Category Archives: 3-bottom

Wyoming hosts last meeting on millage, KDL leader states he is comfortable with request

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , , , ,

On Saturday, April 29, the City of Wyoming will host the last of its three public information sessions on its request to open the city’s library maintenance fund for park improvements.

 

The meeting is at 10 a.m. at the KDL Wyoming Branch located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The discussion will center on the May 2 ballot proposal where voters are being asked to allow the city to utilize .16 of its .39 library maintenance millage to put toward some of the $23 million in park needs. The nearly $800,000 per year raised would be use to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money would be dedicated for park improvements at Ideal, Jackson, Ferrand, and Gezon.

 

According to Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, the mill levy for the average Wyoming homeowner would be less than $12 a year.

 

The library maintenance millage is only to maintain the actually facility, Rynbrandt said, adding that what many people do not realize is that the library building is owned by the City of Wyoming. Kent District Library operates the library services and owns the collection. Operations of the library and the collection are funded through a Kent District Library millage, which is a 1.28 mill levy, which covers all 18 branches within the KDL system.

 

The Kent District Library and the Kent District Library Board are neutral on the subject of Wyoming’s request to transfer some of its library maintenance millage for park improvements, however; KDL Director Lance M. Werner said he and Wyoming Branch Manager Lori Holland have had multiple talks with the city about the proposal and impact to the library.

 

“We have been repeatedly assured by the City that the Branch will be held harmless and will be supported at the same level it currently is in the future,” Werner said.

 

The city recently completed more than $650,000 in renovations to the library facility that includes a new roof and the revamping of the former cafe to a public space. Upon review, city staff determined that there would be no major renovation projects needed for the library facility within the next 10 years, Rynbrandt said.

 

Every five years, the City of Wyoming meets with residents and city staff to review needs at its parks. Through that process, the city has recognized more than $23 million in park improvements. In 1994, Wyoming residents did grant a park millage which for the past 20 years the city has been able to invest and maintain the parks without an increase, Rynbrandt said.

 

However, within four years the city has had several natural disasters — a 2013 flood, and 2014 and 2016 tornados — which has created a greater need, Rynbrandt said. Highlighting some of those needs is Ideal Park, one of the four parks that would receive funding through the millage proposal. Ideal Park was severally impacted from the 2014 tornado with its playground equipment destroyed. The city was able to remove much of the debris and get the park reopened only to have the 2016 tornado cause more damage.

 

Jackson Park also was impacted by the tornados but also has a need for better stormwater control along with improved security and safety. Ferrand Park is a small pocket park that has not have any major improvements in a number of years and Gezon Park is surrounded by intense residential growth with the central area of the park needing to be developed.

 

For more information about the proposal or any the parks, visit WYParks.com.

 

Kentwood Police plans annual Drug Take Back day for Saturday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , , ,

On Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Kentwood Police Department at 4742 Walma Ave SE. Liquids, needles, inhalers or medical equipment cannot be accepted, only pills and patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Medications that are forgotten in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards by drug residues appearing in surface water, such as rivers and lakes.

 

Please take advantage of this free program that allows you to properly dispose of your unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. For more information, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571.

 

As mentioned, needles, or sharps will not be accepted at during the Take Back day. The Kent County Department of Public Works and the Kent County Health Department do offer a safe disposal of needles through a program called SafeSharps.

 

“Sharps” is the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges the can puncture or cut the skin. Kent County residents may request a free container from any KCHD facility. After completing a brief registration form, KCHD will issue a sterile approved container that users make take home. Once the container is full, it can be returned to any KCHD facility and exchanged for a new one.

 

Containers will be accepted at the Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave. NE; Sheldon Clinic, 121 Franklin SE; South Clinic, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.; and North County Clinic, 4388 14 Mile Road NE. Hours for all the sites are 8 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 – 4:45 p.m. Monday – Wednesday and Friday; 12:45 – 4:45 p.m. the first, third and fifth Thursdays of the month; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 – 6:45 p.m the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. For more information on the SafeSharps program, visit recyclekent.org.

Call for entries! Festival 2017 Regional Arts Competition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,

 

By Fred Bivins

 

Attention artists! It’s that time of year again, so get ready to enter your best work on May 4th or 5th

 

The Festival Regional Arts Competition and Exhibition has a new home for festival 2017 — going back to the old federal building, now the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD). KCAD has agreed to host the Exhibition and also is sponsoring the Juror Awards again this year. (A festival stage will be on Pearl between the KCAD buildings so the college will be fully included in the footprint of festival 2017.)

