Transportation Enhancements in West Michigan - 2007

Transportation Enhancements all too often get a bad rap. Many people condemn provisions of the Transportation Bill with no explanation, citing as wasteful such things as building museums about bus travel or bridges which won't see heavy traffic.

Transportation Enhancements do pay for things such as museums and small bridges, but they also cover such things as bicycle pathways, and trails which can be used for commuting. These enhancements have provided bridges with separate walkways for pedestrians, and creation and improvements to rail-trails, among other things. People need to broaden the narrow-minded view that surface transportation is only about highways, specifically highways which can be built where thousands of people live.

Transportation Enhancement funds cannot be used to build or repair roads. In Michigan, the Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for TE fund distribution. The program allows cities, villages, counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and MDOT to use this source of federal aid funds to fund non-traditional transportation projects.

Ten percent of the Surface Transportation Funds from the federal government are to be set aside for Transportation Enhancement Projects. If Michigan were to choose not to fund Transportation Enhancement projects, those funds would be made available to other states and Michigan residents would lose out on the benefits afforded by use of the funds here in Michigan.

In 2007 and to date for 2008, the following projects in Western Michigan were funded:

• Antrim County MDOT will construct 8-foot wide paved shoulders along a six mile stretch of US-31 from Barnes Road, three miles south of Torch Lake Village, to Old Dixie Highway, one mile north of Eastport. This project has high regional significance as a cycling route, connecting Traverse City and Petoskey. Construction is expected in 2008.


• Benzie County The Benzie County Road Commission will construct 5.2 miles of paved shoulders to accommodate bicycles on Platte Road (CR-706) from US-31 and M-22 in Benzonia Township in Benzie County. This project will provide a non-motorized transportation link between M-22 and US-31.


• Grand Traverse County MDOT, in partnership with Acme Township, will construct landscaping enhancements at the US-31/M-72 intersection including include colored, stamped concrete sidewalks, trees, landscape plantings and sod.
  
  MDOT, in partnership with the Village of Kingsley, will construct a streetscape project on M-113 in downtown Kingsley. Improvements include patterned colored concrete, sidewalk accents, contrasting patterned colored concrete pedestrian crosswalks, park benches, trash receptacles, planters, bike racks, decorative street lighting, trees and cast iron tree grates. Construction is expected in 2008.


• Kent County The Kent County Road Commission, in partnership with Grand Rapids Charter Township, will construct a 3.5 mile trail from the Ada/Cascade Trail systems near Ada Drive at Forest Hill Avenue to Fulton Street, and will also include construction of the trail along Crahen Avenue from Canterwood Drive to Leonard Street and along Leonard Street to the existing trail at Winter Woods Drive. Construction is expected to begin in 2008.
  
  The City of Cedar Springs will construct the Northland Drive Pathway, from Cedar Street south to the Cedar Springs Middle School driveway, approximately 3,200 feet of 10-foot-wide non-motorized bituminous path, on the east side of Northland Drive.
  
  The Kent County Road Commission, in partnership with Ada Township, will construct approximately 2,860 linear feet of 10-foot wide asphalt non-motorized trail along the east side of Thornapple River Drive from the Cascade Township boundary north to Buttrick Avenue, providing an important inter-connection between the coordinated trail networks of Ada and Cascade Townships.
  
  The City of Kentwood will landscape along one mile of 44th Street from Breton Avenue to Shaffer Avenue. The landscaping will consist of high canopy trees, low ornamental trees, and flowering shrubs.
  
  The Kent County Road Commission, in partnership with the Cutlerville Chamber of Commerce, Gaines Charter Township, and Byron Township will implement a streetscape along Division Avenue between 68th and 76th streets. Streetscape elements include decorative brick pavers, decorative post-top street lights, benches, litter receptacles, street trees and planting pots.
  
  The city of Grand Rapids will reconstruct the brick street and install streetscape amenities on Cherry Street between Hollister and Warren avenues to beautify the Fairmont Square Historic District in Grand Rapids. Project elements include brick pavement, street trees and landscaping, and ornamental street lighting.


