Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Metro Health part of collaboration to bring new cardiovascular facility to Wyoming campus

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
Expansion is in the future for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health which could be the home to a new cardiovascular facility. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and Mercy Health Muskegon have announced a second collaboration, this time focusing on the heart.

Last year, the organizations announced the Cancer Network of West Michigan to provide cancer patients with broader regional access to advanced, state-of-the-art, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and support. Following suit, the new Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan would utilize the leverage the expertise of Michigan Medicine’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center and provide a broader regional access to cardiovascular care by offering a second open-heart surgery program in Grand Rapids, which will be located at Metro Health. Currently only Spectrum Health operates a cardiovascular care program in the Grand Rapids area.

Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (Supplied)

The health systems have been working together for months on a plan to deepen clinical capabilities and broaden patient access and choice for high-quality cardiovascular care, said Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” Hahn said. “We owe it to our community to provide choice and options for the most advanced care, with access to the finest medical minds, sophisticated treatments and groundbreaking clinical trials.

In March, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a certificate of need authorizing an open-heart surgery program for Metro Health hospital campus in Wyoming. Later phases of the plan call for a dedicated facility.

Services such as coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiac valve repair or replacement, and repair for birth defects of the heart would be provided through the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan.

The network is envisioned as the region’s leading program for open-heart, structural heart and advanced electrophysiology services. It builds on the history of each of the partners collaborating with Michigan Medicine in cardiovascular care.

“As one of the fastest-growing regions in Michigan, the Grand Rapids area has seen a growing need for advanced cardiovascular services,” said Matthew Biersack, MD, interim president and chief medical officer of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. “Even smaller communities, such as Lansing and Kalamazoo, are served by multiple open-heart programs.

“The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan will provide an alternative for cardiovascular care and meet our region’s need for quality, increased patient access and delivery of care in an effective and cost-efficient manner,” he said.

The network would become the latest innovative partnership to expand regional cooperation in advanced medical services.

At the same time, strong collaborations are already in place in cardiovascular care. The open-heart program at Mercy Health Muskegon is staffed by Michigan Medicine surgeons. And Michigan Medicine physicians already provide electrophysiology services at all three sites.

“Mercy Health’s partnership with Metro Health – University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine builds upon our unified strengths to provide the highest quality, innovative and comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout west Michigan,” said Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon.

By leveraging the combined expertise of the partners, the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is designed to deliver personalized, patient-centered care while drawing on the expertise of Michigan Medicine.

“This network will provide west Michigan patients with a connection to the world-renowned cardiovascular expertise here at Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Michigan Medicine,” said Gorav Ailawadi, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Michigan Medicine.

“We will be able to offer west Michigan patients access to the most sophisticated, least-invasive treatments and world-class care close to home. This is a key step in Michigan Medicine’s mission to advance health care as a destination center for cardiovascular care,” Ailawadi said.

All hospital providers and staff will remain employed by their respective health systems, and no staff reductions will take place as a result of this agreement.

The network partners are working to finalize the agreement over the next several months.

Photo of the Week: The Mall that Changed Wyoming

Citizen Journalism

If you had been traveling east down 28th Street in the late 1950s and looked to the south after crossing Clyde Park Avenue, this is what you would have seen: an empty field. This is the site of what is now Rogers Plaza. Opened in 1961, Rogers Plaza was the first mall in Western Michigan. Among its tenants was S.S. Kresge, Kroger and A&P Supermarkets, Montgomery Ward and Cunningham Drug. About a year later, Southland Plaza (which became Wyoming Village Mall and is now known as 28th West Place) opened with a Wurzburg’s Department Store.

Today, Rogers Plaza, which was named after a founding family of the City of Wyoming, houses the Secretary of State office and the U.S. Post Office along with several businesses, restaurants and hair salons.

Summer hours for Wyoming’s yard waste drop-off are now in effect

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The summer hours for the City of Wyoming’s yard waste drop-off site are now in effect. Those hours are 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m .Saturday. 

Residents may bring sorted yard waste to dispose at the site. There is a leaves and grass pile for leaves, plants, flowers and grass clippings, and a brush pile for sticks, branches less than eight feet long, bushes, sumps less than three feet in diameter. 

With the warmer weathers come yard clean up. The City o fWyoming has year around hardware disposal. (Free Domain)

Proof of residency is required to use the site that would be a valid photo ID or a city water/sewer bill, property tax bill or tax assessment.

Enter and exit the site from Burlingame Avenue. The entrance is near the Department of Public Works entrance at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. Residents will be asked to show ID at the guard station. 

Residents are encouraged to stay six feet apart. Items should be disposed of in the correct piles. All paper and plastic bags must be taken with you.

 

For more information, click here. 

Superheroes take over John Ball Zoo this Thursday

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Superhero Day is Thursday, April 8, at the John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superhero Day at John Ball Zoo! Come dressed as your favorite superhero and meet amazing superheroes in-person on Thursday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Zoo guests can meet the rotating group of superheroes including Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Star Lord, Thor, Black Widow and more. 

Guests can also discover themed animal enrichment and signs at animal habitats showcasing animal superpowers. Plus, they can enjoy Superhero-themed concessions like Hulk Floss, Spidey Slush, and a Captain America Freezy. 

Superhero Day meet-and-greet is included in regular admission. Along with meeting superheroes, guests can also see the Zoo’s BRICKLIVE Supersized! toy brick exhibition, along with the triplet red panda cubs, and the Canada lynx kitten.

 

John Ball Zoo notes that the superhero meet-and-greet will be different this year. Instead of individual photo opportunities with each character, guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with a group of superheroes on the beautiful Bissell Tree House deck. For the safety of the superheroes and guests, these magical interactions will be from a safe social distance.

There are a limited number of guest tickets available for Superhero Day. The Zoo recommends reserving timed entry tickets online prior to arrival. This will ensure a guest’s entry as the Zoo cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-up ticket purchases. This includes the special early entry for John Ball Zoo members who can meet the superheroes an hour before the Zoo opens to everyone.

 

Spring Zoo admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children (3-12) and seniors, and children 2 and under are free.

 

John Ball Zoo notes they are following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that require masks from all guests over the age of 5, both indoors and outdoors.

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information www.jbzoo.org or (616)-336-4301. 

Photo of the Week: A rare fine

Citizen Journalism

As staff from the Grand Rapids Public Museum worked to digitalize its magic lantern slides, they discovered 69 black-and-white, photographic magic lantern slides depicting the Tuskegee Institute at the turn of the 20th century. Now referred to as Tuskegee University, the institution is a historically black university, located in Tuskegee, Ala. Its first president was Booker T. Washington (pictured above) and it was the home of scientist George Washington Carver and of the World War II era Tuskegee Airmen.

According to historian, author and professor Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks, Washington traveled throughout Michigan seeking support from industrialists and wealthy Protestant churches. He came to Grand Rapids at least four times and made significant inroads into the city’s business and religious communities. He was such an important future in Grand Rapids that when he died in 1915, there was a city-wide memorial for him.

Lantern slides were widely circulated in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district for decades as an engaging teaching tool that could transport students around the world. There has been renewed interested in the slides by researchers because of their role in the history of technology and as a visual resource for local historians. With support from IMS, the Public Museum will digitize, catalog and rehouse roughly 5,000 magic lantern slides over the next years. The slides can be viewed online. Click here.

Students learn handiwork at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University. The image is part of the lantern slide collection at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (provided)

Medical Moment: March is Colorectal Cancer

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By Dr. Afriyie Randle
WKTV Community Contributor

Just how deadly colorectal cancer can be came to light with the death of actor Chad Bostwick, best known for the movie “The Black Panther.” After a four year battle, Bostwick died on Aug. 28, 2020.

Per the Centers for Disease Control, colorectal cancer, also known as color cancer, bowel cancer, and rectal cancer, affects both women and men and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, approximately 140,000 people in the U.S. get colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 people die from it. 

