan and really anywhere, Condado Tacos location on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids proved it could be done, and done in an artful way.

Like its menu, which they say is “adaptable to every diet,” Condado Tacos just had to be adaptable to Grand Rapids ever-shifting pandemic landscape — and health regulations. But Condado Tacos opening in February of 2021, during one of the pandemic’s surges, did present unique challenges for staff as they worked to get boots on the ground in West Michigan.

Tina Femeyer, general manager of the Condado Tacos Grand Rapids location, looked back on the restaurant’s first year and told WKTV that she was originally supposed to begin work the week of the Michigan statewide shut down in early 2020.

Tina Femeyer, local general manager of Condado Tacos. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

“Everything got pushed back 6 to 8 weeks,” Femeyer said. “I ended up training in the Royal Oak location for four months, but they were only doing carry-out. I had to completely re-train for dine-in once things opened back up.”

Founded in 2014, Condado Tacos currently has 20 locations in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. But they were committed to Grand Rapids.

“We were not certain if we were going to open at that time,” Karen Reed, Director of Off Premise Sales, said to WKTV. “There were some slight delays on parts (supply chain issues) and acquiring and confirming our liquor license were the two most challenging issues. Also, making certain we were in the position to combat and prevent COVID from spreading in the restaurant on a regular basis…It was a matter of doing whatever it would take, with a great commitment from our staff.”

And getting that staff together was high on the priority list.

Femeyer eventually moved to Grand Rapids in November of 2020 and began conducting in-person interviews.

One of the initial hires at Candado Tacos, Kentwood bartender Dan Voetberg, behind the bar. (Supplied)

“We knew we were opening at only fifty percent capacity but planned to hire full staff,” said Femeyer.

Conducting interviews while masked and socially distanced was a new experience for the general manager, but Femeyer said the process went smoothly.

Advance marketing and the use of the Indeed employment website for recruiting helped potential employees be aware of Condado Tacos and their entrance into the market.

“It appeared we had a bit of a following even prior to opening,” said Reed.

  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

The art of tacos, and a taco restaurant

As Condado Tacos planned its opening, also in the plans was showcasing local artists.

When asked what prompted the decision to make art a main feature of Condado, Femeyer said that it was always a vision of original founder Joe Kahn, and other executives of the corporation, to ensure art was a key component of each Condado store.

“The art ties back to the local community, creating a unique space that speaks to what the city is about while being consistent with menu and service,” said Femeyer. “Art is the backbone of what they (corporate) wanted to make each space.”

Femeyer also revealed that the art is the most time-sensitive part of the construction process, often beginning before heat, air conditioning, or plumbing are completed.

“They (the artists) truly are a part of the construction team,” Femeyer said. “They work all hours of the day and night after drywall is in place.”

While each store features artwork distinctive to the city’s artists, diners can also look for a variation of a gnome and ghost chilies at each location, creating a link of unity between each store.

Condado Tacos on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Condado Tacos is now at full capacity, though they do offer a patio with heaters for comfort, and also heaters stationed near the entrance to the restaurant in case people would like to enjoy a cocktail or wait for a table in a less populated space.

Condado’s success in Grand Rapids comes down to two things, Femeyer said.

“Great staff. They have all been unbelievably gracious and understanding that many things were out of our (management’s) control during opening. They were very adaptable.” Femeyer said. “I think the space really speaks to how people want to dine. They want a more light-hearted, ‘come as you are’ feel, which Condado Taco speaks to. It speaks to people of all walks of life.”

But Reed added that it doesn’t end there. “Our goal each shift and every day at our Grand Rapids Condado Tacos and all of our locations, is to be very consistent in our execution along with a focus on continual improvement daily.”

Grand Rapids will not be the last Michigan location for Condado Tacos. With three locations already open in the Detroit area at the time of the Bridge Street launch, Femeyer says Condado intends to continue expanding in Michigan, with plans already in place to open a store in Ann Arbor in early 2022.

Local faith, medical leaders rally behind healthcare workers, stress dark COVID days remain but will pass

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Religion, WKTV Projects, ,
The Rev. Khary Bridgewater and Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson, at left, led the Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers” and pandemic awareness gathering. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacts the lives of all Kent County residents regardless of race, ethnicity and faith — although current statistics make clear it impacts the unvaccinated to a more serious degree.

It is not surprising, therefore, that speakers at a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, attended by county clergy, the leaders of local hospital  networks, and Kent County officials, stressed three things: appreciation to frontline healthcare, the non-discriminatory nature of the virus, and the need to get vaccinated as an individual’s part in keeping themselves and their neighbors safe.

The prayer service was led by several local clergy. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“One of the realities that we are seeing — and I just came off the hospital floor — is the fact that there is not sector or section of this community that is not being affected by COVID,” Rev. Khary Bridgewater said to WKTV at the gathering at  Mercy Health Saint Mary’s downtown Grand Rapids. “Young. Old. Regardless of ethnicity. Regardless of creed … We are all in the same boat. We are all dealing with the same impact.

“Everyone is having the same sort of regrets as they struggle with this virus, particularly those at the end of life and they realize this was an avoidable situation. It doesn’t matter who you were when you get to a hospital bed. We are working very hard with every member of our community to stress the simple truth that COVID is dangerous.”

The gathering and prayer service was led by the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, formerly known as the Kent County COVID-19 Task Force). The gathering’s stated goal was to “stand with our front-line medical workers, hospital staff and public health officials, as well as their families, who are sacrificing daily to provide the care that our community needs.”

Leading the gathering was Rev. Bridgewater, facilitator of the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, and by his side was Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, who as been a leader of the group since its inception. The pandemic-aware gathering was limited to local media, a few other people, and several persons remaining in their cars in the parking lot location.

The gathering also highlighted numerous churches and faith-based organizations “coming together to raise community awareness of the current situation in our hospitals; issue a public statement of commitment; and pray and bless our health care personnel and their families.”

Among the local medical leaders present were Dr. Matt Biersack, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s; Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health; Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed; and Dr. Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer of University of Michigan Health-West.

“In this season of hope, when so many workers turn to their home, their families, their traditions, remember many healthcare workers will be working around the clock taking care of their patients,” Grifka said to the gathering. “That selfless spirt embodies what we celebrate this time of the year. I ask that no matter what your beliefs, please keep our healthcare workers in your hearts.”

At a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, Kent County clergy, leaders of local hospital  networks, and county officials gathered. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, according to supplied information, is a group of faith-based and non-profit community leaders that have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.

“Together, they have reduced the spread of COVID-19, provided space for church vaccination clinics and informed the community about the vaccine,” according to the supplied information. But in doing so, thy have also heard “the concerns of our hospitals who are beyond capacity and our health care professionals who are weary and overburdened.”

In response to the current pandemic situation, faith leaders from across the city and the county also pledged to eliminate all non-essential, indoor gatherings; restrict essential gatherings to less than 50 people per 2,000 square feet; require all attendees at indoor gatherings to wear a mask and abide by social distancing and COVID-19 hygiene; and — maybe most importantly — to encourage all members of our community to get COVID-19 vaccination and any appropriate booster shots.

Hospital COVID cases are mostly those not vaccinated, Omicron variant found in Kent County

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Omicron variant of COVID has been discovered in a person from Kent County. (pxhere.com)

On the heals of announcing that the Omicron variant has been detected in Kent County, the Kent County Health Department released some sobering COVID-19 statistics.

