The Oat Bran Boys with live acoustic sounds are next in line to play at the Sounds of Summer concert series.
The boys known in most of West Michigan will be performing this Thursday, July 16, from 7 p.m at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW, just west of the Division Avenue and 68th Street intersection.
The Oat Bran Boys is a trio consisting of two brothers, John King on guitar, Rich King on bass, and long time band member Dan Seabolt on the fiddle. According to the group’s Facebook page, the three join together to make a variety of acoustic sounds that wow their audiences.
Bluegrass, jazz, folk, swing, country, acoustic rock and Americana sounds are what this trio is about. A little bit of everything is exactly what the Oat Bran Boys will bring to the stage during this free family-friendly event with nightly kids activities and a huge playground area located at the park.
Sponsored by the Byron Township, the Sounds of Summer concert series will continue through the end of July. Upcoming performances include Dusty Chaps July 23, and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here.
Previous Sounds of Summer concerts are now airing on WKTV Channel 25 at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.
The topic of savings and expenses becomes heavily-discussed as more and more adults reach retirement age and no longer can rely on a steady income. There are many areas that seniors need to have plans in place for post-retirement, including living expenses, daily costs, gifts, vacations, and—most importantly—healthcare.
While Medicare will help out with covering some healthcare costs, there are still a lot of important healthcare expenses that come directly out-of-pocket. It’s important to seriously consider the care costs you will likely encounter as you age, and make plans for how you will pay for these needs. Here are four tips for how you can approach financial planning for post-retirement healthcare expenses.
1. Learn what Medicare doesn’t cover
Medicare, or federal health insurance for those 65 and over, is the main way that seniors plan to take care of medical expenses after retirement. Medicare covers many things including hospital visits, general medical insurance, and some prescription drugs, but it doesn’t cover everything. In fact, some major medical expenses that most—if not all—seniors need aren’t even partially covered under basic Medicare plans, which can lead to problems for seniors who don’t have another plan in place.
Dental
Having good dental health and receiving dental care is incredibly important to ensure that your retirement years aren’t spent in pain. However, Medicare doesn’t cover routine or complex dental procedures—causing many seniors to make the mistake of skipping out on dental care altogether.
Vision
While Medicare does cover the cost of eye disease and injury treatments, it doesn’t cover routine vision care like annual appointments and eyeglasses, all of which can lead to major out-of-pocket expenses.
Hearing
Common hearing treatments that seniors often need as they age, like hearing aids, are not covered through Medicare. A good pair of hearing aids can help you stay communicative and social as you age, as well as significantly reduce your chances of developing memory diseases, but paying for them yourself can be expensive.
Long-term care
Medicare will only pay for long-term care housing like a nursing home if it is directly related to the recovery of a specific medical procedure. It won’t cover activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living, which many seniors need as they age. Examples of necessary care services not covered under Medicare include:
Eating
Bathing and personal care
Toileting
Money and financial management
Medication distribution and management
House maintenance and cleaning
Moving to a wheelchair or in and out of bed
2. Know your family history
You can try and predict what medical expenses you might need to plan for by taking a close look at your family’s medical history. If you see patterns or know that certain diseases and medical problems have affected your family in the past, you can take the necessary steps to address paying for those concerns should you have them as well.
It’s also a good idea to examine your own life choices and see if there are any habits or behaviors—such as smoking—that might contribute to a significant medical care expense after you hit retirement age.
3. Explore Medicare Advantage plans
While Original Medicare, or Medicare Parts A & B, don’t cover any of the areas mentioned above, there is a chance that a Medicare Advantage Plan might pick up some of the slack for important vision, dental, and hearing medical expenses.
There are lots of different types of Medicare Advantage plans, such as:
Health Maintenance Organizations
Preferred Provider Organizations
Private Fee-for-Service Plans
Special Needs Plans
Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
Each type of Advantage plan has different associated costs and coverages, so it’s important to explore the different options and find a plan that meets your care needs while being affordable within your healthcare budget.
4. Start planning & budgeting now
Every day that you wait to make a plan for unexpected healthcare costs is a day where you might might not have enough savings. It’s important to take action today to plan for your important medical expenses and start creating a budget and looking into different funding options for senior health expenses.
You can speak with a financial advisor or go through your finances yourself to see where your spending can be cut and put into a retirement fund or health savings account. If you are already retired, think about ways you can save money and reduce daily costs to plan for healthcare expenses in the future.
Finally, while it’s not fun to think about, the reality is that 70% of seniors will need long term care and those odds include you. Start exploring options like assisted living today so you can have a plan already in place when the time comes to make the move to a senior care community.
Following an announcement made mid-June, the Air Zoo reopened its doors to its members on June 29, kicking off a two-week members-only appreciation period. General admission to the public will resume on Monday, July 13, at 9 a.m. The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center staff and volunteers are excited to be putting months of preparation and planning, outlined in a 32-page document, referred to as the “Air Zoo Re-Entry Plan,” into action.
“This feels a little like what capsule re-entry from a space mission might” states Air Zoo President and CEO, Troy Thrash. “We spent countless hours navigating the turbulence created by COVID-19, exploring and developing virtual opportunities to engage with the community in a new way while analyzing, planning, researching and executing new policies, procedures and experiences to safely welcome back our community when the time, and trajectory, was right. It looks as though that time is now – and we are ready and excited to see our friends and neighbors back at the Air Zoo!”
The Air Zoo’s indoor amusement park rides, flight simulators, Missions Theater and several of the hands-on Flexhibits and KEVA stations are temporarily inaccessible for guest safety. The Air Zoo plans to reintroduce these experiences when they are deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, new exhibitions and enhancements to current exhibits are being deployed throughout the remainder of the year.
NEW PROCEDURES & POLICIES
The overall Air Zoo Experience will look a bit different to visitors, as a result of the requirements and recommendations handed down by the CDC as well as state and local governments. While both buildings will be open for guests, there are new hours, policies and procedures everyone is encouraged to review prior to visiting.
New Hours: The Air Zoo’s new hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm, and Sunday 1:30-5pm, to allow for deep cleaning and breaks for staff and volunteers.
Mondays are reserved for our region’s vulnerable populations, as outlined by the CDC.
Online ticketing is recommended, as capacity is limited for all timeslots, and available at airzoo.org.
Masks must be worn by all persons age 2 and up, at all times, while in the buildings.
Everyone who enters will have their temperature scanned, and anyone with a sustained temperature of 100.4 or higher will be asked to return another day.
Rides, flight simulators, the Missions Theater, and most hands-on activities will be temporarily inaccessible until state restrictions are lifted and the Air Zoo feels it is safe to reincorporate these activities.
The Kitty Hawk Café will be closed through the end of July (re-opening date TBA). Water and snacks are available through the Fly Buy Gift Shop.
Guests should be aware that the Air Zoo has gone to great lengths to implement safety measures internally as well; the safety of the Air Zoo staff, volunteers and guests is of the highest priority – always. All employees, volunteers and service staff are required to wear masks at all times while in shared areas of the building, and are subject to daily temperature and health screenings as well as check-in requirements for contact tracing purposes. Guests will find that queue lines, protective plexiglass barriers, new signage and other social distancing measures have been put into place, as well as increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic areas and touchable interactives. Guests are asked to pre-purchase admission online and to consider using credit cards on-site to reduce exposure. The Air Zoo asks that anyone who is feeling under the weather, or has a family member that is ill, not visit. The Air Zoo’s Guest Experience team is happy to assist in moving tickets to another day or issuing a full refund.
The Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center also will open on July 13. (Supplied)
RESTORATION AND THE FLIGHT DISCOVERY CENTER
The Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center, located at 3101 E Milham Dr., will open to members, and the general public, on the same dates and times as the Flight Innovation Center. Air Zoo staff and volunteers are excited to be back at work in the Air Zoo’s nationally renowned restoration program where they are busy restoring two WWII planes that were rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan to their former glory: an SBD-2P Dauntless dive bomber and an FM2 Wildcat.
Original plans, this summer, were to return the finished SBD-2P Dauntless dive bomber to Pearl Harbor in time for a commemorative 75th V-J Day anniversary celebration. Events and timelines have now shifted as a result of the pandemic and the completion and departure of the SBD will be determined and announced at a later date.
Visitors to the center will still have the opportunity to watch and interact with the restoration team at work as they paint and rebuild the two aircraft. Staff and volunteers were excited to get back and resume the painting of aircraft parts, which started just prior to shutdown in March. With the addition of their new state-of-the-art paint booth, guests will be able to see the team in action as they prime, paint and assemble the iconic dive bomber and FM-2 Wildcat.
VIRTUALLY CONNECTED
Virtual Summer Camps Big impacts are happening in new and inventive ways this year at the Air Zoo. Their highly skilled team of educators are celebrating a successful first week of Virtual Summer Camps and looking forward to the next nine weeks! In May the Air Zoo was met with a challenge and swiftly revamped its popular summer camp curriculum into programming that could be safe, impactful and enjoyable for children while affordable and easy-to-manage for parents, online. More than 200 campers have been registered to date for the Air Zoo’s new Virtual Summer Camps. Educators have been resetting curriculum, enhancing activities and creating outstanding experiences as they build lesson plans and camp kits for parents to pick up at the Air Zoo or have shipped directly to their home. Children from all over, including some from California, Mexico, Pennsylvania and Maryland, are registered for Air Zoo camps this summer. Going virtual with education programming has allowed Air Zoo educators to have an even larger impact than they had ever imagined.
“Going virtual for camps and library programs this summer has really helped us to build a strong foundation to expand our scholastic programs, specialized outreach initiatives and field trips, which may have to be conducted virtually this year” states Air Zoo Education Manager, Kathy Larsen. “We would love to become a valuable STEAM education resource for educators, throughout the world as they work to navigate the 2020-2021 school year and the challenges that COVID has posed.”
Camps are still available for kids K-12th grade and cost between $20-$65 each depending on duration and camp materials. Camp kits can also be shipped to campers for a small additional fee. Camp registration closes 14 days prior to camp so interested families are urged to sign up early.
Launchpad to Learning The Air Zoo was quick to launch its new online video center, Launchpad to Learning, on March 19th as they, along with thousands of other businesses, had to close their doors to the public. Since its launch, the Air Zoo has seen more than 40,000 visitors to the webpage, which now contains 55 videos and counting. Content ranges from science experiments and art projects to artifact briefs, story time and short museum tours. Guests will also find educational worksheets, coloring pages and other activities for families. Content is available at airzoo.org/launchpad-to-learning and is shared among the Air Zoo’s social media sites: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
NEW EXHIBITS!
Alien Worlds and Androids While some of the typical experiences may feel limited – the Air Zoo is out-of-this-world excited to announce that their new permanent exhibit – Alien Worlds and Androids – is now open to the public! Some may remember this popular exhibit, spanning almost 5,000 feet, on temporary display in the summer of 2017.
