Category Archives: Kids Activities

Pet-friendly vacations for all West Michigan dog-lovers

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Assocation

 

Any pet-lover knows it’s tough to walk out the door for vacation when you have to leave your furry friends behind. Luckily, there are plenty of places throughout West Michigan ready to welcome both you and your four-legged friends! We’ve gathered some of our favorite pet-friendly locations to help you plan your next trip for the entire family.

 

For a complete listing of pet-friendly properties in West Michigan, click to view our “Travel With Pets” article in the Carefree Travel Guide.

South Pet-Friendly Spots

Round Barn in Baroda is always pet-friendly! Bring your dog along for your visit, whether you’re stopping by for a casual visit or for one of Round Barns’ many events. Their showcase event series, Jammin’ in the Vineyard, features 26 weekends of the best live regional music, paired with world-class wines, hand-crafted spirits, and fresh craft beers.

 

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings has trails that are open for hiking from dawn to dusk. They have over nine miles of trails for you to explore this summer. Pets are allowed on the trails if they are on a leash and cleaned up after, and there is no fee to hike the trails.

 

Take your dog to a baseball game in Lansing. Select Mondays at Cooley Law School Stadium are Dog Days of Summer, including the upcoming game on Monday, July 23rd.

 

No need to leave Fido at home during your next Coldwater Country getaway. Several local hotels are pet-friendly, and your dog will love spending time in the great outdoors!

Central Pet-Friendly Spots

The patio at Atwater Brewery in Grand Rapids welcomes pups of all sizes! They’re happy to accommodate your furry friends while you enjoy your meal and a delicious brew.

 

Muskegon County has several pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, and parks. One of your stops needs to be Pet Safe Bark Park, which was created for specially dogs. The park has separate large and small dog areas, dog agility equipment, doggie drinking fountains, and a grooming area.

 

Your dog will have everything they need during your visit to Mecosta County. The area has accommodations that welcome the furry guest, grooming for your dog, a bakery serving freshly-made dog treats, and parks for your dog to play at.

 

Holland is a very pet-friendly town. For those that prefer to travel with their pets, the walkable downtown area is perfect for taking a stroll and grabbing a brew, while enjoying the atmosphere of a bustling downtown on an outdoor patio with your pup. There are also parks and shops downtown that joyfully welcome four-legged friends.

 

The Grand Haven-Spring Lake Waterfront Holiday Inn is a dog-friendly hotel. They have 10 dedicated pet rooms on the first floor with slider doors for easy access to the outdoors and the Lakeside Trail. Your dog will feel welcome, and they’ll even receive a goodie bag with natural dog treats upon arrival!

North Pet-Friendly Spots

Don’t leave your best friend at home while you have all the fun. The Beaver Island Boat Company, based out of Charlevoix, lets you and your pet journey 32 miles into Lake Michigan to quaint Beaver Island. Hike endless trails, throw a stick off the shore of Donegal Bay, or share an ice cream cone with your furry friend.

 

It’s hard to enjoy the great outdoors of Ludington when your dog is at home, missing out on all the running and splashing they could be doing. Thankfully, when you stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ludington or the Best Western Lakewinds, your best friend can enjoy all the fun too. Grab their leash and get the whole family ready for a great time in Ludington!

 

Pack up the gang and include your pet when traveling to the Petoskey Area. A variety of lodging options await you and your dog. Make sure to take advantage of the dog park and the dog-friendly beaches in the Boyne area! Boyne City even has a taproom where your pet is a welcomed guest. Places to stay with your dog include full-service resorts such as Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands, historic inns like the Terrace Inn, and chain facilities including the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Locally owned hotels with indoor pools that will welcome you & your pet include Apple Tree Inn, Odawa Casino Resort, and Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites.

 

Ruff Life Pet Outfitters in Petoskey was founded in 2012 by Gary Albert, who decided to launch the store because of his passion for the area’s vibrant pet culture, active community, and unique cross section of local, resort, and tourist markets. Ruff Life Pet Outfitter carries the latest products in the pet care industry, offering natural items and unique, high quality affordable pet products. It truly is a pet’s paradise!

 

Bring your dog with you to historic Sault Ste. Marie. Travel the Soo Locks with your dog as you tour up and down the St. Marys River, or bring them to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. When you’re so far away from home, why not bring the whole family?

 

Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends on your next vacation to Charlevoix! Downtown is incredibly pet-friendly, with many stores allowing pets to accompany their owners shopping. Many of the parks are pet accessible, such as the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area. Pet-friendly accommodations include the Inn at Grey Gables and Pointes North Inn.

 

Indigo Bluffs in Empire is quite pet-friendly, with dog-centric amenities including their doggie-pot stations, fenced in dog-run area, and dog treats at the on-site store.

 

Waterfire Vineyards in Kewadin offers a pet-friendly apartment for weekend and weekly rentals. This tiny-home inspired retreat is in the heart of Waterfire’s sustainably-farmed vineyards. Spend your vacation with your furry friend where wine is literally just around the corner!

 

Summer vacation doesn’t have to mean leaving Fido at home. Shanty Creek Resort recommends bringing your precious pup with and stopping at the nearby pet resort. Just a few minutes down the road from Shanty Creek, your dog will stay in luxury at this full-service resort. In addition to being open 24/7, enjoy the in-and-out privileges allowing Fido to join the family on day trips to nearby Torch Lake and other fun area destinations.

Responsible trail riding tips

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Riders enjoying their time horseback riding at the 2017 State 4-H Trail Ride & Family Camp Weekend. All photos by Taylor Fabus, MSU Extension.

By Taylor Fabus, Michigan State University Extension

 

If you’re spending time with your horse on the trail, it’s important to do so responsibly. Read on to discover many ways in which you can be sure you ride responsibly.

 

Travel responsibly

  • Stay on designated roads, trails and other areas open to horses.
  • Ride single file to reduce trail damage. Spread out in open country where there are no trails. Spreading out, rather than following each other’s footsteps, disperses impact and avoids creating a new trail.
  • Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
  • Riders should match their skill level to the temperament and ability of the horse they ride. Learn more about selecting the appropriate horse for you.
  • At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure horses in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
  • Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
  • Learn more about safety on the trail.

Respect the rights of others

  • Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
  • Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse and other passersby safe when you meet on the trail.
  • Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming off-highway vehicles or bicycles.
  • Leave gates as you find them. If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner.
  • Do not disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites.
  • Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.
  • Water animals in areas where stream banks and water access can withstand hard use and are downstream from campsites.
Photo by Taylor Fabus, MSU Extension

Educate yourself 

  • Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of pack animals.
  • Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
  • Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures and permit requirements.
  • Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly.
  • Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use it.
  • Carry water and emergency supplies, even on short trips.
  • Keep groups small and carry lightweight gear to reduce the number of animals needed.
  • Pre-plan camp locations that provide plenty of room and the proper environment for confining animals.
  • Take responsibility for your horse’s education. Introduce it to vehicles and situations it may encounter on shared trails.

Do your part

  • Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.
  • Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites and camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.
  • When selecting a campsite, first consider your horses; the site should accommodate them without damaging the area.
  • When breaking camp, remove or scatter manure, remove excess hay and straw, and fill areas dug up by animal hooves.
  • Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.
  • Bring pellets, grain or weed-free hay to areas where feed is limited or grazing is not allowed. This helps reduce the spread of invasive species.
  • Wash your gear and support vehicle and check your animal before and after every ride to avoid the spread of invasive species.
  • Build a trail community. Get to know other types of recreationists that share your favorite trail.