The positivity rate has been 20.5 percent for COVID with the average number of cases per day being 377 in the last seven days.

Currently there are 400 people hospitalized with COVID, of which 102 are in intensive care units. About 90 percent of those patients in ICU are not vaccinated.

There is some good news in that about 62 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated, which are people who are ages 5 and up, are fully vaccinated. About 67.2 percent of population that is eligible has received at least one dose. Also 128,859 boosters have been administered in Kent County.

Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London said the best way to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicorn variant is to be fully vaccinated and to get the booster shot.

“The identification of the Omicron variant is not unexpected,” London said. “We are fortunate that we have an effective, safe, and available vaccine that can protect us from this illness. We continue to urge people to get their vaccine and their boosters as soon as they are eligible.”

Early indicators suggest the Omicron variant causes milder COVID-19 than the Delta variant but seems to spread faster. The person identified with the Omicron variant is vaccinated but has not received a booster. However, according to KCHD officials, it is too early to determine precisely the severity of the disease caused by Omicron or if existing treatments will be as effective.

Other steps to take:

Get vaccinated against influenza

Stay home if you are sick

Wear a mask in public, indoor spaces, or crowded outdoors

Avoid large indoor gatherings

Wash your hands frequently

Get a COVID-19 test if you are exposed or are symptomatic

London also noted that the public health order on required facial coverings for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade would be in effect until Jan. 2, 2022. There are no plans at this time to extend the order.

“Vaccination appointments are readily available throughout the community,” London said. “And more importantly, school and legislative leaders have had ample time, with an awareness of the timeline and the relevant facts, to create long-term policies for COVID mitigation.”

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted vaccine authorization for children ages 5 to 11. Since vaccinations started being administered this age group, 26.8 percent of children in Kent County, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Working with school officials, the Health Department has developed a COVID-19 Precautions for Students flyer in both English and Spanish. A few tips from that flyer are:

Students with symptoms MUST stay home

Consider contacting your family doctor or scheduling a test

Practice healthy behaviors like social distancing, getting good sleep, eating well, and staying active.

 

For more information from the Kent County Health Department, visit www.accesskent.com/Health/. 

In love and health: Handling grief through the holidays

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

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

When a loved one dies, we experience a great amount of stress. Not only are hearts broken, but disruptions to daily routines and holiday celebrations can take a huge emotional toll. As one of the most common causes of stress, losing a dear friend, family member, or spouse can lead to serious illness, including depression.

 

Those suffering from a loss during the holidays should engage in practical self-care and tend to the essentials such as eating a well-balanced diet.
The lost of a love one can been difficult during the holidays. (Courtesy of Love and Health Chiropractics)

Stress from loss can show up as negative attitudes or feelings of being out of control. Headaches, neck pain and back pain are common among people who are grieving. So, chiropractic adjustment is one practical way to deal with the general stress as well as the physical manifestations of grief.

The Harvard Medical School Health blog’s “A Guide to Getting through Grief” counsels those mourning a loss to engage in practical self-care and “Tend to the essentials.” Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, veggies, lean proteins, and a daily multivitamin. Stay hydrated. Make sure to stay on your prescribed medications. And get plenty of sleep—grief can really tire you out. Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol as both can sabotage a good night’s sleep.

 

Even if you feel like a slug, try to do a little more exercise than usual. It will not only boost your energy levels but also ease depression, anxiety, and anger. Push yourself to take care of yourself each day. What would make you feel a little better? A funny movie, coffee with a friend, a phone conversation with a family member? If you were a caregiver of the person you lost, now is your chance to take care of you.

Because of the ongoing toll that COVID-19 is taking on us here in Michigan, don’t be surprised to find out that you are not alone in your grief. You might even want to join a grief support group. Many of the meet safely over virtual formats. The State of Michigan Family Center has put together this guide listing grief support by county. In addition, you can find a list of local church-based grief support groups here. Ele’s Place specifically helps children who are grieving. Local hospice organizations and mental health care providers can also help you walk through your grief.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers these “7 Things to Remember When Dealing with Loss.”

  • It won’t feel like this forever. 
  • You can handle it, even when you feel like you can’t.
  • Be gentle with yourself. 
  • Think in cycles, not lines. 
  • Your feelings are normal. 
  • Grief can beget meaning. 
  • You’re not alone.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

After weekend storm, Kent County Health Dept. offers a few safety reminders

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Food can last up to fours in a refrigerator that has no power. (pxhere.com)

This past weekend’s high winds that left thousands without power had the Kent County Health Department offering up tips on maintaining proper food safety and generator safety.

 

According to the Health Department, if properly prepared, most families could deal with the inconvenience of a few hours or even a couple of days without power. Having no power, means that most homes would be without refrigeration, running water and sanitary services. Depending on the season, homes may also not have heat.

The biggest reminder, which also came from Consumers Energy, is to never touch a down power line. If you are uncertain if the line down is a power line, call emergency services for help and treat it like a down power line.

Generators

Those who can will turn to generators to help power the home should remember not to operate a generator indoors as it does produce carbon monoxide, which can kill in minutes.

 

Because a generator can create 100 times more carbon monoxide gas than a car exhaust, extensive studies have been done into how far a generator should be placed from the home. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the non-fatal carbon monoxide poisonings reported during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons involved generators that were seven feet from the home. While it is recommended that generators be at least 15 feet at the home, studies have determined that may not be far enough as carbon monoxide will still enter the home. A generator should be placed as far away from the home as possible and away from any doors or windows.

To help check carbon monoxide levels in a home, make sure that the home’s carbon monoxide detector has been checked and is working properly. 

Refrigeration

Food will last up to four hours in a refrigerator and up to 24 hours in a half filled freezer and 40 hours for a full freezer. So if the power is out for a couple of hours, the food in the freezer will be safe to eat, according to the Health Department.

While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the food cold longer. If possible, have frozen ice packs ready in case you need to move food from the refrigerator to a cooler to keep it safe.

 

Refrigerated food needs to be at a temperature of 40 degrees or less and frozen food should be between 0 and -10 degrees. Keeping a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times to help you determine what the temperature of the unit is and if the food is safe. As always “when in doubt, throw it out,” according to the Health Department.


The Kent County Health Department has guide sheets on how to prepare a disaster supply kit with food and other general supplies along with tip sheets on other emergencies such as flooding, water safety, and preventing the spread of flu in the home.

World AIDS Day is Dec. 1 — if you don’t know for sure, Kent County hosts day of free, walk-in tests

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
World AIDS Day 2021, with its red ribbon symbol. (womenshealth.gov)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Dec. 1, 2021, marks 40 years since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the United States. Since then, more than 700,000 people in the United States have died from the virus.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one-in-eight people living with HIV in the United States do not know they have the disease. And testing is the only way for someone to know their status and take the necessary steps to stop the spread of the HIV virus.

 

In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) will be holding a free walk-in HIV testing event on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the health department’s main clinic at 700 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids.

Certified test counselors will be at the clinic to provide testing, answer questions, and connect residents with needed services.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made testing difficult,” April Hight, Personal Health Services Supervisor at KCHD, said in supplied material. “This year we are hoping that more people will take advantage of our clinic and we will raise the level of community awareness about the importance of HIV testing.”

Great strides have been made in the treatment of HIV. While there is no vaccine for the virus, today’s treatments enable people with the virus to live long and healthy lives. One treatment is PrEP, a daily pill that is 99 percent effective at reducing the risk of acquiring the virus.