The American Cancer Society predicts that 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women with develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Regular screenings for cancer can improve or save your life. These screenings began at age 50 are essential for preventing colorectal cancer. If you are 50-75, get screened regularly.

Symptoms include various gastrointestinal issues that include: diarrhea, constipation, right red blood during bowel movements, black stool, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating and feeling that your bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement. You may have unexplained weight loss along with fatigue or tiredness. Men may experience unexplained iron deficiency while women may experience unexplained iron deficiency after menopause. A lump in the abdomen or back may be felt on exam by a medical provider.

Please keep in mind that most of these symptoms may also be indicative of other illnesses so please see your primary care provider if symptoms are present for longer than four weeks. 

Walloon Lake hosts year-long Hemingway celebration

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Ernest Hemingway’s cottage located on Walloon Lake. (Public Domain)

By Adrienne Reasner-Brown
West Michigan Tourist Association

A year’s worth of activities, special events and activities focused on northern Michigan and one-time summer resident Ernest Hemingway is planned for the Village of Walloon Lake throughout 2021. Walloon Lake is nestled between Boyne City and Petoskey just off US-131 in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties.

The first large program is Walloon Lake Reads: The Nick Adams Stories which kicks off on Thursday, April 1 and runs through mid-May. A Hemingway Birthday Celebration is also planned for Wednesday, July 21 (Ernest was born on this date in 1899) with a handful of family-friendly events. Labor Day weekend, September 3-6, will be the primary Hemingway Homecoming featuring the unveiling of historical installations downtown focused on Hemingway as well as other aspects of the village’s development and growth at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth century – like early rail travel, hotels and resorts, boating and more.

Various businesses in town, specifically Hotel Walloon, Walloon Lake Inn and Barrel Back Restaurant, are showcasing various foods and beverages throughout the year in honor of Hemingway’s passion for such things. Themed lodging packages will also focus on activities that the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author enjoyed – like fly fishing.

Ernest Hemingway was just three months old when he made his first trip from his hometown of Oak Park, IL to Walloon Lake where his parents – Clarence and Grace (Hall) – had purchased property along the North Shore. Ernest spent time every summer until 1922 at the family’s beloved Windemere cottage there, the simple cottage still owned by descendants today. The woods and waters in and around Walloon Lake shaped Hemingway’s life in many ways and it was a place he always held dear to his heart. It was here that his 1972 posthumously published book, The Nick Adams Stories, is primarily set.

The Village of Walloon Lake has also launched a website at WalloonLakeMi.com to provide information to locals and visitors alike throughout the year and beyond. An official Village Facebook page also provides regular updates and historical tidbits at Facebook.com/WalloonLakeMi.

Spectrum Health announces new visitor restrictions

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Spectrum Health Medical Center will be revising its visitor policy effective this Wednesday. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As a result of significantly increasing numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19 and the increase in community positivity rate, Spectrum Health has revised its visitor policies to reduce the number of people in its Grand Rapids and regional hospitals and outpatient care sites.

Effective Wednesday, March 31, adult patients are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient. This must be the same person for the patient’s entire hospital stay. The following exceptions will apply:

  • Labor and delivery obstetrics patients are allowed two adult visitors. These must be the same two people for the patient’s entire hospital stay.
  • Patients with COVID-19 are not allowed in-person visitors, however the care team will work with patients and families to coordinate virtual visits.
  • Emergency department patients are limited to one adult guest per patient.
  • Adult radiology and laboratory patients at the hospital or outpatient care sites are not allowed guests except for those patients here for an obstetric ultrasound or those who need assistance with activities of daily living or have cognitive impairments. These individuals will be allowed one adult guest.
  • Adult patients at Spectrum Health physician offices and surgery centers are allowed one adult family member or guest for surgical sedated procedures, but no visitors unless the patient needs physical or cognitive support.  Patients may contact office staff for extenuating circumstances.
  • Pediatric patients under the age of 21 are allowed two adult family members (parent or guardian or their designee only) per patient stay.
  • For pediatric outpatient services, physician offices and surgery, pediatric patients are allowed one family member or guests per patient visit.
  • Pediatric radiology patients are allowed one adult family member per patient.
  • Pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and infusion center patients are allowed one adult family member per patient.

The new restrictions apply to the following Spectrum Health hospitals and nearby physician offices and ambulatory care sites:

  • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center
  • Spectrum Health Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion
  • Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial
  • Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Pennock
  • Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital
  • Spectrum Health United Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital

In addition, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, all visitors will be screened and are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose to enter the hospitals and outpatient facilities. Spectrum Health dining rooms continue to be closed to visitors. Hospital food service will be available in the cafeteria through to-go orders.

More information about visitor restrictions can be found here. Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 resource center can be found here.

Snapshots: Weekend Roundup

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

Animals are born who they are, accept it and that is that. They live with greater peace than people do.

American Novelist Gregory Maquire

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Bornean neon blue-legged tarantula fits into the palm of a hand but in the “BRICKLIVE Supersized!,” it towers at 12 feet tall. (Supplied)

Time to Supersize

And no, we are not talking McDonald’s. This weekend the John Ball Zoo officially opens for its 2021 season, which will feature the exhibit “BRICKLIVE Supersized!” In the exhibit, more than 30 sculptures have been created using more than two million bricks. The sculptures of some of the world’s smallest animals which have been magnified more than 30 times to create 12-foot pieces. The exhibit is full of fun and information. To get a timed ticket, visit www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets.

Trailblazing

The weather is iffy on Saturday, but should be pretty nice on Sunday, which means you could hit one of the many trails at any of the local parks. There is the Paul Henry Trail, which runs from 44th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue south to 60th Street and Wing Avenue, or the East West Trail, which runs east from Division Avenue and 50th Street to Kalamazoo Avenue. There is also the Kent Trails which winds its way through the City of Wyoming as well as the Fred Meijer M-6 Trail located near Metro Health. Of course, many of the local parks feature trails and nature paths such as Kentwood’s Paris Park and Wyoming’s Buck Creek Nature Preserve.

Museum Touring

Have you visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Art Museum lately? The Grand Rapids Public Museum is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and features an array of exhibits including “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections made with Lego Bricks.” For more information, visit www.grpm.org. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is open noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and is featuring the work of Grand Rapids native Mathias Alten along with arts and craft pieces and hero portraits created by Detroit artists. Visit www.artmuseumgr.org for more information.

Where are all the wolverines?

While Michigan is the Wolverine State there are actually no wolverines, outside of capitative that is, that live in the state. The last known Michigan wolverine is stuffed and in a private collection. It was killed in 1860. According to Michigan State University zoologist Rollin Baker, there may have been wolverines in the state as late as the 1900s, but most of what he found was hearsay. Some believe that wolverines, which most are living in the far mountains of Canada, were never populous in Michigan but rather a name given to the white settlers by Native Americans because they were gobbling up all the Michigan land. The animal was strongly disliked by the Native Americans because it often feeds on dead animals and humans.

Photo of the Week: She had a passion for Wyoming

Citizen Journalism, , ,

As March is Women’s History Month, WKTV is celebrating some of the women leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.

When Carol Sheets heard that Metro Health was looking for a new home in the early 2000s, Sheets made a phone call to hospital officials and proposed the City of Wyoming. The rest is history.

Sheets served on the City Council from 1993 – 2009, the last four years as the city’s first and only female mayor. During her tenure, she saw the city go through some of its roughest times, the lost of Celebrating Wyoming and the closing of Rogers Department Store and the GM Manufacturing Plant on 36th Street. Still she proved unwavering to her dedication to the city she loved, serving as its advocate and making those calls to bring organizations in. Sheets died in 2013. She was 69.

Could Vitamin D be the secret weapon against COVID?

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Dr. Afriyie Randle sits down with Eureka! host Tom Norton to discuss Vitamin D and COVID. (WKTV)

By Tom Norton
tom@wktv.org

For generations, millions of Americans grew up with the sing-song phrase of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This was, of course because fruit contained its fair share of vitamins, complex carbohydrates and other nutrients the body needs to maintain healthy living. With the COVID pandemic still a force in our lives a full year after it’s beginning, researchers are taking a new look at the role nutrients play in slowing severe COVID disease which has now killed more than 530,000 Americans in just one year.