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

Bicycling Dos and Don’ts

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By Amy Hoogstra, MSN, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner at Ottawa Hills High School Health Center

Your child’s first vehicle is often a bicycle. Riding a bicycle is an opportunity for your child to develop a sense of accomplishment and balance, but if not ridden safely, it can also pose a risk to your child’s health. Each year “more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport.”1 Here are some bicycling dos and don’ts to consider the next time your child asks to ride his or her bike:

 

Dos:

  • Do teach your child to ride their bike on the right side of the road, with traffic and not against it. Remind them to ride as far to the right as possible.1
  • Do teach your child to make eye contact with drivers. Before crossing the street, your child should know that approaching drivers are paying attention.1
  • Do make sure that your child’s helmet fits and that your child knows how to put it on correctly. Use these tips to make sure that your child’s helmet is protecting him or her as it should:1,2
    • Helmets should sit on top of the head in a level position
    • Helmets should not rock forward, backward, or side to side
    • Helmets should always have straps buckled
    • Your child should be able to see the bottom rim of the helmet when looking up
    • Straps should form a “V” under your child’s ears when buckled
    • Your child should feel the helmet hug their head when they open their mouth
  • Do a safety check before a bike ride. Ensure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are appropriately inflated.1
  • Do teach your child how to use proper hand signals before allowing them to ride on the street. Hand signaling allows for important communication between cyclists and motorists.1
  • Do encourage your child to ride predictably by riding in a straight line and avoiding swerving between cars.1

Don’ts:

  • Don’t allow your child to ride on their own until you have ridden together and you are confident in his/her bicycling skills. 1
  • Don’t allow your child to wear a helmet designated for another sport (such as football). Bike helmets are made specifically to protect your child from biking-related injuries.3
  • Don’t purchase your child a bigger bicycle with the hope that your child will grow into it. When sitting on the bicycle seat, your child should be able to put the balls of both feet on the ground while holding the handlebars.3
  • Don’t allow your child to ride their bike at dusk or after dark. Riding at night requires specific skills and equipment that few young children have.3
  • Don’t allow your child to wear long or loose clothing while riding their bike.1

If your child is in need of a properly fitting helmet, please call 616.391.7233 to schedule an appointment for a $10 bike helmet. Location: Injury Prevention Program Office, Masonic Center, 233 E. Fulton, Suite 103.

References

  1. Safe Kids Worldwide. (2016). Bike safety tips, Safe Kids Worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/bike_safety_tips.pdf
  2. Gill, C.G. (2017) Bicycle injuries in children: Prevention. In: UpToDate, Post TW (Ed). Waltham, MA. (Accessed on August 11, 2017.)
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Bicycle Safety: Myths and Facts, American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Bicycle-Safety-Myths-And-Facts.aspx

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Helping children adjust to a new sibling

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Courtesy MSU Extension

By Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension 

 

Welcoming a new sibling can be a big transition for everyone in the family and can be especially tough on children. All of a sudden, a young child’s world shifts dramatically. They have to share their home, their things and the attention of their parents and other special adults. This can lead to behavior outbursts, regression and even tantrums.

 

Michigan State University Extension has some tips to help prepare your child for their new sibling:

 

Talk about it. Talk about the new baby and what things will be like. “Your little brother will come home and live here with us. Here is where he will sleep. He will cry a lot in the beginning because that is how he tells us what he needs. When he gets bigger you will be able to play with him.”

 

Get them involved. If possible, include your child in helping prepare for the baby before they arrive. Let them pick out special items for the baby or decorate the nursery.

 

Plan some special time. One of the hardest parts of welcoming a new sibling can be sharing time with Mom and Dad. Try planning some special time with your older child where they can have your undivided attention at least for a little while. This will help them feel important and special, even if they have to share your attention.

 

Read books. You can also read books about new siblings like, “The New Baby” by Mercer Mayer, “Peter’s Chair” by Ezra Jack Keates, “There’s Going to Be a Baby” by John Burningham or “Martha Doesn’t Share” by Samantha Berger.

 

Be understanding. If your child struggles to adjust to their new sibling, be understanding. Remember that it’s a big adjustment and will take time and practice. They may regress, have more tantrums or outbursts than normal or be extra clingy—this is all normal. The best thing you can do is to be empathetic instead of punishing your child. Reassure them with words, “It can be hard to share your time with Mommy, or share your toys. That makes you feel really sad. I understand. It’s OK to be sad.”

 

Show them love. Load your child up with lots of love and support to reassure them they are loved and supported no matter what changes are taking place at home. Give them physical affection with hugs and snuggles, verbal affection with praise and encouragement and lots of quality time together.

 

For more information on welcoming a new sibling, check out Kid’s Health, Mott’s Children’s Hospital and Zero to Three.

 

For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.

 

To learn about the positive impact children and families experience due to MSU Extension programs, read our 2017 impact report. Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension positively impacted individuals and communities in 2017, can be downloaded from the MSU Extension website.

 

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

 

 

What causes children to misbehave?

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By Tracie Abram, Michigan State University Extension

 

Summertime is depicted as a laid-back joyful season, when in fact for many, it is the opposite. Summertime for families of small children means added expenses of childcare or having to pay for additional meals that normally were less expensive due to school meal plans. Summertime generally means an interruption in routine. Children may be up later and therefore not getting enough sleep and possibly skipping meals or not eating as well due to busier schedules. Having a basic understanding of what triggers children to misbehave will help keep homes happy and safe.

 

One basic understanding is that children (and adults too) will misbehave when they are hungry, angry, lonely/bored or tired (HALT). People will not have as much tolerance and be more irritable when they are hungry, angry or not feeling well. If you or your children are experiencing any of these emotions or feelings halt what you are doing and tend to that need before moving on.

 

Another reason why children misbehave is that they may not fully understand the request. For an example, if you ask the child to calm down they may not understand that you mean and how to actually calm themselves. This is also an example of a lack of experience. Children do not have the experiences that adults have. It takes time for a child to fully develop problem solving and communication skills.

 

The practice of mindfulness can teach children and adults how to calm their minds and bodies to find a feeling of balance or confidence. Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to your senses in the current moment without judgement. It is about being present and acknowledging the moment to moment experiences. Mindfulness helps develop focus and self regulation. When practiced regularly, the events that require acute attention will be less stressful because your body and mind have been conditioned to work together in paying attention.

 

Another reason children may misbehave is because their behaviors are accidently rewarded by adults. An example is when children wait to do something an adult asks of them until the adults tone of voice increases or that crying and whining gets a parents attention. Children also copy what they see others doing.

 

Sometimes children do things they know are wrong such as testing the rules, and showing independence. Nobody likes to be told what to do all the time and not have any choices. Children are learning how to do many things at a fast rate and they need to be able to show off what they have learned or can do.

 

When you or your children are showing one or more of these seven triggers, be mindful and acknowledge what you notice in a tone that will teach, guide and train your children.

  • Hunger, anger, lonely/bored, tired or sickness
  • Don’t understand the rules
  • Lack of experience
  • Misbehavior was accidentally rewarded
  • Testing the rules
  • Copying others
  • Showing independence

If you are struggling with understanding your children’s behavior, Michigan State University Extension has programming that can help.  Nurturing Families, RELAX: Alternatives to Anger, and Stress Less with Mindfulness are programming series that have been successful in helping many parent-child and family relationships. Peruse their website for programming near you.

 

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

Kids can drown quickly and silently

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By American Heart Association, HealthDay

 

Just back from a run with her husband, Laura Metro faced a parent’s worst nightmare: Her 6-year-old daughter, Maison, ran to her screaming, “I think Clay died! I think Clay died!”

 

Metro’s 3-year-old son, who was swimming with family friends, was found at the bottom of the pool with his towel. One friend started CPR—or the closest thing he knew based on what he’d seen on TV—on Clay’s blue, lifeless body.

 

Paramedics arrived and got Clay’s heart beating again. He was taken by helicopter to the hospital and spent two days in a coma before making what Metro calls “nothing short of a miraculous recovery.”

 

“The doctors said, ‘We don’t know why he’s alive,’ ” Metro said. “The only thing—the only thing—we can attribute it to is the bystander CPR. … He didn’t see the inside of a hospital for an hour and a half [after almost drowning]. That was really what did it.”