• Mecosta County MDOT, in partnership with the Village of Remus, will install aesthetic and pedestrian friendly improvements. The streetscape project will enhance the crossroads and the central business district corridor by adding amenities such as lights, benches and planter pots. This project will also connect Historical Museum with the existing sidewalks within the village.


• Muskegon County The City of Norton Shores will construct approximately 1.2 miles of five-foot wide bituminous shoulders along both sides of Porter and Martin roads from Henry Street to Sternberg Road. This will connect the existing bike path system along Porter Road and Henry Street to the existing bike path on Stemberg Road.
  
  The Michigan Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, will install fencing along US-31, adjacent to the Muskegon River and Cedar Creek in Muskegon County, to reduce the number of vehicle-caused turtle mortalities on US-31. The fence will redirect the turtles to safe crossing locations at designated underpasses free of vehicle traffic.

by Joan H. Young
See Transportation Enhancement Funding - Source and Eligible Uses
See MDOT Transportation Enhancements
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Walking Helps Prevent Dementia

Vascular dementia, the second most common dementia (Alzheimer’s disease ranks first) can be held at bay by walking and other forms of moderate exercise.

The study, conducted in Italy, included 749 men and women over the age of 65. None of the participants had memory problems at the beginning of the study. Participants were not asked to change their exercise habits, but the researchers monitored the amount of energy exerted in the regular weekly activities of the subjects. Walking, climbing stairs, gardening, yard work, house work, and other moderate activities were recorded.

By the end of the four years, 54 people had developed Alzheimer’s disease, and 27 were diagnosed with vascular dementia. Those people in the top third as far as energy exertion due to walking were 27% less likely to develop vascular dementia as compared with those in the bottom third.

The results were independent of demographic, medical or genetic factors. Dr. Giovanni Ravaglia, the study's author, noted that walking provided the same benefits as more demanding activities. He says this may be due to improved cerebral blood flow caused by the exercise, but more research will be needed to learn the mechanism of the benefit.

This study did not support other findings that physical activity reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but Ravaglia says more research is needed before concluding that Alzheimer’s disease is not preventable through exercise.

read the full article at Caregiver's Home Companion, "Walking and Moderate Exercise Help Prevent Dementia", Jan 2, 2008
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Snowboarders Welcome 18-Foot Halfpipe

photo by Marcus Österberg

The Otsego Club and Resort, located just north of Gaylord, Michigan, has opened a terrain park for snowboarding featuring an 18-foot halfpipe, rails, boxes and jumps.

Planet Snow Design built the terrain park for Otsego Club. Planet's owner, Ryan Neptune, also built the halfpipe for the Salt Lake City Olympics, and will be doing the same for the 2010 games in Vancouver.

"His goal is to build the best terrain park this side of the Mississippi," said Kip Driver, Otsego Club race director.

Otsego Club is a private, four-season club, but the ski slopes and terrain park are open to the public Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-9 p.m.

Lessons are available for skiing and snowboarding. Casey Buckleitner, snowboard instructor, participated on the snowboard team at Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation management. World-class freestyle skier Jon Cyrulik trains Otsego Club skiers.

from the Gaylord Herald-Times, "Terrain park: New thrill for snowboarders, skiers", by Jil Schult Jan 5, 2008
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WSCC Offers Classes to Get You Off The Couch

So you just can't talk yourself into getting outside for your exercise in the winter? West Shore Community College is offering Community Education Classes to boost your activity level, and probably have some fun doing it.

If water appeals to you, try these classes:
Swimnastics- designed for everyone. Low to moderate intensity exercise program emphasizing overall condition tone, endurance and strength. You do not need to know how to swim.

Advanced Swimnastics- Moderate intensity exercise with emphasis on muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

Aquarobics- Low impact water aerobics suitable for all fitness levels with an emphasis to raise the heart rate and improve aerobic capacity.