 

COVID virus (FDA.gov)

The nutrient that appears to be a significant weapon against severe COVID disease (and most respiratory diseases) is vitamin D3. Researchers now point to new findings that the high rate of deficiency in vitamin D3 in the American population could be playing a significant role in the high death rate Americans are experiencing, especially among the poor.

For millions of Americans who live in latitudes north of Tennessee, sunlight; one of the primary creators of Vitamin D in the body, is in short supply during the long, cloudy winter months. Research shows that Americans in these more northern regions combined with a diet high in processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup and little available sunlight can create a vitamin D deficiency that only makes a population more vulnerable to the ravages of disease, especially one like COVID 19.

But if COVID finds an enemy in Vitamin D3, it appears the vitamin has an enemy in high fructose corn syrup. The National Center for Biotechnology Information has published a study that high fructose corn syrup, once it is metabolized by the kidneys, has the effect of reducing the amounts of Vitamin D3; critical to the body’s defense against COVID.

The linkage between severe COVID disease and a poor diet with the inherent health problems it brings is gradually being better understood. On the surface, this may seem like a foregone conclusion, but being a novel or “new” virus, researchers have followed the twists and turns that COVID-19 has led them on and, is often the case, the causes researchers seek take multiple paths and in some cases go back decades.

In 1973, the FDA began mandating that food manufacturers begin labeling the contents of all pre-packaged or processed foods. This regulation has allowed consumers to see what it is they’re actually eating. However in the 1970s, food manufactures primarily in the United States, introduced the artificial sweetener high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS into the American diet. At first, the long term effect in foods was unknown, but as an inexpensive sugar substitute, high fructose corn syrup HFCS became a darling of the food processing industry. Within a decade it was present in foods from bread to soft drinks to ice cream and countless other pre-packaged goods.

 

Researchers now point to the fact that one way of slowing the COVID death toll among these groups is education on a change in diet. (pxhere.com)

Researchers now point to the fact that one way of slowing the COVID death toll among these groups is education on a change in diet. To wean a sugar-saturated American population off of high fructose corn syrup and to increase consumption of foods either rich in Vitamin D3 or with supplements, is no easy task.

  

Of course there are the Vitamin D3 supplements, which are the easiest method for increasing Vitamin D3 intake, but with HFCS now shown to decrease the amount of D3 in the body, avoiding processed foods becomes even more important.  Unfortunately, most foods in their raw state, apart from salmon, trout and eggs, do not contain large amounts of Vitamin D, which is why dairy products for decades have been fortified with the nutrient. To increase your amount of Vitamin D3 during the less sunny months and during the time of COVID, supplements may be an important tool. Researchers caution however that too much Vitamin D3 needs to be avoided. As a fat soluble vitamin, it stores in the body’s fatty tissue and can build up over time.

It’s as simple as turning over the box or can and reading the label,” says Dr. Afriyie Randle, of Mercy Health. “I mean, the information is there. It’s not being hidden.  You just have to read it.” Dr. Randle also points out that the American diet that is high in processed sugars like high fructose corn syrup is also playing a huge role in the obesity epidemic in the United States. “And with obesity comes hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.”

 

Combined with poor diet, which in many studies is tied to lower income levels along with occupations and life (such as many people living together under one roof), Americans, particularly minority communities, are weathering the perfect storm.    With all of this, it’s understandable why early conclusions point to just why COVID has wrought so much death at or near the bottom of the economic ladder. Prior to 1990, there was virtually no correlation in studies between obesity and poverty.  However by 2000, poorer regions of the U.S. showed a significant uptick in the levels of obesity and researchers were able to correlate an increase in fructose intake, but particularly foods and beverages high in HFCS that were underneath the growing obesity epidemic among the poor.

As data shows, the United States has suffered a death toll disproportionally higher than many other countries and questions linger among researchers about how the role a high-sugar, highly-processed diet that many Americans have has played a role in that death toll.

Dr. Randle encourages the greater use of home prepared meals where the home cook has an enormous control over the content of what they eat. Perhaps it’s no surprise that researchers are drawing a connection between the high levels of severe COVID disease and diet. As Dr. Randle notes, “With lab work, I see patients with Vitamin D3 deficiency weekly.”

In Europe in the 1300s, the bubonic plague brought about a stunning death toll when aided by a population where a lack of personal hygiene provided the perfect breeding ground for the spread of that disease. Today, in one of the richest countries in the world where food is generally inexpensive, the obesity epidemic and its consequences can help us understand the disproportionate death toll among Americans from COVID disease and point to the roles that our American habits have been playing in this pandemic.

  

Tom Norton is the general manager of WKTV Community Media and hosts the podcast “Eureka!” which covers topics of science, health and historical role that both play in our society.

Area pastors show love by getting the COVID vaccine

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Area pastors line up to get the COVID-19 shot at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Leaders from 50 Kent County congregations volunteered to roll up their sleeves last week to show their communities they are walking the talk on the COVID vaccine front, each getting “a shot of love” at West Michigan Vaccination Clinic at DeVos Place, which is a collaborative effort of Kent County, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health and Vaccinate West Michigan.

“Whatever your faith tradition, the principle of love thy neighbor is pretty consistent across centuries,” said Pastor Charlie Selmon, Jr. of Wellspring Church. “Getting a vaccine, just like wearing a mask, is about showing love for ourselves, our neighbors, our elders, and our children. It is about protecting the sanctity of human life.”

This Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will ve sting a COVID-19 Vaccine Rally and Registration Drive. The event will take place at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 510 Franklin St. SE. The purpose of the rally is encourage resident in high priority zip codes based on COVID-19 incidents and other socially vulnerable index factors are registered to receive the vaccine.

Local pastors roll up their sleeves to get their shots and encourage others to do so. (Supplied)

At 4 p.m., more than 200 volunteers will canvass select census tracts in the 49507 zip code going door-to-door to ensure that every adult resident has the opportunity to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is the first of 10 scheduled drives across Kent County to help ensure that the most vulnerable members are vaccinated. Those attending must follow the instructions of the medical safety team and adhere to the safety guidelines of local state and national health departments.

“As a physician, and as someone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19, I urge you to consider getting the vaccine as a way to help us defeat this deadly virus,” wrote TaLawnda Bragg, MD, attending physician at Spectrum Health. In the recent blog post, she said, “I am eager to do whatever I can to help halt the scourge of this virus in our community.”

 

Until now, access to the vaccine has been limited to essential workers and select, high-risk demographics. With the national supply of vaccines expanding quickly, outreach to the broader community is underway. Starting April 5, the vaccine will be offered to all Michiganders age 16 and older according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In Kent County more than 86,885 residents or 16.8% of the population have been vaccinated.

“Over 2.7 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We will continue to focus our efforts on removing barriers to access for our most vulnerable to exposure and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this.”

According to Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London, “faith leaders have been providing essential counseling and care for vulnerable people throughout this pandemic; they are now also helping us as volunteers. Their level of commitment and support for our community has been extraordinary.”

This Tuesday, the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will be hosting the first of many Vaccine Rally and Registration Drives. (Supplied)

Local faith leaders expect enthusiastic participation at vaccine sites in the weeks ahead.

“We understand in the 21st century that individual health and public health go hand in hand,” said Rev. Khary Bridgewater, Coordinator of the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force. “Faith leaders know that we must protect the individual health of our most vulnerable citizens if we all want to share the blessings of a healthy community.” 

Snapshots: Weekend news you can use

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

The way I see, if you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta but up with the rain.

