At Bowen Elementary School, students come from 26 countries and that’s a reason for celebration.
Proud to be Nepali, Prada Sanyasi, left, and Puga Dhakal are all grins
At the second annual Parade of Nations, 100 students, clad in ethnic dress and waving flags from their home countries, created a parade representing places all over the globe, from Albania to Vietnam.
“At Bowen, 33 percent of students call home another country,” said Principal Blair Feldkamp, as he introduced the students. “To me, that is absolutely amazing. Today we are going to celebrate our kids.”
Big cheers came from the crowd of students, parents and teacher gathered in the gymnasium, as students from countries including Nepal, Rwanda and Sudan were announced.
English language-learner teacher Katie Lett organized the parade to kick off Multicultural Literacy Night, during which each class researched a country and shared its traditional food, songs, games and activities with parents.
‘We All Swim Together’
Lett said when she was a graduate student at Grand Valley State University, a classmate shared how her school put on a Parade of Nations every year. She and Feldkamp attended.
“When the tears welled up in my eyes I knew I needed to bring this tradition to Kentwood,” Lett said. “So often, our diversity is seen as a deficit, but what I hope this parade helps to underline is that, actually, our diversity is our strength.”
Many Bowen students are refugees from war-torn countries.
“I think very highly of my students and the refugee community as a whole; they are my life’s passion,” Lett said. “To watch as an entire gym expresses what my heart feels, fills me with hope for our future as a community and highlights the theme of the event, ‘We may all be different fish, but we all swim together.'”
Fifth-grader Sumaya Hanson said she was proud to represent Puerto Rico.
“We want to represent our countries so we can be together instead of divided by celebrating other people’s different cultures,” she said.
Bowen Elementary students cheer for students from all over the world.
A recent discussion on whether to sign a pack on its comment to reduce greenhouse emissions has lead officials of the City of Wyoming to the discovery that the city does quite a lot in helping to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
“It is part of our DNA,” said Mayor Jack Poll at a recent council meeting on June 19. “We are very conscious of everything we do in the City of Wyoming that we are as green as possible and save funds in different areas as best as possible.”
One of the items the city does not have is an inventory of all its efforts, which staff and officials are currently working to put together.
Many municipalities — locally and across the nation — have been having the discussion on greenhouse gases and carbon footprint on the environment as an outcome of President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pull the United States out of The Paris Agreement or Paris Climate Accord. This is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020.
A reaction to this decision has been local residents asking their city and state representatives what those governments are doing to reduce emissions. Poll said several individuals have reached out to the City of Wyoming, asking where the city stands on this issue and have suggested agreements or packs the city could sign.
Wyoming residents and students help to make their community better.
“There are agreements out there now that they are asking the City of Wyoming to sign on to and some of those agreements if you go in and sign on, the City of Wyoming could be held financially responsible for not doing some things,” Poll said, adding city officials did not want to lock the city into something that it would not have a lot of control over.
However, by looking over such agreements as the Compact of Mayors, which was established in 2014 a year before the Paris Climate Accord was signed, city leaders found that within many of its own projects and various ones in the city, the city has been environmentally aware.
“The City of Wyoming has a long history of being environmentally conscious and it starts with things like our bio-solids land application program, our yard waste program that we have for disposal of yard waste and reuse of yard waste rather than disposing of it,” said City Manager Curtis Holt during the June 19 council meeting. “We recently have done things related to LED traffic lights. As many of you know we do a four-day week in the city of Wyoming and part of that was to close our buildings for one day a week and we have estimated in the past that has been a savings of roughly $50,000 a year in energy costs for the city.”
The city also has a formal sustainability policy that was developed a couple of years ago that the council takes into consideration on every resolution it adopts, using it as guidance related to the economic, social and environmental impacts of that particular issue that they are dealing with, Holt said. City officials also have seen a lot of LEED certification of buildings within the City of Wyoming.
“I am really very proud to live in a city that we do a lot of those things without out a formal agreement in place telling us to,” said Second Ward Council Member Marissa Postler. Postler said she would proposed the city make a compact with itself to keep track of what the city is doing, which is what she liked most about the Compact of Mayors was keeping track and being accountable.
The Compact of Mayors has four components to it, a city would have to register its commitment; take inventory on its current impact on climate change; create a reduction, targets and establish a system of measures; and establish an action plan within the city planning for how the city will make a commitment to reduce its greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change.
Holt said he believes the City of Wyoming would do very well achieving the goals of something like the Compact of Mayors, however; there would be some costs involved in doing so.
None of the council members were in full support of spending dollars and some raised concerns about spending too much staff time on building the report, however; Poll said he believed it would not take that much time and would mostly those involve those who are handling various projects to put together an inventory of what the city is currently working on and what it has accomplished.
The Wyoming City Council July 3 meeting has been cancelled and the next city council meeting is July 17 at 7 p.m. at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding a series of “Family Fun & Fitness Nights” during the month of July, on Wednesdays (July 5, 12, 19, 26). All events are free to both members and non-members.
This event will feature an all-ages fitness class in the Kroc’s outdoor amphitheater at 5:45pm. Classes will include Zumba, Urban Kick, Family Fit, and Family Boot Camp.
Once the class is over, kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide from roughly 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Kroc staff and volunteers will also offer face painting and concessions; local organizations will also have tables with information and activities for families.
“We are excited to bring back Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer,” said Lieutenant Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to get active and enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment.”
Family Fun & Fitness Nights are made possible through financial support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.
The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit www.grkroccenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.Free
Wyoming police department Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams talks with Ken Norris of WKTV Journal In Focus (see the entire YouTube video here).
By. K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
According to the local chapter of Women at Risk International (WAR), Michigan is one of the leading states for human sex trafficking. In many instances, hotels and motels, in both rural and urban areas, are prime locations for such activity.
And, when there are major influxes of people — including during major Grand Rapids area tourist events such as ArtPrize — instances of trafficking increase locally as well, also according to WAR.
The U.S. Department of State defines human sex trafficking as the “recruiting, harboring, transportation, providing, or obtaining of a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion.”
Human trafficking affects over 20 million victims worldwide — according to the Polaris Project, a Washington, D.C., based group battling human trafficking — with a total market value of over $32 billion. More than 1.2 million children are trafficked each year and this epidemic affects at least 161 countries worldwide. Between 100,000 and 300,000 underage girls are sold for sex in the United States every year.
“The act of prostitution is not new … in ancient civilizations there was prostitution … and sex trafficking is not new,”the act just used to be called “pimping,” said Detective Sgt. Julie Waters-Adams, the City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s representative on two groups combatting human trafficking in Western Michigan. “It is not a new crime, but as law enforcement we are looking at it differently. … As a society and law enforcement, we are looking at it differently. We are looking at the reasons why someone may engage in prostitution. And that is my not be their choice.”
Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams represents Wyoming on WEBCHEX, the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation team, as well as the Kent County Human Trafficking Taskforce. The first is a law enforcement focused group including federal, state and local agencies; the second is a local group generally more focused on helping victims escape the trade — part of the “different” way to look at the crime and battle it.
(For a YouTube video on Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams talking with WKTV Journal — In Focus, go here.
To view the West Michigan-based, Eclipse Award winning, docmumentary “Stuck in Traffic” by Rich Jackson and Lisa Zahodne, follow this link.
Another member of the Western Michigan victim-advocacy taskforce is the local chapter of WAR.
Get out there and eat — and vote for your favorite Grandwich!
The Grandwich competition is a battle between area restaurants, delis, cafes, bakeries, etc. to create a sandwich that earns the title sandwich of the year for Grand Rapids, or “Grandwich”. Each participating business creates their version of what the Grandwich should be. It doesn’t have to be a savory, lunch time food. It can be a breakfast sandwich, a dessert sandwich. You get the idea.
