Tag Archives: Jr.

It’s a ‘never-ending story’ as Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents two summer productions

July 21, 2017EntertainmentGrand Rapids Civic Theatre, Hairspray, Jr., Michael Ende, The Neverending Story, Worth HagesJoanne

Nancy Brozek

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

After a summer filled with master level classes, hands-on training, and countless rehearsal hours, this season’s talented groups of 13-19 year old students are ready to shine in two Civic Theatre summer productions: “The Neverending Story” and “Hairspray, Jr.”

Civic Theatre, known for delighting audiences with seemingly magical performances, has not held back this repertory season either. Fans of “The Neverending Story,” an epic fantasy based on Michael Ende’s 1983 novel, will delight as they see how Bastian’s daily encounters morph into reality while he reads from the magical book. The technical aspects of this show suspend disbelief as the story telling is shared through exceptional costuming and characters that include shadow screens, puppets, and foam created characters. Director, Allyson Paris notes “Growing up, this story was a favorite of mine. I was drawn to the idea that a child could be reading a book and imagining it come to life – only to have it happening in real time somewhere in our universe. This time, that somewhere is Civic Theatre’s stage.”

The always ready, Tracy Turnbald and her justice seeking friends have few surprises in store for audiences too. “Hairspray, Jr.” will sing and dance its way into your heart . . . with moves directly from Broadway. Choreographer, Worth Hages, who played Amber VonTussle on the first national tour of “Hairspray,” has led the cast in bringing Jerry Mitchell’s delightful original choreography to life. Director Andrew Schneider said, “It’s extremely rewarding to see the passion for art grow for each student. The heart of this story is the message of love and acceptance of self and others, which is not only a perfect ‘lesson’ for these students but we are eager to share it with West Michigan audiences in such an uplifting and inspiring way.”

About Summer Repertory Theatre Intensive: This program offers students (ages 13-19) a hands-on theatre experience under the direction of Civic Theatre, regional, and nationally trained professionals. Productions are produced by students, 30 of whom are making their Civic debut in this summer. Through this program, students learn performance skills, as well as technical aspects of theatre – including set design, costume design, backstage work, sound, and lights. Both shows are family-friendly, affordable, and a great summer outing for kids and teens.

“The Neverending Story” and “Hairspray, Jr.” is July 28 – Aug. 6. Tickets are $10 – $16. Check www.grct.org for times.

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health hosts Drug Take Back Day for area residents

April 27, 20173-bottom, City of WyomingCity of Wyoming, City of Wyoming Environmental Services, Drug Take Back Day, Floyd Wilson, Jr., Kent County Safe Meds Program, Metro HealthJoanne

University of Michigan Health, in partnership with the City of Wyoming Environmental Services and the Kent County Safe Meds Program, is hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is proud to provide this service to the community,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Floyd Wilson, Jr. “Returning unused or expired medicines is the responsible thing to do. Proper disposal of expired or unused drugs is a matter of public safety and public health.

“When drugs are thrown away or flushed, the chemicals in them can get into our water supply and soil. Additionally, it can be dangerous for individuals to use expired medicines or creams. By providing this service to the West Michigan community, we are all working together to keep our homes and families safe.”

All drugs are accepted at this event. They do not have to be in original containers. If they are in original containers, confidential bins will be used to dispose of those containers. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety participates in the event to ensure the safe disposal of the medicines.

Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration requires the presence of law enforcement at events like this. No questions will be asked of anyone bringing in any type of medication at this event. Furthermore, no paperwork is required and no signatures are collected.

“We hope area families will take advantage of this free service,” Wilson said. “We appreciate the support from our partner, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, who join us in ensuring the proper disposal of medicines.”

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has hosted Drug Take Back Days since 2011. Since then, more than 3,712 pounds of drugs have been collected from the community. In April 2016, 384.35 pounds of drugs were collected along with 60 pounds of mercury. And, in October 2016, 366 pounds of drugs, along with one pound of mercury thermometers were collected.

On the shelf: ‘Are Your Prescriptions Killing You?’ by Armon B. Neel, Jr.

April 7, 2017Citizen Journalism, EntertainmentAre Your Prescriptions Killing You, Armon B Neel, Book review, Grand Rapids Public Library, Jr., on the shelfJoanne

By Lisa Boss, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main

Are Your Prescriptions Killing You?: How to Prevent Dangerous Interactions, Avoid Deadly Side Effects, and be Healthier with Fewer Drugs

Hopefully not! But there’s trouble in Pillville, and the author has penned an incredibly useful and lively book addressing the problem. Armon Neel, PharmD., has been a “consulting pharmacist” for over 30 years, helping institutions, caregivers and patients with medication reviews. Many meds that might be ok for a younger person can cause havoc in those over 60. Why? Well, no matter how “healthy” we are, our internal organs experience a natural “decline in physiological reserve” over time.

So by 60, we have a lot less capability in our liver, kidneys, digestive system, than we had in our twenties. This natural diminution in enzymes etc., effects our bodies ability to take in, use and eliminate medications. Some meds don’t mix well; some may be causing more problems than they are supposedly fixing; and worst case, many deaths are caused by medications each year.

A realist who has lived through decades of medical history, Neel goes into some of the statistical tricks that are used to “sell” new (and expensive) drugs and explains terms like “medication cascade”, “exponential effect of polypharmacy”, NNT (number needed to treat). A writer for AARP, Reader’s Digest and Prevention, Neel sorts out complex material and presents it in a commonsense way.

Filled with anecdotes from the author’s long experience, I found it absorbing enough to read cover to cover. His message is not that we should forgo medication (he’s a pharmacist after all), but that we need to be be careful. Neel’s book is also a timely read, as our country faces a health care crisis, and we are all looking for answers to create better care at less expense.