A person living with HIV who is on treatment and has an undetectable level of the virus in their blood are unable to transmit the virus to others. The prevention method is estimated to be 100 percent effective as long as the person living with HIV take their medication as prescribed, and gets and stays undetectable.

This concept, which the KCHD supports, is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

HIV testing and PrEP is available at the KCHD Personal Health Services Clinic. Residents are encouraged to call the KCHD at 616-632-7171 to schedule a test or to find out if PrEP is right for them.

The theme for the 2021 World AIDS Day is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice,” which emphases the United States’ commitment to ending the HIV epidemic globally by addressing health inequities and ensuring the voices of people with HIV are heard.

Visit worldaidsday.org to learn more about this global health day.

 

Wyoming Gives Back canceled as county health leader ‘deeply concerned” about rising COVID cases, urges vaccination

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A Kent County Health Department nurse gives a COVID-19 vaccination shot. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV has been informed by the City of Wyoming that the planned Wyoming Gives Back event planned for next week has been cancelled due to health concerns for public gatherings.

This follows an announcement this week that the Kent County Health Department is alarmed by the rising COVID-19 cases which have led to local hospitals operating at “extremely high capacity.”

The health department is also encouraging residents to “do their part” and get vaccinated and take other measures to slow the spread of the virus. Among the statistics which have alarmed health leaders are current test positivity rate of 22.8 percent, as of early this week, as ell as a 7-day average for new cases is 645.

“This is a crisis for all of us who live and work in Kent County,” Dr. Adam London, KCHD Director, said in supplied material. “The capacity for hospitals to provide care, which is exasperated by staffing shortages, is at a tipping point. We should all expect increased wait times for emergency, urgent, and primary care as well as delays in ambulance transfers and some surgical procedures until we control the spread of COVID-19 in the community.”

Among the recommendations issued by county health officials are:

Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. “Vaccines are widely available, safe, and effective. According to our local hospital leaders, most of the individuals who are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated,” according to the county health. “If more people get vaccinated, it will greatly help reduce the number of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. We also strongly urge residents to get the influenza vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit vaccinatewestmi.com to find a location for a COVID-19, booster, or influenza vaccine location.”

Wear your mask in public settings. “While masks are not perfect, they provide an additional layer of protection by reducing the spread of virus laden droplets in exhaled air. Masks are especially important for people who are not vaccinated, not fully vaccinated, may be infected and do not have symptoms, or have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to becoming sick if they are infected with COVID-19.”

Get tested. “To help mitigate the spread of the virus,” it is important to get tested if you have been around someone who has COVID-19, experiencing any symptom of COVID-19, before attending indoor gatherings with people above the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19, get tested five days after exposure.

“I am thankful to everyone who has been following our recommendations since the onset of the pandemic,” London said this Thanksgiving week. “The current problems would be far worse if not for your actions. We are now asking for your consideration once again as we look to slow the spread of the virus, regain access to our hospitals, and continue to work to get this pandemic behind us.”

Flying this holiday season? Ford Airport has good news, great travel tips despite expected big crowds

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Holidays, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, , ,
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Director of Commercial Development Stephen Clark talks to WKTV about one of the reasons to be relaxed — and healthy — this holiday season when traveling through the Ford. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Yes, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is expecting passenger levels to equal or exceed 2019 pre-pandemic levels this Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday season.

But there is good news on several fronts — from an “all hands on deck” workforce at the airport, to COVID testing being available for travelers, to the local airport bucking a national trend to have crew issues causing flight delays or cancellations.

However, patience, as always, will need to be packed in your carry-on along with your tooth brush and credit card.

A recent forecast by Ford Airport management of 33,000 people traveling in and out, from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after, may well rise and come close to the 35,000 travelers experienced in 2019. And it should be much the same return to flying norms form the Wednesday before Christmas Day Saturday possibly thorough New Year’s weekend Sunday.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening areas at the Ford are expected to be at full strength this holiday season. (WKTV.K.D. Norris)

But airport Director of Commercial Development Stephen Clark told WKTV there will be plenty of reasons to be festive and relaxed this holiday season at the Ford.

 

“When we look at the holiday season, and trying to celebrate that with our guests, it starts when you come into the facility, creating that sense of place that is West Michigan, so you will see the decorations out here,” Clark said. “But more importantly this year, we are still in the pandemic, so cleanliness is our number one priority.

“As a team, we are cleaning the areas more frequently. You are going to see a heavy emphasis on high-touch areas. And the facility feels different, we are moving the air through the facility more … certainly we are doing everything we can got create a good environment.”

And, Clark said, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and all the airports partners, are gearing up for the expected rush — TSA should have all security lines open during peak travel days, he said, and “that should ease one of the more anxious points for travelers, the security check point.”

Tips for travel, as always and due to pandemic

This holiday season is the first time the many people have traveled in a couple of years, Clark said, so, as a general reminder, the first tip for travel is arrive early and pack your checked bags and carry-on bags smartly.

The runway at the Ford International Airport. (Supplied)

“When you are packing your bags make sure you are keeping your medications, your car key and those items you will need right away he you get to your destination, or even come back home, with you,” he said. “Then when you come to the airport, make sure you get here at least two hours early — that is pretty common knowledge these days — but as we get to the holiday season, lines start getting little bit longer, folks start getting a little stressed out … That gives you plenty of time to get your bags checked, if you are checking them, and get through security.”

“Biggest thing we are asking is that people are packing their patience,” Clark added.

There are pandemic requirements to be dealt with as well, especially if you are traveling internationally — make sure you know the COVID requirements of your airlines and at your destination.

“We do have a COVID test site here at the airport that is available to the public, travelers or otherwise,” Clark said. “They can get that PCR Test, that is the gold standard that they will need … additionally when you come to the airport, we just ask that you pack a mask.”

And what about flight delays cancelations

While there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about airlines needing to cancel flights due to scheduling and crew issues, and the Ford has not been immune to the problem. But there is a simple reason that it is not a big issue, even during busy travel  periods — Grand Rapids’ airport is not a huge airport.

“One of the things we started seeing in the later part of the year were flight delays and crew issues. Fortunately, here at the Ford airport, we really haven’t had a ton of that,”  Clark said. “That really speaks to the fact that we have so many non-stop destinations. As an airport, we have 30-plus non-stop destinations this holiday season … because we have so many non-stop flights were are not having as many crew issues because they are going right to that destination. … A lot of those issues (crew changes) are happening in major hubs.”

For more information on travel and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, visit grr.org.

Grand Rapids author’s debut book delivers message of hope, guidance on journey of self-discovery

Books, Entertainment, Health, Local Entertainment, WKTV Projects, ,
It was a day to celebrate for Sheila VanZile when her debut-work books arrived. (Supplied)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

Sheila VanZile, Grand Rapids resident and businesswoman, recently released her debut book, My Waterfall of Awakening: How Loss Can Bring You Home to the Life You Want — A Guided Journal, offering hope and guidance to other women through her own journey of self-discovery.

“My true calling is to share my story with women who could recite a similar journey in the hopes that by revealing the truth below the surface of a seemingly successful and satisfying life there is a very different picture,” VanZile explains on her website. “My hope is to deliver the message that you are never alone and it is never too late to live a life faithful to your true self.”