 

The dates for the Exhibition will be June 1, 2017, through July 15, 2017. The opening Reception will be on Wednesday, May 31, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

 

While this year’s Exhibition will be in the Fed Galleries @ KCAD, the timeline has dictated that entries are accepted at a different location — the former Water Department Office Building at 1101 Monroe North (just south of Leonard) to take in, and jury art entries. Those selected will be transferred to the Fed Galleries by Festival. Non-selected works will be picked up at 1101 Monroe North.

 

Drop-off dates and times at 1101 Monroe North:

Thursday, May 4, noon to 6:00 pm

Friday, May 5, 3:00 to 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 6, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

 

Pick-up of non-selected works at 1101 Monroe North:

Friday, May 12, 3:00 to 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

 

There are three jurors: Diane Zeeuw will be the juror for Painting and drawing. Tim Priest will be the juror for Photography. Lindsay Isenhart will be the Juror for 3-Dimensional and Multi Media works. Here is the link to their bios.

 

Following the close of the Regional Exhibition at KCAD, selected Award-winning pieces will be moved to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for display in the East Gallery from July 18 through August 27.

 

The online registration application and all of the entry information including sizes, entry fees, rules, and juror bios are available here.

 

For all information and to register go here.

Government Matters: Week in review, April 24-28

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Politics, , , , , ,

Kent County names Interim Administrator to start July 1

By Lisa LaPlante, Kent County

The Kent County Board of Commissioners has announced that Assistant County Administrator Wayman Britt will take over as Interim County Administrator/Controller on July 1, 2017. Britt has been with Kent County since 2004, serving as management oversight for the Kent County Health Department, the Community Development and Housing Department, and the Veterans Services Department.

In addition, he is the liaison for the State Department of Health and Human Services, and is responsible for several community initiatives such as the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council.

Prior to beginning his career with the County in 2004, Britt held several management positions at Steelcase, Inc. and Michigan National Bank – Central. Britt holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Michigan.

Britt has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Gerald R. Ford Council Boy Scouts of America, Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Board of Directors, the West Michigan Sports Commission, Grand Rapids Job Corps Community Relations Council, and Kent County American Red Cross Executive Board.

Current Kent County Administrator/Controller Daryl Delabbio retires on June 30, 2017, wrapping up a career spanning four decades in municipal management.

Peters, Gardner introduce bill to keep government research data publicly available

By Allison Green

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help federal agencies maintain open access to machine-readable databases and datasets created by taxpayer-funded research. The Preserving Data in Government Act would require federal agencies to preserve public access to existing open datasets, and prevent the removal of existing datasets without sufficient public notice. Small businesses rely on a range of publicly available machine-readable datasets to launch or grow their companies, and researchers and scientists use data to conduct studies for a variety of fields and industries.

“Research data that has been collected using taxpayer dollars should be publicly accessible and easily searchable,” said Senator Peters. “Small businesses and individuals rely on federally produced information for everything from long-term planning to innovative product development to help grow their companies and create jobs.”

Stabenow introduces bipartisan Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act to protect Michigan Seniors’ access to ambulance services

By Miranda Margowsky

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has introduced the Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act, which would make permanent key Medicare reimbursements to ambulance service providers and would ensure seniors and other people in Michigan continue to have access to life-saving services.

Ambulance service providers are an essential part of our local and national health care and emergency response systems, and are often the only provider of emergency medical services for their communities. There more than 200 ambulance service providers in Michigan, including small businesses, fire departments, hospitals, cities, and counties, that rely on Medicare reimbursements to provide emergency care and support jobs in local communities.

Senator Stabenow’s bill makes permanent the 2% urban and 3% rural reimbursement as well as a 25.6% reimbursement for areas that are classified as “super-rural,” meaning they represent the lowest measure of population density. If the Medicare reimbursements are not extended before they expire at the end of 2017, Michigan ambulance providers could lose up to $4 million per year.

Stabenow joins group of 19 senators calling on Republican leaders to focus on funding for opioid crisis and medical research

By Miranda Margowsky

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has joined a group of 19 senators calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to include a substantial increase in funds for the fight against the nation’s opioid epidemic and additional investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as part of the Continuing Resolution currently being negotiated in Congress to avert a government shutdown. Last year in Michigan, research funding for the NIH supported 10,817 jobs and $1.7 billion in economic activity.