Here’s how it works: Participating businesses put their sandwiches on their menus and the public goes to each establishment and vote on their favorite sandwiches. The top 10 sandwiches will go on to a judging event where a panel of judges will determine the winning sandwich.
This year’s Grandwich public vote runs from July 5th thru July 21st. The top ten finalists will be announced on the Grandwich website and social media outlets on July 24th. The competition will conclude with the third annual judges tour of the top ten restaurants on July 27th.
2017 Official Grandwich Particpants:
7 Monks Taproom
Anna’s House
Blue Dog Tavern
Brick and porter
Cheshire Kitchen
Crepes by the Lakes
Dad’s Classic Grill
Elk Brewing LLC
Fishlads of Grand Rapids
Flat Landers
Furniture City Creamery
GP Sports @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Grand Woods Lounge
Hopcat Grand Rapids
Long Road Distillers
Matchbox Diner and Drinks
Mazo
Peppinos Pizzeria and Sports Grille
Rockwell Republic
San Chez Bistro
Slows BBQ
Social Kitchen & Bar
Stella’s Lounge
Sub Shack
Tavern on The Square
Terra GR
The B.O.B.
The Bull’s Head Tavern
The Holiday Bar
The Knickerbocker New Holland Brewing Co
Two Scotts Barbecue
Wheelhouse
How it all started
In 2011, Nicole Infante first presented the idea for Grandwich at a 5×5 Night competition. Since then, this sandwich competition has grown with support from local organizations who wanted to help make Infante’s concept a reality. Over 50 different businesses have competed in the competition’s six years of existence, many returning year after year to take their shot at the “Grandwich Winner” title.
For those who have dreamed of true adventure, of exploring and of attempting perilous journeys and of living as a pioneer, The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert is a book you will not want to miss. Comparable to admired adventure books such as Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and Wild by Cheryl Strayed, The Last American Man follows the life of Eustace Conway, who at the age of seventeen left his family’s home to live in a teepee in the woods and wear skins from animals he trapped. He hiked the Appalachian Trail and set the world record for crossing the United States on horseback. Conway eventually purchased land in North Carolina and started the Turtle Island Preserve, which he built with his own two hands in the traditional way, and where he continues to hold camps and classes in survival and living off the land.
The Last American Man takes readers on Conway’s lifelong adventure in pursuit of his ultimate goal — to convince Americans to give up their materialistic lifestyles and return with him back to nature. Because Elizabeth Gilbert does an excellent job of writing his story, The Last American Man was a finalist for the National Book Award, and because Eustace Conway is a compelling character, it’s easy get lost in the adventure and feel oneself called toward the woods, to living a simpler life.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, will join community members at the Grand Haven State Park on MONDAY, July 3 for the ‘All Hands on Deck’ Great Lakes event. This event is one of 64 local events happening in communities and at public beaches in six different states to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our Great Lakes and funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Whether on a beach, a boardwalk, a marine channel, or any other location, all locations for All Hands On Deck represent common ground that extends beyond political and geographical boundaries. In every area, the Great Lakes are essential to the environment, economy, and everyone’s way of life. The event is a way to come together in a unique, unified expression of concern on behalf of a precious resource that needs continuing attention and support — funding, regulations, and research — to sustain long-term vitality.
All Hands on Deck was started by Kimberly Simon of Charlevoix in March, 2017 to raise awareness and bring people together in a nonpartisan way to advocate for our Great Lakes. For more information, visit https://allhandsondeckgreatlakes.org/.
When: Monday, July 3rd at 10:00 AM
Where: Grand Haven State Park, 1001 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
Personal references bring your resume to life through stories. Most hiring managers call references after the interview, so make sure to prepare your references during your job search. Use these 4 P’s as a guide to choosing strong references:
Prepare
Double-check the contact information for your references your interview. You wouldn’t want the hiring manager to call a disconnected phone number. Outdated contact information also shows the employer you haven’t kept in touch with that person.
Professional
Keep your references professional. Don’t use friends or family members (even if your dad is your boss). Choose references who know details about projects you worked on or how you deal with conflict. If you’re part of a company with multiple locations, don’t use the CEO as a reference. Choose an assistant manager or team leader who can give examples of your day-to-day work ethic.
Permission
Before you give a name and number to a hiring manager, contact that person and ask for their permission. At that time, you can give them details of the jobs you’re applying for. Let them know what experiences you would like them to highlight.
Progress
Once you land an interview, be sure to contact your references. Let them know they can expect a call within a certain time frame. This allows them to plan ahead or let you know if they’re unable to take the call.
Give them as much information as you can: who may call, what job it’s for and what organization.
Lastly, be thankful
Every time you use your references, it’s important to thank them for their time. It’s also a good time to provide a follow-up to your interview: Did you get the job? Or are you pursuing other prospects? Either way, they’ll be happy to hear from you!
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Huizenga-led Subcommittee Examines State of U.S. Equity Markets
The Capital Markets, Securities and Investment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the current state of the U.S. equity markets—specifically what is working well in today’s markets, as well as areas that need improvement or are impacting the optimal functioning of the markets. Watch Rep. Bill Huizenga’s remarks, below.
Key Takeaways from the Hearing:
Despite significant technological advancements and constantly evolving industry practices in today’s market, the statutory framework that governs equity market structure remains largely unchanged
In order to determine what is the appropriate statutory framework to represent today’s markets and – more importantly – to build in sufficient flexibility that will allow our markets to continue to evolve and allow innovation, we must first analyze how the equity markets have evolved, what is working, and what needs to be improved.
Huizenga Supports Kate’s Law, Votes to Hold Sanctuary Cities Accountable
Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after voting in favor of Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, legislation that will strengthen immigration enforcement, protect Americans, and hold sanctuary cities accountable.
“The safety of our citizens should be a priority that is shared by government at the local, state, and federal level. If a state or municipality chooses to ignore federal law and harbor dangerous criminals, they should be ineligible to received federal grants funded by hardworking taxpayers.”
The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act prohibits state and local government entities from mandating noncompliance with properly issued immigration detainers and includes the detainer mandates of Grant’s Law and Sarah’s Law.
Senators Peters and Stabenow introduce legislation, make statements on Silver Carp discovery near Lake Michigan
By Zade Alsawah, Allison Green and Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) helped introduce the Stop Asian Carp Now Act this week. The Act will require the Trump Administration to release the Brandon Road Study within seven days of the bill’s enactment. The Brandon Road control point was identified in the GLMRIS (Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study) analyses as the only single location that can address upstream transfer of Mississippi River species through all CAWS pathways. The study has already been delayed by the Trump Administration from its expected release in February of this year.
The Senators also released the following statements regarding an announcement from the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee that a silver carp has been discovered in Illinois, within nine miles from Lake Michigan and beyond an electric barrier designed to prevent invasive species from entering the Great Lakes basin. This is the first live Silver Carp discovered above the electric barrier in the Illinois River
Said Peters, “We know how serious of a threat invasive species like Asian carp are to the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. This discovery reaffirms that we must do everything we can to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes basin — starting with the swift release of the Brandon Road Study to evaluate the next steps needed to protect our waterways from this harmful invasive species.”
Senator Stabenow said, “Today’s news is a wakeup call. It is deeply alarming that a live Silver carp was found only nine miles from Lake Michigan — the fact remains that we need a permanent solution at Brandon Road. We need to know how the Silver carp came so close to Lake Michigan and whether there are any additional carp in the area.”
The eight-pound Silver carp was found by a commercial fishing vessel whose activities to combat Asian carp are funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). GLRI funding is also providing resources for emergency monitoring and response actions that will be taken over the next two weeks by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the State of Illinois to detect and stop any additional Silver carp in these waters near Lake Michigan.
A pancake breakfast, 5K run, carnival games and of course, fireworks, all adds up to one event — the City of Kentwood’s annual July 4th Celebration.