Sheila VanZile’s My Waterfall of Awakening: How Loss Can Bring You Home to the Life You Want — A Guided Journal. (Supplied)

Enduring a complex relationship with her distant, love-withholding mother, VanZile realized the impact of that relationship ran so deeply that it changed the course of her entire life.

“I always did what I should do,” VanZile said to WKTV. “I was always the good girl who did what she should.”

The author revealed that her life of “shoulds” began at age four. Having a gift for piano playing, VanZile embarked upon a path of music, majoring in piano performance in college. “I didn’t think about whether I liked it. Whether I liked it or not wasn’t the point. I was good at it, so I should do it.”

Partway through her college experience, VanZile switched her major to economics, becoming a product of the first generation of career women that resulted from the 1960’s original feminist movement.

“I got a job in insurance because they were accepting women in the professional capacity,” said VanZile.

VanZile has been successful in her career, eventually founding her own insurance agency in 2005. Even so, the businesswoman found herself dissatisfied, disillusioned with the workforce, and unfulfilled.

At age 60, the death of VanZile’s mother helped her realize she had been given the gift of time. VanZile “reclaimed her journey,” she states, and she and shares her powerful transformation in My Waterfall of Awakening in the hopes of helping other women realize that it is never too late to live life on your own terms.

When asked why she chose the written word to share her journey rather than public speaking, VanZile said, “My message is very personal; it’s not a big crowd thing. People are touched by being able to hear a story personally, and they can then use the journal to forge their own journey.”

One journey leads to others

VanZile’s journey of healing began with slowing down.

“I decided to let the universe open up in front of me and let it decide the path for me,” said VanZile. The result was more than she could have hoped for. “Life has filled in with all these things I wanted to do.”

A 12-day pilgrimage to Oregon led to hours of self-reflection about what VanZile wanted for her life. When she returned, opportunities began to present themselves.

“I had the opportunity to sell my agency — so I did,” VanZile said. “A sudden chance to buy a house in France came up — so I did. Then I was introduced to a book-writing coach.”

VanZile that writing My Waterfall of Awakening was “very satisfying” and she is “grateful for this opportunity.”

And what’s next …

The businesswoman and author plans to retire at the end of 2021 and continue to live life to the fullest — on her own terms. When asked what that might mean for her and what the future holds, VanZile said, “I don’t know.”

And she is okay with not knowing. “Friends have asked if I will move to France now. I tell them, ‘I don’t know.’”

When asked if she plans to continue writing, VanZile delivered the same response: “I don’t know. It feels like there’s a book on France somewhere. The wonderful fabric of the community there, that could be a book.”

Blogging, however, will remain in VanZile’s immediate future. Her blog (and book) can be found on her website and features lessons with a similar approach as those contained in her book, along with other subjects “as the muse strikes.”

VanZile is willing to allow her future to unfold at its own rate, remembering that she is not alone in her journey, and urges others to do the same on her website: “You know you are not alone. And we celebrate our stepping into the light. Together.”

Advocates want to push ban of PFAS, other chemicals in food packaging

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Business, Local Food, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Restaurants, , ,
Panera is one national chain that is working to eliminate food wrappers with “forever chemicals” such as PFAS. (Wikipedia)

By Vladislava Sukhanovskaya
Capital News Service

LANSING — Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders.

PFAS, bisphenols and phthalates can be found in almost every food package — from burger wrappers to bottles for drinks.

The chemicals include per- and polyfluorinated substances or PFAS, a large group of chemicals that has been used globally since the 1940s to manufacture “products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PFAS chemicals are so effective that they’re used in many industries, including food packaging.

A bill that would ban these chemicals from food packaging has been introduced in the Michigan Senate.

Other troublesome chemicals identified in the proposed ban are bisphenols and phthalates. Bisphenols are used to line cans and phthalates are commonly used in plastic food packaging to add flexibility, Courtney Carignan, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition of Michigan State University, wrote in an email.

 

It’s not easy to tell which food package contains these chemicals because there are no labeling requirements for them, Carignan said.

PFAS, bisphenols and phthalates can be found in burger wrappers, french fry bags, canned food, and packages for drinks, according to the Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental group located in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Whether these chemicals are released into food depends on the temperature, time of storage and the acidity of food, said Rebecca Meuninck, the deputy director of the Ecology Center.

“Many of these chemicals have been linked to concerning health effects such as infertility, hormone and immune disruption,” Carignan said.

They accumulate in peoples’ bodies, said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who sponsored the legislation to ban them. “The more we are exposed to them the worse it’s for our health. People have PFAS in their blood. PFAS lasts for an extremely long period of time, they don’t break down.”

PFAS can cause high cholesterol, decreased immune system response to vaccines and development of certain types of cancer, according to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

It’s important to avoid PFAS in packaging not only because it can be released into food, but also because manufacturing this type of packaging and disposing of it pollutes the environment, Meuninck said.

There are alternatives to PFAS, such as bamboo, palm leaf, bio-wax, clay and compostable plastic polylactic acid that usually is made from corn, according to Toxic-Free Future and nonprofit Clean Production Action. Both organizations advocate for safer products and chemicals.

 

PFAS is a long-standing controversial problem in Michigan.

State officials say that at least 1.9 million people are affected by PFAS and more than 11,000 sites are contaminated by this family of chemicals, according to news accounts. In 2018 and 2019, the state spent $69 million to clean up and address PFAS, according to Bridge Michigan.

One of the state’s largest contamination areas is that in Rockford, where Wolverine, a shoe company founded in the community, was found to have left a 25-mile square wide trail of PFAS contamination from a former tannery factory. Wolverine’s PFAS supplier was the chemical corporation 3M.

People can ask companies like McDonald’s and Burger King to phase PFAS out of packaging, said Rebecca Meuninck, the deputy director of the Ecology Center.

In 2021, 3M sued Michigan to oppose state new limits for PFAS in drinking water, saying that those limits are flawed because they were made in a “rushed and invalid regulatory process,” according to Bridge Michigan.

People can ask companies like McDonald’s and Burger King to phase PFAS out of packaging, Meunick said. Panera and Whole Foods are working to do that now.

It’s absolutely possible for companies to eliminate PFAS and other chemicals from food packaging, Irwin said. “There are many food packaging systems out there that don’t use these chemicals. And Michigan is a major center for packaging innovation and food products.”

This is Irwin’s second attempt to ban the chemicals in packaging. He said, “Legislation hasn’t gotten much traction in the past, but every year we learn more about PFAS.”

This time around, he has the support of the governor who on Oct. 27 issued an executive directive to limit the state’s purchase of products with PFAS.

And the Biden Administration recently announced a plan to “prevent PFAS from being released into the air, drinking systems and food supply.”

 

Similar bans have taken place in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, New York, Vermont and Washington.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Discrimination complicates organ transplants for those with disabilities

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While there has been no reported cases of discrimination for organ transplants to those with disabilities, state leaders are hoping laws will prevent it from every happening. (Pxhere.com)

By Emerson Wigand
Capital News Service

LANSING – Without laws to prevent it, Michiganders with disabilities are not guaranteed equal consideration for needed organ transplants, advocates say.

This discrimination has been an issue for those with developmental disabilities nationwide, said Nicole Patton, the manager of state government relations at the National Down Syndrome Society. Notable cases have occured in New York, Maryland and Texas.

“One example was James Wellman, of California,” Patton said. “He was denied a kidney transplant because of a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.”

Of the 29 states that have passed laws prohibiting organ transplant discrimination, 13 acted in 2021 alone, Patton said.