Guests will join scientists in the search for alien life in, and beyond, our solar system as they explore nine different themed environments that immerse you in outer space discoveries and that explore the advances in technology that have led to increased speculation on the possibility of life beyond planet Earth. Hands-on (limited) experiments allow guests to manipulate variables of a particular environment to see how it affects the possibility for life and will have the opportunity to journey to Mars alongside NASA’s Rover robots, get up close with the robots made famous in movies such as Terminator, Alien and STAR WARS and learn about the everyday use of real androids right here on Earth.
Women in Air & Space To shatter prior sensibilities that might find a women’s exhibit relegated to a single area on the museum floor, the Air Zoo is designing its Women in Air & Space exhibit to be integrated throughout the campus. After all, the touch that women have had on aviation and space flight is woven throughout history. Co-founded by a Woman Aviation Service Pilot (WASP) and in an effort to further explore womens’ impacts on space and aviation history, the Air Zoo plans to illuminate the diverse and impactful contributions of women throughout both facilities. Amelia: Adventurous Aviatrix, will pave the way as it opens this summer.
Amelia: Adventurous Aviatrixis anall new exhibit that explores the adventures and legacy of Amelia Earhart. Planned for display in the Flight Innovation Center’s Golden Age of Flight gallery, the exhibit tells the story of a brave, bold woman who broke through barriers to make history in the sky. Guests will learn how Amelia went from a playful child born in Atchison, Kansas, in 1897 to an aviation and women’s empowerment icon and contributor.
The exhibit highlights such stories as Amelia’s healthcare passion, which found her nursing wounded World War I pilots, and how she honored her early feminist values by deliberately choosing a female flight instructor. Guests will get to know the man behind Amelia’s powerful publicity machine and count the pilot’s numerous achievements, such as becoming the first woman (and second person) to pilot an aircraft across the Atlantic and setting women’s world altitude, speed, and endurance records. They will learn about Amelia’s ultimate dream to fly around the world, meet flight navigator, Fred Noonan, who joined her on that mission, and consider the unsolved mystery that followed. A recreated historic scene—which depicts Amelia giving flying tips pint-size pilots—provides the centerpiece to this exhibit in the round.
Memories & Milestones: the Air Zoo Story This exhibit has been redesigned and is being installed at the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center, rightfully, where it all began. Guests can explore the story of co-founders Sue and Pete Parish, and learn about the first objects that made up the Air Zoo collection. Peer into a scale model of the Flight Discovery Center and learn about the museum’s expansions. Recall the thrill of the Air Zoo’s High on Kalamazoo air shows, including the iconic cat flights, learn about the early days of their acclaimed Restoration Center and see how the Air Zoo first put the space into aerospace.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
In 2019, the Air Zoo was notified that they would be the proud recipient of one of the first F-117 Nighthawks released for public display at a non-government institution. The highly decorated Shaba (817) is scheduled to arrive in Kalamazoo in December of 2020! The Air Zoo is expected to be the first non-governmental facility in the country – and the only museum in the state of Michigan – to display an F-117. The Air Zoo is currently running a fundraising initiative called Get Shaba to help support the safe transport and restoration needed to get this magnificent aircraft out on the exhibit floor for all to enjoy. Those wanting more information can find it at airzoo.org/get-shaba.
Why did the geese cross to the other side? Well you might have to ask the staff at the Wyoming Clean Water Plant. It is where this little gaggle of geese were spotted making there way from one side of the parking lot to the other, avoiding all cars and people of course.
Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Send it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
OK all you mask haters, Governor Gretchen Whitmer had a message for you this week: just wear them. And in fact, several area restaurants, such as Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing, have joined the Michigan Restaurant Promise, an initiative designed to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners have made the commitment to assure their employees are healthy with wellness checks, and other social distancing guidelines including wearing masks. In return, restaurants who sign the promise, ask restaurant-goers to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. For more, click here.
Renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony will be featured in a rebroadcast of a Grammy-nominated PBS special. (Supplied/GRS)
A blast from the past
Missing the Grand Rapids Symphony’s summer pops concerts? Well don’t fret! At 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, and again at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, there will be a special showing of the Grammy-nominated PBS special “Invention & Alchemey,” featuring renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Streaming of the special will be available July 12 -17. For more, click here.
Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. (Supplied)
West Michigan Round-Up
There are lot of gas tank away adventures taking place this weekend that gives you an opportunity to explore our great state. The Lakeshore Harvest Country’s guide features an array of farms and wineries that will have you traveling around Lake Michigan. Petoskey is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Petoskey stone being Michigan’s state stone. Or go further north to visit the Fort Michilimackinac, part of the Mackinac Historic State Parks, which will be featuring 125 different events in the coming days.
Final Word on Masks from Bill Nye
Today we are letting one of the nation’s most famous science guys do all the talking…take it away Bill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV4IcXlpxcM
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, discusses wearing a face mask.
The first time the “Wild Woman of the Harp” strutted onto the Grand Rapids Symphony’s stage, the audience was electrified.
Dressed in cowboy boots and a short leather mini skirt, long hair ribbons of maroon and turquoise streaming down her back, strapped into an electric harp, Deborah Henson-Conant had yet to play a note. But already the Grand Rapids Symphony and its audience knew something very special was about to happen.
Within a few years, Henson-Conant and the orchestra had recorded Invention & Alchemy, a compact disc and DVD that led the Grand Rapids Symphony to a Grammy nomination and national recognition for the TV special widely seen on PBS TV.
The Boston-based harpist, once described as the “love child of Andre Previn and Lucille Ball,” is back with the Grand Rapids Symphony for the virtual online premiere of Invention & Alchemy. The original 97-minute DVD, recorded live in DeVos Performance Hall, will premiere at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, on YouTube, available only on an RSVP basis. Click here to RSVP for the fund-raising benefit for the Grand Rapids Symphony.
An encore premiere follows on Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m. in theUnited States and internationally at 7 p.m. in the United Kingdom.
Streaming on demand will be available July 12-17 on YouTube. Go online and RSVP for access to the July 10 premiere and receive access to behind-the-scenes videos and online events.
Deborah Henson-Conant said she had a dream about making the PBS special. (Supplied/GRS)
Invention & Alchemy features original songs and stories by Henson-Conant, performed with conductor David Lockington leading the Grand Rapids Symphony, in a wide variety of musical genres.
“It was a fantasy of mine. I literally had a dream,” Henson-Conant recalled. “I dreamed I shrunk down and strapped on a harp and played it in front of a symphony orchestra.”
The DVD was recorded live in November 2005 in DeVos Performance Hall.
“When we started this project, we knew what we wanted to do, and then we had a list of dreams,” Henson-Conant said. “One was a PBS TV special and another was a Grammy nomination.”
In 2006, Invention & Alchemy became one of five CDs nominated in the category of Best Classical Crossover Album for the 49th annual Grammy Awards in February 2007.
“It was just so thrilling to be here and to have this project nominated,” Henson-Conant told The Grand Rapids Press in February 2007. “Just to get here has been amazing.”
But beginning a few weeks later, Invention & Alchemy was seen throughout the United States as a one-hour TV special. Over the next two years, it was seen on more than 70 PBS-TV stations from coast to coast.
“I got to do something that almost no composer-performer ever gets to do, which is to bring their work alive at that level of professionalism,” Henson-Conant said. “The level at which PBS was able to take it exactly as we created it and broadcast it all over the United States.”
Several Grand Rapids Symphony musicians and former musicians are featured soloists in the show, and the entire orchestra gets into the act for a costumed, sci-fi, mini-drama titled “Danger Zone.”
With Associate Conductor John Varineau on the podium, Lockington on cello joins Henson-Conant for a mesmerizing dialogue titled “996,” which Henson-Conant describes as the night that Scheherazade, from the classic story “A Thousand and One Nights,” finally melts the heart of the Sultan.
Grand Rapids philanthropist Peter Wege, who died in July 2014, was the primary underwriter of the $500,000 project. Henson-Conant was introduced to the former Steelcase, Inc., executive following her first performance in Grand Rapids.
Peter said to me, ‘What I saw out there on stage, I want the whole world to see,’” Henson-Conant recalled.
“I tell the story from the stage, often, that meeting Peter was my Cinderella story,” Henson-Conant said. “Part of what I loved about the project was that I felt it was something Peter and I were doing together. That as philanthropist and artist, we were bringing something to the world that alone neither of us could bring.”
Classic rock and power ballard will be the music track for this Thursday’s Sound of Summer concert program.
Jaded 8 will be the guest performers for the free 7 p.m. concert at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park SW, just west of 68th Street and Division Avenue.
Being one of the few outdoor annual concerts taking place this summer, it is apparent from Jaded 8’s Facebook page that the group is excited to perform this Thursday.
“We’ll be cramming every song possible into the show because WE MISS PLAYING and WE MISS YOU!,” the band wrote on its Facebook. “And we are even going to practice for it, so you know we’re serious!”
Jaded 8 was formed in January 2010 and is currently made up of three members who have been rocking the Lakeshore since then. Mark Pawlak, a co-founding member of the band is on guitar and vocals together with his co-founder Lee Nelson, who is on the drums and vocals. Jeff Post joined them later on and is on the bass guitar and also vocals.
“We love classic rock…and we perform to honor those incredible artists who brought this timeless music to the ears of multiple generations,” according to the band’s our story on Facebook. “Whether you’re a boomer or a Gen-X, Y, or Z’r, you will know these tunes and you will be singing along with every song.”
Sounds of Summer organizers are not oblivious to the current COVID-19 situation and therefore will be observing public health guidelines, such as groups having to stay six feet apart.
Upcoming performances include Oat Bran Boys July 16, dusty Chaps July 23, and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here.
Previous Sounds of Summer concerts are now airing on WKTV Channel 25 at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.
For the Kent County Commission race, there are a few races with two candidates running from the same party such as the Kent County Commission District 8th seat.
Long held by Harold Voorhees, Voorhees announced earlier this year that after more than 18 years as the 8th District Kent County commissioner, he would not seek re-election. Two Republican candidates and one Democrat candidate put their hats in the ring for the seat. For the Aug. 4 primary, voters will be deciding between Republican candidates Dan Burrill and Denise Kolesar with the winner facing off against Democrat candidate Sarah Chatterley in the Nov. 3 general election.
The 8th District Kent County Commission seat covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Dan Burrill – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Residential real estate and builder
Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?
My desire to serve started back on the student council for middle school. When I was older, I served on the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education and continued that obligation to serve our community by first being on the Wyoming Zoning Board of Appeals and currently on the Wyoming City Council. I believe if you have the ability and willingness to serve that you owe it to the local community to offer your tools, talents and time to help make it a better place. With Harold Voorhees stepping down after 18 years of serving Wyoming at the county level, I was encouraged by others to run for the 8th District Commission seat and continue the great job that Harold Voorhees has done and the success at the county level.