Water Walking- A shallow water exercise program to increase range of motion, strength and flexibility while decreasing pain and discomfort. Perfect for a beginner, or someone who has had recent surgery.

Kids Level 1 and 2 Swim Lessons- Level 1 is a beginner swim designed to make kids comfortable in the water. Level 2 is designed to improve swimming skills. Kids must be toilet trained and able to follow directions. No parents in the water.

And if you don't like getting wet, check out these offerings:
Fun-Tastic Floor Aerobics- Elevate your heart rate with easy aerobic routines done to energetic music, and core strength exercises.

Full Body Flexibility- Stretch your muscles head to toe to improve flexibility, balance and range of motion in a relaxing class.

Going Ballistic- This full body workout on the fitness ball is designed to improve strength, posture, balance and flexibility. For all fitness levels.

Yoga- Learn basic yoga poses and breathing techniques. Develop strength, flexibility and balance.

All classes begin the week of January 7. Call 845-6211, x 5862 or x 5510 to register for the classes.

by Joan H. Young
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Plan to Raise $2M for Herman Park, Suttons Bay

The effort to develop a mixed-use park at County Road 633 and Herman Road will get a public hearing on January 15. Fundraising consultant, Norman Beeker, will explain the proposed campaign to raise money to complete the purchase of the land and build the park. The Leelanau Conservancy is seeking to secure the 126 acres from the estate of Ralph Herman.

Deb Slocombe, a landscape architect, said, "This is directly across from the south side of the school. It's within walking distance from everything, so it is in an incredible location for a park."

The conceptual design for the Herman Park project includes 26 acres of athletic fields, tennis courts, a gazebo and a one-acre fishing pond with dock. Boardwalk trails through a wetland area would connect to the Leelanau Trail.

A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant will finance nearly $400,000 (nearly two-thirds) of the purchase price. The entire project is expected to cost between $1.7 and $2 million, so much more money will need to be raised.

The consultants will meet with the public and local officials Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at Suttons Bay Township Hall.

from the Traverse City Record Eagle, "Consultant to present plans to raise $2M", by Victor Skinner, Jan 4, 2008
See Suttons Bay Township Herman Park Funding Moves Forward
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Mike Terrell Checks Out the Cadillac Pathway

Popular outdoor columnist, Mike Terrell, recently skied the Cadillac Pathway and found it a little more civilized than when he previously visited, but still a good ski experience.

He reports that the trail system offers six different loops with up to 10 miles of single-track trail. Despite the coming and going of skiers at the trailhead, once he skied out into the system he saw only a handful of people on the trail.

"The trails meander over the rolling hills that dominate the landscape around Cadillac. Pine and hardwood forests encase the pathway, but it has lost some of the remoteness that you used to feel while skiing the trails."

More houses have sprung up around the trail system since 1995, and a paved road bisects it, so there is more traffic noise than before.

But he reports that if you ski the eastern portion of the trail system - east of Seeley Road - you can still get somewhat away from the traffic noise. But it is one of the few DNR pathways in the area which is groomed. This is done by volunteers.

The system offers a good variety of trails for all levels of cross-country skiers. The trails wind through pine forests and come near the Clam River.

For more detailed information about various routes, see the link to Terrell's article below.

To get there exit from U.S. 131 at the Boon Road exit, turn east, and it's less than three miles to the parking lot and trailhead.

Mike is the author of Northern Michigan's Best Cross-Country Ski Trails, which was published in 1995.

from the Traverse City Record Eagle, "Cadillac Pathway offers classic skiing", by Mike Terrell, Jan 4, 2008
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Newaygo County Land Swap Gives Public River Access

Felch Avenue at the Muskegon River

Mary and Gary Vos have agreed on a compicated land swap which results in the preservation of about 59 wooded acres along the Muskegon River.

The Voses have accepted 31 acres with no river frontage which are adjacent to land they already own near 88th Avenue. The state then purchased 29 acres at the end of Felch Avenue from the Voses.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has drawn up a conservation easement to prevent development on all but one acre of the land.