Michigan could join them. Similar legislation has been proposed by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing. Without a state history of cases, Michigan’s proposed legislation is preventative.

“We haven’t heard any explicit stories from Michigan,” Patton said. “But that doesn’t mean that they haven’t happened.”

Cyndie Peters, an advocate for the special needs community in Grand Rapids, was shocked to discover this issue existed. The former nurse has a daughter who has Down syndrome. She  is supporting these bills to add new protections.

 

The bills would restrict those involved in organ transplants from basing decisions on an individual’s disabilities. This includes denying transplants or giving lower priority on a waiting list to those with disabilities.

Peters said without these laws one can’t ensure equal consideration for people like her daughter.

“It’s not specific to Down syndrome,” Peters said. “It could be anyone with a cognitive disability.”

A lot of this discrimination happens at the referral stage, as some doctors consider disabilities in transplant recommendations, Patton said. Some doctors make assumptions regarding the quality of life for those with conditions like Down syndrome, as well as their potential to recover from transplants.

Seeking justice for organ transplant discrimination can be difficult, Peters said. Legal red tape and court processes can waste vital time.

“Suddenly it’s a year down the road,” Peters said. “But your child needed an organ transplant six months ago.”

That’s why enforcement is the biggest part of this legislation, Patton said.

Hertel agrees that there needs to be consequences for this type of violation. His bill would allow those alleging discrimination based on disability to have their time-sensitive court case prioritized.

In addition to Hertel’s bill, a bill sponsored by Kahle was passed by the House. Both are  in the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee.

Hertel said he hopes to see a hearing soon, and he expects to see bipartisan support.

“We should be able to agree that all lives have value,” Hertel said. “People shouldn’t be discriminated against based on physical or mental disability.”

20 years of safe delivery for Michigan’s newborns

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, ,

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING – In the past 11 years, the number of Michigan infants who were abandoned illegally has declined dramatically from 62 in 2010 to just 18 to date in 2021, according to state statistics.

Experts say a 2001 safe haven law is a major contributor to the decrease.

In the late 1990s, increasing media reports of infants found in dumpsters, on church steps, in bathrooms and on the sides of roads prompted lawmakers to pass the Safe Delivery Law. It allows parents to surrender their infant for adoption legally, safely and confidentially within 72 hours of birth.

 

Since then, the law has rescued 288 children from abandonment, and at times death, in 38 counties, according to the Division of Maternal & Infant Health at the Department of Health and Human Services.

While challenges remain, advocates say overall it has been a success.

The law was developed with the infants’ health and safety in mind, said Heather Boyd, a maternal infant vitality specialist for the division.

“We’re very grateful for all of the hard work and dedication of the hospitals and emergency personnel who have helped provide hundreds of families and Michigan with this safe legal option,” Boyd said.

  

Infants can be legally surrendered to hospitals, emergency service providers such as police and fire departments and through 911. Hospitals received the vast majority of surrenders – 281 infants. Fire stations received six, and one was left at a police station.

 

“I think that families just know that their hospitals are a safe place,” Boyd said. “But awareness of the law remains a critical issue.”

Advocates for safe haven laws say they need funding for advertising.

A $10 million proposal to promote adoption as an alternative to abortion was part of a package of pro-life initiatives, vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in this year’s state budget.

The funding would also have been used to advertise safe delivery as an option that leads to adoption, said Genevieve Marnon, the legislative director for Right to Life of Michigan.

And there are plenty of Michigan families waiting to adopt a child.

“For every one infant adoption, there are 36 couples waiting to adopt a baby,” Marnon said.

Bethany Christian Services is a private adoption agency that places surrendered infants in approved adoptive homes.

It has successfully placed 30 surrendered babies in the last four years, 11 in 2020 alone.

“We find, all the time, medical professionals that aren’t familiar with (the law), and do need to be educated about it,” said Dawn Baker, the director of infant adoption. “There is a need for broad education, so that people can be aware of it.”

 

Bethany Services uses the free educational materials provided by the Division of Maternal Health on its website.

“We talk long and hard about this law to whomever will listen to us. We do education with our hospitals and help to train those medical professionals that are going to encounter these women who come in,” Baker said.

While Safe Delivery was developed with infants in mind, Michigan’s program has evolved to a more inclusive and holistic approach.

“Most of the laws around the country are not built ensuring the safety and health of the entire family,” Boyd said.

“Michigan is very proud that over the last decade, we have moved towards making sure that mom has a safe environment to return to,” said Boyd. “That she is getting the care she needs if she needs any mental or physical health care.”

No one type of family makes use of legal infant surrender, advocates say. And there are other options.

“A number of the moms who choose safe delivery have a closed adoption,” said Nate Bult, the senior vice president of public and government affairs at Bethany. Closed adoption means the birth parent(s) will have no direct contact with the adoptive family.

“But it’s become far more common for many moms, who choose to make an adoption plan for their child, to choose an open adoption,” he said. “Mom still has a relationship with her child and with her child’s adoptive family long into the future.

Right to Life of Michigan supports the recent reintroduction of a law allowing ‘baby boxes’ as another legal surrender option and an alternative to abortion.

A Safe Haven Baby Box includes a silent alarm that notifies staff at the facility that a baby has been placed there. (Saven Baby Boxes)

Baby boxes are equipped with heating and cooling features and notify emergency service providers within 30 seconds. They are installed on the sides of fire stations, hospitals or other public safety buildings, according to the Safe Haven Baby Boxes website.

Former Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed a similar bill in 2018, stating the need for interaction between the surrendering parent and fire, police or hospital personnel.

But babies aren’t always born in hospitals, said Marnon. “Sometimes women hide their pregnancies.”

And this can lead to a baby born at home or elsewhere, in secret.

 

“Many times that’s done when there’s been sexual assault,” said Baker, “where there’s been abusive relationships and there is fear of identifying all the individuals that are involved.

 

One intent of the ‘baby box’ is to provide women a means of legally surrendering their babies that gives the new mother and baby an extra layer of confidentiality and safety and one that doesn’t involve a dumpster or a trash bag.

The boxes are in use in the United States in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida and Arizona, where they are called ‘baby drawers.’ Indiana has not had a death by abandonment since it installed its first baby box in April 2016, according to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Not every new parent can get to one of the above-mentioned locations, and there is a legal surrender option for them, too, said Marnon.

“Call 911,” said Marnon. “This would bring paramedics to her location and she can legally surrender the baby.” 911 for surrender has never been used in Michigan.

Said Baker, “We just want them to know that we’re here in a nonjudgmental place, that we’re just here to come alongside them, and to share with them and to walk alongside them as they make the decision that they feel is best for their child.”

Some Michigan community colleges push to offer four-year nursing degrees

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Some community colleges are pushing to offer four-year degrees in nursing. GRCC officials stated they currently have no plans to do so. (pxhere.com)

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

Michigan community colleges want to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing to battle a shortage of nurses surging across the state and fueled by the pandemic.

Demand for intensive care and emergency nurses grew by 186% in the past year nationwide, according to a 2021 study by Incredible Health, a nationwide company that helps nurses find jobs.

The Henry Ford Hospital System in Detroit has already arranged a program to soon fly in 500 nurses from the Philippines to meet its needs, said Michael Hansen, the president of the Michigan Community College Association. More are coming from Canada.