If elected, what issue (s) would you immediately want to focus on and why?
I want to continue to assure that we have clean water throughout the county. I would want to make sure that there is adequate funding for mental health services, especially since COVID-19 has heighten awareness of such issues as violence and mental health. COVID-19 has brought forth a number of issues for businesses and health which the county will need to continue to focus on.
Denise Kolesar – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Semi-retired from Kohler Expos/ Business Development Specialist for GROW
Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?
For some time now it has been on my radar to run for office. With some encouragement from business leaders in the community the timing is right. I sold my business, Kohler Expos, back in 2016 and currently I am semi-retired, so I have the time commitment necessary to fulfill the position. I sit on the Kent County Parks Foundation Board and I am on the cabinet committee for Special Olympics. I have been drawn to public service all my life. It started with my parents being very involved in their communities, therefore it comes natural to me. The opportunity to publicly serve was clearly shown to me by the retirement of Commissioner Harold Voorhees. This position suits my passion to play a key role in public service.
If elected, what issue (s) would you immediately want to focus on and why?
I believe the key issue for the county is COVID-19. At the forefront is how we safely handle the care of all people and how we communicate to the community which we serve as we tread through the unchartered waters of COVID-19.
The Kent District Library 2019 Annual Report tells the story of another year of new initiatives and increases in the use of library resources. The annual report is available for download at kdl.org/2019AnnualReport, highlighting numerous community needs that are routinely met by the library, including:
Nearly 3,000 children (kindergarten through third grade) launched to reading success with Mission: Read.
The total number of active library card holders increased by 7 percent, bringing the total to 174,795.
KDL was the first library in the United States to offer MagnusCards, a resource for people with autism and other special cognitive needs.
A record number of people completed the annual summer reading program.
Late fines for unreturned materials are traditionally thought of as a way to encourage people to return items, but since going fine free, the library has experienced a sharp increase in the speed and volume of returns.
The KDL Bookmobile completed its first full year on the road, serving 22,421 people.
The library was recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for, an honor that was raised to the national level earlier this year.
“The needs in the community are constantly changing, and libraries are quick and agile in response,” said Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director. “Agility helped us to quickly respond to COVID-19. We’ve literally re-engineered the library, so people can enjoy nearly everything from the safety and convenience of their homes.”
Since closing the library to public visits, KDL has pivoted to shift all programming online and launch curbside pickup. Additionally, the annual summer reading program has been totally reconfigured so people of all ages can fully participate from home using a workbook that was mailed to all cardholder households or through the new Beanstack app.
In the months of May and June this year, circulation of digital materials increased 61 percent compared to the same months in 2019.
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has announced the launch of their 2020 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 half of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to share these great images of West Michigan this year,” said Courtney Sheffer, WMTA’s Marketing Director. “We love seeing the community involvement with this contest, and hope that people will find the images inspiring during a summer where they may not be able to travel as originally planned.”
Sheffer also noted that photos do not need to be taken this month in order to submit them to the photo contest. “If you have West Michigan photos from your past visits to the area, we encourage you to enter those as well! West Michigan is photogenic all seasons of the year, so don’t feel that you’re only limited to submitting summer photos.”
All photo entries must be received by July 28th, 2020. Judges will be awarding prizes in the categories of “Nature,” “Downtown,” “People,” and “Beach/Lake,” with an additional prize awarded via public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. In addition to receiving a West Michigan prize pack, all winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January of 2021.
Photo submissions should include first & last name of photographer, city where the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo.
Independence, the ability to age in place with the necessary care services, the cost savings compared to other care options, and the lively, active communities that are so different from traditional fears of nursing homes are all reasons why assisted living is an obvious choice for a senior care community. But it’s still not easy to talk to a loved one about making the big move.
Putting off the conversation can lead to serious long-term consequences, so it’s important to have that discussion sooner rather than later—no matter how difficult it is. Here’s some of the best ways to plan for an open and honest talk with your loved one about making an assisted living community their new home.
Signs to look out for
There may be a single specific reason or several smaller ones for wanting to move your loved one to an assisted living community, but here are a few common signs to be on the lookout for as your loved one ages.
They are isolated are no longer socializing with others
You aren’t sure if they are eating, or they are losing weight and consistently have an empty fridge
They can no longer drive, or don’t have reliable transportation to necessary places (such as the doctor’s office or the grocery store)
They have a steadily declining hygiene
They have lost interest in activities they used to enjoy
Their house is becoming dirty and cluttered
They can’t remember where they are and get lost in familiar places—or are becoming forgetful in general (forgetting to pay bills, take important medications, turn off the oven, or take out the trash)
They have fallen and injured themselves at home
They need to be checked in on regularly
They frequently need medical care
Prepare beforehand
It’s important that you go into the conversation with a solid plan. Get the essential family members—such as your siblings—involved and ensure that all of you are on the same page about what you want to talk to your family member about. You don’t want the conversation about assisted living to turn into a family argument, which only adds stress to an already stressful topic of discussion.
It’s also important that you learn about different senior care options and go into the conversation informed—especially about why you recommend assisted living over a nursing home or home care. Have a list of communities that might be good fits and a detailed explanation of what types of daily care services and skilled medical care they provide at the ready.
Find the right time
Picking the right time to bring up assisted living is essential to ensuring the conversation is productive. Make sure you do it in person, not over the phone. This will likely be a conversation that takes some time, so don’t try and squeeze it into a packed day. Make it a priority and clear your schedule.
However, don’t hold the conversation during a holiday or family reunion—these events are special and you shouldn’t put a loved one on the spot during a happy celebration. Ensure that you find a neutral day and gather the family to talk to your loved one in a group setting that is comfortable, not accusatory.
Communicate clearly
During the conversation, it’s important you stay calm and don’t let your emotions overtake the discussion. Be honest and upfront about your intentions during the talk, but don’t try to push your loved one into a decision that they aren’t yet ready for.
Conversation starters
“Do you feel safe at home? Are you worried about what would happen if you fell or hurt yourself and no one was around?”
“Are you struggling with remembering important things?”
“Do you need help around the house that isn’t being provided right now? Are you able to cook meals and get to the store?”
“Do you miss being close to your friends or having plans for things to do?”
“Are you concerned about what’s going to happen to your independence or mobility as you age?”
“Would you like to feel more secure and have a community around you for support?”
Work together
The first conversation about assisted living shouldn’t be an immediate decision—after all, your loved one’s opinions and feelings should be at the center of the discussion and they need to be comfortable with moving forward. Working together to find the right community is key to ensuring that your loved one feels respected and included throughout the process.
Research together with your family member and go on community tours with the family to help them feel confident in their choice of a new home. Remember—this is an incredibly difficult task your loved one is about to face. But by keeping their feelings at the heart of all decisions, the conversation about assisted living can lead to great things for your loved one.
Mackinaw City and St. Igance are just some of the places hosting fireworks for July 4th. .
By West Michigan Tourist Association
Find 4th of July fireworks, porch decorating contests, late night kayak floats, special golf outings, and more to enjoy in West Michigan this month!
Due to COVID-19, many summer events throughout Michigan are being updated and changed on a daily basis. While this article was accurate to the best of our knowledge upon publication, we strongly suggest confirming with festival organizers before making plans to attend the below events.
4th of July Celebrations
Silver Lake’s Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 pm on July 4th at Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park in Mears.
Celebrate America at Vacation Station RV Resort in Ludington with bingo, tie dye crafts, bike and golf cart parade, site decorating and a pancake breakfast on July 4th!
The Ludington Area Jaycees Porch Decorating Contest will be held throughout greater Mason County to celebrate Independence Day. Dress up your outdoor area with red, white and blue for this new, festive event with chances to win a prize. Find details on the Jaycees’ website.
Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. is the 4th annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museumin Muskegon, benefiting Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. There will be DJ’d music, vendors, Pinning Ceremony, 50/50 Raffle, Silent and two live auctions, as well as a bounce house and face painting for the kids.
Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is getting a jump start on celebrating Independence Day this year. Kick off the holiday weekend with fireworks on Friday, July 3rd. Make a weekend of it and stay, golf, hike or just relax and reconnect with family.
The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce hopes to capture some of the holiday spirit by organizing a #SafeHarbor 4th of July online celebration to create a driving tour of patriotic homes, businesses, and vehicles. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, and vehicles and post the pictures on the chamber’s Facebook page. Please include the address of home or business of pictures sent in. Photos will be shared on social media, as well as the chamber newsletter and website. Contest will honor the best of these categories: Most Patriotic Business, Most Patriotic Home, Most Patriotic Family, and Most Patriotic Vehicle.
Fourth of July Fireworks will take place in St. Ignace at dusk and there will be fireworks every Saturday night after that through Labor Day Weekend.
Although the Independence Day Parade has been cancelled, the Sault Ste. Marie 4th of July fireworks will still be taking place at dusk.
More Events and Happenings in July
Harbor Springs will host the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will be hosting the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade July 2 at 6 p.m. on Little Traverse Bay. This annual event, now in its eighth year, is the official start of summer in Harbor Springs and honors the rich maritime history of the area. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are welcome to take part and decorations are encouraged. When registering, participants can select from several options which include offers of commemorate baseball caps.
Crystal Mountain will be hosting several Fourth of July activities that include the Alpine slide, activities, laser tag, campfires, bike parade, golf scramble, and chairlift rides with live entertainment. Activities run July 1 to July 5. For more information, visit www.crystalmountain.com.
Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall welcomes back the Flea Market & Antique Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 3 – 5.
Put your paddles in the river on July 4 with Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service in Muskegon for a 1 & 1/2 hour full moon float at the Hungry Ghost Moon Full Moon Kayak Float. Your float includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, glow stick, and transport back to your vehicle. Kayak owners are welcome to join, but must provide transport for themselves and their kayaks upstream. Book your float online or call 231-740-0227 for more information.
During what would have been the National Cherry Festival week in Traverse City (July 4 – 11), members of the community are invited to join in the Very Cherry Porch Parade by decorating their porch, yard, or window to bring a smile to your friends and neighbors. The theme of the porch parade is cherries to celebrate the region’s favorite fruit! The Very Cherry Porch Parade will take place from July 4 to July 11. Registration is quick, simple and free.
If you’ve never experienced a fresh Michigan sweet cherry picked right off the tree, then you’re in for a real treat! Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era is celebrating cherry season with everything from food to fun. Bring your family and friends to enjoy cherry donuts, cherry pie, cherry orchard tours, U-pick cherries, cherry pit spitting contest, and so much more at the Cherry Jubliee, July 11 and 12.
Enjoy a Ladies Day and golf clinic on July 19 at The Lynx Golf Club in Otsego. Options for either 9 holes, or 18 holes with a skills clinic by Patti Butcher, LPGA. Register online at migolfleague.com.
