Now that the FDA has authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the logistical feat of delivering it to the world begins. Early tomorrow morning, FedEx and UPS trucks will be rolling from Pfizer’s massive plant in Portage, MI to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) in Grand Rapids, MI where FedEx and UPS airplanes will be ready to start the major task of distributing the vaccine’s across the country to 636 sites over the next three days — 145 Monday, 425 Tuesday and 66 on Wednesday. In total, 2.9 million doses will ship next week from Pfizer plants in Michigan and Wisconsin.
The GFIA airport’s 10,000-foot runway makes it possible for the largest aircraft to be fully loaded and have enough runway to take off with all that weight. Just an hour away from Pfizer, the airport is ideally suited for this task.
In three weeks, they will be doing this all again when another three million doses will ship to complete the two-shot series.
There’s one thing I think most people can agree on. It’s been a long, tough year, one like no other. But bad times don’t last forever and things are about to change for the better. Hang in there for this last little bit, stay healthy and get ready for the best summer of your life, because after the year we’ve had, normal is going to feel glorious. Why all this hopefulness? Read on.
The FDA Advisory Board has recommended approval of Pfizer’sCOVID-19 vaccine, and it’s likely the FDA will authorize emergency use within days. Anticipating this, 1,000s of UPS and FedEx airplanes and trucks are on standby with ultracold freezers to start deliveries across the United States.
Pfizer is manufacturing these vaccines in Portage, Michigan. And it sure feels good to see Michigan in the news as part of the solution to one of the world’s greatest problems.
Of those vaccinated during clinical trials, 95% are protected from COVID-19, with no severe side effects. The reported temporary side effects include achy muscles, arm pain, headache, fever and fatigue for about a day. People with a history of severe allergic reactions need to be aware that they could have one with this vaccine, although that is rare.
Who is first in line? Healthcare workers, most likely followed by front line workers and people at high risk, in descending order of vulnerability to the virus. Once about 70% of the population has immunity through the vaccine or a COVID-19 infection that has passed, it’s predicted that we will be able to return to our lives of hugging friends, visiting indoors without worry and getting on with our lives in a less restricted way. For those who have lost loved ones; become ill and still not recovered; or lost their homes, careers or financial security, they will need more than a vaccine to feel whole again. I hope we can all pull together and work as one to help put the pieces back together for everyone the best we can.
Personally, I see this as the beginning of the end of the pandemic and am going to use the space between now and a busier life as a time to reset, make progress in areas of my life that I have neglected and tackle projects I normally wouldn’t have time for. First up is my art, which is shown above, with more to be seen and purchased at anntopia.com.
In the meantime, for your protection, here is a link to Clinical Supplies USA to buy USA made N-95 masks. I’ve purchased masks from them several times now and have been happy with the timeliness of delivery and quality of the masks.
We’ve compiled a list of Grand Rapids, MI greenhouses to make your shopping — and new discoveries easier.
Grand Rapids greenhouses and garden centers are one of the highlights of my summer. Perhaps that’s because we think Michigan summers are the BEST, and one of our favorite things to do is shopping at and discovering, locally owned Grand Rapids nurseries and garden centers. Sometimes it can be hard to find new places, so we’ve made a list for you, please feel free to post comments with additional suggestions.
As of Friday, April 24, the restrictions on garden stores under Governor Whitmer’s State Executive Order were lifted. While this was exciting for consumers and small business owners alike, it also came as a surprise. We reached out to Grand Rapids area nurseries and garden centers like Flowerland, Ludema’s and Koetsier’s and discovered that they all seemed to have the same message for their beloved and green-thumbed patrons: “We are elated to serve you again, and are back up to speed, please come see us.”
With the surprise reopening, a lot of demand was put on both suppliers and the workforce — greenhouses had limited staff and resources in order to help their business and plants survive during the economic freeze. For those of you with college-kids home, many of these places are still hiring for summer help.
Thanks to Matt Teliczan of Telidrone for the drone photo of Flowerland on 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Greenhouses are allowing a set number of people in their garden centers at a time to minimize the possible risk of COVID-19 transmission. In addition, highly trafficked areas are being frequently sanitized for consumer and employee safety. A 6-foot standing distance and proper face-mask usage are also required. Many places also have over-the-phone order placement and payment available for curbside pickup.