“We’ve got students here in Michigan who are willing and able, if we could just let our colleges train them,” Hansen said.

Community colleges have been interested in offering four-year programs since Gov. Jennifer Granholm recommended they do so in the early 2000s, Hansen said. A provision in the Community College Act of 1966 prohibits community colleges from conferring bachelor degrees. It requires legislation for that to be allowed.

The law was amended so now they can offer bachelor degrees in four areas — maritime, culinary, energy production and concrete technology — to meet local demands, Hansen said.

They have wanted to do more than nursing, but that’s being proposed now because of the acute shortage, Hansen said. Community colleges traditionally respond to local workforce needs.

Advocates say allowing community colleges to also offer four-year programs would make access easier for adult students, which would help with the nursing shortage.

Opponents say it’s unnecessary and say there is no unmet need. They worry there might be too many colleges to choose from as it is.

Since COVID-19 has intensified the need for nurses, community colleges want to offer programs to help, Hansen said.

Jackson College, Lake Michigan College, Schoolcraft College and Northwestern Michigan College are among the community colleges interested in offering nursing programs, Hansen said.

Representatives from Grand Rapids Community College stated they have no plans to offer a four-year program and in fact, GRCC does not offer any four-year degrees in any of its programs. GRCC does offer an associate degree in nursing which has been approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Those with an associate degree in nursing can enter a number of fields including hospitals, nursing care facilities, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and specialty hospitals.

However, Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City said the two-year registered nurse programs and online courses community colleges offer now are insufficient for providing the hands-on experiences nurses need. Roth is working on legislation to allow colleges to offer four-year nursing degrees.

“They offer a very good program, it’s just not enough for what hospitals are requiring now,” Roth said.

An associate degree sufficed in the past, but the baseline hiring requirement in most hospitals is a bachelor of science degree in nursing, Roth said.

Many jobs now require schooling beyond an associate degree, a demand community colleges could help satisfy, Hansen said. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in 2018, 41. 5 percent of registered nurses were required to have a bachelor’s of nursing degree, 31.1 percent were required to have a vocational associate degree, and 20 percent were required to have an associate’s degree. GRCC has a waiting list for its associate in nursing degree program.

But Daniel Hurley, the chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities, calls the proposal irrational. It does nothing to produce more nurses, he said.

The few four-year degree programs community colleges offer now see little demand, Hurley said.

In 2020, Michigan granted 58 bachelor’s degrees from community colleges; 44 of them were from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Hurley said. The demand for four-year programs at community colleges isn’t there.

Plus, the high school graduation rate is expected to drop by 15% between 2019 and 2037, which means fewer prospective college students, Hurley said.

“We need more students right now, we don’t need more four-year institutions in the state,” Hurley said.

Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Kent County Health Department now offering vaccines to children 5 to 11

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention granting emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, the Kent County Health Department has announced it is making vaccination appointments for children in those age ranges.

In addition to the appointments, extended clinic hours at all locations will be held Nov. 9 and 16 from 8 – 11:45 a.m. and from 12:45 to 6:45 p.m. Appointments can be made for all three KCHD clinic locations during regular business hours by calling 616-632-7200.

A parent or legal guardian is required to attend the vaccination appointment or send an attestation form with an adult who is at least 18-years-old, stating they are legally allowed to sign on behalf of any minor child for the vaccine. This adult should be familiar with the medical history of the child.

The new children’s vaccine from Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is now available at the Kent County Health Department. (KCHD)

“We are tremendously excited to be able to provide this next wave of vaccines to younger children,” said KCHD Immunizations Supervisor Mary Wisinski. “We have seen an increase in the number of children being infected with COVID-19 since this summer. This vaccine not only protects them, but it will help slow the transmission of the disease in our community. Vaccinating just one has the potential to save many lives.”

According to Michigan Department of Human Health and Services, COVID cases among 10-19-year-olds remain high at about 515 daily cases. The Kent County Health Department has tracked the age groups more aligned with vaccination eligibility. The 5-11-year-old age group made up 11.7 percent of the county’s cases in the month of October. The same group made up about 7.3 percent of the county cases in the April/May months. The revise has happened to the 12-18 age group which made up 13.3 percent of the county cases in April/May but accounted for 9.7 percent of the county cases in October. COVID vaccines were approve by the CDC for 12-15 year-olds in May.

Like the adult version, the vaccine for 5-11-year-olds entrails two shots of a vaccine, given at least three weeks apart. However, the dose is approximately a third of what adults received. Also, different packaging will be used to guard against mix-ups and smaller needles will likely be used.

 

Among its findings during clinical testing, the U.S. food and Drub Administration found that the Pfizer vaccine was 90.7 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children 5 to 11. The vaccine safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children aged 5 to 11 with no serious side effects detected in the ongoing study. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use in children ages 5 to 11.

To help with questions about the vaccine, the Health Department has released a video featuring local physicians answering the most frequently asked questions regarding vaccines and children ages 5-11. Among those physicians was Dr. Ronald Grifka, the chief medical officer for the University of Michigan – West, which has its hospital facility in the City of Wyoming. (The video is posted above.)

“The vaccine has been tested with 100,000 people. It is very safe,” Grifka said in the video about the vaccine. “A few people have gotten muscle aches, pains, chills. A few people have had swelling of the heart, very minor, very transient. It has not lasted long and they have all recovered. So again the vaccine is much, much, much safer than the risk of getting COVID and the long term manifestations of a COVID infection.”

The Kent County current school mask mandate will expire 60 days after the date COVID-19 vaccine is authorized or approved an available to person in pre-kindergarten through grade six or the infection rate is classified as “low” by the CDC for at least seven consecutive days.

For more information or for clinic locations, visit vaccinatewestmi.com.

City of Kentwood, state health department, to host no-cost COVID-19 vaccine clinic Nov. 4

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A Kent County Health Department nurse gives a COVID-19 vaccination shot. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wtv.org

The City of Kentwood and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will provide a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine clinic Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, from 2-5 p.m., in the library’s Community Room.
 

The clinic will be open to all community members and no appointment will be necessary.
 

The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for first, second and third doses, as well as boosters. Vaccine and booster eligibility is determined by the current CDC guidelines.

For information about COVID-19, community members may visit michigan.gov/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1). The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Together at St. Jude releases free coloring book about COVID-19 vaccines

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Together by St. Jude has just released a free coloring book that talks about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it protects people from the virus. (Together by St. Jude)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

On the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use approval for a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has created a free coloring book to help children learn about vaccines and how they work to prevent COVID-19.

 

The coloring book was developed and reviewed by patient education and infectious disease specialists at St. Jude. It is available for download at the Together by St. Jude web-based resource.

 

A “St. Jude Coloring Book: COVID-19 Vaccines” answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines in words children can understand. “A COVID-19 vaccine uses the body’s immune system to fight the coronavirus,” the book reads. “Your immune system is like a team of superheroes that protect you from germs.” The book also uses simple pictures to show how the vaccine works to help your body make antibodies to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

“The vaccine coloring book offers children the opportunity to learn more about the COVID -19 vaccine by coloring images of doctors, children, and the COVID-19 virus,” said Rachel Schmeizer, a child life specialist at St. Jude. “The illustrations in the book help to prepare children for the vaccination process and explains how the vaccine works to protect their bodies from COVID-19.”