The senators asked for additional resources to address the nation’s opioid crisis, particularly those communities which have been hit hardest by the epidemic, noting that only ten percent of people with substance abuse disorder receive specialty treatment due in large part to lack of funding for services. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Michigan had the 7th most drug overdose deaths of any state in 2015, a 13 percent increase from the year before.

 

Senator Stabenow’s statement following Great Lakes Task Force meeting on Asian carp

By Miranda Margowsky

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, has released the following statement after a bicameral meeting on near- and long-term measures to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes, including the status on the Tentatively Selected Plan for the Brandon Road Study:

“It’s deeply irresponsible for the Trump Administration to continue to block the Army Corp from releasing a critical plan to permanently address the threat of Asian carp to our Great Lakes. There is no reason to gamble with the future of our Great Lakes because a narrow group of special interests do not recognize that Asian carp is a problem. In our bipartisan, bicameral meeting today, we sent a clear message that it’s past time to take action to create a permanent solution to the threat of Asian carp.”

Senator Stabenow led the Great Lakes Task Force meeting, which was attended by officials from the White House, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Service. In February, the Trump Administration prevented the Army Corps from releasing the draft plan for stopping further movement of Asian carp in the Illinois River.

 

Peters urges colleagues to support funding for farm loans

By Allison Green

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) spoke on the Senate Floor on the need to support Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs. The Farm Service Agency works with lenders to guarantee and deliver loans to the small farms that need them the most. In June 2016, FSA operating loans faced a significant funding shortfall due to high demand, and hundreds of farmers whose loans had already been approved could not receive the funds they needed until Congress passed emergency appropriations in December 2016. Peters is leading a bipartisan letter urging Congressional appropriators to provide robust funding for Farm Service Agency loan programs in the 2018 budget.

 

 

“Small farms that are just starting out — or are facing tough economic conditions — sometimes struggle to secure affordable credit. That is why I am working across the aisle with Senator Tillis to urge Congressional Appropriators to fully fund Farm Service Agency loan programs as Congress considers government funding bills for 2018.

“Access to capital is critical across a range of businesses, but it is incredibly important for our farmers,” said Peters. “They can lose out on entire growing seasons if they can’t buy the equipment and supplies they need while they wait on Congress to fund the Farm Service Agency.”

 

Michigan delegation members join bipartisan push to keep EPA Region 5 Office open

By Miranda Margowsky

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and Representatives John Conyers Jr, Sander Levin, Dan Kildee, Debbie Dingell, and Brenda Lawrence sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt stressing the importance of the Great Lakes.

Following reports that the Trump Administration plans to abolish Region 5 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — which serves Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio — as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and Representatives John Conyers Jr., Sander Levin, Dan Kildee, Debbie Dingell, and Brenda Lawrence joined a bipartisan push calling for the Region 5 office to remain intact and fully supported. In a bicameral letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, members of Congress from the Great Lakes region stressed the importance of the Great Lakes, which provide 90 percent of the nation’s fresh water supply and are a source of drinking water for more than 30 million Americans.

“We write to express our grave concerns regarding reports that the Administration plans to abolish Region 5 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget. EPA Region 5 is critical to protecting the air, drinking water, and health of residents in the six Great Lakes states the region serves and closing its headquarters in Chicago would make EPA less efficient and effective in its efforts to protect human health and the environment. Accordingly, we request that you commit to preserving EPA Region 5,” the members wrote.

 

Three community members to be honored at César E. Chávez celebration on May 5

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , ,

 

By Michele Coffill, Grand Valley State University

 

The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Unity Committee to host the 2017 César E. Chávez “5 de mayo” Celebration.

 

The public is invited to this annual event, Friday, May 5, at the museum, 272 Pearl St NW, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per individual, or a table of 10 for $300; purchase tickets online here.

 

“We are proud to be a partner with the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in hosting this important community celebration,” said Dale A. Robertson, Grand Rapids Public Museum president and CEO. “The museum is a fitting place for this historical event; we believe in the value of working together to share stories and lessons that inspire and expand cultural opportunities for all.”

 

Three community members will be honored for their service and social justice work:

  • Andrés Abreu, editor-in-chief, El Vocero Hispano;
  • Carol Hennessey, Kent County commissioner, 14th district; and
  • José Reyna, community health programs director for Spectrum Health.