 

Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The agency estimates there are 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

 

The Metros’ good fortune is anecdotal evidence of the findings from a study, published in the June 2017 edition of the journal Resuscitation, which found that chances for neurological recovery from a near-drowning increase when the victim receives CPR from a bystander.

 

“We would advocate for parents knowing CPR, and particularly if they have a pool, they should become familiar and get trained in mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing,” said Dr. Michael Sayre, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. “Whereas hands-only CPR is typically focused on someone who is not in the water and collapses suddenly for other reasons, people underwater die because of lack of oxygen.”

 

After Clay’s recovery, Metro founded a nonprofit called CPR Party, using the model of at-home shopping parties to encourage people to teach and learn CPR. The lessons aren’t equal to official CPR certification, Metro said, but “they will know what to do and hopefully, we create a bridge to certification. We just give them that basic knowledge to empower them.”

 

About one in five people who die from drowning are 14 years old or younger, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal injuries, often including brain damage. The numbers are particularly discouraging, experts say, because in many cases, drowning is preventable.

 

“The biggest thing we try to get through to people is you need to maintain constant, active supervision when people are in the water,” said Adam Katchmarchi, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “Regardless of age and swimming ability, you should never swim alone. You should always swim around someone who’s keeping that vigilant watch over the water, whether that be a parent in a backyard pool or whether you’re swimming in a lifeguarded area.”

 

Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat

On its website, the NDPA stresses what it calls “layers of protection,” including swimmer training, facility safety and parental responsibilities designed to prevent drowning. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, without warning, Katchmarchi said.

 

“We’re used to the Baywatch drowning, where people see on TV that someone’s going to be waving their arms and screaming for help,” he said.

 

“An actual drowning victim, when they’re in that 20- to 60-second fight for survival, they’re unable to call for help because all of their energy is being used to keep their head above water. A lot of times they’re bobbing up and down, going under and re-emerging and trying to get air, so it’s really difficult for them to call out for help,” Katchmarchi said.

 

“It’s really easy to say, ‘Oh, I’m watching my kids,’ but you’re scrolling through Facebook or your Twitter feed. … Even if you’re distracted for just a short period of time, it can happen really quickly and really silently.”

 

Get more water safety tips are available from the Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital injury prevention program. You can also sign up for CPR courses through Spectrum Health Healthier Communities.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

 

 

Trails movement keeps growing in Michigan

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Photo courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Cindy Hudson, Michigan Sea Grant Extension

 

Michigan communities are always looking for ways to attract new visitors by taking advantage of natural resources and attractions. Trail systems are one way to encourage visitors to explore and enjoy unique areas. Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension are helping communities around the state develop trail systems to attract visitors and also increase appreciation for Michigan’s natural resources.

Birding trails

Developing bird watching trails is a sure-fire way to attract new visitors. According to a U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service report, there were 47 million birdwatchers in the United States in 2011 – about 20 percent of the population. That’s a lot of potential tourists. Michigan Sea Grant’s Elliot Nelson, who works as an educator in the eastern Upper Peninsula, has developed resources for communities looking to improve site access for birding tourists. He also was key in helping develop an interactive online map (www.northhuronbirding.com) to help visitors with directions and tips to ensure a successful birding day.

Water trails

Water trails also are touted as ways to help people connect to nature and hopefully add to local economies at the same time. Paddle sports are among the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the United States, according to recent studies by the Outdoor Industry Association. Water trails are designed for people to follow a mapped route in a non-motorized craft such as a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

 

As with birders, those out paddling the trail may spend additional money on food, lodging, or transportation in the local area. The website www.michiganwatertrails.org identifies routes all over Michigan including the Detroit Heritage River Trail and the Lake St. Clair Water Trail, which are projects that Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Mary Bohling helped organize. Bohling also is organizing a new project, the Aquatic Invasive Species Paddling Stewardship Program. The program aims to help water trail users identify and map invasive species along sections of at least 12 water trails throughout Michigan. The program will teach water trail users how to avoid introducing or spreading invasive species through their paddlesport activities.

 

Those interested in enrolling in the 2019 training workshops should send their name and city of residence to Mary Bohling at bohling@msu.edu, and she will notify them when workshops are scheduled in their area.

Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail

If you happen to be a history buff, there is an ever-growing network of displays and museums called the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail. The trail provides a good reason to plan a road trip along the Great Lakes shoreline, stopping to visit these locations along the way. Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educators Brandon Schroeder, Mark Breederland, Ron Kinnunen, Mary Bohling, and Dan O’Keefe have organized and collaborated with many partners to create this trail around the state.

 

Currently, the trail includes museums and fisheries heritage exhibits, coastal fishing communities and historical sites, fisheries festivals and experiences, commercial fishing families and local fish markets, and related research and science. An interactive map identifies each location and describes what visitors will find at each site. The Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail explores the past, present, and future of the lakes through the lens of fish and fishing.

 

Whether you are a hiker, bird watcher, quiet water enthusiast, or history buff, Michigan’s growing trail systems should help enhance your time enjoying all that our state has to offer.

 

Michigan Sea Grant helps to foster economic growth and protect Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research and outreach. A collaborative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University and its MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant is part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of 33 university-based programs.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Snapshots: Fireworks — fun for everyone

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By WKTV Staff

 

The Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day or America’s Birthday — has been a recognized federal holiday since 1941. The day actually marks when the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. (The vote for independence took place on July 2.)

 

This year, most communities will be celebrating the nation’s 242nd birthday on Wednesday, July 4. For today’s Snapshots, we provided a list of Fourth of July activities and wish everyone a safe and happy celebration.

 

Click on the cute little map thumbnails below, and you will be whisked to larger maps which will guide you to where you need to go.

 

Kentwood

Activities begin with a pancake breakfast at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Rd. SE, from 7:30-9:30am and is followed by the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk and the parade which starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The middle school also will be the site for the evening activities that start at 6pm with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.

 

Grandville

Grandville’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off the day with a flag raising at 8:30am at the Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW followed by a parade. In the afternoon at the Middle School, there will be a variety of activities starting at noon with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.

 

Grand Rapids

The Amway Family Fireworks in Grand Rapids will be July 7, yes, Saturday, July 7. The activities such as games, food, vendor exhibits and music, will kick off at 5pm at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is right next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW. Fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:30pm) For more, click here.

 

Dorr

This community to the south has a five-day celebration that started on June 30 and wraps up on July 4. On Wednesday, there is a community breakfast at the Dorr Christian Reformed Church, 4220 18th St., Dorr, followed by a parade and activities throughout the afternoon. The fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:20pm) For more click here.

 

Other local communities: 

East Grand Rapids, Ada, Allendale and Cascade will have Fourth of July celebrations as well. These will include parades, activities, and fireworks.

 

Village of Hopkins

Just a little further south, the Village of Hopkins has teamed up with the Gun Lake Casino for its annual Fourth of July celebration. Activities start with a free breakfast. The children’s parade is at 4pm and the main parade at 5pm. The fireworks, which are being billed as the “biggest boom ever,” are scheduled for dusk. For more, click here.

 

Lakeshore

The communities of Grand Haven, Saugatuck-Douglas and Holland all have Fourth of July events taking place. Also, Nelis’ Dutch Village will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. A vintage car show is set for Tuesday, July 3.

 

And to the North

Muskegon will be hosting a two-day Fourth of July celebration and the annual Lakeshore Art Festival will be taking place on July 6 and 7. Also, the White Lake area has its Fourth of July parade on Wednesday along with fireworks over the north end of White Lake. Ludington hosts its annual Freedom Festival which includes a parade and fireworks.

 

And one last boom….

At tonight’s Whitecaps games (July 3) there will be fireworks. The game starts at 7:05pm. For more, click here.