Singer/songwriter Dolly Parton



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

(Courtesy Sunset Succulents)

Craft Bash

Miss perusing the booths full of crafts? Well, the Woodland Mall has got you covered for this week. Saturday, March 20, the mall will be hosting its first Spring Craft Bash, a 1-day event that will showcase a wide variety of handcrafted and vendor Items for sale. The event will run from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Von Maur wing of the mall and will have books, games, artwork, skincare, home decor items, jewelry, succulents and more.

Art in Bloom

The biannual celebration and competition, Art in Bloom has returned to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for one-weekend only, March 19-21. Visitors are invited to explore the galleries and view floral designs inspired by artwork from the Museum’s permanent collection. Art in Bloom entries will be eligible for two awards: The Public Vote Award and Juried Award. A panel comprised of floral and art experts from the Grand Rapids community will select the Juried Award Winner, which will be announced on Friday, March 22 at 2 pm. The three-day exhibition and competition includes a floral-focused schedule of in-person and virtual offerings. Visitors are encouraged to reserve timed tickets to Art in Bloom in advance. For GRAM’s hours and admission fees, call 616-831-1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org.

Photo by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

And Blooming Butterflies

The Butterflies are Blooming at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. If you are planning to go, note you may have to wait in line to get into the facility due to COVID capacity guidelines, especially if you go on the weekend. (It took my family about an hour and half to get in to see the butterflies.) The good news is, while you are waiting, you get to wind through the desert and Victorian gardens, getting up close views of Monarch caterpillars and chrysalis. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit meijergardens.org.

  • Monach butterfly
  • Karner Blue butterfly
  • Mayfly
  • Hungerford’s crawling water beetle

The Butterfly Debate

The State of Michigan does not have a state insect. Several have been suggested over the years, including (from the top left) the Monarch butterfly, the Karner blue butterfly, the mayfly, and Hungerford’s crawling water beetle. In fact, in 2019, a bill was introduced, inspired by a group of students from West Bloomfield Hills school, to make the Monarch butterfly, which comes to Michigan annual, the state insect. The bill was pushed into committee and has remained there. Trout fisherman say the mayfly because it is a food source for the designated state fish and others have said the Karner blue butterfly because it is endanger and more unique to Michigan, which is the same reason some have given to the Hungerford’s crawling water beetle.

Money available to help homeowners, business owners pay winter bills

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Photo from Pxhere.com

By WKTV Staff

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Consumers Energy are launching a public campaign today to ensure Michigan residents take advantage of tens of millions in federal, state and local dollars that will help households and small businesses pay winter heating bills.

“No one should go without warmth or comfort in their own home when they can have access to so many dollars here in Michigan, starting with a single phone call,” Nessel said. “We know February’s brutal cold is leaving our friends and neighbors with high energy bills, but they should know they can take action now that can make a huge difference.”

“Consumers Energy is working right now to help many Michiganders who could use support due to the twin challenges of the pandemic and the cold snap,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “The new federal stimulus and other sources are making tens of millions of dollars available to help with energy bills.”

Nessel and Michigan’s largest energy provider are teaming up after two weeks of especially cold temperatures in February caused furnaces to run more often than usual. The cost of that heat will be reflected in customer bills that are arriving this month.

Consumers Energy and the attorney general are both reaching out to the public and are promoting resources to help Michiganders. People who are struggling with energy bills should call 2-1-1, a free service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in communities across the state. They can also go to mi211.org. 

Other ways to get help

Consumers Energy alone has provided $15 million since last fall to help customers pay bills. In all, the company and its charitable foundation have provided over $21 million to support customers and communities with needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Consumers Energy knows asking for assistance isn’t always easy,” Snyder said. “But we want you to know money is available right here in Michigan to go toward your energy bills. Even if you didn’t qualify in the past, it’s possible you can get help today.”

Muskegon Museum of Art celebrates student art, Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Citizen Journalism, ,
Kathleen Atkins Wilson (1993 Coretta Scott King Award Winner) The Origin of Life on Earth, Introduction page Print, 1992 L.C. and Margaret Walker Gallery A

By Marguerite Curran
Muskegon Museum of Art

Two new exhibitions at the Muskegon Museum of Art celebrate art in children’s literature and art by students. Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards is now on display and runs through May 23, 2021. Expressions Revisited: 39th Annual Muskegon County Student Exhibition opens March 25 and runs through May 9, 2021.

OUR VOICE: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards

The Coretta Scott King Award is presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to African American authors and illustrators of books for children and teens that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.

Our Voice, organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and ALA, features original artworks by past award winners Jerry Pinkney, Ashley Bryan, Bryan Collier, Leo and Diane Dillon, Kadir Nelson, and many others. Our Voice celebrates this important award and explores the ways in which artists can educate and elevate, offering new perspectives and opening our eyes to the world and the experiences of our neighbors, inviting greater understanding and unity. The MMA presentation of Our Voice is underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation. Media support is provided by Blue Lake Public Radio.

John Steptoe (1988 Coretta Scott King Award winner) Wedding festivities, from Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale Watercolor on paper, 1987

EXPRESSIONS REVISITED: 39th Muskegon County Student Exhibition



Expressions, the annual Muskegon County student art exhibition, is an annual collaboration between the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) and the MMA that showcases the artistic talents of Muskegon County K-12 students. This year’s exhibition features student artworks in a variety of media that have been purchased by the MAISD in previous years. The works on display were selected from the MAISD collection by the Muskegon Museum of Art and MAISD staff. Expressions Revisited is underwritten by the MAISD and Comerica Bank.

Additional support is provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Humanities Council with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The museum is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays. Health and safety measures include limited occupancy in galleries and other public spaces, enhanced cleaning, and mask wearing is required for guests and staff.

Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for museum updates, visitor information, and exhibition information.

Take a walk through a story at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary hosts Wild Wednesdays designed just for kids.

By Cara Barnes
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

The trails at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will have a new storyline for families this spring, though a partnership with the Richland Community Library.

Starting this month, pages from a storybook will be posted along the Sanctuary’s paved path for families to read as they walk. There also will be self-guided activities that complement the story’s themes and a reading list at the Richland Community Library to learn even more and practice reading skills.

The stories and activities will be updated every two months and are open to all during normal operating hours with the cost of admission (free to members).

Story themes
March-April—Owls!
Story title: “Whobert Whover, Owl Detective,” written by Jason Gallaher, illustrations by Jess Pauwels.
Activities: Scavenger hunt, owl facts near Birds of Prey area.
Take home: Owl coloring pages.

May-June—Frogs!
Story title: “Jump, Frog, Jump!” written by Robert Kalan, illustrations by Byron Barton.
Activities: Frog life cycle facts by the water garden and more.
Take home: Frog life cycle wheel.

Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510 for more information.

Photo of the Week: Leaving her mark

Citizen Journalism
Judith Wylie served on the Kentwood City Commission for 20 years, eight years at the Mayor Pro Tem.

As March is Women’s History Month, WKTV is celebrating some of the women leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.

Judith Wylie, 1934-2014, was considered an “energetic inspiration” to many in the City of Kentwood. When she passed away in 2014, she left a legacy of public service, goodwill, and fond members to the greater community of Kentwood. According to many, her love of Kentwood knew no bounds.

When asked in a Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission Oral History interview, Wylie used the words honest, hardworking and integrity to describe herself. “As my mother used to say, ‘My word is my bond.'”

Wylie served on the city commission for 20 years, 1981 -2001, eight as the Mayor Pro Tem. She also co-founded and was president of the Kentwood Women’s Club and a former president and honorary life member of the Sallie Bender Guild of Spectrum Health Butterworth. She also was an active member and Deacon in John Knox Presbyterian Church.

For more about Wylie, click here.

Traffic Tuesday: When you can feel the noise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will have their windows open to enjoy the sun and fresh air. However, we always see an increase in noise complaints with warmer weather, as well as more questions about the hours of the noise ordinance. What the hours for the general noise ordinance (noise able to be heard from a public way like a street or sidewalk) in the city of Wyoming?