Come shoot sporting clays at Blendon Pines Gun Club in Zeeland! Great for families or friends, as you are outside and can easily distance in the fresh air! It’s like golf with a gun. New shooters, no problem! Onsite instructors will start you with a safety talk and demonstration. Great for couples, families, small groups and those seeking a new experience. Full gun store, with ammo, clothing, guns, flashlights, knives, hats, shirts, and more available onsite. Blendon Pines is open Wednesday through Saturday. For more, call 616-875-7000 or visit Blendon Pines online.
Believe it or not, but 53 percent of seven- to nine-year-olds say that strawberries are their favorite fruit. Good thing we are in the mid of Michigan’s strawberry season which can run into mid-July. Many farmers are reporting late crops for strawberries this year, but even so, remember that Michigan’s strawberry season is short. These beauties were at the Metro Health Farm Market which is every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Wyoming’s Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
Do you have a photo you would like to be considered for photo of the week? Then send it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
Trumpeter extraordinaire Max Colley III will kick off the 2020 Sounds of Summer concert series tomorrow at Cutler Park.
The popular concert series is one of the few free concert series that will take place this summer. The concert is set for 7 p.m. and organizer Patty Williams said there will be social distancing guidelines including groups sitting at least six feet a part.
Colley has earned many honors over the years including being named the 2014 Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. He has performed with several area groups such as the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra and Gumbo Nuveau, as well as his own Max Colley III Quartet.
Through his Facebook, Colley has stated he is excited about being able to performing considering so many summer concerts have been cancelled.
“I always look forward to this and try and keep it fresh and new each year,” Colley wrote on his Facebook page. He has been part of the Sounds of Summer concert series for about 20 years. “It will be hot, but I guarantee it won’t be snowing!”
Joining Colley on stage is Jordan VanHemert on sax, Kazuki Takemura on bass, Elijah Cosby on drums, and Colley will be trumpet and drums.
The Sounds of Summer includes family friendly activities. All performers start at 7 p.m. The shows are sponsored by Byron Township.
“We know that people really look forward to this,” said Byron Township Supervisor Tom Hooker about the annual Sounds of Summer concert series. “We just felt this was an opportunity for people to get out and look forward to something that was different.”
Upcoming performances include Jaded July 9, Oat Bran Boys July 16, Dusty Chaps July 23 and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here.
If the ambient air is warmer than your body temperature, you might increase your core temperature if you try to cool down with a fan. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Thinking of picking up an electric fan to help keep you cool and protect your health during the next heat wave?
You might want to think again.
Electric fans might make you feel cooler, but they can actually increase your risk of becoming heat sick and even dying from a heat stroke, the evidence shows.
Electric fans could contribute to a potentially dangerous increase in a person’s core heat if outdoor temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a recent Cochrane evidence review says.
“The fan actually will be blowing air that is hotter than our body at us,” said co-author Mike Clarke, director of the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit at Queen’s University Belfast.
It’s like switching on an electric oven’s convection fan to speed up the cooking process, the researchers said.
Meanwhile, another new study found that electric fans are particularly dangerous during very hot and dry conditions, but can help lower core temperatures and heart strain in hot, humid weather. That study appears in a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Electric fans are seen as a cheap way to help people cope with the several days of high temperatures that make up a heat wave, researchers for the Cochrane review said.
Global warming means heat waves will become more frequent and they can have terrible health consequences.
As many as 30,000 people died during a European heat wave in August 2003, while a Moscow heat wave in 2010 was responsible for nearly 11,000 deaths, the researchers noted.
The Cochrane review team found that there’s not a lot of research related to the effectiveness of electric fans, even though they’ve been around for well over a century. No studies at all met their review criteria, which were looking for experiments directly comparing electric fans with no fans.
They did find several studies that had looked at the effectiveness of cooling options employed during heat waves, however.
These studies had mixed results, with some suggesting that an electric fan might increase the risk of dying during a heat wave.
Fans don’t cool us down by circulating cooler air, Clarke noted. The air moving through a fan is the same temperature as the surrounding environment.
Instead, they cool us by speeding up evaporation of our sweat. That means fans also are causing our bodies to lose water faster.
According to Dr. Teresa Amato, head of emergency medicine at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, in Forest Hills, N.Y., “If you sweat more and don’t replace it quickly with fluids, there is a theoretical increased risk of dehydration, which could potentially put a person at greater risk for heat stroke or heat-related illness.”
If the ambient air is warmer than the human body, then the air blowing from the fan could actually increase a person’s core temperature, the researchers explained.
For the new study, Australian researchers exposed volunteers for two hours to laboratory conditions that mimicked two different types of heat waves.
One condition was very hot and dry, the same as the peak conditions of the July 2018 California heat wave, with a heat index of about 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The other condition involved a hot, humid day with a heat index of 133 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to a July 1995 heat wave in Chicago.
The experiment showed that electric fans lowered volunteers’ core temperature and heart strain in the humid condition, but were detrimental in weather that was less hot but very dry.
“Bottom line is that during a heat wave, the safest thing is to be in a cool, air-conditioned area,” Amato said. “If that is not possible in your own home or dwelling, you should seek out ‘cooling stations’ throughout your community. Once there is an alert that a heat wave is coming, many local health departments work to identify these safer alternatives and will use places such as libraries and schools.”
People who stay home and rely on an electric fan should remain aware of signs of heat-related illness, such as nausea, muscle cramps or headaches, she said.
“Be mindful to check on elderly neighbors who might not have working air conditioners and are relying on electrical fans,” Amato added. “They are at a much higher risk and they may not show signs of heat-related illness until they are critically ill.”
According to the CDC website, cloth face coverings are recommended as “a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice.”
“For outdoor gatherings, masking remains key in preventing transmission,” said Doreen Marcinek, manager of infection prevention at Spectrum Health. “If unable to mask for health reasons, social distancing of at least 6 feet is recommended.”
It’s all about the fabric
Light color masks will be cooler than dark as they do not absorb ultraviolet light. (WKTV)
During warms days, Marcinek recommends wearing a cotton mask as it may be more comfortable. Cotton is a more breathable option than other fabrics, but it can also absorb sweat, which could cause issues on hot and humid days. Marcinek said she encourages people to carry a couple of masks with them so they can switch the masks out if one does become saturated.
Another light weight option are masks made form bamboo. According to The Miami Herald, bamboo is 40 percent more absorbent that organic cotton fabrics and it can absorb up to three times its weight in liquid. Bamboo is known for its insulation properties, allowing it to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Also because of its antibacterial properties, its is less likely to develop an order.
Remember that lighter colors, white and pastels, tend to reflect ultraviolet rays and will be cooler than wearing darker colors such as black or dark blue.
If you can’t breathe, remove the mask
According to the CDC, if a person is having trouble breathing, it is OK to remove a mask. When the mask is removed, the person should adhere to the six feet of social distancing.
In fact, the CDC recommends the following people not wear masks:
Children 2 and under
Anyone who has trouble breathing
Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
There are other reasons as well for people not to wear masks, such as those who are hard of hearing and rely on reading lips and those who work in manufacturing where the strings of the mask could get caught in the machinery. For the list, click here.
Skin care important
A mask should cover the nose and the chin. Megan VanderMaas, a physician assistant at Metro Health Cosmetic Treatment Center said there are no special tricks or ways to wear a mask without compromising the integrity and fit of it.
“Wearing a mask for long hours you are bound to get irritation, potential acne, redness, etc.,” VanderMaas said. One of the thing she would recommend is keeping the face clean and free of make up. The makeup can build up under the mask and clog the pores. Washing the face in the morning and night will help remove any dirt and oils from the day.
VanderMaas said after wearing a mask, try putting on products that will help soothe and calm any area with irritation. Also making sure the skin is well hydrated and try to avoid harsh products that may irritate the skin more, she said.
Wash and repeat
Make sure to wash you cotton masks. The CDC recommends that cotton masks be washed daily and allowed to dry completely before wearing again.
Many publications recommend that you wash your mask in hot water and use high heat to dry to eliminate as many germs as possible. Also ironing a mask after washing will help to eliminate germs as well.
Basic health tips in dealing with hot weather
Our health experts mentioned that when the heat and humidity are high to take the normal precautions to avoid overheating or heat stroke. From the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health website:
Stay indoors and away from the sun.
If you must work outdoors, drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
Wear light colored clothing that is lightweight and loose fitting and wear a hat.
There’s no feeling like coming home after a long day. As seniors age, it becomes important to them that they have a home in which they can feel safe, relaxed, and secure. However, this can become a major sticking point that makes seniors unwilling to move to care communities like assisted living.
Many seniors want to age in place, or have a single home that they live in for as long as possible. For most, this means their family home. But, as they age, more and more older adults need assistance that they cannot provide for themselves—which makes staying at home difficult on themselves and their families.
Rather than aging in place at a family home, assisted living provides seniors with opportunities to age in a community that can provide them with care and personal services—along with other benefits—as needed, rather than moving multiple times when new care concerns arise.
Why seniors think they need to live at home
Seniors want to stay in their familiar homes for many reasons, which aren’t limited to but can include:
Not wanting to burden or trouble their families with a move to a senior care community
Guilt or shame about growing older
Wanting to avoid thinking about serious health concerns
Many seniors also have images in their heads of dull and dreary nursing homes, where they are confined to small rooms and lose all their self-sufficiency in a single day. There also is a common misconception about how much senior living costs. Aging adults might think staying at home is a less expensive option, when the opposite is often true.
Challenges that arise later in life
It’s a sad but true fact that many seniors experience a steep decline in their ability to care for themselves after they turn 70. In fact, over 75% of seniors have a serious chronic illness they likely need assistance with, and health concerns can’t always be addressed by a family member.
The longer a senior and their family wait to start looking at senior care options, the more limited their options become. It’s hard to find the right place to meet a seniors’ individual needs when:
You aren’t sure what care needs a loved one might need in the future
In addition, moving to senior living when there is no longer a choice can make things physically, emotionally, and mentally draining on both seniors and their families. And having in-home care when looking for living arrangements can become incredibly expensive.
Benefits of aging in assisted living
Assisted living communities understand the fears and reluctance that seniors have about leaving their family home. They work to provide a comfortable environment where seniors get the care they need as new conditions and needs develop over time.
When seniors make the move to assisted living before their condition becomes dire, they have time to readjust to a new community. Most assisted living communities even provide catered living for seniors who don’t need specific care services yet, but want some of the messy parts of life like laundry and cleaning taken care of for them.
Assisted living provides a variety of services that don’t take independence away from seniors, but give help in needed areas. These areas include:
Bathing & dressing
Personal care
Moving around the community
Medication management
Housekeeping
Meal planning & cooking
Moving to assisted living also helps reduce the stress on family members. Living at a family home may seem like a great idea for seniors, until they need everyday help and a child or other family member has to put their career and personal life on hold to become a full-time caregiver.