 

WKTV Schedule July 4 schedule

9:00am — Senior Exercise: Summer Special

9:30am — Celebrating Life & Food: Celebrating the 4th of July

10:00am — 4th of July Special

10:30am — A Salute To Honor

11:00am — Wings of a Mighty Fortress

12:30pm — Kentwood 4th of July Parade

1:00pm — Lost Boat Ceremony

2:15pm — Lest We Forget

4:30pm — Patriotic Festival of Music

6:00pm — West Shore Symphony: Spirit of America

7:30pm — Kentwood 4th of July Parade

8:00pm — 2017 Metro Cruise

8:30pm — Wings of a Mighty Fortress

10:00pm — Veterans’ Creative Arts Festival

Visit the Bird Sanctuary for a morning guided birding walk

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Courtesy W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

By Bethany Bohlen, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

 

Need a little nature in your mornings? Spend a summer morning at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary viewing birds on an expert-led walk through the Sanctuary’s picturesque trails.

 

The Sanctuary hosts Birds & Coffee Walks year-round on the second Wednesday of each month. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely birding stroll led by Sanctuary staff to locate and identify the many birds at the Sanctuary, including songbirds, waterfowl, gamebirds, and birds of prey. Join us afterward to talk about the morning’s finds over a cup of hot, bird-friendly coffee.

 

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the variety of birds that can be found at the Sanctuary, and birders of all skill levels are invited. Visitors can bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair from the Sanctuary.

 

Each program runs 9-10:30 am. Program dates for the next three months are July 12, August 9, and September 13. Sanctuary members attend for free! The cost of attendance for non-members is Sanctuary general admission: $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (62+).

 

The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Avenue, one mile north of M-89 and just west of 40th Street. To learn more, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu, email birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu, or call (269)671-2510.

 

The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is part of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. Celebrate with us our legacy of conservation as we mark 90 years since W.K. Kellogg donated the lands that now make up KBS to Michigan State University. Our commitment to research, education and outreach stands on the foundation of W.K. Kellogg’s vision for cutting-edge science and learning.

 

As MSU’s largest off-campus educational complex, we’ve put our land-grant values into practice as we’ve provided the public with examples of science’s crucial role in sustaining natural and managed communities for nearly a hundred years. As we look forward, our students and faculty are working to understand and solve real-world environmental problems for a better tomorrow. To learn more about KBS, visit us online at kbs.msu.edu.

 

City of Kentwood plans full day of Fourth of July celebrations

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Parades are big thing in Kentwood, so there will be one on July 4th. (WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

 

All are invited to join the City of Kentwood’s annual Fourth of July Celebration for a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, a 5K race and a parade, followed by an evening complete with carnival rides, games and fireworks at Crestwood Middle School.

 

“Our Fourth of July celebration offers a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We welcome our friends and neighbors to celebrate our nation’s independence with us.”

 

The pancake breakfast will be held at the Kent District Library Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch community room, located at 4950 Breton Road SE, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The $5 breakfast will include pancakes and sausage.

 

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE, for registration for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The race will begin 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish line on Walma Avenue SE near City Hall.

 

Following the race will be the annual parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, then travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Road SE, turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School.

 

The evening celebration at Crestwood Middle School will begin at 6 p.m. and feature carnival rides, giant inflatables, food vendors and food trucks. Sweet J Band will perform blues, rock and soul music leading up to the fireworks show that will begin at dusk.

 

Kentwood Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers for the Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to visit kentwood.us/parks or call 616.656.5270 to sign up.

 

More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found online at kentwood.us/parks.

 

Cyberbullying extends beyond the school year for many kids

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Courtesy MSU Extension

By Janet Olsen, Michigan State University Extension 

 

In the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey findings released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20 percent of students in grades nine to 12 said that they had been bullied on school property during the previous year.

 

While the end of the school year may provide a respite for some young people who are the targets of these bullying behaviors, others continue to be targeted year-round through electronic forms of bullying. According to the CDC report, 16 percent of students indicated they had been electronically bullied during the 12 months before the survey through venues including e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites or texting. Cyberbullying also is an issue in online, cooperative game platforms, according to a Pew Research Center study. 16 percent of respondents stated that they have experienced being bullied in such games.

 

While the CDC report focuses on young people in grades nine to 12, electronic bullying, also referred to as cyberbullying, is an issue that affects a significant number of younger kids as well. Results of a 2016 study conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center showed that nearly 17 percent of students ages 12 to 17 said they had been targets of cyberbullying. Conversely, 26 percent of those students admitted to participating in cyberbullying behaviors, including posting mean or hurtful comments, spreading rumors, posting inappropriate comments with sexual meaning, threatening harm, posting hurtful pictures or videos or impersonating someone else online.

 

As kids have increased access to mobile technology at younger ages (73 percent of teens have or have access to a smartphone), there are also more opportunities for kids to stay connected in positive and negative ways after the school year ends.

 

While many schools have incorporated programs designed to prevent bullying behaviors, it is important for parents and other adults to keep these conversations going with kids throughout the summer months. These discussions are enhanced when adults have a good understanding of what cyberbullying is and how children are using technology, followed up with discussions with young people about responsible use of technology and guidelines for positive online behaviors. See the article, “Cyberbullying: What it is and how parents can respond,” to learn more.

 

It is also helpful for adults and young people to recognize that, while online bullying and other forms of electronic aggression might be common, a lot can be learned from those young people who report using their voices to interrupt these negative behaviors. See the article, “Kids, kindness and cruelty – and lots of time online,” to learn more.

 

Experts also stress the importance of providing young people with a menu of strategies they can use for responding to cyberbullying situations. When adults share these strategies with kids, as well as help them use their voices to practice what these strategies might sound like in various scenarios, kids will be better prepared for real-life situations in whatever season or setting in which they occur.

 

See the article, “Responding to cyberbullying in safe and constructive ways,” to learn more.

 

If you are looking for more information or community support on improving your social-emotional health and well-being, Michigan State University Extension offers numerous programs that can assist in this process.

 

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

WMTA launches 2018 West Michigan Photo Contest

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This photo was an entry in the 2017 West Michigan Photo Contest. Photo by Nathan Logsdon

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the launch of their 2018 West Michigan Photo Contest. With so much beauty found in West Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association wants travelers to show off what they love most about this beautiful side of the state, and win some great West Michigan prizes! The contest is looking for traveler photo submissions from all around West Michigan. This region covers the entire west side of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.

 

All photo entries must be received by July 31, 2018, for public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. Last year, more than 35,000 votes were cast during the public vote. All winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January 2019. The first place photo will also be featured on the cover of the Guide.

 

Additional prizes awarded to the top three photos include items from the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, and the Lake Express High Speed Ferry in Muskegon.

 

The accepted photo formats are high resolution (300 dpi+) jpeg or tiff. CMYK is preferred. Email submissions to PhotoContest@WMTA.org and include the full name of the photographer, the Michigan city in which the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo. Submit one photo per email; multiple entries per person allowed.

 

For full contest rules, please visit https://www.wmta.org/2018-west-michigan-photo-contest/

Top 5 Tips To Make the Most of Summer

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By Ronald Christian Rivera, LMSW, Outpatient Therapist, Leonard Street Counseling Center

Summer is here, which means the weather is nicer, the days are longer and there always seems to be more fun things to do. Here are some tips from a popular Psychology Today blogger to make the most of your summer.

  1. Reconnect with nature. Don’t love the gym? Head outside to get in your daily exercise. Also, who can resist the awesome farmer’s markets and those healthy fresh fruits and veggies?
  2. Summer reading. Yes, it’s fun to see those summer blockbuster movies, but when was the last time you went to the beach and just relaxed and enjoyed a good book?
  3. Vacation. Need we say more?
  4. Be spontaneous. There are so many activities happening throughout the summer – enjoy them! Jet off to the beach, see that outdoor concert, take a bike ride. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy those non-planned outings.
  5. Be in the moment. Summer is a great time for making memories. It always seems to be the season that passes the most quickly, so take the time to enjoy it while it’s here.