The property the DNR acquired has 2,900 feet of river frontage and will become a "passive recreation area" with a parking lot and launch site for canoes and kayaks, a DNR spokesman said.

from the Grand Rapids Press, "Newaygo Co.: Swap helps preserve riverfront land", by Jeff Alexander, Jan 4, 2008
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Winter Trails Day - Events January 5, 12

Snowshoeing

Three Michigan locations will host Winter Trails Day events. All three feature a free day of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as part of the 13th annual national Winter Trails Day. Equipment and lessons are provided free of charge. Winter Trails Day is open to those of all ages and abilities. Pre-registration required to be sure of having equipment available in your size.

Cross-Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon (800-832-2663) is the anchor site for the state. It includes a X-Country ski clinic, X-C tour to Trappers Cabin for Hot Dogs, bonfire and Hot Cocoa. The afternoon is open for more skiing, or relaxing in front of the Fireplace in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Door Prizes awarded at 3 pm.

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville (231-378-2000, ext. 4000) will host its event from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 5.

Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire (800-678-4111, ext. 7158) will host theirs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 12.

Several other groups are also leading ski or snowshoe outings on these dates. See Events link below.

from Winter Trails Day, Michigan
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McDonald's Offers "Discover Michigan Skiing"

McDonald's "Discover Michigan Skiing" makes learning to ski or snowboard a breeze! Ski areas across the state have teamed up with Michigan McDonald's restaurants to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing.

The program, which has run every January for the past 15 years, includes a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored from January 2 through January 31, 2008. The price for the Discover Michigan Skiing program - downhill or cross-country skiing - is $30 for adults and $25 for children seven to 14 years old. The snowboard price is $40, for everyone 10 years and older.

The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall.

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, (MSIA) administers Discover Michigan Skiing as one element of it's 'Cold is Cool' program, which is dedicated to offering winter outdoor fitness programs for Michigan children and their families.

To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. They are available at participating Michigan McDonald's restaurants and MSIA retail ski stores in mid-December while quantities last. A printable voucher is also available online - Click Here. The voucher lists all ski facilities offering the program. Participants choose the place they wish to visit and then must call to pre-register. Ski facility personnel will give instructions on what to wear and where to meet.

Program times differ from ski area to ski area and skiers must call for reservations. Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing for Shanty Creek in Bellaire, suggests calling as early as possible, since lesson times fill quickly.

As a special bonus, everyone who completes the program will receive a packet of ski information in the mail, including a coupon valid for $20 off the purchase of $100 or more in ski-related merchandise at participating MSIA retail ski shops.

Participating ski areas include: Apple Mountain in Freeland; Bittersweet in Otsego; Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs; Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls; Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac; Cannonsburg Ski Area of Cannonsburg; Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon; Hanson Hills of Grayling; Mt. Brighton of Brighton; Mt. Holiday of Traverse City; Mt. Holly in Holly; Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs; Pine Knob in Clarkston; Shanty Creek of Bellaire; Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones; The Homestead of Glen Arbor; Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles; and Treetops Resort of Gaylord.

a news release of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, "Discover Michigan Skiing - Learn to Ski Affordably!"
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New Book: Coming of Age on the Appalachian Trail

Coming of Age on the Appalachian Trail

Michigan City, Indiana, author, Barry Veden, recounts his solo experiences on the Appalachian Trail in a new book.

Veden, 64, first hiked a section of the trail with his wife, Norma. But the difficulty of the experience was not for her. Steep inclines, and mice-riddled shelters were not Norma's cup of tea.

But Veden had felt the call of the trail, and did a 50-mile hike. Despite encountering a blizzard, he was hooked. He prefers a solo experience, so hikes in early spring before the usual crop of AT hikers sprout.

He begins:

"...it was with great trepidation when I strapped on a backpack for the first time and headed to the Appalachian Trail alone. I would be so far out of my element in the woods that it would be similar to a feeling one might experience if they stood naked on a corner in downtown Chicago during the Christmas shopping season, hoping no one would notice."