Living independently and aging in place at Vista Springs
Assisted living communities like Vista Springs offer many benefits that seniors can’t get when they age at a family home. These include:
Vista Springs offers everything from catered living to skilled nursing care to hospice and palliative care for end-of-life services. With this wide array of options, seniors can find a new home and age in place at Vista Springs!
It’s important for seniors to feel comfortable and secure in their home as they age. But living at home can create problems down the line. When seniors move to assisted living before a situation becomes desperate, they can enjoy incredible benefits during their golden years.
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Oh how we hate to start off by being the bearer of bad news, but according to state law, fireworks are allowed June 29 – July 4. So if you are planning to light up the skies this weekend, don’t. If you get caught, you could face upwards of a $1,000 civil fine. For more on the rules and how to prepare your pets, click here.
Give Some Love to Local Businesses
Independents Week starts Saturday. Hosted by LocalFirst, this special event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by supporting local businesses who could use a lot of love right now after being closed for 10 weeks or more. Starting on Monday are different themes each day to help inspire residents on how they can be supportive. For more information, click here.
Feeding the mind and the stomach
The KDL Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Wyoming branches will all be offering the Meet Up and Eat Up program. a free lunch program for K-12 students. (WKTV).
The Kent District Library announced it has expanded the Meet Up and Eat Up summer food program for K-12 students. Students can visit one of 12 KDL branches such as Kentwood, Wyoming or Kelloggsville, and receive a free meal. Click here for more information. Kent ISD has announced the program Summer Brain Gain for students in K-12. The program is designed help students stay sharp over the summer and avoid the usual knowledge drain that happens when students are out of school for a long period of time. The program is offered through Aug. 7. For more, click here.
An early design to provide cool air to car passengers. (Wikipedia)
Fun Fact
When the temperatures and humidity are high, we all enjoy a little cool air as we drive around in our automobiles. We have Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company to thank for this luxury. In 1939, the company was the first automobile manufacturer to offer an air conditioning option. Made by Bishop and Babcock (B&B) of Cleveland, Ohio, the units were large, taking up half the trunk space. The system also was not reliable and had no temperature control. The option was discontinued in 1941 with other companies eventually perfecting the air condition option for cars. While air conditioning (amongst other things) has become a standard on today’s automobile that was not always the case about 40 years ago. Air conditions partly become popular because it was more aerodynamic for the car windows to be closed while going down the road then opened to cool off the riders.
A quick flip through Facebook and you know its fireworks season.
“I would like to say thank you to the [person] lighting off fireworks and causing our dog to go crazy. I hope that you are pleased with causing the neighborhood dogs to freak out …”
“OMG. This is worse than the Fourth of July. STTTOOOOPPPPPP! The dogs are freaking! I have come to detest fireworks.”
“Our neighborhood was like a war zone last night and the 4th is still two weeks away.”
While no one can blame people for wanting to have some fun after being cooped up for 10 weeks or more, if you are shooting off fireworks before June 29, you are doing so illegally in most areas. Those who get caught could face up to $1,000 in civil fines.
In 2011, Michigan approved the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks and in 2018, the state amended the law to allow local governments to restrict the use of fireworks, except around certain holidays, such as July 4.
If fireworks are being displayed outside of those times, it is recommended that residents contact their local police departments even if they do not know the exact location of where the fireworks are being set off.
“Dispatch will put out a broadcast to all cars of ‘fireworks in the area of …'” said Lt. Eric Wiler, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “As call volume permits, officers will check the area of any violations of the firework ordinance.”
Wiler added that in the according to the state law, fireworks are not permitted on public property such as roads and parks, schools, churches, or the property of another person without their permission.
Helping Our Four-legged Friends
So how do we help our dogs get through all the noise and commotion of fireworks? We checked in with local rescue Mosh Pit Rescue for some tips.
Keep your dog INSIDE in a closed secure room with no open windows.
Use a TV, a white noise machine, your laundry, your dishwasher, a fan, your bathroom fan EVERYTHING to provide familiar noises.
Double check your dog is wearing a collar with tags and your contact information is current on the pet’s microchip.
Contact your vet about medications – there are meds that can help ease anxiety.
Make sure your pet is exercised during the day and take them out just before dusk again so the dog is tired and ready for a calm nap.
Many dogs like a kennel with blankets over the kennel as a secure safe space.
Consider a Kong with Frozen Peanut Butter or other feeder puzzle toy or chew toy to keep your dog occupied and distracted.
Have current photos of the pet in case they go missing.
This week’s photo comes from the Wyoming Historical Commission. The photo is of the former South Wyoming United Methodist Church that once stood on the southwest corner of 54th Street and Byron Center Avenue. The property was sold some years ago so that the CVS store — that is currently on the property — could be built.
Do you have a photo to be considered for Photo of the Week? Send it to WKTV Journal Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
School News Network hosts the series “Grads with Grit,” sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The series offers inspiring stories of seniors who have faced considerable obstacles on the way to graduation day and yet, with perseverance and determination, have made it to the finish line. Below are some of the Grads with Grits from the Kentwood and Wyoming areas.
For more stories on our local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Milton Brown by his Class of 2020 graduation sign. (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: ‘There’s no replacing Milton’
After being told he was “bad” in first grade, it is not surprising that Milton Brown’s attitude was not pleasant when he entered Godwin Heights Public Schools. But a teacher turned mentor and another at the Boys and Girls Club lead Milton down a different path, going from mentee to mentor. Click here to read Milton’s story.
Kelloggsville High School’s Naudia Potts. (Supplied/School News Network)
Kelloggsville: She’s ‘small but mighty’
Despite a time of homelessness in ninth grade, and the COVID-19 school closure as a senior, Kelloggsville senior Naudia Potts is set to graduate and set to soar at Central Michigan University where she will major in social work. Click here, to learn more about Naudia.
While graduation looks different this year, Quyen Tran is still celebrating. (Supplied/School News Network)
Kentwood: While embracing her roots, student leader steps forward
Wanting to bring the diverse backgrounds, customs, and traditions of Asia together, East Kentwood graduate Quyen Tran, an officer and original member of the Asian Student Union, organized the Asian Festival. This 4.33 grade point average student now has her sights on Harvard where she plans to be active with student groups and happenings. To read this student leader’s story, click here.
Adjy Jean smiles with two teachers at East Kentwood High School (courtesy/School News Network)
Kentwood: ‘Following a map and the sky’
Adjy Jean spent years as an unaccompanied youth, displaced and moving from country to country. Now after three years settled in Michigan, he will graduate from East Kentwood High School and start his next chapter at Grand Rapids Community College. Click here to learn more of Adjy’s story.
Rodrigo Lopez-Ruiz said he gets inspiration from friends and teachers at Wyoming (School News Network)
Wyoming: ‘I had to push myself’
While his family moved back to Mexico, Wyoming graduate Rodrigo Lopez-Ruiz decided to stay in the United States. Being largely on his own and taking responsibility for himself has been challenging, Rodrigo said, but the graduate wrapped up school by completing three dual enrollment courses while working at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. For Lopez-Ruiz’s story, click here.
Marco Guzman with his parents, Veronica and Juan Guzman, in front of Kelloggsville High School (School News Network)
Project NorthStar/Kelloggsville: ‘So many doors have opened’
It was the birth of his daughter Leilani inspired Marco Guzman to graduate. “The moment I saw her, I knew I had to kick it in gear,” Marco said. “I had messed up my school and I wanted to change. I had to change, because I wanted her to know that she could succeed.” Learn how Kent ISD’s Project NorthStar helped Guzman graduate, get a driver’s license and find a job by clicking here.
Nearly 13 million Americans will have dementia by 2040—nearly twice as many as today, a new report says.
The number of women with dementia is expected to rise from 4.7 million next year to 8.5 million in 2040.
The number of men with dementia is projected to increase from 2.6 million to 4.5 million.
Over the next 20 years, the economic impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will be more than $2 trillion.
Women will shoulder more than 80% of those costs, according to a report released recently at the 2019 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit in Washington, D.C.
“Longer life spans are perhaps one of the greatest success stories of our modern public health system,” said lead author Nora Super, senior director of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.
“But along with this success comes one of our greatest challenges,” she added in an institute news release. “Our risk of developing dementia doubles every five years after we turn 65; by age 85, nearly one in three of us will have the disease.”
With no cure on the horizon, reducing the risk of dementia and its cost must be the focus, Super noted.
“Emerging evidence shows that despite family history and personal genetics, lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and better sleep can improve health at all ages,” she said.
The report recommends expanded research, programs to maintain and improve brain health, increased access to testing and early diagnosis and services and policies that promote supportive communities and workplaces for people with dementia and their caregivers.
“As this important new report shows, dementia is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time,” said Sarah Lenz Lock, the AARP’s senior vice president for policy and brain health.
“It also demonstrates that we have the power to create change, whether by helping consumers maintain and improve their brain health, advancing research on the causes and treatment of dementia, or supporting caregivers who bear so much of the burden of this disease,” Lock said in the news release.
Any police officer will tell you that when you have been with a certain partner for awhile, you just know their little quirks.
So when Wyoming Officer Kelsey Eisen came to some train tracks on her first week out without her K9 partner Dutch, she missed his familiar bark.
“It was a little strange not to hear it,” Eisen said. “I was so use to it and then to go over the tracks and it not be there.”
Officer Kelsey Eisen with Dutch. (Supplied)
After nine years of service — three as Eisen’s partner — Dutch officially retired from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety on June 7. As with any officer, he was given a full send off complete with cake — doggie approved — and the final 10-42 call announcing his retirement.
“Yeah, now he gets to hang on the couch and get all the treats that he wants,” Eisen said with a laugh. This means Dutch has moved from his kennel to inside Eisen’s home while Eisen’s new partner, a two-year-old Belgium Malinois named Kovu, settles into the kennel and starts his training as the new “dog” on the force.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of a few area departments that has a K9 unit. Wyoming has four K9 officers, Chase who is with Officer Ryan Patterson, Azar who is with Officer Daniel Sanderson, Jett who is with Officer Chad Wells, and now Kovu who is with Eisen.
High flying’: Dutch shows off his jumping skills. (Supplied)
While a dog can be trained for a single purpose, such as tracking or narcotics, all the Wyoming K9 dogs are dual purpose meaning the animals are cross trained for narcotics, building searches, evidence recovery and people searches such as tracking suspects to missing persons.
“One of my favorite searches with Dutch is when Kent County called,” Eisen said. “They had stopped a car and the suspect had taken off on foot. They had chased him a little bit into a wooded area. They lost him and called for Dutch and I. [Dutch] started to track and he tracked probably a good 10 to 15 yards to a swamp and he started to track into the swamp. We lit the swamp up and Dutch was about a foot away from the guy submerged trying to hide.
It’s the couch life and treats
Now the only searching Dutch has to do is to locate the couch.
Dutch helps out collecting cans for Officer Eisen’s new partner, Kovu. (Supplied)
“My son and daughter are extremely excited that he gets to come into the house and hang out for more than a few minutes here and there,” Eisen said with a laugh.