Taking place on Tuesday, July 4, the celebration kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at a new location, the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Library, 4950 Breton Rd. SE. For $5, its pancakes and sausage to start off the day.
From there, participants can head next door to City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, watch the start of the Autocam 5K Race and Fun Walk, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Cheer the runners on as they follow a new course this year that will start and end at City Hall along with allowing race participants to travel through the East West Trail and the neighborhoods west of City Hall.
From City Hall, visitors have an excellent opportunity to snag a viewing spot for this year’s parade which will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, exiting out of the south drive on to Walma Avenue. The parade will travel south down Walma to Breton, going right past the Kentwood City Hall. From Breton, the route will go west on 52nd Street, ending at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. The annual parade is covered live by WKTV on Channel 25.
The celebration takes a break for the afternoon with evening activities set to start at 6 p.m. at Crestwood Middle School. There will be carnival rides, giant inflatables, food vendors and food trucks along with music by Great Scott, games and of course, the entire evening wrapping up with fireworks. Additional parking and viewing will be available at the City Center, 4900 Breton St. SE. Note, no personal fireworks, sparklers or Chinese lanterns allowed at the public event.
Volunteers for the annual event are still needed. To volunteer or for more information about the July 4th Celebration, visit www.yourkprd.org or call 616-656-5270.
The Kentwood July 4th Celebration is part of the city’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The 50th Anniversary community-wide celebration is set for Aug. 11 and 12. For more information on the Kentwood 50th Anniversary, visit www.kentwood50.com.
Kent County is taking advantage of both its Triple A Bond Rating and favorable interest rates to refund two separate bonds originally sold in 2007 and 2008. By combining the two issues, the County will save an estimated $4.0 million in interest payments on a nominal basis.
In 2007, Kent County issued $27 million in Building Authority Bonds to acquire, construct, furnish, and equip the Human Services Complex on Franklin Street in Grand Rapids. The following year, the County issued $14.3 million in Capital Improvement Bond to make improvements at the Kent County Fuller Campus and to acquire land and construct a building for 63rd District Court on the East Beltline in Grand Rapids Township. Since the issuance of the two bonds, interest rates have significantly declined so that it now is opportune time to refund both bonds and take advantage of associated interest rate savings.
High bond ratings – similar to high credit scores when buying a house – can have an impact on the rate of interest charged. County Administrator/Controller Daryl Delabbio, who is retiring in June of this year, credits the hard work of his Fiscal Services staff for the savings. “The staff, led by Fiscal Services Director Steve Duarte, have kept the County’s credit rating strong over the years,” Delabbio said. “When people ask, ‘Why is a Triple A credit rating important,’ it’s great to be able to point to projects and issues like this and say, ’Here is one reason.’”
“Daryl and his staff have provided great leadership over the past two decades, setting a solid foundation for economic policies and fiscal responsibility,” said Board of Commissioners’ Chair Jim Saalfeld. “This Board is fortunate to have elected and appointed leaders that look for ways to deliver services in the most effective and efficient manner, saving our residents and businesses money in the long-term.”
In June rating agencies S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the long-term Triple-A credit ratings for Kent County, marking the 19th consecutive year of this distinction. Credit ratings from these agencies are important in allowing local units of government to borrow money at lower interest rates, reducing costs to the average tax payer.
Ah, wildlife. Who doesn’t enjoy watching birds eat from a feeder or squirrels chasing each other around the backyard trees?
Yes, wildlife can be just ducky — until some poor, little critter gets into your garbage or finds his or her way into your house. It’s amazing how destructive these little beasties can be. To be fair, it’s not their fault.
Here are some measures you can take to make sure the wild stays wild — outside:
For porches or spaces under buildings like garages and sheds, bury chicken wire a foot down in the dirt and affix it to the bottom side of the structure to prevent animals from living under there.
Cover laundry vents with mesh or chicken wire to prevent birds and other animals from getting in or nesting there.
Cap chimneys to prevent wildlife from coming in the chimney. Many types of wildlife, including bats, owls and raccoons think it’s a cozy place to stay or investigate. Don’t worry — Santa can still get through.
Secure all garbage, recycling and compost containers or bins. You may not be feeding wildlife directly, however, if the lids of your waste containers aren’t firmly shut, wildlife could be encouraged to return to an easy-to-access food source.
Don’t feed animals (bird feeders, etc.) if you don’t want to encourage them to be around or possibly inside your home.
So far, so good, right?
But what if you happen across an injured or baby animal that can’t survive on its own? Try calling a wildlife rehabilitator.
Gray squirrel
The following are the main rehabbers in the Grand Rapids area:
Peg & Roger Markle of Wildlife Rehab Center LTD 616-361-6109
Sjana Gordon of Michigan Wildlife Center 616-885-4223
Sue Stamy of Braveheart Raptor Rehab Center 231-821-9125
Buck DeRiuscher for lost banded pigeons 616-897-8206 (Can call to figure out where the bird came from, also look online at www.pigeon.org. The owners often don’t want the banded pigeons back, as they see them as defective. These pigeons can be kept as pets or you can see if the animal shelter will take them in.)
It is illegal to rehab skunks, bats, and raccoons in Michigan, so there are no wildlife rehabilitators that can take them in.
The following pest removal services will charge a removal fee:
Advantage Wildlife Management 616.460.3966
Mike’s Wild Animal Control 616.340.4263
Mike Roberts 616.738.8565 (Will relocate animals, euthanize if injured only)
Critter Control 616.245.4680
Chimney Sweeps 616.774.0027
Grand Rapids Pest (Insects) Control 616.784.2288
Bee Movers G&S 616.364.7736
Organization for Bat Conservation 1.800.276.7074 (Located in Bloomfield Hills, they can answer questions about bats [removal, housing, etc.])
You need to figure out where you will relocate it. To decrease the possible spread of diseases, mammals cannot be relocated outside of their original county. You need to have the permission of the property owner whose land you’re releasing the animals on, as they may not want your nuisance animal to become theirs. Blandford doesn’t allow animal dumping on the property because we already have established animals and adding outside animals can put stress on our flora and fauna populations. It also increases people vs animal incidents on the property.
Once you remove an animal from your property, you need to find out how to exclude that animal or another animal from coming right back to that area, such as under your porch, inside your attic, etc. Otherwise, you can be dealing with the problem again.
It is recommended to cover the live trap with a towel or tarp, because if you trap a skunk, on purpose or not, if it’s covered it will not spray you.
Don’t use rat poison!
Many rodent poisons do not kill the rodent right away; they cause the animal to slowly bleed out. This slow death allows other animals to eat that rodent, causing you to poison that animal as well. Pets and children can get into those poisons too, so it’s not worth the risk of losing a love one. Using a snap trap is the better way to go.
If you are still having problems with pest wildlife, please contact one of the wildlife management services listed in the contacts above.
Kentwood-based building materials and supply company Lumbermen’s, has acquired Michigan Prestain, a manufacturer of prefinished wood products. The sale involving the local companies was finalized June 9. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The merged entity will produce and distribute products under the “Great American Spaces” brand.
Lumbermen’s, located at 4433 Stafford Ave. SE, in Kentwood, and Michigan Prestain have had a successful partnership for nearly two years with Lumbermen’s distributing Michigan Prestain products, including Easy Barnwood.
Steve Petersen
Michigan Prestain was founded in 1989 by Greg Troutt. At the time of the acquisition, the company had nearly 30 employees working out of a 66,000-square foot manufacturing facility on Roger B Chaffee Drive in Wyoming. All Michigan Prestain employees will continue to work out of this facility.
Troutt intends to stay with Lumbermen’s to develop new products and support the combined sales team as the company continues to increase sales with current dealers as well as new networks across the country.
Lumbermen’s is 100 percent employee owned and strives to be the first choice of building materials for its customers. The company has 400 employees working at locations across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and northern Kentucky.