Together by St. Jude published its first coloring book on COVID-19 in 2020. “Learning About the Coronavirus” helped children understand the virus and taught ways to stay healthy by keeping a distance, wearing a mask, and washing hands often. The coloring book was translated into 16 different languages and was downloaded more than 14,000 times in more than 150 countries and territories.

“Throughout the pandemic, parents have struggled  through numerous difficult conversations with their children. We want to prepare our children for the significant changes in their daily lives and teach them how to stay safe, but how can we do this without scaring them?” said Niki Jurbergs, PhD., Jude Psychology Department. “We created these coloring books to prepare parents with the tools they need to introduce these new and potentially scary concepts in an age-appropriate way. Having a plan ahead of time, including talking points, can make parents feel more comfortable during this conversations.”

In addition to the two COVID-19 coloring books, Together by St. Jude has also released “Riley Takes a Medicine,” a coloring book that teaches children undergoing cancer treatment about the different types of drugs and the importance of medication compliance. All three coloring books are free to download. 

Nursing shortage renews push for patient load limits

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Our Cities, Senior Living,

By Nicholas Simon
Capital News Service

LANSING — A staffing crisis at Michigan hospitals has renewed efforts to protect nurses from unmanageable patient loads and too many hours of consecutive work.

The Safe Patient Care Act, first introduced in 2017, has picked up additional cosponsors from both parties in the House and Senate. It seeks to regulate how many patients a nurse can care for and the number of consecutive hours that they can work.

It would also publicize hospital nurse-to-patient ratios.

  

Nurses are “forced to make painful choices every day,” Jamie Brown, the president of the Michigan Nurses Association, said in a statement.

“The hospital industry has been purposely getting by with inadequate (registered nurse) staffing levels for years,” said Brown, who leads the state’s largest nurses union. 

“Nurses have long warned that our communities would suffer the kind of dangerous crisis that nurses and patients are facing now. The pandemic has only worsened and exposed hospitals’ emphasis on money above all else,” Brown said.

The union says that those choices are a result of hospitals trying to protect their bottom line. But Brian Peters, the chief executive officer of the Michigan Hospital Association, argues that government mandates for every hospital would be ineffective and make it harder for hospitals to operate.

“The one-size-fits-all approach inherent in legislatively mandated decisions impacting clinical care typically fails to recognize the complexity of patient care and the diversity of healthcare environments,” Peters said in a statement.

Unlike truck drivers, air-traffic controllers, pilots and rail operators, nurses have no federal limit on how many consecutive hours they can be forced to work, according to the Michigan Nurses Association.

 

Nurses can be fired and have their licenses stripped for refusing forced overtime even if they don’t feel fit to work because hospitals can claim that they are abandoning their patients.

Medical errors are the leading cause of preventable death, beating out smoking and obesity, according to the Journal of Patient Safety.

 

Nationally, the Nurses Association estimates that 440,000 people in the United States die every year due to infections and delayed or incorrect medications, problems that proper nursing care could prevent.  Studies over the past two decades have linked  patient mortality and staffing ratios, according to the union.

In Michigan, even before the pandemic, one in five nurses was aware of when understaffing led to a patient’s death, and half of registered nurses said they are assigned unsafe patient loads at least half the time they are working, according to the union.

Hospitals say that staffing is a collaborative process and fixed ratios “don’t allow for flexibility and innovation,” said John Karasinski, the communications director for the Michigan Hospital Association.

 

“Every hospital in Michigan has a process in place to ensure that each of their clinical units is appropriately staffed,” Karasinski said. “These processes are based on individual patient needs and the training, experience and capabilities of the entire clinical care team, including nurses.”

However, half of Michigan nurses say hospitals rarely or never adjust their schedules, even when they report unsafe workloads, according to a survey paid for by the Nurses Association. The majority (80%) of Michigan nurses are not protected by a union and face harsh repercussions for speaking out against hospital practices. The Nurses Association reports that multiple nurses have been fired over the last two years for trying to raise the alarm over this issue, worsening staffing shortages that are already at crisis levels.

    

Staffing shortages are affecting hospitals across the state. The Michigan Hospital Association says 80% of nursing groups nationally have reported an increase in turnover due to the pandemic and that there are nearly 2 million openings for nurses across the country.

“Hospitals want to hire more nurses, and they want to retain the nurses they currently employ, but the current national demand for nurses far exceeds the available supply,” Karasinski said.

The Michigan Nurses Association said that the Safe Patient Care Act will bring nurses back to work. It points to data from the federal Department of Health and Human Services that indicates Michigan was on track to have a more than 5,000 nurse surplus by 2030 as proof that there are plenty of nurses, but that hospitals are causing them to leave their jobs.

 

Brown, who also works as a critical care nurse at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, said nurses are staying away from hospitals for safety concerns.

“Evidence shows there are enough qualified nurses to fill needed positions,” Brown said. “However, unless there is a serious commitment to safe staffing, fewer and fewer nurses will continue to choose to work in these dangerous settings.”

The Safe Patient Care Act was introduced in March and is a continuation of previous failed efforts. But supporters say they hope the pandemic has refocused attention to safer hospital care.

The legislation dealing with limits on forced overtime has 45 sponsors in the 110-member House. That’s 34 more cosponsors than it did the last time it was introduced in 2017.

 

The package of legislation was sent to a committee in March and there are currently no meetings scheduled to take up the issue.

Brown said the problem cannot be put off any longer, and she hopes to see movement on the issue before the end of the term.

“We are seeing this downward spiral happen in real time,” Brown said. “Michigan legislators need to address the problem. We don’t need Band-Aids, we need substantive solutions.”

ABOUT NICHOLAS SIMON

Nicholas Simon is a multimedia reporter from South Haven, Michigan. His areas of interest include international relations, commercial spaceflight, ecology, and globalization. He has covered events for both print and broadcast outlets ranging from protests to presidential debates and currently covers the Grand Ledge community for the Spartan Newsroom.

Advocates say more work needed to maintain drop in homelessness

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Volunteers, West Michigan, ,
Increasing more affordable housing would reduce the need for shelters, according to Family Promise of Grand Rapids officials.(pxhere.com)

By Emerson Wigand
Capital News Service

As winter approaches, local officials worry that a reported drop in homelessness is misleading or temporary based on short-term pandemic relief.

Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness recently reported a 19% decrease in those seeking emergency shelter since 2019.

“Those numbers don’t tell you that homelessness is down,” said Cheryl Schuch, the chief executive officer for Family Promise of Grand Rapids. “What they tell you is that the number of people being served by our shelter system is down.”

 

Family Promise operates the only family shelter in Kent County. There’s been an increase in families facing homelessness here, Schuch said. Collecting data on the issue can be challenging, especially in the case of families.

Despite the reported decrease in homelessness, Family Promise is at capacity, she said.

 

Full shelters aren’t limited to West Michigan.

 

“I don’t see that the homeless population is going down,” said Michelle Munn, the case manager at New Hope Center, in Cadillac. “The numbers look good, but it’s only because there’s extra funds right now for COVID.”

New Hope Center is the only shelter provider in Wexford and Missaukee counties. Its shelters are generally full, with vacancies filled quickly by walk-ins or those on a waiting list, Munn said.

While Munn said she thinks this drop is positive, she worries about what will happen when pandemic relief programs end.

COVID impacts were a large part of the statewide decrease, said Eric Hufnagel, the executive director of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.

The biggest help was the eviction moratorium, which ended in August, Hufnagel said. Another factor was the Covid Emergency Rental Assistance funds that are still available.