For the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, when a K9 dog retires, it traditionally comes home with the trainer/handler.
“I don’t know what I would do if someone said I couldn’t keep Dutch after working all those many training hours and working the road ,” Eisen said. “You literally spend more time with the dog than you do with your family. So if someone was to tell me that I couldn’t take him afterwards it would be devastating and I would be heartbroken that I couldn’t give him that special treat afterwards for how much work he has done in the city and couldn’t spoil him in retirement.”
Eisen admitted she’ll have lots of help spoiling Dutch — who had a reputation for visiting City Hall and looking for goodies — which is probably a good thing since Eisen will be spending most of her time training Kovu.
The new dog on the force
Knowing that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety would be needing to purchase another K9, the department partnered with the K-911 Foundation. The cost for a police dog is around $8,500 with the department putting in half. The other half was raised through a can drive, which due to COVID are still waiting to be returned, with the aid of the K-911 Foundation.
Kovu is the new K9 recruit and Officer Eisen’s partner. (WKTV)
After visiting with several dogs at Shadow Creek Kennels, Eisen said Kovu’s “drive and confidence is what won us over with him.”
Kovu, who originally came from the Czech Republic, spent the first two weeks bonding with Eisen, getting to know her and building a relationship of trust. He will spend eight weeks training with Eisen with the goal being for Kovu to officially go on patrol in August. Eisen added that he definitely will be ready to meet everyone at National Night Out, which, due to COVID-19, is set for Oct. 6 this year.
“Obviously the dog is a tool for us but he is not just a tool,” Eisen said. “He is our partner, our family. There is that special bond that goes with all the training and all the blood and sweat and tears that you work toward a partnership and it’s all about that partnership.
“It’s not just the dog that does all the work. You have to be able to read the dog and the dog has to be able to rely on you and there’s that balance and confidence working as a team to get to that goal that you want to achieve, whether it’s getting the bad guy, finding the missing person, a building search or anything else like that.”
As people age, the odds of having a sleeping disorder rise dramatically. Many older adults either can’t fall asleep at night, wake up too often, or can’t breathe properly while trying to sleep. In fact, 40% of seniors struggle with serious health problems as a result of poor sleeping habits and a general lack of sleep.
What are the senior health problems that arise from not getting a good night’s sleep? And what can you do to help combat sleep deprivation? Look through this blog to get the information you need about seniors and sleep—along with ideas on how you can fix your sleeping habits before bedtime tonight.
What constitutes a ‘good night’s sleep’?
There’s a common misconception that seniors don’t need as much sleep as other adults, which has likely arisen due to the large number of seniors who struggle to get enough sleep. However, that’s just not true. Seniors need the same amount of sleep as they did when they were younger. All adults over 20 years of age need somewhere between 7-9 hours of sleep per day.
Why seniors don’t get enough sleep
The main causes of sleep deprivation in seniors can usually be linked to two different sources—insomnia or sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when breathing patterns are interrupted during sleep. This limits the flow of oxygen to the brain, which in turn causes you to wake up in order to correct the breathing error. While there are certain groups of people who are more likely to have sleep apnea, it generally becomes more common as you age.
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. They might be able to give you tips on lifestyle changes that will reduce your overall risk, or help you get a CPAP machine or other device that can help open up your airways.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by an inability to fall asleep or an inability to stay asleep. Seniors often get insomnia from:
Side effects of medications needed for other health problems
Anxiety and stress about aging
Other health-related issues such as chronic pain
The dangers of sleep deprivation on senior health
The number one danger of sleep deprivation is daytime fatigue, a condition that makes people extremely tired throughout the day—although they don’t fall asleep as a result of their sleepiness. Instead, they suffer from:
With sleep deprivation being such a dangerous issue for seniors to contend with, it’s important that immediate steps are taken to fix sleeping habits. Try avoiding taking sleep medication if you can—it can be expensive, habit-forming, and comes with its own side effects. Instead, use mediation and prescriptions as a last resort and first try natural ways to improve your sleep.
Create a sleeping routine
A nighttime routine can help signal to your brain that it’s time for bed, which is especially helpful if you struggle with insomnia. A routine can include things like:
Taking a warm bath before bed
Drinking a glass of water
Winding down with some light reading and relaxing music
Turning off all lights
Going to bed at a consistent time (and waking up at the same time each day)
Avoid certain behaviors at night
Sometimes engaging in certain behaviors or activities before bed can hurt your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. Things to avoid before bed include:
Watching TV or using smartphones and other electronics
Drinking anything with caffeine or alcohol before you try and sleep
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol during the day
Smoking right before bedtime
Exercising at night
Optimize your room for sleep
There are simple changes you can make in your apartment and bedroom that can help you improve your sleeping habits, such as:
Making your room dark
Keeping the temperature cooler at nighttime
Taking electronics and TVs out of the bedroom
Creating a noise level that lulls you to sleep—usually either silence or a soft white noise
Removing distracting or unnecessary lights and sounds in your room
Using your bed only for sleeping, not for relaxing in during the day
It’s essential that seniors get to sleep at night, or you can risk coming down with some serious health problems. By being aware of how much sleep you should be getting and taking immediate action steps, you can improve your sleeping habits and get the right amount of rest as you age.
“This will end. As stressful and devastating as it is, it will end. We are all in it together as a global community, and I do see the light at then end of the tunnel.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, in a June interview with UK newspaper The Telegraph
Kent County Health Department
The Kent County Health Department’s efforts to make COVID-19 testing more widely available to specific segments of the public has expanded by the opening of community testing sites, including ones at the Wyoming’s The Potter’s House school, and in Kentwood at the Kent County Health Department South Clinic. Go here for the story.
Metro Health
COVID-19 has exposed large health inequities both nationally and locally, resulting in devastating, even life-and-death consequences. In Michigan, over 40 percent of the deaths from COVID-19 were African American. Metro Health is working to address that issue. Go here for the story.
Mercy Health’s Clinica Santa Maria
Mercy Health Saint Mary’s is offering free COVID-19 testing for 1,000 residents of Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park Neighborhood, thanks to funding made available through the federal CARES Act grant to Kent County. Go here for the story.
Just the (sad) facts:
4,156 and 115
The Kent County Health Department has almost daily updates of Kent County and State of Michigan statistics. On May 18, they reported 4,156 total cases of COVID-19 but only 115 deaths. Source.
We hike, swim and paddle. We run until we’re breathless.
We get close to nature, inhale fresh air and gaze at the stars.
All those outdoor activities require fuel. And with a little planning, the camping menu can be just as healthy—and fun—as a day at the beach, says Angela Fobar, RDN, a Spectrum Health dietitian.
A mom with three young children, Fobar has spent many nights at campgrounds with her family, both in a tent and a camper. They roast marshmallows over the campfire and eat their share of s’mores.
But as a dietitian with Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, Fobar also looks for ways to eat healthy on vacation. In her pre-trip grocery shopping, she opts for kid-friendly foods that deliver good nutrition.
And simplicity is key.
“It’s camping,” she said. “You want to spend your time relaxing, hanging out and doing activities—and not spend an hour making an elaborate meal.”
She shared three tips for keeping nutrition on track, even when you’re sleeping in a tent or camper.
One-pot (or packet) meals
“We like to cook a lot of our meals over the fire,” Fobar said. “To do that, I think, takes a little planning.”
She creates foil packets that combine some form of protein—chicken or shrimp, for example—with assorted vegetables, olive oil and spices.
A favorite packet dinner combines turkey sausage with potatoes and green beans. You can vary the spices, adding Italian seasonings or a fajita flavor.
“I think that’s the fun of it,” she said. “You can mix and match whatever you want.”
The ingredients can be cut and prepared at home before the trip. You can assemble the packets at home or at the campground. (Combinations suggested below.)
And if you don’t want to make individual servings, you can combine the ingredients in a cast-iron skillet and cook the dinner over a fire.
If she uses a camper and has an electric hookup, Fobar often prepares one-pot soups and stews in a Crock-Pot.
This recipe for Six-Can Tortilla Soup, found on allrecipes.com, works especially well for a camping trip because the ingredients don’t require refrigeration. The tasty soup combines canned chicken with beans and other ingredients.
Because some canned goods are high in sodium, she advises looking for salt-free or low-sodium options.
Fire-grilled pizza
Using a cast-iron pizza pan over a campfire, Fobar makes pizza dinners that her family calls “hobo pies.”
Using bread as the crust, they layer pizza sauce, cheese and a variety of toppings. She usually makes hers meatless, but the toppings available can vary with a family’s tastes.
“It’s fun because the kids get involved,” she said. “They can choose whatever ingredients they want to add.”
Fruits and veggies
Even when camping, you can still get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, Fobar says.
“I like to cut up fruit ahead of time so I have tubs of fruit available,” she said.
She also keeps a tub of veggies on hand. Often, she chooses ones that require no prep—carrots, baby tomatoes, sugar-snap peas.
Having a stockpile in the cooler or a camper fridge makes it easy to add fruits and veggies to every meal.
Packet meal recipe
Use one of these combinations for a one-pot or foil packet meal. Or feel free to vary them and concoct your own.
Turkey sausage or kielbasa, red skin potatoes, onion and green beans. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary.
Apple chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, red onion and Brussels sprouts. Season with salt, garlic, thyme and cinnamon.
Chicken, onion and red, yellow and green peppers. Add fajita seasonings.
All veggie: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, onion and summer squash. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary or thyme.
Directions
Prep for packets can be done while camping or at home and taken to the campsite in your cooler or fridge.
Think size when cutting your items. Items that take longer to cook can be cut smaller than items that cook in a shorter time.
Assemble packets. You will need a square of foil, 12 by 12 inches, for the top and bottom of each packet.
Build with desired chopped ingredients.
Add olive oil—2 tablespoons per packet, to prevent sticking.
Add seasoning.
Fold each side of the packet two or three times to make sure they are secure when flipping over the fire.
Cook on a grate or grill over a bed of hot coals for about 40 minutes. Check the temperature of any meats with a meat thermometer prior to serving.
In early May, Kentwood resident Gerald DeMaagd was strolling through Kentwood’s Paris Park when he came across these two ducks enjoying the beautiful, quiet day. Paris Park is located in the southern region of the city at 3213 60th St. SE. Nestled in the Plaster Creek watershed, the park is a nature preserve featuring many trails.
Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Then send it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
Whether your family’s travel plans include some fun in the sun, makin’ a splash or skiing the slopes, nothing puts the damper on a vacation faster than illness or injury.
There are several things you can do before, during and after your travels to make your experience a memorable one. For all the right reasons.
1. Think like a Boy Scout
Travel itself is stressful. And breaks can be a particularly crazy and frustrating time, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
“The most important advice I give to my patients is be prepared. That, and remember to pack your common sense,” said Philip Henderson, MD, division chief, internal medicine and pediatrics, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “People on vacation tend to do things they’d never do at home, which can lead to trouble. You’ll be able to deal with the unexpected and avoid a lot of stress by being well-prepared and using your head.”