The celebration will feature authentic Mexican food, music and dancing.

 

Area colleges and universities joining the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez to support this event include: Aquinas College, Calvin College, Kendall College of Art and Design, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Western Michigan University-Grand Rapids.

 

“Many of our campus partners serve a diverse populations and Grand Valley is proud to partner with and support this annual cultural event alongside our partner universities and colleges,” said Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley.

 

The Proud Aguila sponsors of the event are AT&T, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Valley State University and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lupe Ramos-Montigny “Si Se Puede” Legacy Endowed Scholarship at Grand Valley. Scholarships will be awarded in October to Hispanic students who are pursuing college degrees.

 

Questions about the event can be directed to Lupe Ramos-Montigny, chair of the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez, at lrmontigny@yahoo.com or 616.443.5922.

GVSU study: Local economic impact of Meijer Gardens is $75 million 

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Non-Profits, Recreation,
The crowds that come to Meijer Gardens, shown here for a summer concert, pump money into the local economy, according to a GVSU Study. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

By Dottie Barnes

Grand Valley State University

 

The overall economic impact of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Kent County is $75.2 million, which supports 804 jobs, according to a study by Grand Valley State University researchers.

 

The entrance to Meijer Gardens. (Supplied)

Economics professors Paul Isely and Christian Glupker, who conducted the study, reported that the annual economic impact of Meijer Gardens came from three components: the impact of visitor spending outside of the venue, the operations of the venue (including what visitors spend inside the venue) and construction spending.

 

Isely said one way Meijer Gardens adds to the regional economy is by bringing visitors to Kent County.

 

“As these individuals come to the county to visit, they spend money on food, lodging, entertainment, transportation and other items,” Isely said. “The combined dollar value of this spending translates into greater earnings for area employers and employees, as well as greater job creation.”

 

Glupker said direct spending by all visitors outside of Meijer Gardens is $22.7 million, with more than 86 percent of this coming from people outside of Kent County.

 

“The result is a lot of new dollars into Kent County,” Glupker said. “This happens because the venue draws 445,000 visitors from outside Kent County and each of these individuals spends more as a result of a visit to Meijer Gardens than a comparable local visitor.”

 

David Hooker, president and CEO of Meijer Gardens, commented on the study by saying: “Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has been embraced and supported by our wonderful community. It is with the community’s support that we can further our unique mission of horticulture and sculpture and bring joy to so many people. The Grand Valley study clearly shows the importance and support of the great cultural community that we have.”

 

Details of the study shows The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park supports or contributes:

• 804 jobs in Kent County annually

• A $75.2 million economic output annually

• Visitors from outside the county who directly spend $19.6 million at businesses around Kent County annually

• Construction that created 39 jobs during the last year

• 86 percent of visitor spending is the result of spending by individuals who do not live in Kent County

• Nonresidents spent an average $129 per group outside the venue during their visit to Meijer Gardens while in Kent County.

 

San Francisco to Grand Rapids: St. Cecilia hosts SFJAZZ Collective 

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment,
SF Jazz Collective photographed in San Francisco in 2015. (Supplied St. Cecilia/Jay Blakesberg

By St. Cecilia Music Center

 

St. Cecilia Music Center will bring eight of the best jazz musicians from around the world to the Royce Auditorium stage on May 4. The SFJazz Collective is an all-star ensemble, that changes each season and is comprised of the finest performers/composers at work in jazz today.

 

SFJAZZ artists appearing at St. Cecilia include Miguel Zenon, alto saxophone; David Sanchez, tenor saxophone; Sean Jones, trumpet; Robin Eubank, trombone; Warren Wolf, vibraphone; Edward Simon, piano; Matt Penman, bass, and Obed Calvaire, drums.

 

The eight will perform the Collective’s arrangements of the music of Miles Davis as well as their own fresh compositions.

 

 

“If you are a jazz lover, this is the performance not to miss,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director. “An eight-piece band made up of eight of the most talented jazz performers on the jazz scene today will culminate in an exciting night for everyone who is in the audience.”

 

The SFJAZZ Collective’s mission each year is to perform fresh arrangements of works by a modern master and newly commissioned pieces by each Collective member. More than any other figure, Miles Davis changed the sound of jazz — not once, but consistently over his career — from the birth of bebop in the 1940s to the integration of rock that gave rise to the fusion movement in the 1970’s.