To read the entire Psychology Today blog, please click here.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

South Haven Art Fair celebrates its 60th anniversary on June 30th and July 1st

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Senior Living, Travel, Upcoming Events, ,
Courtesy South Haven Center for the Arts

By Nancy Albright, South Haven Center for the Arts

 

The 60th annual South Haven Art Fair is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore in picturesque Stanley Johnson Park, June 30 & July 1, 2018. This year’s unique blend of talent offers fine and functional artwork in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, drawing, sculpture, photography, metal, glass, wood, clay, and wearable art.

 

The South Haven Art League held the first South Haven Art Fair on July 18, 1958, billed as the Clothesline Exhibit. Fifty local artists exhibited over 300 pieces on clotheslines and easels throughout the park that year.

 

In the last 60 years, the fair has evolved to include as many as 120 local and regional artists, drawing tens of thousands of guests to enjoy a one of a kind experience and all South Haven has to offer summertime visitors.

 

Admission is free. Enjoy the view!

Kentwood summer concerts continue June 21 with May Erlewine

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
May Erlewine will play the Kentwood summer concert series on June 21. (Facebook/John Hanson)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert series continues this week with “Michigan’s Songbird”, May Erlewine, on Thursday, June 21.

 

The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.

 

In addition to a variety of music, the concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.

 

“Some people might call May Erlewine ‘Michigan’s Songbird’, but her songs have traveled far beyond her home state,” her website states. “One of the most prolific and passionate songwriters of her generation, May’s music has touched the hearts of people all over the world. Her words have held solace for weary hearts, offered a light in the darkness and held a lot of space for the pain and joy of being alive in these times. When she starts to sing, there’s no way around it. Welcome to the moment, everyone.

 

“Raised in a family rich with art and music, May began writing songs and playing them for the people at a very young age. Her journeys have taken her all over the world, from street corners to renowned stages, May has performed for all walks of life. In her travels Erlewine came to know the land and the pulse of the people. Her songs show a very real connection and concern with everyday folk.”

 

For more information on May Erlewine, visit her website here.

 

After May Erlewine, the remainder of the concert series will have Big Dudee Roo on July 12, The Moxie Strings on July 19, The Crane Wives on July 26, and Blue Soul Express to close out the series on Aug. 2.

 

For more information on the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series, visit here.

 

MSU Horticulture Gardens will be abuzz with Bee-Palooza on June 24th

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Photos courtesy MSU Department of Entomology

 

By Julianna Wilson, MSU Department of Entomology

 

MSU Bee Palooza is held annually In celebration of National Pollinator Week in the lovely MSU Horticulture Gardens.

 

This free, fun and education event is organized by volunteers to provide an afternoon of interactive activities centered on understanding the wonderful world of pollinators. Stations are set up around the gardens and can be visited in any order. On display are active honeybee and bumblebee colonies, examples of wild Michigan bees and wild bee hotels, plants and gardening practices to support pollinators, as well as demonstrations about how important bees are to food production. Guided wild bee tours and other hands-on activities are offered throughout the afternoon event.

 

Why hold a Bee Palooza?

Worldwide reports and concerns about pollinator declines have increased awareness and interest in pollinators and what humans can do to help. In 2012, the United States established a National Pollinator Week, which inspired members of the MSU Department of Entomology to host the first Bee Palooza in the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

 

What are pollinators and why are they important?

Pollinators — especially bees — play an important role in the production of many seeds, nuts and fruits. Pollination is the transfer of  pollen grains to fertilizer the seed-producing ovaries of flowers. Many trees, shrubs and wildflowers also depend on bees and other animals for pollination.

  • When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
  • Time: 1-4pm
  • Where: Michigan State University, 336 Village Dr, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States

For more info, go here. For the map, go here.

 

Pollinators & Pollination At MSU

Michigan is a leader in honey production and in many pollination-dependent fruit and vegetable crops. MSU Extension provides the latest information on pollinators and pollination including fact sheets from the Smart Gardening Program, webinars, educational seminars, email newsletters, and other online resources. Visit the Michigan Pollinator Initiative website for more information and resources for beekeepers, growers, and home gardeners.

 

Kentwood plans events to ask community to help ‘Plan Our Parks’

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City of Kentwood Veterans Memorial Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of the first of a series of community gatherings on the future of the city’s parks. (WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

 

The City of Kentwood is seeking public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming through a series of Parks Master Planning events, which will kick off with an ice cream social on Wednesday, June 27.

 

Hosted by the city, the first event will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 331 48th St. SE, from 6 to 8 p.m., and include complimentary ice cream for participants.

 

Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Kentwood’s parks by sharing their ideas which will be used as a basis for future parks and recreation development.

 

“We recently celebrated Kentwood’s 50th anniversary as a City,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Now, we are eager to engage the community to help guide the future of our parks and recreation for the next 50 years.”

 

Following the event at Veterans Park, other opportunities for input will be offered during other upcoming community events including The Moxie Strings concert at Kentwood City Hall on July 19, an ice cream social at Northeast Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 1, the Celebrate Kentwood gathering on Aug. 11, and the End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Sept. 15.

 

“We welcome all residents and park users to join us at these events to help plan our parks,” Romeo said. “We want to know what improvements the community wants to see. These events offer the perfect platform to share stories and insights as we begin to transform our parks.”

 

For more information, please visit Kentwood.us/parks.

 

Concussion: My Kid Has a Head Injury!

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By Lori Nieboer, PA-C, MPH, Physician Assistant at Union High School Health Center

 

Today’s injury focus is on the head (i.e. concussions or traumatic brain injuries). Concussions are important to know about, so we can prevent them and keep our kids safe from further harm if they do get injured. The sports we usually see the most head injuries are typically football, soccer, and basketball.

What is a concussion?

  • A type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain usually works. It can be caused by a hit, blow, bump, or any movement that causes the brain and head to move quickly back and forth.

What are the symptoms?

  • Headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Confusion
  • Not feeling “right”
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability/mood changes

What are concussion danger signs?

  • One pupil larger than the other
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Becomes increasingly confused, agitated, or drowsy
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Loses consciousness

What do I do if I think my child has a concussion?

  • Stop activity and seek medical attention
  • Rest is key:
    • Avoid all exercise, screen time, and mental activity (i.e. school, reading, homework)
    • Gradual return to mental and physical activity should take place over days and under the supervision of a health care provider
  • Inform your child’s school, so they can lighten coursework as needed upon your child’s return

Concussion myths:

I need to keep my child awake after a concussion.

MYTH! Rest is important to healing after a concussion. Seek emergency care if your child is overly drowsy or you are concerned they are acting odd.

 

I don’t have a concussion because the CT scan was normal.

MYTH! A CT scan will show any damage to the brain structures, but may not show a mild traumatic brain injury.

 

You can recover from a concussion in 24 hours.

MYTH! In fact, even if symptoms are gone, it typically takes the brain around seven days to fully recover from a concussion.

 

You can only diagnose a concussion if consciousness is lost.

MYTH! Many times, a person with a concussion does not lose consciousness; they still need to be monitored and returned to activity gradually.

 

For more information visit here.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Disc golf, a hot sport locally, now available on WKTV community TV

Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports,
Disc golf is big in West Michigan and is now on WKTV cable television. (U.S. Air Force photo)

By Elmer Cox, for WKTV

 

Citizens of Kentwood, Wyoming and the surrounding area can now find out about a relatively new sport on a program called Disc Golf Live, now on WKTV community television.

 

Disc Golf Live is produced by Hucker Report, and will air on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at noon and at various times on Saturdays, beginning this week on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

Each episode is designed in four sections: Disc golf world wide tournament highlights, instructional highlights for all levels of players, views of disc golf courses from around the world, and interviews with all the top players.

 

Beginning as early as the 1970s, disc golf began being popular all over the country. Some called it Frisbee or Frisbee golf. Others named it disc golf. Disc golf courses began to grow up all over the area including Brewer Park in Byron Center, Riverside Park in downtown Grand Rapids, Fallasburg Park in Lowell, as well as Johnson Park, Old Farm, Garfield Park, JC Park and Grand Isle Park Rotary Disc Golf Park in the Comstock Park area.