Veden is currently up to 600 miles on the 2200-mile trail, and he plans to keep hiking it in sections.

The author has a previously published book about experiences of soldiers fighting the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, My Heroes: The Men of Northern Indiana Chapter XXX Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

Coming of Age on the Appalachian Trail is short, only 76 pages. It is available on Amazon.com, and the one review posted to date gives it high praise, complaining only about its brevity.

from the Chicago Post-Tribune, "Author chronicles adventures on Appalachian Trail", by Amy Lavalley, Jan 3, 2008
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Walk to Reduce Menopausal Stress, Anxiety and Depression

African-American women reap the greatest benefits with moderate physical activity

With more menopausal women seeking natural therapies to ease symptoms, a new study has found that simply adding a brisk walking routine can reduce a variety of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, stress and depression. The research is published in the January issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

"With the aging population, physical activity represents one way for women to stay mentally healthy. Physical activity can help throughout the menopausal transition and afterwards," said Temple University public health researcher Deborah Nelson, Ph.D, the study's lead author.

From 1996 to 1997, 380 women living in Philadelphia were recruited and they have been followed for more than eight years. The women reported their physical activity level and menopausal symptoms including stress, anxiety, depression and hot flashes.

The average age at the beginning of the study was 42 years old; 49 percent were African American, 58 percent reported more than a high school education, and 38 percent smoked cigarettes.

"We recruited African-American and Caucasian women living in Philadelphia for this study to better represent the large population of urban women. These results can be generalizable to both urban Caucasian and African-American women, groups of women that have been under-represented in previous studies," Nelson said.

In the category of stress, researchers found that high levels of physical activity were the most beneficial to postmenopausal women and African-American women. They reported lower levels of perceived stress than those who did not exercise. This top-tier group walked at a moderate pace (4 miles per hour) for an hour and a half at least five times a week.

While the study found mental benefits of exercise, it did not show that exercise reduced physical symptoms such as hot flashes.

"Physical symptoms like hot flashes will go away when you reach menopause, but mental health is something women still need to think about post-menopause," Nelson said.

The middle tier walked five times a week for 40 minutes. The bottom group — considered the non-exercisers — walked for 15 minutes about five times a week.

By design, all of the women were pre-menopausal at baseline. Eight years after enrollment, 20 percent of the women were menopausal with an additional 18 percent classified in the late transitional phase.

"In the urban setting, these women walked outside on city blocks or in shopping malls. Groups could organize to take walks after dinner. It didn't require going to the gym," Nelson said. "You don't have to run 20 miles a week to reap the benefits of exercise. If you stick to a moderate-paced walking schedule, it can keep your body mass index down and lower the risk of stress, anxiety and depression," she added.

a news release of Temple University, "Study finds exercise reduces menopausal anxiety, stress and depression", by Anna Nguyen Jan 3, 2008
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Harbor Springs Men Complete US Bike Trek

Harbor Springs bike riders

The four high-school buddies traveled by train to San Francisco, and headed for South Carolina on September 14.

Their first adventure: they immediately took a wrong turn and ended up on a five lane expressway with no shoulder during rush hour. One of the four headed back to Oakland claiming he had no death wish. There was a tunnel ahead, so the three remaining cyclists threw their bikes over a wall. They had to beat through the bushes, spider webs, and more traffic till they were reunited with their friend.

They headed for South Carolina on a new day...

There was no itinerary, just a map and routes offered by the Adventure Cycling Association. There was no training, and not even much planning. "Our training started on the first mountain," one quipped. But the guys averaged 50-60 miles a day, ending 3800 miles later at Charleston, SC on December 4.

The boys admit that normal life seems pretty boring just now. "Being in a car is weird," offered one of the quartet.

Any donations made in support of their ride are being directed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

from the Harbor Light, "Road Warriors: Four Harbor Springs grads bicycle across country", Jan 2, 2008
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