 

In addition to its outstanding line-up with a leaderless format, the SFJAZZ Collective has also been praised for the innovative approach to repertoire. Through the pioneering approach of simultaneously honoring jazz’s recent history while championing the music’s up-to-the-minute directions, the Collective embodies SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a living, ever-relevant art form.

 

As soloists, composers, and bandleaders, the SFJAZZ Collective represents what’s happening now in jazz. They also demonstrate that jazz has truly become an international language. Hailing from Ohio, Baltimore, Miami, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and New Zealand, the Collective’s multi-cultural lineup mirrors the explosion of jazz talent around the globe.

 

However, the jazz community only reached its current state by maintaining its traditions while simultaneously embracing innovation. This, too, is the essence of the SFJAZZ Collective. These exceptional artists come together in the name of jazz as a constantly evolving, quintessentially modern music.

 

A pre-concert wine and hors d’oeuvres reception for $15 per person is also optional when purchasing tickets for this event.  There will be a a post-concert “Meet-the-artists” reception with all ticket-holders will be held giving the audience the opportunity to meet members of SFJazz and to obtain signed CDs of their music including their newest release.

 

For more information visit www.scmc-online.org.

 

Wyoming’s Spring Carnival is back at a new location, Lamar Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , ,
Wyoming’s Spring Carnival, located a Lamar Park, will officially open Friday, April 28.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The City of Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival is on track to open tomorrow at a new location, Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

 

 

“We are excited to return the carnival to its’ historic home at Lamar Park,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of Community Services for the City of Wyoming. “If you visit 28West Place you’ll see all of the orange barrels. It is wonderful to see the new construction occurring in Wyoming’s downtown area. With the redevelopment occurring of the Village Mall, the spring landscaping and final restoration work on tap for the new street, and more, we did not want the carnival location to delay this economic development in any way.”

 

Rynbrandt said when city officials evaluated other potential sites for the carnival, they sought an area that would be able to accommodate parking and provide for a larger venue.

 

“By going back to our roots, Lamar Park fits the bill,” she said.

 

The carnival will be open through May 7 and feature activities for the entire family.

A staple in the city for more than 30 years, proceeds from the carnival will be split between the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWCRA). GWRCA funds support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA will also distribute funds to the community through its annual grant making process.

 

“We hope that the community will join in supporting these two great causes,” Rynbrandt said. “The Parks and Recreation Department and the GWCRA provides services and funding that benefit children, families and non-profit organizations throughout Wyoming.”

 

The Spring Carnival runs from April 28 – May 7 with its hours being 4 – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 2 – 8 p.m. Friday, and noon – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The carnival will feature entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. A spectrum of rides will be available for carnival-goers, from crowd pleasers, such as a carousel and Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-inducing Mega Drop and Wipe Out. Unlimited ride wristbands will be available daily for $20.

 

The Spring Carnival is made possible through the work of the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation and TJ Schmidt. For information, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation at 616-530-3164.

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

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health hosts a Drug Take Back Day event Saturday, April 29.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Employment Expertise: The Résumé — Make a first impression they won’t forget

3-bottom, Non-Profits, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Recruiters and hiring managers can receive hundreds of résumés for a single job opening. They take 10 to 15 seconds on average to scan each resume. With this kind of competition, how do you make your résumé stand out?

To get noticed, your resume must:

  • Quickly create interest for the reader
  • Entice the reader/potential employer into wanting to know more about you
  • Speak to the needs of the employer

How do you do this? Here are five tips to get you started!

  • Make it relevant. Include only the experience, training and skills that are related to the job you are applying for. Employers want to know what you can do for them.
  • Be honest. Don’t exaggerate your qualifications. You need to be able to back up any statements you make.
  • Keep it professional. Don’t include personal information or hobbies. Use a professional font that is easy to read. If you don’t have a business-like email address, create a new one. Keep it simple and use your name, if possible. Example: J.Smith@gmail.com not DogLuvr100@gmail.com
  • Make it easy on the eyes. Keep some white space and use a font size above 10 point so it is easy to read. Keep it uniform, using the same bullet points and structure throughout.
  • Proofread. Check spelling, punctuation and grammar. Then have someone else check it for you. Don’t let a typo ruin your chances of getting an interview!