 

In recent years, the World Seniors Tour Disc Golf Tournament was held in Grand Rapids with entrants from most of the states in the U.S. and many foreign countries.

 

For a complete schedule of broadcasts on WKTV community television, visit wktv.org and click on the Programming tab.

 

Family fun at the county fair

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Courtesy MSU Extension

By Theresa Silm, Michigan State University Extension

 

Many families are looking to maximize their budget by cutting out the week-long get-a-way vacations during the summer, but still want to enjoy family time together and offer their children opportunities to learn and see new things. County fairs can offer one perfect solution for families all over the state.

 

From the first fair starting at the end of June to the last fair of the season in late September, there is probably at least one county fair within an hour drive of your home and each one offers lots to see and do. If you have more time and are willing to travel a little more, you can tour your area of the state and visit several fairs.

 

Local county fairs provide 4-H and FFA members with opportunities to show their cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, dogs, llamas, small animals, rabbits, chickens and cats, demonstrating what they have learned. Visitors have a chance to see animals they may not have seen before. The youth exhibitors like to talk about their animals, so take a minute and ask them what kind or breed the animal is, what it eats or how they take care of it. Sometimes the exhibitor might offer to let you touch their animal, but it is a good idea never to touch or pet the animals without the owner’s permission and their help.

 

Some fairs have petting tents or baby animal tents specifically designed for visitors to see and touch the animals, so that might be another option. Remember to be sure everyone washes their hands well after touching any animals. To make it easy, just stick a small container of hand sanitizer in your pocket and take it along when you go.

 

Walking around the fair is a great way to get a little extra exercise into your family’s day and provides lots of conversation starters for all ages. Check out the flower and vegetable displays and see what new types you can find. Ask children to look for something that they haven’t seen before or something they could plant in your family garden next year. Looking at all the exhibits is a good time for you to talk about skills your child might like to learn and to find out how to get involved in a 4-H club near you. You could even give each child a paper with the alphabet written down the left side of the paper and have them find something at the Fair that starts with each letter.

 

Of course, there are a lot of other things to see and do at a county fair, this is just a start, so check out the one closest to you. Find a list of Michigan fairs and let the fun and learning begin!

 

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

 

Keep classroom pets out of the wild

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Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Paige Filice, and Tara Eavy, Michigan State University Extension

 

Some of the most memorable moments in the classroom are the ones shared with the class hamster, fish, gecko or other animal. Pets enrich classroom learning by teaching responsibility and sensitivity towards living things. A student exposed to animals in the classroom may have higher self-esteem, nurturing skills, social skills and interest in attending class. Integrating animals into the curriculum also encourages a greater appreciation for the complexity of life. Use of live animals helps students develop observation and comparison skills as they study the shared and unique traits of specific organisms.

 

Classroom pets enable educators to teach responsibility towards not only living creatures, but also their habitats and Michigan’s ecosystems. To demonstrate that responsible behavior, teachers should take steps to prevent the release of classroom fish, plants or other animals into the wild. As the National Science Teachers Association recommends, teachers should “refrain from releasing animals into a non-indigenous environment.” Many non-native plants and animals are used in the classroom, and some can become invasive in the wild. Once introduced, they can disrupt the food chain and out-compete native species for food and habitat. Even those that are ill-equipped to survive our Michigan winters can cause harm while alive, and can introduce disease to our native flora and fauna.

 

Some of Michigan’s notorious invaders, such as rusty and red swamp crayfish, have been kept as learning aids in classrooms. Crayfish are fun to watch and are easy to feed and care for, making them ideal additions to an aquarium. They play an important role in aquatic food chains as scavengers, cleaning up dead plants and animals for their food. However, both red swamp and rusty crayfish are now illegal to possess in Michigan and unfortunately are difficult to identify when young and can be accidentally sold by biological supply companies and pet stores by mistake to teachers. These crayfish compete aggressively with native species for food and habitat and can even reduce shoreline habitat and decrease water quality due to their aggressive burrowing. Both species have been found in the wild in Michigan and were likely introduced from an aquarium that was released into a river or stream.

 

Therefore, as we come to the end of the school year, it is important to be aware of alternatives to releasing classroom animals and plants into the wild. Even native species of crayfish, fish and birds that are caught in the wild and brought into the classroom for learning, should never be re-released into the wild because of their potential as vectors for disease. Investigate loaning or giving them to dedicated hobbyists, environmental learning centers, aquariums or zoos. Unwanted fish, plants and animals can often be returned to local, independent retailers, but be sure to inquire before arriving with a bucket full of fish! If unable to find a home for your classroom pets, contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal.

 

Michigan’s invasive species education initiative, RIPPLE (Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes) was developed by Michigan State University Extension and adopted by the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development. Through RIPPLE, educators can request free materials on invasive species that can be used in the classroom. More information about invasive species, regulations and prevention can be found on the State of Michigan invasive species website.

 

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

State Police offers tips on personal fireworks safety this summer

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Holidays, Kids Activities, Recreation
Sparklers may be a favorite for families with kids, but care needs to be used with any fireworks.

By Michigan State Police

 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 240 people nationwide go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. Due to these injuries, the Michigan State Police is reminding citizens to take extra safety precautions if your July Fourth celebration includes fireworks.

 

“Fireworks pose a serious fire and burn hazard because they are unpredictable,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller, Rockford Post. “Even supervised use of legal fireworks can result in devastating injuries.”

 

 

If you choose to use fireworks at home, follow these safety precautions:

Read and follow all warnings and instructions included on the packaging.

Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

Only use fireworks outdoors.

Wear protective clothing, including eyewear.

Only ignite devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

 

The sale and use of consumer fireworks became legal on Jan. 1, 2012, when the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, Public Act 256 of 2011, went into effect. Low impact fireworks and ground-based items, such as sparkers, toy snakes, snaps and poppers remain legal for sale and use.

 

A list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks and novelties is outlined here.

 

To learn more about fireworks safety, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act or state-certified fireworks retailers, go to the Bureau of Fire Services website here.

 

Kentwood concerts kick off June 14 with Adams Family, run through Aug. 2

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

Maybe the best known of the headliners at this summer’s City of Kentwood Summer Concert series are West Michigan favorites The Crane Wives, May Erlewine and The Moxie Strings.

 

But, starting with The Adams Family coming to town next week, there is not a sour note in a series that will feature an eclectic mix of indie, folk, country, blues and rock music.

 

The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.

 

In addition to a variety of music, the concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.

 

“One of the best ways to embrace the warm weather with family and friends is to relax and unwind with live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We are thrilled with our lineup for this year’s summer concert series, and welcome concert-goers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us.”

 

Opening the series, The Adams Family play a blend of folk, doo-wop and classic rock by members Jerry Adams, Brian Adams, Cindy Adams Kropf and Dale Kropf. The band is out of Lowell and describe themselves as an “acoustic folkin’ rock” band.

 

“When you hear the intricate vocal blend that only close relatives can create, there’s no mistaking that The Adams Family really is a family,” a statement on the band’s website reads. “The band features three lead vocalists: Cindy Adams Kropf, her brother Jerry Adams, and Jerry’s son Brian Adams. Rounding out the group is Cindy’s husband, Dale Kropf, on bass and background vocals.”

 

For more information on The Adams Family, visit their website here.

 

After The Adams Family on June 14, there rest of the series will feature May Erlewine on June 21, Big Dudee Roo on July 12, The Moxie Strings on July 19, The Crane Wives on July 26, and Blue Soul Express to close out the series on Aug. 2.

 

For more information on the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series, visit here.

These concerts are cable rebroadcast on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99, usually on the following Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (or following the rebroadcast of a City of Wyoming summer concert. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

Sportsmanship: Make it a measurement of character

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By Terry Clark-Jones, Michigan State University Extension

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

The dangers of secondhand smoke

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Children are susceptible to dangers associated with secondhand smoke.

By Kea Norrell-Aitch, Michigan State University Extension 

 

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

 

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

Why is smoking bad for your health?