To make your quest to find the best Grand Rapids area nursery and garden center, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites, along with notes about how they are protecting their employees and customers from COVID-19 (we’ve only made notes for places where we, or someone we know, has experienced the procedures they have in place). One of our favorite summer adventures is shopping for plants. Please leave a note in the comments if you have other places you would recommend and we will add them to our list.,
FlowerlandGrand Rapids Locations 616.532.5934 / 765 28thSt., Wyoming, MI 49509 616.784.0542 / 3801 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 616.942.5321 / 4321 28thSt. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 COVID-19 NOTES: employees are wearing masks and customers are requested to wear masks too, along with social distancing. Comments: When I want to make sure that I’m going to find everything I need in one trip, this is my go-to place.
NE Grand Rapids Greenhouse: Knapp Valley Landscaping 616.363.8086, 4100 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
NE Grand RapidsGreenhouse: Romence Gardens & Greenhouses (616) 451-8214 265 Lakeside Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 COVID-19 NOTES: carts are cleaned after each use, employees are wearing masks and customers are requested to wear masks too, along with social distancing. Comments: I shopped here today, they have a great variety of annuals and perennials, this place is another of my favorites.
NW Grand RapidsGreenhouse:Andy Mast Greenhouses 877.927.1151 1534 Pannell NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
SE Grand RapidsGreenhouse: Bos Greenhouses 616.949.0407 1674 Spaulding SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
SE Grand RapidsGreenhouse: Huizenga Brothers Greenhouse 616.245.7409 3055 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
SE Grand RapidsGreenhouse:Koetsiers Greenhouse 616.949.7299 or 616.956.1526 1601 Spaulding Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
SE Grand RapidsGreenhouse:Ludema’s Greenhouse 616.452.2961 3408 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Comments:this is another favorite that I go to with my mom every year. They have wonderful plants that are great quality and quite a few unique options too.
AdaGreenhouse: Thornapple River Nursery (616) 676-0102 8080 28th St SE Ada, Michigan 49301 Comments: if you need mulch, they have a wonderful, unique composted leaf mulch. Once you use it, you won’t want anything else.
MiddlevilleGreenhouse: Creekside Growers (269) 795-7674 10197 W Garbow Rd, Middleville, Michigan COVID-19 NOTES: employees are wearing masks and customers are required to wear masks too, along with social distancing, hand sanitizer is also available. Comments: I shopped here last week and was impressed with the quality, unique plants available.
Middleville GreenhouseCherry Valley Gardens (269) 795-8811 6900 N M-37 Hwy Middleville, Michigan 49333
LowellGreenhouse: Snow Avenue Greenhouse 616.897.0057 3295 Snow Ave. SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Hudsonville Greenhouse:JW Succulents 616-422-6767 4545 New Holland Street Hudsonville, MI 49426 Comments: I’ve not been here yet, but have heard wonderful things about this place.
HudsonvilleGreenhouse: WW Greenhouses (616) 669-0134 4044 Chicago Dr Hudsonville, Michigan 49426
Allendale Greenhouse:Countryside Greenhouse 616.895.5000 9050 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401 COVID-19 NOTES: employees are wearing masks and customers are required to wear masks too, along with social distancing, hand sanitizer is also available. I’ve heard from quite a few people that they are impressed with how Countryside is keeping their customers safe. Comments: Countryside is enormous and is known for great pricing and an excellent variety.
NW Grand RapidsGreenhouse:Mottman’s Greenhouses 616.677.1525 0-2617 River Hill Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49534 COVID-19 NOTES: I’ve heard from friends that employees and customers have not been wearing masks or social distancing here.
Kalamazoo Greenhouse:River Street Flowerland 269.342.9207 1300 River St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Comments: every year my mother and I make the hour long trek to this greenhouse. They have an amazing variety of classics and unique plants.
Caledonia Greenhouse: Apols Water Gardens 616-698-1030 9430 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Caledonia, MI 49316 Comments: this is my go-to place for water gardens. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
Kalamazoo is the home to lots of special places and Milham Park is way up there on the list. My friend Jill told me about historic Milham Park and I’m sure glad she did. It’s 49 acres of creeks, stone bridges and hedges, geese, paths and just a serene, beautiful place.
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