  1. No noise from 10PM to 7AM
  2. No noise from 11PM to 7AM
  3. No noise from midnight to 8AM
  4. There are no hours for the general ordinance
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday

Local students are spreading a little kindness one letter at a time

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , ,
Holland Home CEO Mina Breuker received a pleasant surprise in her mailbox earlier this year. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was like any other winter evening when Mina Breuker headed out to get the mail. Except this time around there was a package among the letters.

“I know John VandenBerg,” said the CEO of Holland Home about the Allendale Christian School teacher who sent the package. “His in-laws are good friends of ours but I hadn’t seen him or his wife in a while and really didn’t know why he was sending me a package.

Breuker took the package in, opened it and a surprise – or rather surprises – fell out.

“There were all these handmade cards, so wonderfully written,” Breuker said, adding that there were all kinds of messages of “thank you” and “we are praying for you.”

The fifth grade students in John VandenBerg and Jessica Kirchoff had sent the notes as part of the “Choose Kind — Spread Kind” fifth grade initiative. The goal is that by sending out letters of encouragement, the students would help spread kindness within the community or as one letter writer put it “I have learned a lot about kindness. It is a lot like dominos. When you hit one, it spreads.”

According to VandenBerg, the purpose was to spread kindness amidst the pandemic and other continued national difficulties. The idea came from VandenBerg’s own fourth grade experience, when his class wrote to then President George Bush.

“He wrote back and I thought how cool that was,” VandenBerg said, adding he wanted to give his students that same experience.

The 29 students in Kirchoff’s and VandenBerg’s classes first spent time exploring the book “Wonder,” by R. J. Palacio, which explores the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and kindness. The teachers used the book as a launchpad to discuss kindness and how to inspire acts of kindness. From there, the students wrote letters to share kindness with others.

The first the letters were given to Allendale Christian School staff such as the librarians and food service providers. The campaign eventually expanded to include local, state, and national leaders.

“I like it because I like seeing the reaction from the letters that people send back,” said fifth grader Eden VanderWaal. Eden said seeing how one act of kindness has a ripple effect on others has encouraged Eden to do more for others.

 

Returning the thank you: the response board at Allendale Christian School for the “Choose Kind-Spread Kind” initiative. (Supplied)

Not everyone has responded back but VandenBerg said that was not the point of the initiative.

 

“The whole idea is that people will pay it forward,” he said. “They will share the kindness and it will create this whole snowball effect everywhere creating an avalanche of kindness.”

While many think to send letters to the seniors, few have come to the management team. For that reason reason, Breuker said she felt the need to share the “beautifully written letters” with the rest of the Holland Home team to let them know that what they have done was appreciated.

“It certainly lightened the load,” Breuker said., adding that there have not been many good feelings this year and it was nice to know that the students at Allendale Christian School were working to help spread the “love” even if it is one letter at a time.

After four months, Wyoming Senior Center reopens

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
The Wyoming Senior Center walking club heads out the doors of the center to its destination, which was Palmer Park. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When Wyoming resident Barb Hoover learned that the Wyoming Senior Center would reopen on March 8, she was one of the first people to walk through the doors.

“It was fabulous,” Hoover said with a smile on her face as she waited for the walking club program to start. it was her second visit to the facility within three days. “It is a different thing to be able to walk in and participate with others”

“It is nice to see people and socialize and be able to talk to people your own age,” said Wyoming resident Lee Wilholit. “It is great to be able to get out and see how others are doing.”

Wyoming resident and volunteer lead for the walking club Joel Anderson talks to Wyoming resident Barb Hoover before the club heads out. (WKTV)

For Wyoming resident Tina Packer, she couldn’t wait to take advantage of some of the services the center offers to seniors.

“It is especially nice when you can come and get help with something like your taxes,” Packer said. “My husband can’t get around as much so it is great that I am able to come in here and someone is able to help us because I don’t know a thing about taxes.”

It’s been four months since the facility closed for the second statewide shutdown, which took place in November.

“Everyday the phones would ring,” said Wyoming Senior Center Director Chad Boprie. “Even more so when some else would announce they would be offering bingo.”

Bingo still will not be taking place but other popular programs such as bean bag baseball, needles and yarn, ping pong, painting club, technology club, rubber stamping, bike club, and the walking club are happening as well as the game room is open. Pre-registration is required for all programs with capacity capped at 25. The game room has two pool tables open by appointment.

“I am really glad to be back into the swing of things,” said Wyoming resident Joel Anderson, who is a volunteer lead for the center’s walking club and bike club as well as president of the Fellowship Club. 

“This is the time of year when all of my activities start to ramp up so it’s nice to be able to have the center open,” Anderson said.

Attendance has been small, but Boprie said that is OK. The decision was made to have a soft opening before ramping up the activities.

Last summer, when the center was able to reopen after the first statewide shutdown, its patios and parking lots were utilized for program activities to help maintain the required social distancing. Boprie said staff plans to do the same this spring and summer.

“Basically, every spot that wasn’t doing much became a place of activity,” Boprie said. “If it had a concrete space, we began to utilize it.”

The Wyoming Senior Center walking club gather in the center’s main room before heading out on their walk. (WKTV)

There are a few things not open such as the coffee shop, which Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said they hope to open soon once they have more guidance from the state. Until then, food and beverages will not be sold.

 

But that is OK, said Wyoming resident Norine Shae because her reason for coming back centers on “being active and having some fun.”

Wyoming resident Theresa Morse smiles and then adds “You take it all for grant until it is gone.”

The Wyoming Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. For more information, call 616-530-3190 or visit the center’s website.

Wyoming Lee Cheer Team: The stuff Legends are made of

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education,
Making up the Godfrey Lee Cheer team are seniors Amy Sosa, Arely Fernandez, Elsy Bonilla, Da’Ja West, and Adriana Landis. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Having cheered together for most of their high school careers, the five seniors who are the Wyoming Lee Cheer team make the moves look effortless as members lift up their flyer, anticipating her movements.

“We have come a long way,” said senior Amy Sosa. “There is just the five us and we have this really strong bond. We’re happy that we are all here and we do really well together.”

Like so many of the winter high school sports teams, the Wyoming Lee cheer team had the long wait to find out if it would even have a season. When the green light was given, the Wyoming Lee team came ready to tuck and roll as they quickly snagged second and third place wins at their first two meets.

 

They are the Legends. (WKTV)

Not an easy feat considering that there was a change in divisions for the cheer programs in the OK Conference, according to Coach Jody Hankis Snyder. Wyoming Lee is now part of the OK Silver which includes Comstock Park, Sparta, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Belding, Hopkins, NorthPointe Christian and Calvin Christian.

“We have all worked so hard,” said senior Arely Fernandez. “We have built so many memories and so many friendships that it would have been really sad if we couldn’t finish it out on our last year.

“This is like our opportunity to show that we can do something that is fun and cool.”

There have been challenges as the team has had to work with new rules to prevent the spread of COVID 19, one of which is the requirement to wear masks even when performing.

“It is not the same voices,” said senior Elsy Bonilla. “You can’t show the excitement like you could without a mask.

 

“Still we have been doing really well despite the challenges, landing in the top tier of the teams.”

Also many high school sports teams saw a reduction in participation due to COVID. This meant new challenges from some on the Wyoming Lee cheer team as they filled spots that were open.

“I’m a base,” said senior Arely Fernandez. “I have always been a flyer so I never would have thought that I could be a base.

“This has shown me how strong I am and now round three has become my favorite round because I am able to show off that strength.”

With senior Adriana Landis adding that the team has gained other strengths as well.

“We have learned to teach each other and to motivate each other,” Landis said adding this has helped not only on the floor but to cement the bonds of friendship as well.

Photo of the Week: Play Ball!

Citizen Journalism, , ,

During World War II, great numbers of young men were being drafted into the armed services leaving managers, owners and fans at Major League Baseball parks across the United States concerned. In danger of low attendance and lack of quality players, a girls’ softball league called the All-American Girls Softball (later Baseball) Professional League (AAGBBL) was formed to provide a solution. The League emerged in the spring of 1943 and continued until 1954.