Greg Troutt
Acquisition of Michigan Prestain meets Lumbermen’s strategic vision to diversify its products and offerings, as well as its focus on value-added services in its Building Materials division.
“We are thrilled to add Michigan Prestain to our already diverse product offering,” said Steve Petersen, president of Lumbermen’s. “There is a natural synergy between our companies. We’re excited about the growth opportunities and value it will bring to our customers, as well as what it will mean to our employee owners.”
Get out your cameras and start making pictures — it’s time for the 2017 West Michigan Photo Contest! The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is looking for traveler photo submissions from all around West Michigan, which includes the entire west side of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.
All photo entries must be received by July 31, 2017, for public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. All winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January of 2018. The first-place photo will also be featured on the cover of the Guide.
Additional prizes awarded to the top three photos include items from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids), Indigo Bluffs Resort RV Site (Empire), Lewis Farms (New Era), Electric Bike Place (Grand Haven) and Michigan’s Adventure (Muskegon).
The accepted photo formats are high-resolution (300 dpi+) jpeg or tiff. CMYK is preferred. Email your submissions to PhotoContest@WMTA.org and include your full name, the city that the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo. Submit one photo per email; multiple entries per person are allowed.
When playing Minecraft: Education Edition in class, Southeast Kelloggsville students know what they’re building: math skills.
The worlds they join and build, connected via computers, require design, collaboration and awareness of dimensions.
“We are using geometry because geometry involves shapes and angles,” said Andrea Ronzon-Contreras. “In my opinion, I love it because you get to connect with people and build your own world.”
Teacher Tina Brown’s students have used the program, an educational version of the popular Minecraft video game, since January, after Brown’s $135 grant request to pay for the program was approved by the Kelloggsville Education Foundation.
Since 2005, the foundation has added $80,000 in hard-to-come-by supplemental dollars to fund projects and educational items for teachers and create a scholarship for high school students. It recently awarded three scholarships to graduating seniors: Kiara Glekle, Jaime Tiesma and Joshua Hotelling, who received $2,000, $1,000 and $500, respectively.
By hosting an annual golf outing, a Texas Hold ‘Em event and other fundraisers, as well as collecting voluntary payroll deductions from staff members, the foundation funds a wide array of projects. They include author visits, ukuleles, art display cases, technology, document cameras, video projectors and items for a classroom store.
From left, Eduardo Villagrana, Dax VandeBunte, Aaron Chaparro and Juan Ramirez build worlds together
Brown said the foundation makes possible “extras” that enhance education, such as the Minecraft program, which she wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. Next school year, she plans to use the program for assignments that also connect with the fourth-grade science and history curriculum, like building a three-tiered government and designing windmills with a limited budget.
“The whole idea is to build a foundation to give back to our students,” said Lori Martin, who is in charge of marketing for the district and serves on the foundation. They eventually hope to create an endowment.
A board of directors, consisting of Martin, a business services staff member, teacher, principal, board of education member, secretary and parent, chooses to fund mini-grant requests from teachers each fall, for implementation second semester.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
By Brooke Hotchkiss, Humane Society of West Michigan
Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them a new forever home. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Lola – Female Wire Fox Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Meet Lola!
I’m a 2-year-old dog looking for my forever home! I was transferred to Humane Society of West Michigan three weeks ago and am currently living in a foster home. When I first arrived I was very nervous and scared, so HSWM connected me with a loving foster home right away. I’ve been building up trust for people and I like to be a little shadow following my people and dog friends around! I LOVE being with other dogs and must go home with a social, playful dog that I could become BFFs with and do everything together! I enjoy playing in the water and having fun. If you’re interested in meeting me, please call Humane Society of West Michigan at 616.453.8900 for more information or to set up a meet and greet!
More about Lola:
Animal ID: 35442655
Breed: Terrier, Fox, Wire/Terrier, American Staffordshire
Age: 2 years
Size: Medium
Color: White/Black
Neutered
Missy – Female Domestic Short Hair
Gorgeous Missy
I’m a sweet 9-year-old cat who enjoys a laid-back environment and would do well in a relaxed home. I would do best as either the only pet in the house or with other laid-back cats. I’m affectionate, but I also like having my own space to hide and snooze! Senior pets, ages 7 years and older, have their adoption fees waived due to generous grant funding.
More about Missy:
Animal ID: 33958186
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 9 years
Size: Medium
Color: Black/Orange
Spayed
Not declawed
Shadow — Female Labrador Retriever/Chow Chow Mix
Meet Shadow!
I’m a 1-year-old, sweet, medium-sized dog (45 lbs) looking for my forever home! I’m a playful and polite dog who gets along with other dogs (I’ve mostly met male dogs) and am currently sharing a kennel with a male dog — we’re doing great as roommates! I would do well with older/respectful children. I’ve lived with children successfully in the past. I’m a goofball that likes to play around and have fun, but would also benefit from taking a basic behavior class with my new family to better learn basic commands. Come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!
More about Shadow:
Animal ID: 35455675
Breed: Retriever, Labrador/Chow Chow Mix
Age: 1 year
Size: Medium
Color: Black
Spayed
Khloe – Female Siamese Mix
Lovely Khloe
I’m a 3-year-old cat, sweet cat looking for a laid-back home to call my own! I used to live with a blind dog and we had some challenges getting along, so I would likely do best in a home without dogs. I enjoy playing around and then taking a nice loooooong nap. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan and see if I am the right fit for your home! Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tuesday-Friday 12-7, Saturday & Sunday 11-4.
More about Chloe:
Animal ID: 35377775
Breed: Siamese Mix
Age: 3 years
Size: Large
Color: Buff/Orange
Spayed
Not declawed
Adoption fee includes:
A physical done by the staff veterinarian
A test for heartworm disease (if six months or older)
A first series of vaccines including DHLPP (distemper combo), Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, and rabies (if older than 14 weeks of age)
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Treatment for internal parasites
One dose of flea preventative
One dose of heartworm preventative
The organization automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1.866.597.2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1.866.375.7387 (PETS).
Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.
“As market managers for the past seven years, Our Kitchen Table has well established the market at MLK Jr. Park,” says Lisa Oliver-King, executive director of Our Kitchen Table. “Neighborhood residents have enjoyed having access to fresh, local produce and cottage foods within walking distance.”
The Southeast Area Farmers’ Market warmly welcomes patrons using Bridge cards (SNAP), WIC Project Fresh, Cash Value Benefits, Summer EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and debit cards. When using the Double Up Food Bucks program, patrons purchasing Michigan produce at select farmers’ markets with Bridge cards receive $1 for each $1 dollar spent, up to $20 each market visit.
The Market has an exciting line-up of market activities on its 2017 calendar. In addition, community organizations will be on hand with information, activities and services. The following events will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Friday market and 12 to 2 p.m. at the Saturday market:
July 8 Urban Foraging Workshop
July 30 Fried Green Tomato Festival
Aug. 5 DIY Personal Care Items Workshop
Sept. 15 Art at the Market
Oct. 1 Greens Cook-off
Oct. 7 Greens Cook-0ff
Nov. 4 Fall Celebration
Cooking Demos: July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4.
Arts Market Tent: July 15, Aug. 12, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). TEFAP supplements the diets of low-income Americans by distributing nutritious food at no cost to the recipients. In Kent County, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) organizes regular distributions across the county.
The USDA purchases a variety of fresh and shelf-stable foods from domestic producers and distributes to states based on their low-income/unemployed population. The items vary depending on the season, availability and state preferences but always include a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein products. Food items have reduced levels of fat, sodium and sugar and can include canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, pasta and cereal.
The cost of healthy foods and the accessibility of grocery stores make good food choices a challenge for families with limited incomes. For example, you can purchase a package of hot dogs for under $3, while fresh pork or beef costs several dollars per pound. TEFAP ensures that more families have well-rounded, nutritious meals to eat. And because the food is purchased domestically, it also supports American agriculture markets.