2. Give yourself a boost
A healthy immune system before you leave can lessen the chance of downtime due to illness on your vacation and when you get back home. So, before you even think about what to pack, give your immune system a boost: get plenty of rest, eat right and stick to your normal exercise routine.
Make sure you and your kids are up to date on all your vaccinations, including your flu shot, Dr. Henderson said. Take this quiz to find out which vaccines you or your children age 11 years and older may need, and be sure to get them a couple weeks before you travel.
Pack enough of your prescription medications in your carry-on luggage to last the entire trip—and a little extra in case your return trip is delayed. Bring a list of the brand and generic names of all your medications, including the dosage and frequency, in case you need to get a refill during your trip.
Bring both your standard, everyday medications, as well as any emergency medications you might need. This may include an EpiPen if you have a severe allergy or an inhaler if you’re prone to asthma attacks.
Take a basic medical kit with you. Dr. Henderson suggested:
Band-Aids
Antibiotic ointment
Aspirin or Tylenol
Aloe gel (for sunburn)
Antacids such as Tums (for upset stomach)
Pepto-Bismol tablets (for traveler’s diarrhea)
“Be sure you get the real Pepto-Bismol,” Dr. Henderson said. “Look for bismuth subsalicylate as the key ingredient for it to really work.”
If you take certain medications, or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, carry an alert notification or identification card with you.
“This is especially important for people who take a blood thinner,” Dr. Henderson said. “If you’re in an accident or are unconscious, emergency medical personnel need to be aware in order to properly treat you.”
4. Going airborne
Given the lengthy time spent in crowded planes, air travelers are often concerned about catching an illness from other passengers. In addition to what’s floating around in the air, studies have shown that illness-causing bacteria can survive on surfaces inside airplanes for days or even up to a week.
So how can you stay safe and healthy on the airplane?
Clean your hands thoroughly and often. Travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Use it once you are settled in your seat and again after you depart the plane.
Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or tissue if someone near you sneezes or coughs in your direction. Discard used tissues right away and then wash your hands.
Bring your own pillow and blanket instead of using those handed out by the airline.
Drink lots of water and nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverages to stay hydrated. The air in airplanes is dry so it’s easy to become dehydrated.
Stretch your legs. Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long flights. When allowed, walk up and down the aisles and stretch your calf muscles while you’re sitting.
Remember, the risk of infection doesn’t end when you get off the airplane.
Cruise ships and busy resorts can also expose you to some nasty infections. Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, is known to plague these vacation escapes.
Scrupulous hygiene is the key to avoiding these highly contagious bugs. Wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom and before every meal. Soap and water is best, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
5. Avoid traveler’s stomach
Changes in diet can wreak havoc on your digestive system. While a slice of pizza or a burger might be tempting while waiting for your flight, eat a salad or something rich in fiber to avoid stomach problems later.
Once you arrive, try to eat as much like your normal diet as possible. Go ahead and have some treats. It’s your vacation, after all. But make sure the majority of your meals contain vegetables, fruit, lean protein and whole grains. Drink plenty of water, too.
If you know you have a sensitive stomach, take one Pepto-Bismol tablet each day to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, Dr. Henderson suggested.
And a final word of caution on food safety: If food left out on a buffet table looks wilted or dry around the edges, it’s probably best to stay away.
6. Drink up
Water, water, water. Staying well hydrated is important.
“People don’t realize how much water they lose when they sweat,” Dr. Henderson said. “And when your body is dehydrated, you feel lousy. Dehydration affects your metabolism, your circulation, and causes headaches and dizziness.”
One way to tell if you’re drinking enough water is to look at your urine. If you’re going at least four times a day and it’s relatively clear in color, you’re in the clear. If it’s dark in color, you’re dehydrated and need to drink more water.
If drinking alcohol is part of your break, remember that it can impair your judgment and actions.
Binge drinking, in particular, can be a problem on vacation. It’s the most common pattern of excessive alcohol use, defined for men as consuming five or more drinks, and women consuming four or more drinks, in about two hours.
7. Beware the buzz
Educate yourself about the local bugs and reptiles, especially if you’re traveling off the beaten path, Dr. Henderson said. Know which are poisonous and which are not.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya virus, once found only in Africa and Asia, have been found in Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, South America and Central America.
To avoid bites, stay inside or in screened-in areas or cover up during peak mosquito hours–sunrise and sunset, and in early evening. Also avoid tight clothes, dark colors and perfume. Natural repellents with 20 percent picaridin, or deet-based products with 30 percent deet or less, also work well.
“Decisions about pregnancy planning are personal,” Dr. Romero said, suggesting that those who are considering becoming pregnant use condoms and put off conception for up to six months after returning from a visit to a Zika-confirmed area. “We recommend talking with your health care provider if you’re not yet pregnant, but thinking about having a baby in the near future.”
8. Soak it up. Safely.
It’s tempting to soak up the rays by staying in the hot sun all day. Although getting a little sun can have some health benefits (think vitamin D boost), the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.
“Terrible sunburns are by far the most common thing we see in people returning from vacations,” Dr. Henderson said. “Be sure to apply sunscreen to the top of your feet. That’s one spot where we see the worst burns. The other is on the top of the head for men who are bald or have thinning hair.”
This also applies to those enjoying ski trips—that powdery white snow reflects the sun’s rays and can burn you to a crisp if you aren’t careful.
Always practice sun safety: wear a hat, protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection, and for sunscreen, use one with a SPF double what you’d normally use at home, said Dr. Henderson.
9. Home sweet home
Once you’re home, pay attention to how you feel. While it’s normal to feel a little rough around the edges after traveling for a day or two, if you feel worse each day rather than better, see your doctor.
Our partners at School News Network take a final look at the Class of 2020 along with some changes taking place. For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
MySchool@Kent Principal Danielle Hendry expected summer school enrollment to be large this year (School News Network)
All Districts: Summer school is in session
To get its pre-Labor Day start wavier, Kent ISD decided to offer free summer school to all of Kent County which meant a boost to MySchool@Kent which is the Kent ISD’s summer school program. This summer, the program will have three times its average number of students, but Principal Danielle Hendry said “If a student needs this extra learning opportunity then we are happy to provide it.” Click here to learn more.
In 2012, Kent Innovation High was recognized as a National Demonstration School by New Tech Network (School News Network)
All Districts: Kent ISD to close Kent Innovation High
Citing low attendance and the inability to recruit students for the 2020-2021 school years, the Kent ISD announced it will be phasing out the Kent Innovation High program. Students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program. It leaves on a high note as more area schools has implemented project-based learning within their programs. For more about Kent Innovation High, click here.
Students locally and elsewhere turned out in mass protests following the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida (School News Network/Dianne Carroll Burdick)
All Districts: The Class of 2020: learning to roll with it
“History books are going to write about you.” The epic quote says it all as the Class of 2020 wraps up their school year. Most of the students lives are bookmarked by 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover all the ups and downs this class has faced and how the students have learned to “just roll with it.” Click here for more.
Golfers with knee osteoarthritis do not need to be concerned about worsening their disease by walking the course. In fact, walking provides the best health benefit. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Golfers with knee arthritis should park the golf cart and walk the links instead, researchers say.
While using a golf cart may seem the obvious choice for golfers with knee problems, a new small study finds that walking provides much greater health benefits. Moreover, it’s not associated with increased pain, inflammation or cartilage breakdown, the researchers said.
“Individuals with knee osteoarthritis are often concerned about pain and may be more likely to use a golf cart,” said lead study author Dr. Prakash Jayabalan. He’s an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
However, “this study has shown that golfers with knee osteoarthritis do not need to be concerned about worsening their disease through walking the course. In fact, walking provides the best health benefit,” Jayabalan said in a university news release.
More than 17 million Americans older than 50 golf regularly. Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in this age group. The condition causes swelling, pain and difficulty moving the joint.
The study included 10 older golfers with knee osteoarthritis and five without the disease, which is usually caused by wear and tear of the joint.
On one day, the study participants played one round of golf (18 holes) walking the course. On another day, they used a golf cart to play 18 holes. On each occasion, the researchers monitored the participants’ heart rates to determine their level of exercise intensity, and took blood samples to measure markers of knee inflammation and cartilage stress.
On both occasions, the golfers had an increase in these markers, but there was no difference between use of the golf cart and walking, the findings showed.
When walking the course, the heart rates of the golfers with knee problems were in the moderate-intensity zone for more than 60 percent of the time, compared with 30 percent when using a cart.
But even using the cart, golfers met daily exercise recommendations, according to the study authors.
“Bottom line: walking the course is significantly better than using a golf cart, but using a golf cart is still better than not exercising at all,” Jayabalan concluded.
The study was presented recently at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International annual meeting in Liverpool, England. Research presented at meetings is usually considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
The phrase “activities of daily living” is often thrown around within discussions about senior living options and different care services. But what exactly are ADLs, and how do they differ from IADLs—another common term used in senior care?
Wonder no more! This blog will talk about the differences between ADLs and IADLs and what activities are included under each term, along with an explanation of how these different care services become benefits for independence within assisted living communities.
What’s the difference?
Both ADLs and IADLs refer to key life tasks that need to be accomplished daily. ADLs, or activities of daily living, are more basic tasks that are essential to independent living. IADLs, or instrumental activities of daily living, are more complex tasks that are still a necessary part of everyday life.
A good way to remember the difference between the two is to think of ADLs as tasks we learned as children—like eating and walking—and IADLs as things we learned as teenagers—like money management, driving, and housekeeping.
Activities of daily living
Care services for ADLs can range from simple assistance, such as check-ins and monitoring services, to full dependency on a nurse or caregiver to complete tasks. These care services are broken down into six specific categories:
1. Ambulating
This care service mostly involves helping with walking—both inside and outside. However, it can also include pushing a wheelchair, following alongside someone with a walker, or holding a senior’s arm while they walk.
2. Eating
The physical act of eating, including getting food into a person’s mouth and their ability to chew and swallow is another ADL that some seniors need assistance with.
3. Grooming
Grooming includes picking out clothes and getting dressed, brushing hair, cutting nails, brushing teeth, and taking care of personal appearance and hygiene.
4. Toileting
This care service includes all aspects of using the bathroom including getting to the toilet, using it, and properly cleaning oneself.
5. Bathing
Washing the face, taking a shower or bath, cleaning all parts of the body, and getting in and out of the tub are examples of ADLs that fall under the category of bathing.
6. Transferring
“Transferring” means moving the body from one position to another. For example, helping a senior with transferring can include getting them out of bed, sitting them up, moving them into a wheelchair, or helping to get them standing up.