In Midwest communities such as Grand Rapids, Michigan, home to the AAGBBL team the Grand Rapids Chicks, the sport was immensely popular. Supported by leading business persons as spectator entertainment that was based on high moral and professional standards, the games attracted a diverse audience that appealed to all ages, classes and both sexes. The game was embraced as great family entertainment.

The perfect quarantine activity: Learn to quilt at LMC’s virtual quilting workshop

Citizen Journalism

By Jackie Huss
Lakeshore Museum Center

Want to try your hand at quilting? The Lakeshore Museum Center is providing residents with hand quilting supplies and a virtual hand quilting workshop Tuesday, March 23, at 6 pm to encourage those interested in picking up a fun new skill.

Participants will learn how to use a template, trace patterns, cut fabric, piece together blocks, quilt, and bind the final product. Everything will be done by hand and no machine is required. LMC’s own Interim Executive Director and avid quilter Melissa Horton will host participants via Zoom. Over the last 16 years, she has crafted 12 of her own quilts by hand and is eager to share her knowledge with the public.

“This event knits together our Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins? exhibit with a fun hobby anyone can enjoy,” said Interim Executive Director Melissa Horton. “This is a great spot for beginners to try their ‘hand’ at hand quilting and speak with others interested in the same hobby.”

The temporary exhibit, Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins, features a local quilter of the same name who created over 100 quilts in her lifetime. The exhibit is open through April 24. Unlike crochet or knitting, the art of quilting uses cut pieces of fabric to create patterns for a variety of quilts without the use of a machine. At the end of the workshop, participants will have constructed their own square to use as a potholder, doily or the first square of their very own quilt.

Participants can register for the workshop on Eventbrit www.eventbrite.com/e/hand-quilting-101-tickets-138800294417 for $20, or $18 for museum members. Supplies will be available for pickup beginning March 15 until the day of the event. For more information, call the museum at 231.722.0278.

Kroc Center will offer limited spring break activities

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
While it will not be as busy, the Kroc Center will host limited spring break activities. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While not the thousands of people it would normal host during Spring Break, the Salvation Army Kroc Center will be offering limited activities for the annual vacation time for families.

With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing many families from traveling during Spring Break, Kroc Center officials decided to step in and offer opportunities for families to get out of the house and have fun safely.

Families and groups are encouraged to sign up for a group session. (supplied)

“Spring Break is normally our busiest week of the year, but last year we were closed entirely as COVID was just starting to spread,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior Kroc officer. “This year, we really want to give families a chance to take part in their favorite Kroc Center activities, while making sure safety is still the top priority.”

Each day, April 5–9, Kroc Center recreation areas will be available for exclusive private experiences between 12:30 and 2:30pm, when the rest of the building is closed to members for cleaning. Families are encouraged to gather with friends and relatives they feel comfortable creating a “pod” with to take advantage of the group activities.

The available activities include:

  • The Aquatics Center, including giant waterslide, lazy river, and more, with lifeguard supervision.
    • $350 for up to 35 total guests
  • The Gymnasium (two courts available), including several options for sports equipment, plus an attendant.
    • $125 for up to 15 total guests
  • The Worship and Performing Arts Center, including bounce houses and other games, plus an attendant.
    • $100 for up to 15 total guests


All guests will be expected to follow health and safety guidelines put in place by the State of Michigan’s epidemic orders while at the Kroc Center. This includes temperature checks and health screenings upon entry, along with requirements on face coverings during all activities (except swimming).

“While we would love to be able to offer the full Spring Break experience, it’s not possible with the capacity limitations we still have from the state,” Brutto said. “We felt this would be the next best way to give families opportunities to enjoy the Kroc in a way that helps them feel safe and comfortable.”

Anyone interested in reserving one of the available recreation times should visit GrKrocCenter.org/springbreak.

Wyoming staff, leaders celebrate Reading Month by sharing stories

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
Wyoming Chief Kim Koster reads “Valensteins” by Ethan Long. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“This one looks good, but I like this one too,” said City of Wyoming Recreation Director Krashawn Martin as she looks through books on a table just outside of the WKTV Community Media Center’s studio.

“Well, you can read two,” said Wyoming’s Communication Specialist Amanda Moore.

Martin was one of almost a couple dozen City of Wyoming staff and leaders who came into the station to record reading books as part of a citywide celebration of March is Reading Month.

 

Amy Berridge holds up the book her sister, Stacy DeFord, wrote. (WKTV)

Some like Martin selected from books that were available and others, like Amy Berridge, who is in the city’s finance department, brought their own.

 

“This is actually a book written by my sister,” said Berridge as she displayed “The Fairy Painting,” written by Stacy DeFord.

“The story is about believing in yourself,” Berridge said, adding an important message she wanted to share with students.

Many of the stories selected had special meanings such as the first book Martin selected “Wilma Unlimited,” by Kathleen Knell, which tells the story of how Wilma Rudolph overcomes polio to become one of the world’s finest athletes.

Wyoming Recreation Director Krashawn Martin reads “Double Trouble in Walla, Walla,” by Andrew Clements. (WKTV)

“It shows the power of women,” Martin said. “It shows how girls can be told certain things, that they can’t do this. Yet, we see the bravery of them overcoming and not just settling. I love seeing a person breaking barriers.”

Other stories are just fun like Martin’s second choice “Double Trouble in Walla, Walla,” by Andrew Clements, which Martin said was a tongue twister at time.

“I think it is just fun,” Martin said about reading the stories. “It is a great way to interact with residents and provide some sort of fun and sense of community in the times that we are currently living in.”

City Council member John Fitzgerald enjoyed the opportunity to share his love of read. (WKTV)

Providing some fun and sharing his love of reading were the reasons City Council member John Fitzgerald wanted to participate.

“I love having the opportunity to read to children and young adults,” Fitzgerald said. “I hope it helps them find pleasure in reading as well. When I was in school, I discovered how valuable reading can be and I hope to share the good things that reading can bring to life.”

Fitzgerald selected the book “Who You Were Made to Be,” by Joanna Gaines, because it “talks about bringing forth your best effort.”

“I really liked how she spoke up about injustice and cared about the well being of other people in the world,” said Jill Beltmen about the book she selected “Malala’s Magic Pencil,” by Malala Yousafzai. Beltman works in the city’s community services with the TEAM 21 program.

 

Jill Beltman, part of the city’s community services team, showcased one of the 200 books that was donated to the TEAM 21 program from the RiverTown Barnes & Noble. (WKTV)

Beltman’s selection was one of about 200 books the TEAM 21 program received from Barnes & Noble at RiverTown Mall. Every holiday, the bookseller hosts a book drive where shoppers may purchase a book to donate. For the 2020 holiday season, the Grandville Barnes & Noble designated TEAM 21 as the recipient of its book drive.

“The store also donated tote bags, mini science kits, bookmarks and a few sets of flashcards and learning supports,” Beltman said. “We are thrilled to celebrate the March Reading Month in TEAM 21 with all these exciting new stories and gear.”

Some of the other books — all the books will be handed out to students in the TEAM 21 program later this year — from the Barnes & Noble donations were featured in the city’s reading program along with books in Spanish. All of the recorded programs can be viewed on the WKTV channels 25 and 26, at wktv.org or on the City of Wyoming’s Facebook page. 

Traffic Tuesday Answer: The K-9 Officers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

For the next couple weeks, we’ll be doing Trivia Tuesdays. Check back each week for trivia questions!

There have been police K-9s working with handlers at WYDPS since 1988. What are the names of the 4 current Wyoming Police K-9s?

  1. Dutch, Chico, Jett, Zeke
  2. Dutch, Azar, Chase, Kovu
  3. Chico, Zeke, Chase, Jett
  4. Kovu, Jett, Azar, Chase
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday!

Answer: 4) Kovu, Jett, Azar, and Chase

Wyoming Competitive Cheer team happy to have a season

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Sports, , ,

By Maggie Boorsma and Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The words echo down the hall of the Wyoming Intermediate School “Push the doubt away.”