Residents of Kent County who have a household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for emergency food assistance. To receive food, individuals need to supply a photo ID with current address at the distribution site. The next TEFAP distributions will happen on Thursday, July 13 at the following locations:
ACSET CAA – Kent County Human Services Complex
121 Franklin St SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids
Distribution hours: 1-7pm*
Flat River Outreach Ministries
11535 E Fulton St, Lowell
Distribution hours: 9-11am & 2-4:30pm*
North Kent Connection
1075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford
Distribution Hours: 9am-3pm*
*Or while supplies last
To learn more about TEFAP and find a full distribution schedule with locations, visit: http://bit.ly/CAAFood.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Hearing him talk at a Silent Observer press conference Tuesday detailing four cold cases, you get the feeling that City of Wyoming police Lt. Mark Easterly, and the city’s detectives, take missing persons cases personally.
When discussing the case of Gerardo DeJesus Hipolito-Lopez, who went missing from a 28th Street bar nearly six years ago, Lt. Easterly did not call the missing person “Mr. Hipolito-Lopez”; instead repeatedly personalizing the man by calling him simply “Gerardo.”
“On November 20th, 2011, Gerardo had been drinking at a 28th Street bar with a family member,” Lt. Easterly said at the June 27 meeting at Silent Observer’s downtown Grand Rapids office. “When they exited the bar that night, their vehicle wouldn’t start. At that point, the family member he was with went to nearby home to get another vehicle. At that time, Gerardo was waiting at the bar, and when the family member returned, he was gone.”
And the Lieutenant also made clear why the Wyoming police department and other regional investigators are asking for the public’s help, for tips, for anything that can push a case forward.
“Hopefully with that one tip, it will lead to something else — that will lead to something else,” he said. “And, hopefully, we can bring some closure to this family. It is just heartbreaking to see a family waiting, three, four, five — in this case 6 years. … It is very important (to the family that the police are still investigating). It at least gives them the sense that, not relief, but at least we are still looking. This is not a cold case that just goes away. Our detectives are very invested in this process.”
Also at the Silent Observer event, the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff Department asked for the public’s help to either locate or determine why three other missing individuals went missing.
In addition to the case of Hipolito-Lopez, who was 56 years old when he disappeared, another case highlighted also had a Wyoming-area connection — the missing person case of Yvonne Renee Scott, who was 33 when she disappeared from 2900 block of Clyde Park Southwest in January 2004. The case is being investigated by the Kent County Sheriffs office.
Silent Observer is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the safe return of these missing people of, if a crime has been committed against them, the reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved in that crime.
“When the community is asked for help, in giving information, and help solve a crime, tips come pouring into the program,” Silent Observer Program Director Chris Cameron said. “We are hopeful we will receive some good leads from this initiative … tips to Silent Observer can help right the wrongs of others, and help the loved ones of those missing find answers, closure and possibly justice.”
Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy also stressed the importance of the public’s assistance.
Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy stressed the importance of the public’s assistance. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“People don’t just disappear,” Chief Rahinsky said. “These are four cases, four family members, you have the Kent County Sheriffs Office represented, Wyoming public safety and Grand Rapids police department. We have exhausted our ability to work these cases through traditional means. What we need is the public’s help. Somebody in the community knows what happened to these individuals. Regardless of how insignificant the information may be, it may be the piece that gives these families closure.”
To submit an anonymous tip to Silent Observer, call 616-774-2345 or toll free at 1-866-774-2345, or visit silentobserver.org. The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety Detective Bureau can be reached at 616-530-7335.
As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will focus on keeping boaters safe through heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws.
The initiative is part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, which runs June 30 to July 2.
The annual campaign is launched just prior to the July Fourth weekend, when more boaters take to the water and alcohol use increases. It is in coordination with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners. Through this stepped-up enforcement, the DNR is raising awareness of the hazards associated with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and is working to decrease the number of accidents attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.
“Alcohol and boating don’t mix,” said the DNR’s Lt. Tom Wanless, Michigan’s boating law administrator. “Using alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, just as if you were driving a car. In fact, the effects of alcohol and certain medications are increased on the water due to added stress factors such as the sun, heat, wind, wave motion and engine noise. So be smart and stay sober when boating, and don’t put yourself and others at risk.”
In Michigan, operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol — which means the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more – or under the influence of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, community service and up to 93 days in jail. It also can result in the loss of boating privileges for at least one year.
If a person is killed or injured due to a driver operating a boat while under the influence, the driver could be charged with a felony, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
Boaters can do their part to stay safe on the water by: Boating sober — alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Wearing a life jacket — 85 percent of drowning victims in the U.S. were not wearing life jackets. Taking a boating safety course — the DNR recommends a safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft.
For more information about boating regulations and safety courses in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/boating.
It’s been a long time since I was genuinely spooked by a ghost story, but only a few chapters into Heart-Shaped Box, I actually had to set the book down and take a short break. Hill’s first novel is a doozy, a ghostly revenge story that is highly effective in the chills and thrills department, with a bit of gore and some flawed but sympathetic characters thrown in.
It’s been years since two of Jude Coyne’s band mates died and he retired from a highly successful career as a death-metal singer and role model to Goths everywhere (think Alice Cooper and biting the heads off rats). Now he lives with his two devoted dogs, personal assistant, and an ever-changing procession of much younger female companions that he flippantly refers to by the state they are from.
Jude’s a collector of the macabre, and he is bored enough that he jumps at the chance to buy a supposedly haunted suit off an Internet auction. When the suit arrives in a heart-shaped box, he figures he’s been conned and doesn’t think any more about it until strange things start happening in the house. Current girlfriend Georgia (her real name is Marybeth) finds the suit on the bed next to her, smelling of decay, and Jude begins to catch glimpses of an old man with a swinging silver razor and a mysterious purpose.
I won’t give away any more of the plot, since half the fun comes in the discovery of how Jude’s past has literally come back to haunt him. Forced to confront his childhood, 54-year-old Jude finally starts to grow up, and his relationship with his girlfriend undergoes a just touching enough turn as a result of their ordeal. Jude’s dogs stay loyal to the very end (Warning to sensitive pet-lovers: keep away if you can’t take bad things happening to animals).
Hill is the son of Stephen King, a fact he kept hidden until just before the book was released, and he has inherited King’s gift for tweaking traditional horror elements into a narrative that is impossible to put down. This book is an excellent non-stop thriller that makes the traditional ghost story scary again.
Once again the City of Wyoming gets the West Michigan Fourth of July celebrations started with its annual WY-FI (Wyoming fireworks) event tonight at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
The evening, which is part of the city’s Concerts in the Parks series, starts at 7 p.m. and includes two concerts featuring the Sweet J Band and the Brena Band, followed by fireworks at dusk. There also will be giveaways, face painting and food from area restaurants.
The Sweet J Band
A familiar foursome, the Sweet J Band has been performing the Greater Grand Rapids for more than 15 years at such venues as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The group includes Matt Young, lead guitar and vox, Colin Tobin, lead vox and guitar, Matt Kok, bass and xo and Brian V, drums. The group performs music from the sixties to current and covers blues, rock, and soul.
The Brena Band also hails from Grand Rapids having performed in and around the area. The group offers a range of musical genres, however, expect to pretty much rock out at tonight’s concert as the group gets everyone ready for the fireworks.
The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, which organizes the Concerts in the Park, recommends attendees be at Lamar Park by 6:30 p.m. There is plenty of parking on-site. The concert and the parking are free.
City of Grand Rapids is one of the 292 U.S. cities signed onto the “Mayors National Climate Action Agenda.” The Agenda exists to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions that cities create, and reduce the rise of temperatures on our planet.
“I see it as a human and community issue. We need to think of the next generation.” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss stated.
GR has been on the fast track for reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Current plans are for GR to run on 100% on renewable energy by the year 2025.