Instrumental activities of daily living
IADLs have a much more broad range of care service categories than ADLs. Rather than having exactly six different groups of activities, there isn’t a consistent number of IADLs. However, there are some common examples that all involve complex thinking and organizational skills that can be lost as people grow older.
Money management
Managing one’s money includes things like paying bills, balancing checkbooks, going to the bank, depositing checks, and monitoring the flow of cash in and out of an account.
Transportation
Transportation needs include being able to drive oneself to different places, or arranging rides and organizing transport when you cannot drive alone.
Housekeeping & maintenance
These tasks include keeping up with house cleaning, doing laundry, fixing minor maintenance needs like broken toilets or leaky faucets, and keeping things decluttered and tidy.
Knowing how to use the phone or computer to check messages, emails, and voicemails are all things that fall under a general category of “communication”, along with opening and replying to mail and remembering dates when visitors were coming to visit.
Medication management
Knowing what medications to take and when, along with knowing when a prescription is running low, when it needs to be refilled, and how to refill it is all part of medication management.
Cooking & meal preparation
This can include planning out meals for the week, grocery shopping, storing groceries and checking expiration dates, and all the aspects of cooking a meal. It can also include picking the right food to meet dietary needs.
Daily care in assisted living
Seniors begin to lose independence when they are no longer able to complete ADLs and IADLs on their own. In order to help community members maintain independence for as long as possible, assisted living doesn’t require all of these tasks to be taken care of at all times, like you would expect in a nursing home.
Assisted living communities will only give seniors assistance on ADLs and IADLs that residents need help with. Beyond these needed care services, community members are able to take care of their own daily tasks however they best see fit.
Because assisted living has the care services to provide for all of these needs as they arise, it’s easy for seniors to be able to age in place in assisted living communities knowing they will get the services they need, when they need them.
This photo came from the Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique which hosted a a self-portrait challenge during the COVID-19 lockdown, for female-identifying persons which would “inspire … the community to exist in photos.” According to Mod Bettie owner Elise Kutt, the submitted images will be curated in an exhibition and printed in a book that will be for sale with proceeds going to female small business owners, artists and performers affected by the closures. For more about Mod Bettie, modbettie.com.
Do you have a photo you would like considered for photo of the week? Then email it to WKTV Journal Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
Editor’s note: This article was a joint collaboration between North Dakota State University and Michigan State University Extension.
Everyone knows that bees love to visit flowers, but not everything that you see visiting flowers or buzzing around the garden is a bee. In fact, many insects imitate bees in order to avoid unwanted attention. Whether you call them “bee-mimics,” “wanna-bees” or “yellow-stripey-things,” most are beneficial helpers in our yards and gardens. This brief guide will help you tell some of these insects apart.
Flies
Figure 2. Hairy honey bee (Apis mellifera) on sedum. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Some flies, especially hover flies and bee flies, can be mistaken for bees because their body form, color and hair patterns, buzzing sounds and behaviors mimic bees. Flies have a set of front wings (forewings), but the hind wings are small, knob-like balancing organs called halteres, so flies appear to have only two wings (Figure 1, red circles). Bees have well-developed forewings and hind wings.
Figure 3. Hover fly. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Flies have large compound eyes that occupy most of the head, while bees have narrow compound eyes on the sides of the head. Most flies that resemble bees have short, three-segmented antennae, while bees have longer, cylindrical antennae of 12 (female) or 13 (male) segments.
Some flies, especially bee flies, can be hairy like honey bees (Figure 2), bumble bees and digger bees, and can hover and move quickly from flower to flower while foraging, just like bees. Flies do not sting people.
Hover flies(Family: Syrphidae)
Figure 4. Bee fly. Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
Several hover fly species (Figures 1 and 3) resemble bees in coloration, behavior and size. Most hover flies are 5 to 15 millimeters long and have large heads with reddish or marbled black eyes, two clear wings and black and yellow color patterns on the abdomen and sometimes on the thorax. Some hover flies are quite hairy while others are not.
Hover flies buzz and hover like bees around flowers. They feed on pollen and nectar, often using the same flowers that bees do. Some hover fly larvae are aphid predators and provide biological pest control.
Bee flies (Family: Bombyliidae)
Figure 5. Paper wasp. Note the waist between the thorax and abdomen. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Bee flies (Figure 4) are about 7 to 15 millimeters long and have stout bodies covered with yellow, black or brown hairs. Different species can have transparent or patterned wings. Bee flies have a long proboscis (tongue) and feed on pollen and nectar.
Wasps
Figure 6. Honey bee collecting pollen from aster flower. Note the pollen basket on its hind legs. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Similar to bees, wasps have four developed wings, long segmented antennae and a distinctly visible narrow “waist” (Figure 5) due to a constriction between the thorax and abdomen. Bees also have a constricted waist, but it isn’t readily visible. Wasps are much less hairy than most bees (Figures 2 and 6). Wasps’ hairs are not branched, while bees’ are branched, but you will need a microscope to see this.
Most bees have special pollen-collecting hairs on their hind legs and collected pollen is easy to see (Figure 6). Leaf-cutting bees collect and carry pollen on hairs underneath their abdomens. Also, wasps have brighter colorations and patterns, and wider range of color and pattern variations than bees.
Yellowjackets, hornets and paper wasps (Family: Vespidae)
Figure 7. Eastern yellowjacket. Photo by Jon Yuschock, Bugwood.org
These insects are strikingly patterned with black and yellow. They hold their wings folded lengthwise over their bodies like a jet. Yellowjackets (Figure 7) are approximately 12 to 25 millimeters long. Their face is mostly yellow, except for black eyes and black antennae. Yellowjackets have yellow and black bands on the abdomen and usually nest in the ground.
Paper wasps (Figure 5) are approximately 25 millimeters long with black, yellow and sometimes orange markings. Nests are constructed of paper, often underneath house eaves.
Figure 8. Bald-faced hornet. Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org
Bald-faced hornets (Figure 8) are black with white markings and are about 15 to 25 millimeters long. The tip of the abdomen often has white markings. Nests are constructed in trees and sometimes roof peaks. Bald-faced hornets are usually aggressive and sting when their nests are disturbed.
Cicada killers (Family: Crabronidae) (Figure 9) are large wasps 20 to 50 millimeters long. They have a yellow face brick-red eyes and a black abdomen with yellow bands. Wings are lightly infused with brown and the legs are red. As its name implies, Cicada killer wasps prey on cicadas. They do not have nest guarding instincts like wasps and honey bees. These impressive looking wasps are not aggressive, but females do have stingers and can sting when they feel threatened.
Figure 9. Cicada killer wasp. Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org
Runners are among the high-intensity athletes who should be especially cognizant of their exposure to heat on summer days. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Early one summer, incoming Kent State University freshman Tyler Heintz, 19, fell severely ill during an early-morning football practice.
His breathing grew labored and he began to slip in and out of consciousness. An ambulance rushed him to a hospital, but he later died.
The cause: exertional heat stroke.
This dangerous condition can strike an athlete of any stature, even those who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. In August 2001, 6-foot-4, 335-pound offensive tackle Korey Stringer, of the Minnesota Vikings, died shortly after collapsing during drills on a hot, humid day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies groups most at risk of heat stroke, including the very young, the very old, the chronically ill, people who work outdoors and people in low-income households.
It is not uncommon for an athlete to sweat 1 to 2 liters per hour on a hot day. A large football player can lose up to 15 pounds of water in a single practice session.
The problem is most athletes drink far less than they sweat, simply because they underestimate the extent of their sweat loss.
Limitations
With summer underway, athletes young and old are more often found
outdoors. It’s an essential time to impress the importance of proper
hydration and rest.
Summer training camps for runners, soccer players and football players are proving grounds for excellence, but they can be ground zero for heat stroke trouble.
When athletes—especially runners and football players—participate in vigorous exercise in the warm months, dehydration can turn fatal.
Almost all heat-related deaths occur from May to September, according to the CDC, which also identifies exertional heatstroke as a leading cause of preventable, non-traumatic exertional sudden death for young athletes in the U.S.
Two-a-days, those notoriously difficult practices common to football, can often lead to trouble. Last year, the NCAA Division I Council banned two-a-days in preseason practices.
A 2016 study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that exertional heat exhaustion occurs at an increased rate in the first 14 days of practice, and especially in the first seven days.
About a decade ago, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association issued guidelines for preseason heat acclimatization. The guidelines establish a 14-day plan that helps athletes acclimatize to the heat. It zeroes in on the first three to five days of summer practice as the most important for progressive acclimatization.
On Day 1, for example, athletes shouldn’t participate in more than one practice and they should wear limited gear, as well as limiting the level of exertion and physical contact. For full-contact sports, “100 percent live contact drills should begin no earlier than Day 6.”
Coaches and training staff must carefully consider their approaches to summer practices, scrutinizing duration, intensity, time and place.
On especially hot days, for instance, the practice may need to be limited in length or simply rescheduled to a cooler part of the day.
Keeping watch
Athletes and parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke.
Keep in mind that thirst is not always the best indicator of dehydration. By the time a person senses thirst, the body may have already lost more than 1 percent of its total water. Athletes, coaches and parents should emphasize the importance of proper hydration before, during and after sporting activities—and then keep watch for any signs of trouble.
Not urinating, or very dark yellow or amber-colored urine
Dry, shriveled skin
Irritability or confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Sunken eyes
Listlessness
Shock (not enough blood flow through the body)
Unconsciousness or delirium
When dehydration goes untreated, the body can no longer maintain
homeostasis, which leads to heat stroke. This can cause impaired
cardiovascular function and neurological failure.
An athlete experiencing heat stroke may become agitated, confused or unable to maintain balance.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park set to open on Monday. (Supplied)
Places are starting to reopen with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture announcing it will open Monday and the Kent County Parks announcing it will have a stagger opening. Opening immediately are swimming beaches at Long Lake Park, Millennium Park, Myers Lake Park and Wabasis Park; all playgrounds; the Kaufman Golf Course; all restrooms, open shelters and group picnic areas. KDL announced it will start curbside June 15. For more upcoming openings, click here.
Time to purge, Kentwood
Kentwood residents, Saturday is your official Community Clean-Up Day!. That means all the stuff you have been collecting over the past 10 weeks in quarantine you can finally get rid of. Community Clean-Up Day takes place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Also opening this Saturday is the city’s brush and leaves drop-off sites. For more information, click here.
Our beautiful Downtown GR
Hundreds of people came out last Sunday to help downtown Grand Rapids businesses clean up after a night of riots. This past week, artists and community leaders turned the boarded up windows into works of art and positive message such as the “be nice.” displayed at One Trick Pony. Take a drive through downtown this weekend to see this mini-outside gallery and remember, many of the places are now open so step on in and share the love. For more, click here.
Everybody Loves a Parade!
Let’s admit it: we all love those big trucks. On May 22, the Kentwood Department of Public had a parade of its trucks to show community support. So click on the link above and enjoy the ride!