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

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

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

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

Effects of secondhand smoke

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Summer Festivals in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

With summer comes a slew of festivals in West Michigan, each entirely unique and memorable. We’re talking about festivals centered around food, beer, art, culture, and more throughout the next few months. With events taking place nearly every week throughout the summer, there’s always something right around the corner for you to experience with these West Michigan festivals.

June Festivals in West Michigan

The Festival of the Arts is a three-day community celebration in downtown Grand Rapids offering art, food, entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. This year’s event is June 1st to 3rd, and will continue the tradition of bringing together the Grand Rapids art community for a summer kick-off. Ongoing for over 40 years, the Festival of the Arts is one of the longest-running festivals in the state.

 

The Mecosta area is home to festivals throughout the summer. The Lilac Festival is a chance for families to come out and do something fun, as a hometown, family-friendly event from June 1st to 3rd. Return for a summer of festivals, including the Morley Celebration on the Pond, Remus Heritage Days, and Mecosta County Agricultural Fair.

 

The Charlevoix Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of Michigan craft beer, local food, and entertainment on Saturday, June 2nd. The aim of the festival is to provide patrons the opportunity to enjoy a varied selection of high-quality Michigan craft beer while mingling with friends at the beautiful waterside venue. Attendees are encouraged to venture out and explore downtown Charlevoix’s culinary and retail offerings prior to and after the event.

 

The band Moxie Strings is set to appear at Cogdal Vineyards in South Haven on Sunday, June 3rd for the Cogdal Vineyards Wine Lovers’ Festival. Attendees can expect a fun experience of high-energy, original, and traditional tunes performed on five-string fiddle and electric cello while enjoying a glass of delicious wine.

 

Plan a summer fun Girls’ Night Out with Divas Uncorked, the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Divas Uncorked event on Friday, June 8th. This evening is devoted entirely to women, wine, food, and fun. Enjoy wine and food pairings, giveaways, shopping, and pampering. Bring your entourage, relax, and be fabulous!

 

Whether you’re looking for a fun and easy family getaway or a big night out on the town with friends, Mt. Pleasant offers a little bit of everything. They have a wide variety of events this summer, kicking off with the Back to the Bricks car show on Friday, June 8th. The following day, craft beer enthusiasts gather for the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, showcasing some of Michigan’s greatest brews. There won’t be a dull moment during your trip to Mt. Pleasant.

 

Feast of the Strawberry Moon is June 9th and 10th in Grand Haven. The event includes reenactments, a kids day, live entertainment, and more as they explore the middleground world that evolved between Europeans and the Native Americans in the Great Lakes Region during the pre-1800 fur trade era.

 

Grand Haven hosts some of West Michigan’s fan-favorite festivals every summer. The Spring Lake Heritage Festival is June 11th to 16th, and has family fun like no other. The following week is the Grand Haven Art Festival on June 23th and 24th. The event seeks to provide the community and visitors with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artists.

 

Music, boating, arts, and culture are all happening in River Country. Some of the area’s most popular annual events include the Three Rivers Water Fest from June 14th to 16th and Sturgis Fest from June 23rd to 30th. More events include Covered Bridge Days and the Magic Get-Together later in the summer. They have a full event calendar on their website, so check that out if you need to fill your time in southwest Michigan!

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum presents the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 16th, during Harborfest weekend in South Haven. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, demonstrations on boat building techniques will be featured, and toy boat building will be available for kids. The aim is to help perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience.

 

Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids is pleased to present to you Founders Fest 2018: A Celebration of Beer and Music on Saturday, June 16th. In its 11th year, Founders Fest continues to marry the finest beer with the tastiest artists from around the country and the world.

 

Located at the scenic Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival brings together the members of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for a spectacular day in the sand on Saturday, June 16th. The festival will feature fantastic regional live music, food trucks, and local restaurants to pair with the world-class wines produced right in southwest Michigan.

 

Whitehall is home to the 40th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people this Father’s Day weekend on June 16th and 17th. Creative artists will participate in this very popular juried art show, and attendees can purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, birdhouses, ceramics, and more. A great lineup of musicians will entertain the crowds throughout the weekend.

 

The 9th Annual Traverse City Wine & Cider Festival is Saturday, June 24th. Come celebrate local wine, food, and culture. The festival brings together a true taste of the region with great wines, art, food trucks, and live musical entertainment all in one location!

 

Visit Lansing for the 19th Annual Common Ground Music Festival from June 28th to July 1st! See some of the best rock, pop, country, and hip-hop stars in the world take the stage in downtown Lansing along the Grand River in a setting unlike any other.

 

June in Battle Creek means it’s time for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival from June 28th to July 4th. Balloon launches or fly-ins take place every night (weather dependent) and air shows take place at noon.

 

The Soo Locks Engineers Weekend begins on Friday, June 29th in Sault Ste. Marie. This fun weekend offers exclusive access to some of the area’s historic and interesting attractions such as the Locks and the Cloverland Electric Hydroelectric Power Plant.

 

The 60th annual South Haven Art Fair hosted by the South Haven Center for the Arts is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore in picturesque Stanley Johnson Park on June 30th and July 1st. This year’s unique blend of talent includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, drawing, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, clay, and wearable art. Admission is free for this two-day event.

 

The National Cherry Festival brings people from all over the world to Traverse City for a week-long celebration surrounding the cherry. Not only that, it attracts people from all over Michigan, the five-county area, and even just across the street to participate in activities. Come celebrate the Cherry Capital of the World from June 30th to July 7th for another year of food, drink, entertainment, and tradition!

 

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

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Courtesy Cherry Health

 

By Cherry Health

 

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

 

Grand Rapids:

Heart of the City Health Center
Westside Health Center

 

Westside Health Center Pediatrics

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Services available

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

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

 

Videos

 

Reach out and Read

 

Wyoming Community Health Center (courtesy Cherry Health)

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

Women Infants and Children Program (WIC)

 

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

 

Maternal Infant Health Program

 

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

 

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

 

We can help you:

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

MIHP involves a whole team in supporting families.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

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

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WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

More than 1,700 students set to graduate from schools in Wyoming, Kentwood

More than 1,700 students will be graduating from high schools in Kentwood and Wyoming during the next couple of weeks. Go here for a breakdown of when some of the local graduation ceremonies are taking place.

 

Ford Airport leader welcomes Sen. Peters’ introduction of bill to fund airport security

The bill allows airports to use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds on state of the art surveillance cameras in public areas such as baggage claims or pick up and drop off areas. Go here for the complete story.

 

 

Glue-in, souvlaki: Festival of the Arts is all about making memories

The VOICES vintage Airstream trailer, which is a a local and regional oral history project that collects, preserves and shares stories form everyday residents of West Michigan, will be at this year’s 49th Festival of the Arts, set for June 1, 2, and 3. The trailer will be there to collect stories from Festival volunteers and participants. Go here to read the story.

 

Evolution of Meijer Gardens summer concert series a bit of a surprising success

The venue and the mix of musical genres and audiences has not only been a success, the summer concert series has benefited Meijer Gardens on several levels: promotional, financial and patron inclusiveness. Click here to read the story.

 

Wyoming High School presents its spring Alpha Wolf 11 awards

Started in 2016, the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character award recognizes six students each semester and one teacher each year for character and treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious”. Read more here.