“We are in the process of building a bio digester,” Bliss said.
A bio digester is a large mechanical stomach that turns food waste into usable energy. The current plan is to build the machine in the Water Resource Recovery Factory on Market Avenue. The machine is estimated to cost 21 million dollars, and would be the first bio digester built in GR since the 1960s.
“We have partnerships with several local businesses to dispose their waste in the machine.” said Bliss. “To me it’s a matter that we know there is air pollution. We know the temperatures are rising. We want a great community. We don’t want pollution in our water. I do believe we can work together.”
GR has an onslaught of other plans to combat the rise in temperatures, and make for a more green community. Such as green infrastructure, LED street lights, and solar power alternatives.
For more information on GR’s plans for a green future take a look at their web page.
Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the Ferris Coffee and Nut facility in downtown Grand Rapids, with plans to expand its engineering programs. The trustees held a special board meeting on the university’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus earlier this month, and approved several real estate deals, including one to provide much-needed parking space for commuters.
The purchase of the Ferris facility, at 227 Winter Ave., for $6.5 million allows the university to begin planning what will be the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing’s Design and Innovation Center. It allows the university to avoid the delays and expense of constructing a new facility or taking a short-term approach by expanding existing facilities it will certainly outgrow.
“Enrollment growth in engineering has been explosive, more than doubling in the last 10 years,” Dean Paul Plotkowski said. “This facility is move-in ready and perfectly located near our downtown campus, on a bus line and near where our students live. We’re excited to plan and develop spaces where students from multiple disciplines will work together and develop projects for our industry partners. This is a game changer for us in terms of opening up potential to be innovative while providing an exceptional talent pipeline to employers.”
Ferris Coffee and Nut is remodeling another facility and will move its operations; Grand Valley is planning on moving into the 63,385-square-foot facility in summer 2018. The retail coffee shop that currently operates is expected to remain open to the public.
411 Standale Plaza Dr., N.W.
Trustees also approved acquiring 4.8 acres in the city of Walker for $1.6 million. The deal puts together three parcels at Lake Michigan Drive and Kinney Avenue. The university is purchasing two of the parcels — 411 Standale Plaza Dr., N.W. and 449 Kinney Ave., N.W. The owner of the 2.5 acre parcel at 475 Kinney Ave. is donating that portion to the university.
This deal will provide more than 400 parking spaces right along the current bus line and the proposed Laker Line (Bus Rapids Transit). The Laker Line will travel between Grand Valley’s Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses and through downtown to the university’s health campus. The 20,000 square feet of retail space will remain operational and part of the city of Walker’s developing business district.
The trustees also approved the sale of a condominium near the Allendale Campus that the university purchased in 1987. Over the years, it has been used to house visiting faculty and international visitors, and host meetings and small retreats. The university no longer needs the condominium because a hotel has been built in the area and the university’s Alumni House was built and includes overnight accommodations.
Passengers are screened at the new consolidated security checkpoint as a part of the Gateway Transformation Project. (Photo supplied.)
By Tara Hernandez, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
All passengers traveling through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) are now being processed in one consolidated security checkpoint, the focal point of GFIA’s Gateway Transformation Project. Construction on the checkpoint was completed Saturday evening, and opened for passengers on Sunday, June 25. Concourse B passengers were processed through the area starting on Sunday, June 4th, but now both Concourse A & B passengers are being screened at the new checkpoint.
The checkpoint is one part of the Airport’s $45 million Gateway Transformation Project that also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, new restrooms & nursing rooms, family restrooms, pre- and post-security business centers, new retail and food & beverage space, and much more. Different portions of the construction will open throughout the summer with phase one set to be complete in late August. Construction on the Gateway Transformation Project began in December 2015.
Passengers are screened at the new consolidated security checkpoint at GFIA. (Photo supplied.)
“We could not have asked for a smoother transition bringing all of our passengers together in our new consolidated checkpoint,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We have to thank our engineering staff for their tireless efforts, and our partners at the TSA for assisting in this transition. It really is a collaborative effort to pull off projects like this, and we’re already hearing from our passengers about how much they appreciate the new space.”
The new consolidated security checkpoint allocates TSA screening in one central location to fully utilize staffing, and make screening lines faster and more efficient.
A post-security Starbucks is set to open Friday, June 30, along with a redesigned Kids Play Area in the pre-security area.
Because some of the construction will have an impact on passenger operations throughout the terminal building, there will be updates, maps, photos, and other helpful tips listed on GFIA’s website: www.grr.org/construction. Signs and airport ambassadors are also available in the terminal building to assist with any passenger needs or directions.
Passengers are still encouraged to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight due to high volumes of traffic with the busy summer and holiday weekend ahead.
Agnes Fischer bustled behind her serving station in the the East Kentwood Freshman Campus cafeteria. The fried chicken went fast and she grabbed another tray. She passed out the hearty pieces with sides of mashed potatoes and salad to hungry students.
Freshman Alexis Thomas walked up to Fischer for a quick hello and a noontime hug. “Every day I come down to lunch and she always has a smile on her face,” Alexis said. “She serves the best food and she keeps me motivated.”
At age 87, and with nearly a half-century spent in the district’s cafeterias, Fischer fed a lot of children, and got to know generations of them as they passed through her lunch line.
“I love the kids, and there are so many things you find out about them that really make you feel good. They come back behind the counter and give me a hug every single day,” Fischer said.
Agnes Fischer gets a hug from her “buddy” freshman Faith Geemes.
She was serving her last week of school lunches before retiring June 14, giving up her 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. routine and handing over her apron.
“I’d like to stay more, but I think it’s time,” she said. “I’m gonna miss it. I’m gonna miss it a lot.”
“It’s going to be sad to see her go,” Faith said
Tried Once Before
Fischer started working for Kentwood Public Schools in 1964 at the former high school building, serving milk and wiping tables. She later worked as a baker at Townline Elementary, and then a baker and manager at Crestwood Middle. She retired for the first time in 1990, but in 1994 came back as a substitute. In 1999, she was hired as a server at East Kentwood High, and later the Freshman Campus.
“I came back because I missed it and I was bored,” she said. Widowed twice, her first husband, Richard Koning, died in 1980, and, 17 years later, her second husband, Lawrence Fisher, died after they were married for just one month.
She said others told her she was crazy to be that attached to a job, but for Fischer, it wasn’t about the job. “It was the people.”
Fischer plans to continue to work as a lunchtime substitute and to keep baking her signature chocolaty and caramel-y cookies for Board of Education meetings.
Agnes Fischer first started working in Kentwood lunchrooms in 1964
Young at Heart
The daughter of Alma and John Bouterse, Fischer grew up on the West Side of Grand Rapids, the eldest of six children and one of only two surviving. She attended Union High School through her junior year, and worked in the tea room at Herpolsheimer’s department store and later as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. She also ran a catering company with her sister for 30 years.
Working around children has kept her young, she said. “Myself, when I see older people, I don’t think I’m old. They are old, but not me.”
But she remembers the days when school lunches were home-style and made from scratch, and when not nearly as many students attended the district, which now includes 17 schools.
Still, whatever the decade, hungry students are hungry students. “They love fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy, taco salad and the salad bar,” she said.
The job truly became a family affair for Fischer. For a few years at the Freshman Campus, Fischer worked under her daughter, Nancy Rounds, who was supervisor, retiring three years ago. Fischer’s sisters, Alma and Florence, also worked as servers and her son-in-law, Dale Rounds, was a driver for the department. Fischer’s children and grandchildren also attended Kentwood schools.
‘Food for the Soul and Tummy’
Like rice, corn and wheat, Fischer has been essential for students’ midday diets.
“She’s been a staple in this building,” said Freshman Campus Principal Michele Siderman. “She loves kids, is a hard worker and makes the best desserts ever.”
“She makes great cream puffs!” Assistant Principal Andy Kolzow shouted from a nearby office.