Learn more about writing a résumé at one of our free workshops. Check the workshop schedule to see when the next résumé workshop is scheduled near you.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Dancing with the Stars alum and military hero set to visit Schuler Books & Music

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,
Noah Galloway on the 2014 season of Dancing with Stars

By Whitney Spotts

Schuler Books & Music

 

Celebrated military hero and “Dancing with the Star” alum Noah Galloway stops at Schuler Books & Music Thursday, May 4.

 

Galloway will be discussing his memoir “Living with No Excuses: The Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier.” In the book, Galloway shares his life story, and how losing his arm and leg in combat forced him to relearn how to live – and live to the fullest.

 

Called inspirational, humorous and thought-provoking, “Living With No Excuses” sheds light on Galloway’s upbringing in rural Alabama, his military experience, and the battle he faced to overcome losing two limbs during Operation Iraqi Freedom. From reliving the early days of life to his acceptance of his “new normal” after losing his arm and leg in combat, Galloway reveals his ambition to succeed against all odds.

 

Galloway is a personal trainer and motivational speaker. He travels the country sharing his story, encouraging and motivating others to offer no excuses. He also  continues to compete, participating in adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events, fitness competitions plus numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and marathons.

 

Most recently, Galloway took third place in ABC’s hit series, “Dancing with the Stars,” following his appearance on the November cover of “Men’s Health” magazine, as he was named the publication’s 2014 Ultimate Guy. He’s also been a guest on numerous national talk shows including “Ellen” and “The Today Show.”

 

Galloway will speak at 7 p.m. with a book signing afterwards. For more information, visit schulerbooks.com.

Adoptable pets from Humane Society of West Michigan: Bluegrass, Icy, Tommy, Jerry & Rocky

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,

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.

Bluegrass has limited vision, unlimited love

Bluegrass — Male American Pit Bull Terrier

I’m a social and sweet 2-year-old dog looking for my forever home! I have limited vision and reduced depth perception so I would do well in a home with older/respectful children who would take care not to startle me. I would also do well in a home where I don’t have to take too many stairs because this can be tough with my limited vision. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!

 

More about Bluegrass:

  • Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull/Mix
  • Age: 2 years
  • Gender: Male
  • Size: Medium
  • Neutered
  • Animal ID: 34721285
Adorable Icy has been waiting since December 2016 for a home of her own

Icy — Female Domestic Short Hair

I’m a sweet 12-year-old cat STILL looking for my forever home! I have been patiently waiting at Humane Society of West Michigan since December 2016. I can be shy and like having my own little hiding space, but I’m also very friendly and loving. I enjoy pets and will approach visitors for some pets and ear scratches. I would do well with older, respectful children and a relaxed home. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan! Adoption fees are waived for animals 7 years and older, thanks to generous grant funding.

More about Icy:

  • Breed: Domestic Short Hair
  • Age: 12 years
  • Gender: Female
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Brown/Orange
  • Spayed
  • Animal ID: 34225686

Tommy & Jerry — Male Domestic Short Hairs

Meet this dynamic pair of 13-year-old cats that have lived their whole lives together. They are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. They’d like to live in a quiet, relaxed home where we would have their own space to snuggle up and nap. They are both front declawed. Thanks to generous grant funding, senior pets (ages 7 years and older) always have their adoption fees waived.

More about Jerry:

  • Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
  • Age: 13+
  • Gender: Male
  • Size: Medium
  • Color: Brown
  • Neutered
  • Declawed
  • Must be adopted with Tommy
  • Animal ID: 30861577

More about Tommy:

  • Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
  • Age: 13+
  • Gender: Male
  • Size: Medium
  • Color: Brown/Black
  • Neutered
  • Must be adopted with Jerry
  • Animal ID: 30861563

Rocky — Male Hound Mix

This sweet, 2-year-old dog just recently arrived at HSWM from another shelter in Mississippi, which makes much of his history a mystery. Please come meet him at Humane Society of West Michigan!

This Saturday (4/29), HSWM is participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelter event. On Saturday, 4/29 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bissell Pet Foundation will be paying for the adoption fees for all adult animals at HSWM.

To adopt, call 616.453.8900 or email adoptions@hswestmi.org.

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.

Summer fun activities abound in Grand Rapids

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, , , , , , ,

By Jeremy Witt

 

There is absolutely no excuse to be bored this summer, not with the variety of offerings from local schools and organizations.