“That was the No. 1 reason we saw our numbers decline,” Hufnagel said. “We believe that’s slowing down what could be a flood of evictions.”

Imagine a front door and back door, Hufnagel said: The front door is how people come into homelessness, the back door is how people are rehoused.

“Our hope is that we can put a dent in the flow through the front door,” he said. “The challenge we are seeing now is that back door.”

Michigan’s affordable housing stock is the weakest it’s been in decades, Hufnagel said. That means higher prices and rental rates for the housing that is available.

 

It’s even harder for people to move to new housing because there are fewer options, and existing options cost more.

 

“The majority of our families can’t afford housing even though they’re working,” Schuch said. “That has really been magnified in West Michigan.”

Family Hope of Grand Rapids has been working with Eastbrook Homes which is developing more affordable homes for the area. Also, Holland Home sold its former Fulton Manor to Hope Network, which plans to turn the former nursing home into a 120 affordable home. The nonprofit housing corporation ICCF is currently working on several affordable housing projects.

The pandemic has decreased shelter space in part due to fewer volunteers to staff facilities, Hufnagel said. Additionally, distancing recommendations have reduced available space in some shelters.

Rising COVID-19 cases adds to these concerns, said Susan Cancro, the executive director of Lansing-based Advent House Ministries. Increasing positive cases could halt new admittances for areas with limited shelters.

“That’s a problem for those on the street who are homeless,” Cancro said. “Especially as the weather becomes more cold and wet, and there’s nowhere to go.”

Schuch said it’s important to increase access to temporary housing to keep people safe for now.

 

“We have families staying in cars and other places,” Schuch said. “We have to make sure there’s adequate shelter available.”

Without more affordable housing, those problems will only get worse, Schuch said.

“Only investing in shelter doesn’t make sense. They won’t need our shelter if there’s enough housing.”

For one West Michigan woman, knowledge is power as she faces Huntington’s disease, search for a cure

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, WKTV Projects, ,
Ashley Greenway — with husband Kyle, daughter Bailey and son Brody — is a wife and mother from Holland who has tested positive for Huntington’s Disease and is an advocate for the cause though her work with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. (HDSA)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

When it comes to Huntington’s disease, a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, some people simply do not want to know if they have the defective gene.

According to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), there are currently approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are sometimes described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s — simultaneously. And it has no cure.

For Ashley Greenway, a wife and mother from Holland, Mich., who has tested positive for Huntington’s disease (HD) — leading to the knowledge that it may well impact her physical and mental abilities during her prime years and that her two children are at risk — testing was the right thing to do.

In her case, knowledge was and is power: the power to speak out; the power to advocate; the power to help others now and — maybe — her children in the future.

“Someday, my kids may need to take advantage of the resources HDSA has to offer and I wanted to make sure that I did my part,” Greenway said recently to WKTV. “It’s the same feeling when I participate in medical studies for HDSA. Last week I was in Wisconsin and had a lumbar puncture done so HDSA could have spinal fluid to assist in their efforts to better understand the disease and find a cure.

“A cure may not be available in my lifetime, but perhaps my kids could receive it. It’s very rewarding just thinking that I play a small part in helping understand and cure this disease.”

Finding out, finding ways to help

After first finding out she was at risk in 2006, then researching and agreeing to be tested, she tested positive in 2012. She then also faced inward soul-searching and outward reflection of her own family.

Ashley Greenway, with husband Kyle, daughter Bailey and son Brody. (HDSA)

“At the time of diagnosis I was working outside the home and a mother already,” Greenway said. “I do believe that if I had known my prognosis prior to having kids, it would have impacted my decision on starting a family. The first thing my parent with HD said to me when I told them I was positive was ‘I’m sorry’. … I can’t imagine the guilt I’ll feel if I find out I passed this on to my kids.”

But, she points out, now there are methods available for couples at risk of HD to have kids with no HD risk.

While she declined to talk much about her HD-positive parent — who is nearing 60 year old but with no symptoms — Greenway did say was the only one in her family, out of 20 at risk members (first cousins, their children, siblings, and nephews), that has been tested voluntarily.

“No one else is open about it or wants to know,” she said.

“I used to think of that day (when she learned the test results) as the day I was given my expiration date, but now I see it as the day I became a better person,” Greenway said in supplied material. “Surprisingly, I didn’t cry. I was too in shock to process. I was trying to figure out what this meant and how I felt. I have three siblings, two nephews, and my own two children that are at risk of inheriting this horrific disease and I’m the only one who’s been tested.”

And how did she respond to knowing?

In 2013, Greenway started to get more involved in the HD community, including involvement with the Predict HD medical study out of Rochester, New York. In 2014, Ashley was involved with the documentary film Alive and Well, the film follows seven people coming to terms with the reality of living with HD.

She went back to school, graduating in 2015 from Baker College of Muskegon with an associates degree in business. In 2019, she trained for the Chicago Marathon with Team Run for HD, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic. Recently she took part in the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) #LetsTalkAboutHD Stories.

Ashley Greenway’s daughter Bailey, shown with a quilt inspired by Ashley’s work with the West Michigan Team Hope run/walk, a fundraising event for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. (HDSA)

She has also have become heavily involved with the annual HDSA’s West Michigan Team Hope Walk/5K Run — the West Michigan portion of HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $20 million for Huntington’s disease since its inception in 2007.

She has gained support from her family in her work as well — husband Kyle, daughter Bailey and son Brody — both with her fundraising and with her advocacy for the cause. To honor all that support, she even has made a quilt out of all her family’s and friend’s Team Hope shirts from previous years and donated it to HDSA as a silent auction raffle item.

She is now lead coordinator for the local event, and has seen the event though a rough time in this time of COVID.

“During 2020, HDSA had to cancel all of their in-person events,” Greenway said. “These events generate a lot of funds for social worker’s salaries, grants to scientists for trials, or money to families affected by HD for medical bills. Whatever the use of the funds, they were understandably lacking during the pandemic. … It was important to me that our group still meet our fundraising goal for the year.”

And, Greenway says, she leans on her HD-positive parent as she moves into the future.

“My HD positive parent is still here inspiring me to stay strong and encouraging me to get more involved in HDSA, without symptoms,” she said in supplied material. “My involvement in HDSA provides me with a sense of purpose I’ve never felt before. When HD takes me out of this world, I’ll be leaving it a better place because of how I’ve helped this HD Community.” 

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA.

A sign at a West Michigan Team Hope run/walk, a fundraising event for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. (HDSA)

The DNA error that causes HD is found in a gene called “huntingtin”. This gene was discovered in 1993. Everyone has the “huntingtin” gene, but only those that inherit the mistake, known as the HD mutation, will develop HD and risk passing it on to their children.

HDSA, according to supplied material, is the “premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today, hope for tomorrow for people with Huntington’s disease and their families.”

One of its current efforts involved changes to federal rules which it comes to Medicare policy through advocacy for the HD Parity Act (HR 2050/S 868) in 2021.

“Without passage of the HD Parity Act, patients with Huntington’s disease will continue to suffer the mandated 2-year waiting period for Medicare benefits after qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance,” according to an HDSA statement. “Individuals with HD have a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder. During those two years, patients continue to decline, and are falling through our social safety net by being denied access to Medicare when they need it most.”

For more information on the HD Parity Act, visit HDSA.org/takeaction.

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit HDSA.org or call 800-345-HDSA.