Jeff Hilaski, business and physical education teacher, visited with Fischer every day. “Lunch is a break from everyone’s day, so it’s nice when the cafeteria workers are smiling and she usually is,” Hilaski said. “She’s friendly and easy to get along with. … She is the cafeteria to me.”
Kristen Curtis, administrative assistant, said Fischer is special to many staff members and students.
“She cooks for me; she makes the best chicken. She brings me flowers. I always get hugs from her. I don’t have grandmas anymore, so I’m like, ‘I’m adopting you.’
Child Nutrition Services Director Mo Shamali said Fischer, whom he calls “Aggie,” has been the heart of his program, offering experience, customer service and a personal touch.
“She does things from her heart,” he said. “The kids are her grandkids and the teachers and the staff are her kids. She has that grandma’s love, unconditionally. The kids are very savvy and they sense it.
“She looks at a student not as a just a student but a human who needs love, and food for the soul and the tummy.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Maker Faire is back in Grand Rapids on August 19 & 20 for its 4th year, once again held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and nearby Grand Valley State University’s Hall of Engineering. Combining a traditional science fair with innovation and engineering, community makers will showcase what they have made and share what they have learned.
The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 19 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20.
Grand Rapids Maker Faire tickets are on sale now! Receive $2 off with early bird tickets, now through Friday, August 4. Early bird tickets for a two-day pass are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $6 for children, and single day passes are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children. Kent County residents receive discounted tickets and Museum members are FREE for early bird tickets! Visit GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com for tickets and more information.
Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire gathers all-ages to learn and teach about new ideas and collaborations! Interactive stations and inventions will be showcased by tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Visitors to this year’s Grand Rapids Maker Faire can expect to see and interact with more than 150 maker booths.
Featured Maker
This year the Grand Rapids Maker Faire will see a special Maker, the Chicago Crucible, doing the first ever iron pour on the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s lawn! Visitors are able to purchase a small cast to carve, and see the casts be poured during the event on Saturday, August 19! The casts will cool overnight, and be available for pick up at the event on Sunday, August 20!
The call for makers is now open through July 16. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in this inaugural event should complete the application at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.
The 4th annual Grand Rapids Maker Faire is sponsored by MAKE, DTE Energy Foundation, JR Automation Technologies LLC, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Kent Intermediate School District, Koops, Inc. and Open Systems Technologies.
Follow Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR and on Facebook at facebook.com/makerfairegr.
Cedar Chase Golf Course in Cedar Springs will host this year’s Korhorn fundraiser. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
Registration is still available for the Rod Korhorn Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing, a four-person scramble at Cedar Chase Golf Course, will be held Wednesday, July 19.
The Korhorn event is an effort of the Midwest Michigan APWA (American Public Works Association).
Rod Korhorn was born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School and gaining his civil engineering degree at Michigan Tech University. With Nathan Vriesman, Korhorn owned the engineering firm Vriesman and Korhorn. Her died in 2014, and a scholarship fund was set up in his name.
“The scholarships are not for a particular school,” said Jim Wolford, City of Kentwood Department of Public Works, who is the event director. “There is criteria we use for the recipients and a committee reviews the applicants.”
Cedar Chase golf course is located at 7551 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs.
The event begins with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. the cost is $70 per person or $250 per foursome which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch during play and dinner following the outing. (Foursomes must sign up and pay as a foursome to receive discounted price.) Deadline for registration is July 8.
In July 2017, Adejoke Ayoola will collaborate with faculty at Bowen University in addressing issues of reproductive health in Iwo, Nigeria. (Photo courtesy Calvin College.)
“The world is a global village. When the Lord equips you with skills or knowledge, you can easily transfer those gifts to bless other people around the world,” said Adejoke Ayoola, professor of nursing.
This year, Ayoola was selected for the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program. In July she will travel to Iwo, Nigeria, and begin a project in collaboration with faculty at Bowen University.
Equipping women, promoting health
Over a period of 33 days, Ayoola will address issues of reproductive health in the community. She will visit both the homes of local women as well as Bowen classrooms in order to equip women with reproductive knowledge and pregnancy planning skills. In addition, Ayoola will act as an adviser in the design of a women’s health center.
She also plans to work with Bowen faculty and staff in community research efforts and in the development of nursing curriculum. “I am passionate about the next generation of nurses, here at Calvin and across the world,” said Ayoola. Since Bowen’s nursing program is less than four years old, she looks forward to seeing it grow and expand in future years.
Ayoola is excited about the work she will be doing in her home country, Nigeria. “I see it as my vocation, as my God calling. This will be an opportunity to use what I’ve learned to care for women and share my knowledge with another institution,” said Ayoola.
Ayoola believes the previous experience she gained at Calvin College facilitating both the Preconception Reproductive Knowledge Promotion Program and the H.E.A.L.T.H Camp (Health, Education, and Leadership Training for a Hopeful future) equipped her with the tools needed to design reproductive health programs at Bowen University.
Collaboration with community
After sharing how she has been promoting women’s health in her own community, Ayoola inquired about the needs of Bowen University and the local community. She hopes to be able to utilize her own skillset in the creation of an entirely unique program for the women of Iwo, Nigeria.
“We will not be truly addressing the issue if we go in with our own preconceived ideas,” said Ayoola.
Ayoola is going to great lengths to understand the needs of the community she will be serving before initiating a project, and she says it is vital that the people who will be using the center are involved in its establishment. “The community has to own it, design it and implement it for the project to be relevant, effective and sustained,” said Ayoola.
Ayoola and her team will be using a variety of community-based research methods in order to ensure the project will be as effective as possible. One way they hope to gain insight is through surveys. “We need to use those as a way of listening to the communities needs and involving them in the process,” said Ayoola.
Opportunity for growth
Ayoola says at the heart of this project is the promotion of scholarship, research, community collaboration and cultural exchange. She believes this project will expand into a long-term partnership and sees the possibility of collaborations with another faith-based institution in the future.
Although she is not working with Calvin students on this project, Ayoola predicts in the coming years there will be opportunities for students to visit the center. “This is the beginning of so many great things that fit with what we are called to here, at Calvin.”
Copyright Calvin College, reprinted by permission.
There definitely are certain times when a fist pump is appropriate like when you just won your first Emmy.
“I was siting there, literally on the edge of my seat, and all I heard was ‘Saug’ and I immediately jumped up and went ‘yes!’” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts Marketing Manager Angela Peavey while demonstrating the jump with a fist pump. “It definitely was an exciting night for the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.”
It was a commercial for the SCA, designed to promote the theatrical programming the arts center does year-round, that won the top award for the “Best Commercial – Single Spot” at the 39th annual Emmy Awards, Michigan Chapter, earlier this month. The category had some stiff competition with the highest number of nominees – five total – for any specific category at this year’s Emmy Awards, Michigan Chapter, event which was at the MotorCity Sound Board Theater in Detroit.
“Of course, when it was nominated, I immediately stalked the other nominees and I was blown away by the talent and creativity. I am truly humbled to have won among such amazing entries.”
It was such award shows as the Emmys and the Oscars that inspired Peavey to pursue film. That and the support of her parents, who were the first people she called right after the win.
“Everything was such a whirlwind after the announcement,” Peavey said. “My mom had been watching it on a live feed at home along with other friends and as soon as the announcement was made, my phone started blowing up.
“That call though to my parents was a call full of joy, of parents who were incredibly proud of their daughter for all of the years of hard work.”
Peavey credits a number of stakeholders for the creation of the commercial including SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong, SCA Artistic Director Kurt Stamm, and Jeff Zika of Z-Drones. “I have to thank the staff and the board of directors at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for all their support.”
Another organization Peavey thanked was WKTV, which with Peavey’s nomination and win, marks three WKTV supported projects that have been nominated for an Emmy and two wins. The entire commercial, which took three weeks from start to completion, was edited at WKTV because Peavey said she knew the facility would have everything she needed to compete the task in a timely matter.