From the sounds, there is no doubt that the Wyoming Competitive Cheer team is back. Like many of the winter high school sports team, the group has had to weather delays as the state and Michigan High School Sports Association (MHSSA) grabbled with the COVID pandemic and the guidelines for social distancing. While floor routines, seen in Rounds 1 and 2, do not require cheerleaders to touch, stunting, often in Round 3, does, which had competitive cheer fall into contact sports.

In a typical year, tryouts for competitive cheer would happen in November, which they did for the Wyoming’s team, and competitions would have started right after the first of the year. Competitive cheer, along with other contact sports such as basketball and wrestling, were given the go ahead to resumed practice on Jan. 16 but it pushed the season back. Now post season will start on March 19 with the final competitions on March 26 and 27.

This was on top of the fact that there was a switch up in divisions for competitive cheer which started this year. The team was placed in the same league as powerhouse Muskegon Heights, which has consecutively headed to state finals. Rounding out the league is Zeeland East, Zeeland West, Muskegon, and Reeths Puffer.

“We have already had one meet this year and our scores where fairly close,” said Coach Ashley Kron, who took over the program last year. With a growing program and a young team, Kron said it will be tough for the group to bring home a district championship this year, but for many of the girls on the team, that’s OK. They are on the mats and have a season and that is all that maters.

Senior Maddie Dewey has been looking forward to cheering in her senior year. (WKTV)

The stress of waiting to know the future of this competitive season was hard and just when she had thought it would not happen is when senior Maddie Dewey learned that MHSSA had given the go ahead.

“This is something that I have been looking forward to since forever,” said Dewey, who has been cheering since sixth grade. “Even though it is going to be different, I am happy that I am here and that we do have a season.”

There are challenges such as the requirement of wearing masks while competing, which can make it difficult to breathe, but the chance to complete her senior year as cheerleader is worth it, she said.

Tenth grader Amya Brown also has had a passion for cheer since the seventh grade.

Sophomore Amya Brown said she enjoys the connection to her teammates and the coaches. (WKTV)

“I am really glad for this opportunity,” Brown said. “It makes it fun and you have this family, a connection to the girls and the coaches.”

There are still COVID concerns, Brown said, but the fact that the team is having a season demonstrates how much people have followed the guidelines.

The team has four total meets this season. Except for the masks, most of the rounds will not look that different. There are some guidelines on stunting for Round 3. The rules also only allow for each participant to have up to two spectators at each meet. Anyone who has been to a competitive cheer meet knows that the spectators shouting back is part of the fun.

 

“It may not be as loud,” Dewey said, “but it will still be fun.”

For the Wyoming Competitive Cheer Team, being back on the mats and having a season are the most important things. (WKTV)

Council agrees to 1-year dispatch agreement, replaces lights at Palmer field

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
The City of Wyoming hosted several meetings about its new master plan. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While recognizing the accomplishments of the Kent Country Dispatch, the Wyoming City Council expressed concern over the funding of the dispatch authority and decided to only approve a one-year renewal agreement for dispatch services at the council’s Monday night meeting..

Mayor Jack Poll said the concern is with Kent County dispatching its Sheriff Department personal to areas in townships without any payment by the townships.

“This is in addition to the county essential providing those townships some free services from the Sheriff Department, some townships pay for enhanced services, and charging the townships for jailing persons committing crimes in townships and paying the costs for courts that serve townships,” Poll read from a discussion that took place about dispatch funding.

Poll noted that cities like Wyoming must pay for most of the same services with Wyoming residents paying county taxes to support services for the townships while also playing city taxes to the city so it can pay the county to provide those services to the city residents.

City Manager Curtis Holt, who was the chairman for the Kent County Dispatch for 14 years, said funding has been a concern with the authority. The county does view the issue differently in that it the sheriff provides police services for those communities as part of the dispatch which is part of the county taxes.

“The difference is is in 75 percent of the nation dispatch authorities stand separate and are not part of the sheriff’s department,” Holt said during the city council meeting. “We have actually voiced a desire to look at this as an independent agency and the county continues to resist that as a potential solution.”

Holt said longterm funding of the dispatch authority is something that will have to be considered in the near future.

The county was seeking a five-year renewal for dispatch services. Poll said under the approved agreement, the city could opt out if a better solution is found.

Council members did note that over the years, the services provided to both residents and officers through the dispatch have improved greatly. This included eliminating the number of call transfers from residents to local police departments and bringing online a new 800 megahertz countywide dispatch system that will make it easier for the different departments to communicate with each other.

Palmer field set to get new lights. (WKTV)

Palmer Park

At its Monday meeting, the City Council approved a $277,137 bid by Buist Electric for new field lights and a net at the Palmer field. Buist Electric was the lowest bidder.

Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said that many people do not realize that the Palmer field is located on Kent County land. The ball field is located on the edge of Kaufman Golf Course, which is operated by the county and the 44th Street Armory. The city has had a relationship with Kent County specific to the Palmer softball field since the 1960s.

That agreement, according to Rynbrandt, is that the city is responsible to operate and maintain the field and its related facilities such as the parking lot, restrooms, lights and retention wall.

 

According to Poll, the lights at the park are 35-years-old with the electrical service in the park being antiquated and need of upgrades to meet code. The project was noted as a priority with the city’s 5-year community Recreation Plan. The new netting would be added to the left field fence with the height being raised to help prevent balls being hit onto 44th Street. The work is scheduled to be done this year.

The total costs came in higher than the estimates of $175,000 partly because of the decision to use LED lighting which uses a fraction of the energy relative to other lighting sources. LED lighting also has a 25-year warranty , which provides a savings in maintenances and repair costs. The LED lights will reduce the light spilling into the surrounding neighborhood.

Due to the age of the equipment and the transition to an LED product, the city is seeking a reimbursement of some funding through a Consumers Energy program. The Council did approve an amendment to the budget of $130,000.

 

[Re]Imagine Wyoming Master Plan

After 16 months of work and numerous meetings with community members, the Wyoming City Council approved its new master plan, which will provide a framework for city growth over the next 15 – 20 years.

Stop sign added

The council also approved a new stop sign for the intersection of Goldcrest and Mulligan drives. Drivers on Goldcrest Drive will now need to stop at the intersection before entering onto Mulligan Drive.

Appointments

The City Council approved Nancy Quero-Ramirez to the Community Enrichment Commission and Audrey Zapata to the Planning Commission. 

In Love and Health: Be smart about brain safety #ChangeYourMind

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, ,

Dr. Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

Did you know that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? According to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, 58,500 Michiganders will experience a brain injury during 2021. Ranging from mild to fatal, brain injuries happen to people of all ages. Those due to congenital abnormalities or from degenerative disease like Alzheimer’s are called acquired brain injuries. The kind of brain injuries that you can help prevent are traumatic brain injuries—TBIs.

 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services found that 30% of TBIs in Michigan are caused by car crashes. TBIs can happen if you are in an automobile accident, you fall and hit your head, you dive into shallow water, or you’re hit by a hard ball during sports activities. One type of TBI you’ve probably heard of, a concussion happens when you bump or receive a hit to your head that moves your head rapidly back and forth.

The CDC has put together this list of ways you can prevent traumatic brain injuries:

On the road

  • Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
  • Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Wear a helmet when you ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or use an all-terrain vehicle.



Tots and tykes

  • Install window guards to keep young children from falling out.
  • Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Go to playgrounds with soft material like mulch or sand under swings and slides.
  • Never shake a baby or child.



Playing sports

  • Wear a helmet when you play sports—contact sports, skating or skateboarding, running bases, riding horses, skiing or snowboarding.
  • Jump in first to check water depth in rivers and lakes. Obey “no diving” warnings at pools.