 

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

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The Meyer May House maybe the most famous house in Grand Rapids, but there are many grand homes in Heritage Hill that you can check out this weekend. (Supplied)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: Honor a local hero by attending his statue unveiling

 

Roger B. Chaffee Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum

While the City of Wyoming has a Roger B. Chaffee Boulevard and an American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post 154, the hero’s home town was Grand Rapids. So, a full-sized bronze statue of Apollo Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee will be unveiled at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the corner of East Fulton Street and Sheldon Avenue NE, near the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood: While you are out having fun, avoid this roadwork in town

 

The City Commission recently approved the city’s resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 22 miles of major and local roads. We have your list of where to avoid when you are out and about in the city this week: a tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: Heritage Hill’s annual open house weekend his here

 

The Annual Heritage Hill Tour welcomes you inside seven restored private houses and three historic buildings. (Supplied)

The Annual Heritage Hill Tour welcomes you inside seven restored private houses and three historic buildings on Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 20, from noon to 6 p.m. Tour offers an interior view of stunning turn of the century homes each uniquely styled by current owners.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Wyoming: Big trucks, hotdogs and loads of fun for kids of all ages

 

Public Works employee Carlos Ochoa shows off one of the trucks that collects leaves. (WKTV File)

The City of Wyoming is celebrating National Public Works Week once again on Monday, May 21, at the Wyoming Public Works Department, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. The event that attracts more than 1,500 visitors gives the public the chance to learn about the city’s Public Works Department and its services, meet community members and much more.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Entertainment: The Grand Rapids Symphony offers up Beethoven’s Ninth

 

Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Marcelo Lehninger, will be in concert this weekend. (Supplied/Stu Rosner)

The Grand Rapids Symphony ends its 2017-18 season with Beethoven’s Ninth at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, in DeVos Performance Hall. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is one of the greatest achievements, not only in classical music, but in all of Western culture. Beethoven’s last symphony and his only symphony to use voices began as a defiant statement of freedom hurled at the repressive monarchies of Europe. Today,  the finale of Beethoven’sNinth Symphony, is the official anthem of the European Union.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

 

Wyoming ‘Concerts in the Park’ is back this year, on Tuesdays, from June 5-Aug. 7

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Courtesy City of Wyoming

By City of Wyoming

 

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission is back again this year with an outstanding line-up of concerts for the 2018 Concerts in the Park series at Lamar Park. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

 

For more detailed information, check out the WCEC here, or on Facebook (search WyomingCEC).

  • Dates: June 5-Aug. 7, 2018
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: Lamar Park

Concert line-up (subject to change):

  • June 5 — The Porters (Children’s interactive music)
  • June 12 — Delilah DeWylde (Rockabilly)
  • June 19 — Adams Family (’50s and ’60s)
  • June 26 — Valentiger (Charismatic Pop Rock); Kari Lynch Band (Country); FIREWORKS after concert
  • July 10 — Cabildo (Alternative Latin Rock)
  • July 17 — Soul Syndicate (’60s, ’70s Soul and R&B)
  • July 24 — Blue Soul Express (Blues)
  • July 31 — Matt Gabriel (Folk and Blues)
  • Aug. 7 — Yellow Brick Road (Dueling Pianos featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John)

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

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Wyoming: Spring Carnival wraps up this weekend

Wyoming’s celebration of spring, its annual carnival at Lamar Park, is wrapping up its final days. The carnival runs through Sunday, May 6. The carnival features entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. A spectrum of rides will be available for carnival-goers, from crowd pleasers, such as a carousel and Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-inducing Mega Drop and Wipe Out.

 

For full story, click here.

 

Time for the Tulips

Buff up those wooden shoes and head toward Holland as the city gears up for the annual Tulip Time festival. There will be Dutch dancing, parades, a carnival, an artist market, performances of all kinds, five million tulips in bloom, and more Dutch dancing. The official activities kick off Saturday, May 5, and run through May 13.

 

For more, click here. 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

‘Dust Off’, the precursor to the annual Metro Cruise, kicks off this Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s become a favorite tradition, with car owners revving up for the summer car show, finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

For full story, click here.

30th anniversary edition of Lighthouse Map now available

Lighthouse lovers, get ready to plan your next lighthouse adventure! The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

 

For full story, click here.

Live Mermaid to return to Grand Rapids Public Museum

Admission to Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum, and can be purchased online at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.

 

For full story, click here.

 

 

Summer Camps in West Michigan offer myriad fun activities

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Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

It’s nearly that time again! Get your child involved in some fun and meaningful activities — consider a summer camp!

 

Make a movie this summer with the Film and Acting Summer Camps at the Compass College of Cinematic Arts in Grand Rapids! Learn from professionals how to act on camera and make films when the camp runs from June 18th to 22nd for ages 13 to 18. Film Camp students will write, shoot, and edit your own short film with guidance from seasoned filmmakers. In Acting Camp, you’ll learn on-camera acting techniques with a film actor as your coach and then star in a film produced by Film Camp. At the end of the week, walk the red carpet at the film’s premiere for family and friends on the big screen!

 

The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids has three-day and four-day summer camps for the young foodie in your life. Each camp has a distinct theme, ranging from Michigan’s fruits and vegetables to creating and utilizing a backyard farm. Sign up today for what Downtown Market cleverly calls their “Simmer Camps”!

 

Tiny dancers at the Grand Rapids Ballet dance camp (photo courtesy of GR Ballet)

The Grand Rapids Ballet has a variety of camps that are all centered around dance. Their Ballet School has programs for ballet, young dancers, boys ballet, and summer intensive training. They also have two Adaptive Dance programs: Explorer Dance (for children with Down syndrome) and Dancing with Parkinson’s (for adults with Parkinson’s disease). These Adaptive Dance classes allow students to experience the joy of dancing who may otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. Summer camps at the Grand Rapids Ballet are both fun and accessible for everyone!

 

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has summer camps that give students the chance to spend an entire week learning about theatre while having a blast making new friends. They’ve made some fantastic additions to their extremely popular summer camp program this year, so you’ll want to take a look at their new offerings for the season. Camps range from age 4 all the way through high school!

 

Summer fun happens at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! Join them and explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art, and fun! For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4 to 14 can use the museum as a learning lab, experimenting and growing, all while having a great time in one of the area’s most history-rich and “cool” environments.

At The Critter Barn (photo courtesy of Critter Barn)

 

The Critter Barn in Zeeland offers a one-of-a-kind Critter Camp class for students who are eager to engage in animal care. Work through the entire farm with the barn’s staff and return to volunteer throughout the entire year. These camps are available for ages 8 to 15.

 

 

Does gardening contribute to daily physical activity recommendations?

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

By Tyler Becker, Michigan State University Extension

 

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

 

Heavy gardening activities can strengthen your body.

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

 

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

Gardening can help strengthen your body

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

Modify gardening and landscaping activities to exercise your whole body

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

Tips for reducing pain and soreness.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For the full story, click here.

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: GRPM hosts annual cocktails and collections event

 

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

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

 

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

 

For the full story, click here.

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

For the full story, click here.

 

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

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Wyoming: Community Clean-Up Day Saturday

One of the events the City of Wyoming hosts is its annual Community Clean-Up Day.

The City of Wyoming, through the support of the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, will have its annual Community Clean-Up Day Saturday at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW.

 

The site will be open form 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Residents need to have a picture ID with them or proof of residency. Residents will enter east off of 44th Street to the northeast entrance of the church. For the full store, click here.

Wyoming: Flamingo Avenue to get trees

Mayor Jack Poll reads a proclamation at last year’s Arbor Day event.

This Saturday, the Tree Amigos and student volunteers will plant 24 street trees in the City of Wyoming. Planting will begin 9 a.m. in the 4200 block of Flamingo Avenue SW where ten Wyoming residents have signed up for the project. For more on this story, click here.

Kentwood: EK student makes her stage debut

East Kentwood student Ania Powell makes her Civic Theatre debut with “Akeelah and the Bee.”

Ania Powell makes her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in “Akeehal and the Bee,” which opens on Friday and runs through April 29 at the Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. For more on the story, click here.

Wyoming and Kentwood: Record Store Day is Saturday

This Saturday, April 21, is the annual Record Store Day in the Grand Rapids area and, quite literally, around the world. It is a day to celebrate small music stores but also to celebrate records — music on vinyl. For more on the story, click here.

Public Museum: “Water’s Extreme Journey” coming to a close

Water’s Extreme Journey is open now at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) taking visitors on a quest for clean water through an experiential maze! But the exhibit is only open through April 29. For more on this story, click here.