Peavey has served as the marketing manager for SCA for three and half years. She works with about 10 interns a year, striving to giving them the “internship I wished I would have had.” With the aid of WKTV, she educates her interns on film production and the students, with the assistance of SCA staff, produce a number of videos for the center throughout the year.
As for SCA, Peavey said it is an amazing facility offering a number of programs such as education, film, exhibits and theater. “We don’t compete with any local organization, but rather compliment each other,” she said.
Lola Audu is used to creating firsts in her adopted U.S. home. As an international student in college, she had to teach white administrators about unintended racism. As a real estate professional, she became the first black president in the 117-year history of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors. As a graduate of the Cultural Intelligence Center, she is now bringing cultural intelligence (CQ) to the real estate industry. Join Alan as he interviews the Nigerian native who has become a West Michigan force to be reckoned with.
The Association of Nature Center Administrators will distinguish Former Blandford Nature Center Founder and Director Mary Jane Dockeray as the inaugural ANCA President’s Award recipient for foundational leadership in the Nature and Environmental Learning Center Profession.
During a near 70-year career, Dockeray has helped instill youth environmental education as part of the nature and environmental learning center profession. Since boldly asking for the donation of ten acres of private land in 1964 for “getting kids boots on the ground”, Dockeray has displayed what Jason Meyer, current President/CEO of the Blandford Nature Center calls “her characteristic willingness to push boundaries.”
Over 43 years, Dockeray grew those ten acres into a 143-acre refuge that has served over two million visitors, an astounding accomplishment. Among her innovative achievements is the foundation of the Blandford School, a sixth grade program where 60 public school students spend their entire school year using the nature center as their classroom.
Beyond Blandford, Dockeray helped build youth environmental education into the ethos of the profession by freely offering her knowledge. She hosted and supported an early professional association of nature center administrators: the Michigan Coalition of Nature Centers. Corky McReynolds, PhD, CPF, and former Coalition member writes, “Her inspiration to me helped launch my career, and I am just one of literally thousands of lives she has touched.”
Dockeray exemplifies the exceptional contribution to the nature and environmental learning center profession that the President’s Award was created to acknowledge. ANCA Board President, Francis Velazquez, writes, “It is how Mary Jane’s story touches on all the aspects of our profession that captured my attention. It was the humility, simple directness, foresight, and sustained effort that brought her consideration for the President’s Award. It was how she educated one child, through one program, one field trip, one nature center, one pioneering idea after another and how she influenced one community and one profession with such lasting effects that made it clear she should be awarded by ANCA.”
Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director, writes, “Mary Jane represents an exceptional group of individuals who recognized the need to secure the places that are now a vital network of nature education sites. Our profession is indebted to Mary Jane and her fellow nature education pioneers, and I am thrilled the board is recognizing her.”
To no surprise, at age 90, Dockeray continues to live out her commitment to environmental education. You can find her captivating young learners and mentees weekly at the Blandford Nature Center. On behalf of the nature and environmental learning center profession, we recognize Mary Jane Dockeray for her unwavering commitment to youth, nature, and the profession with the ANCA President’s Award — rock on Mary Jane!
The President’s Award will be given to Mary Jane Dockeray at the Association of Nature Center Administrator’s Annual Summit in August in Nauvoo, Alabama.
Editor’s Note: This is week four of our five week series on job search buzzwords.
What are soft skills?
Dictionary definition: personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
Our definition: desirable qualities that you can’t learn in a classroom.
How do I show an employer I have soft skills?
Soft skills are important to your success as an employee. They’re the qualities you’ve learned through life experiences. Employers value these skills as much, or more, than the specific teachable abilities you need to perform a job like welding or programming (hard skills).
Examples of soft skills include:
Teamwork
Communication
Flexibility
Patience
Time management
During a job interview, employers may ask you situational questions like: Give an example of a time when you had a conflict with a team member?
Your response is a perfect opportunity to showcase your soft skills:
You spoke rationally with the coworker about the problem (illustrates good communication skills).
You changed a process in your daily routine to help make theirs a little easier (highlights your flexibility).
You value harmony in your team because you know you’ll be more efficient if everyone is getting along (shows you’re a team player).
Employers want to know they’re hiring a person who will do their job well but also has the ability to work with other team members, is reliable and represents the company well.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Peters Statement on Senate Republican Health Care Bill
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the recently released Senate Republican draft health care bill:
“Senate Republicans wrote this bill in secret and without any input from their Democratic colleagues or the public, and now they are rushing to pass it next week without any hearings or sufficient opportunities for input from the American people and health care experts. While I’m still reviewing the details of the bill, it appears similar to the House Republicans’ bill that strips millions of hardworking families of their health care coverage, increases costs for seniors and makes health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions largely unaffordable. We need time to thoroughly debate this bill that will impact millions of families, and I urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table and start a truly bipartisan process with public hearings and public input that will help all Americans afford quality health care in their communities.”
Stabenow, Peters, Huizenga Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Demanding Administration Release Report on Asian Carp
Rep. Bill Huizenga discusses Asian Carp bill
By Miranda Margowsky and Allison Green
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, introduced the Stop Asian Carp Now Act, which will require the Trump Administration to release the Brandon Road Study within seven days of the bill’s enactment. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam study will provide important guidance on how best to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes and is an important hurdle before further action can be taken.
The Stop Asian Carp Now Act is cosponsored and supported by 31 members of the House and seven Senators. The entire Michigan congressional delegation is in support of this measure.
Asian carp represent a serious economic and environmental threat to the Great Lakes and this report is a critical next step in finding and implementing a solution. The report has already been delayed by the Trump Administration from its expected release in February of this year. Once the report is released a public comment period can begin, and further action can be decided in an open and transparent way.
ICYMI: Senator Stabenow Joins Senate Democrats to Hold the Floor, Calls on Republicans to Make Health Care Bill Public (VIDEO)
By Nirmeen Fahmy
This past week, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined other Senate Democrats to hold the Senate floor and call on Republicans to make the text of their health care bill public.
“Republicans are hiding their bill because they know it is a bad deal for American families,” said Senator Stabenow. “Costs go up, care goes down, all to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires. It’s time for Republicans to show us the bill so we can move beyond partisanship to get something done for the American people.”
The latest in a sequence of mysteries involving Torie O’Shea, Died in the Wool was the first of Rett MacPherson’s novels for me, but it certainly won’t be the last. I just happened to pick up MacPherson’s 2007 release, but now plan to start reading about Torie from the beginning of the series. I enjoy following a familiar figure through several books, like Janet Evanovich’s character, Stephanie Plum, and I think it won’t take long for Torie to become another one of my favorites. I found MacPherson to use humor in her story in much the same way that Evanovich does, but Died in the Wool lacked the slightly steamy scenes found in Janet’s stories about Stephanie Plum’s life.
Torie (short for Victory) O’Shea is a genealogist and president of the New Kassel, Missouri historical society and the main character in a series of short mysteries featuring a genealogical twist. She is a happily married, 40ish mother who also seems to have her hand in just about everything possible in her small town.
This story begins with an unusual introduction of characters in strong disagreement over the production of the town’s first annual rose show. Torie plunges through a tangle of interwoven events that are set in motion with the planning of the show: solve a mystery surrounding a ‘haunted’ house, investigate the apparent suicides of a prominent local family in the 1920s, and discover that all is not what is appears to be simply because of her interest in quilting.
Sound confusing? Not really. MacPherson does a good job of keeping the pace quick and the details from becoming overpowering. Though it all, she brings the reader into the world of discovering how the past reaches into the present by sharing secrets of successful genealogical researching. Died in the Wool is a very quick read at less than 300 pages, but with several more books featuring Torie O’Shea, it’s sure not to disappoint.