As you age

  • Review your prescription and over-the-counter medicines—can they make you dizzy or sleepy? 
  • Ask your healthcare provider about vitamin D.
  • Do exercise, like tai chi, to strengthen your legs and improve your balance. 
  • Get a vision check-up at least once a year. 
  • In your home, remove trip-and-fall hazards like small rugs; install grab bars by the tub or shower and next to the toilet; put railings on both sides of stairs; and keep your home well-lit, including nightlights. 



If you or a loved one experience a hit to the head followed by nausea, unsteadiness, headache, or difficulty concentrating, go to your primary care doctor, urgent care, or emergency room right away. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death—or a life lived with severe impairments.



Depending on how serious a TBI is, recovery can be a slow and painful process. Those with serious brain injuries may survive, but never completely recover. A report on the National Institute for Health website states that traumatic brain injuries provide “a unique target of opportunity for complementary and alternative medicine.” The report explored modalities like acupuncture, meditation, and mindfulness.

When one of my patient’s sons was seven years old, his brother accidentally threw a screwdriver at his head. After emergency surgery and nine days in a Grand Rapids hospital, doctors said he might never be able to read or walk very well. During each of those nine days, his chiropractor visited and gave him gentle adjustments. After discharge, the little fellow began music therapy. Throughout high school, he was first-string quarterback—and graduated as valedictorian. Today, he is a successful architect.

That said, the best course of action is to take care of your noggin. Buckle up! Wear a helmet! Avoid falls! In other words, use your brain!

 

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

KDL celebrates year of change, resiliency and adaptability

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

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

The Kent District Library 2020 Annual Report tells the story of a year of drastic change and major accomplishments. The annual report is available for download at kdl.org/AnnualReport, and highlights numerous community needs that were met during unprecedented times, including:

 

  • In response to having to cancel all in-person events, 1,402 live-streamed events were created to bring the library into homes and viewed 471,809 times.
  • While branches were closed to in-person visits, curbside service delivered 432,582 items for 125,024 pickups.
  • Though the circulation of physical materials decreased, the circulation of digital materials increased by 31%, to 1.7 million items.
  • 800 new Mobile WiFi Hotspots were added to the collection to meet the needs of at-home students and workers, and were checked out 2,888 times.
  • On January 24, 2020, the Men of Color Read initiative was launched in Kent County. Over 25 men met at the Martin Luther King Leadership Academy to read to small groups of children. The pandemic put a pause on in-school visits, but MOCR is continuing with a live-streamed program.
  • Talking Book & Braille Center circulation increased by 38%.


“Last year certainly brought its challenges, but we never allowed those challenges to stop us from serving our communities – our impact continued,” said Executive Director Lance Werner. “Our branches were closed for a time, but the library never closed.”

For more detailed information, including a breakdown of statistics by branch and municipality, check out the 2020 Impact Report at kdl.org/ImpactReport.

Kent District Library is pleased to launch a 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. The plan will guide KDL’s purpose to further all people by highlighting three strategic focuses: 1.) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 2.) Engagement and Service and 3.) Sustainability. Details of the new strategic plan can be viewed at kdl.org/strategic-plan. 

Traffic Tuesday Answer: Responding to the calls

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

In 2020, the Wyoming Police Department responded to how many calls for service?

1) almost 25,000

2) almost 28,000

3) almost 30,000
4) almost 32,000



The answer is 4) almost 32,000 calls for service.

Snapshots: Closing out February

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.

Author C.S. Lewis
The Lakeshore Art Festival will be June 26 and 27. (Supplied)

Calling all artists

Several local and regional art organizations are preparing for summer exhibits and now is the time to apply to be in them. Some of the organizations are Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Lakeshore Art Festival, and Ramsdell Center for the Arts. For more, click here.

Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984), “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter from The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” (Silverprint photograph, 1938. Gift of the Friends of Art, 1989)

Marking a 100 years

The Muskegon Museum of Art is celebrating 100th anniversary of the Friends of Art, an independent non-profit organization established in 1921 that promotes the study of art and supports the museum. The museum, located in downtown Muskegon, is featuring two exhibits “Friends of Art: 100 Years” features almost 30 artworks donated by the “Friends” to the museum and “Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” which features 24 iconic images taken in the 1940s of Yosemite National Park. Both exhibits run through the beginning of May.


(Photo from Pxhere.com)

Plan your summer

The West Michigan Tourist Association announced it will be hosting a series of virtual travel expos for area residents to explore different travel options. The series starts March 8 with a golf expo, followed by a March 22 women and family expo, and wraps up April 5 with a travel expo. Or residents can just snag one of the WMTA’s tour guides to get an early start on planning their summer adventures. Visit wmta.org.


The Eben Ice Caves in Hiawatha National Forest

The Frozen Caves of Michigan

Kentucky may have the Mammoth Caves, but Michigan has ice caves — specifically the Eben Ice Caves, also known as the River Rock Canyon Ice Caves. About 20 miles south of Munsing, Michigan, in the upper peninsula, the ice caves form every winter. Basically, it is the water seeping from the rock above that freezes into sheets of ice, forming the “cave” between them and the cliff. The entire area is less than 50 yards long but it brings visitors all over to see this marvelous miracle in nature that is only found in Michigan.

Traffic Tuesday: Responding to the calls

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

Check back each week for trivia questions!

In 2020, the Wyoming Police Department responded to how many calls for service?


1) almost 25,000

2) almost 28,000

3) almost 30,000
4) almost 32,000

Medical Moments: Reducing your alcohol intake

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Dr. Afriyie Randle
WKTV Community Contributor

Social isolation has effected us in so many different ways. Some have chosen to take advantage of this pandemic to spend time with family, focus on themselves or take a vacation, while social isolation and other COVID-19 related life changes has lead to an increase in use and abuse of alcohol.

Social media outlets have made memes about “quarantinis” and COVID drinking, making light of a truly serious condition. Unwinding with a “quarantini” or a glass of your favorite spirit might seem like a good way to cope with the stress of this pandemic, but for some people, too much alcohol is a problem.

Quarantini memes make fun of a serious concern.

Consuming alcohol can weaken your body’s ability to fight off infections leading to depression, anxiety, obesity and liver disease. In addition, excess alcohol many lead to such conditions as hypertension (high blood pressure), strokes and heart attacks. ti also could lead to increase susceptibility to contracting COVID-19.

Instead of going down the road of the misnomers of alcohol abuse, let’s take a look at what happens when you actually stop abusing alcohol.

 

1. Improved health with decreased sicknesses. Alcohol impacts your immune system’s ability to fight off disease.

2. You will dodge accidents and fatal injuries. Even cutting back your drinking by a third can lower the number of injuries and sick days.

3. Your heart gets healthier. Reducing your alcohol intake may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and nay decrease your chances of stokes and heart attacks.

4. The liver heals. The live is responsible for helping your blood clot along with breaking down fats, proteins, and sugars.

5. Weight loss. Alcohol accounts for so many empty and non-nutritional calories.

6. Ease depression and anxiety. Alcohol is actually a downer working as a depressant to slow down vital bodily functions.

7. Decrease your cancer risk.

8. Improve your libido. In women, reducing alcohol use may improve vaginal lubrication and in men, it may decrease erectile dysfunction.

 

9. Restful nights/daytime sleepiness. Alcohol disrupts rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage that is essential in learning and making or retaining memories.

10. Clearer thinking. As mentioned above, reducing your alcohol intake increases your ability to retain and make memories.

Always be mindful of your alcohol intake and drink responsibly. 

Photo of the Week: Business Leader

Citizen Journalism
Hermam E. Curtis (suppled)

Boat captain, pilot, chauffeur, band leader, businessman, and family man — Herman E. Curtis was a man of many talents. Immortalized in the book “Bud, Not Buddy,” Curtis would open one of the first African-American businesses in Wyoming, located on Buchanan across from the former GM plant on 36th Street. Curtis’s grandson, Michael Curtis, a Grand Rapids firefighter and board member of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, shares his grandfather’s story in a special WKTV VOICES presentation airing on Channel 26 at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.24; 8:05 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26; and noon Saturday, Feb. 27.

To read about Herman E. Curtis, click here.