Compass College in Grand Rapids offers interested participants help in making a movie this summer. Learn from professionals how to act on camera and make films in their Summer Film and Acting camps. Running from June 19th to 23rd, these camps are designed for teens ages 13 to 18. Each camp offers a completely different experience: as a Film Camp student, you’ll write, shoot, and edit your own short film with guidance from seasoned filmmakers; in Acting Camp, you’ll work on perfecting on-camera acting techniques with a film actor as your coach, and then star in a film produced by Film Camp. At the end of the week, walk the red carpet as the films premiere for family and friends on the big screen.

The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids has three- and four-day summer camps for the young foodie in your life. Camps are offered starting in late June and run through the beginning of August. Each camp has a distinct theme, ranging from Michigan’s fruits and vegetables to creating and utilizing a backyard farm. Sign up today for what Downtown Market cleverly calls their “Simmer Camps”.

Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park is hosting its first ever Treetop Climbing Camp, a climbing day camp for the curious, adventurous, and outdoor-lovers in your house. At the Treetop Climbing Camp, you will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what is involved in adventure climbing, including one-on-one training from their skilled park guides. Two sessions are now available, with session one from June 19th to 21st and session two from June 26th to 28th. The camp is best suited for kids ages 10 to 15, but more importantly, campers need to be able to reach six feet with their arms straight up.

The Grand Rapids Ballet has a variety of camps that are all centered around dance. Their Ballet School has programs for ballet, young dancers, boys ballet, and summer intensive training. They also have two Adaptive Dance programs, Explorer Dance (for children with Down syndrome) and Dancing with Parkinson’s (for adults with Parkinson’s disease). These Adaptive Dance classes allow students to experience the joy of dancing who may otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. Summer camps at the Grand Rapids Ballet are both fun and accessible for everyone.

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has summer camps that give students the chance to spend an entire week learning about theatre while having a blast making new friends. There are some fantastic additions to the extremely popular summer camp program this year, so you’ll want to take a look at their new offerings for the season. Camps range from age 4 all the way through high school.

Summer fun happens at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Join in and explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art and fun. For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4 to 14 can use the museum as a learning lab, experimenting and growing, all while having a great time in one of the area’s most history-rich and “cool” environments.

 

Wyoming’s Public Safety Department hosts Citizen’s Academy for clergy and other church leadership

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce the first Citizen’s Academy for the spring of 2017. This academy is specifically designed for clergy and leadership staff from local churches. This series of presentations will describe and provide rationale for several services performed by the City of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. There will be presentations about Public Safety functions followed by an open forum designed to promote meaningful discussions about community service, outreach and other issues faced by various segments of our community.

 

Members of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have a strong desire to form meaningful relationships with the community it serves. Clergy members are important stakeholders in this process as well as valuable allies in creating a vibrant community dynamic. We hope that by working in tandem, we can develop and grow meaningful relationships built on trust based on our respective spheres of influence.

 

Schedule
Week One (May 9)

Welcome by department staff/administration, Department Mission and Accreditation (CALEA), Program goals, Outreach, Community Needs, Service Model, Explanation of Police Services, Investigative Bureau, Patrol Operations, Administrative Operations, Building Tour, Open discussion forum for input from audience.

 

Week Two (May 16)

TACT/CNT operations, K9 demonstration, Forensics Unit, Open discussion forum for input from audience.

 

Week Three (May 23)

City Administration, 62A District Court Services, Fire Administration, Firearms Simulator, Open discussion forum for input from audience.

 

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with Sgt. Brian Look with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Community Services Unit and fill out a short application. Sgt. Look can be contacted in person at the Department, at 616-257-9711 or email: lookb@wyomingmi.gov

Kent County selects new voting machines; plans roll-out by November

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Hard News, , , ,
Kent County will have new voting machines in place by wall of this year. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kent County, and the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, will have new voting machines in place by later this year as part of a Michigan state-wide upgrade of voting machines — and City of Wyoming clerk Kelli VandenBerg says she is pleased with the selection process and anticipates local voters will be pleased with their new experience.

 

Voting machines in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will look similar to ones the public is used to, but they will be more “user friendly”. (Supplied)

“Any resident who has voted in the precinct will notice that this is new equipment – but that doesn’t mean there will be a steep learning curve or longer lines at the polls,” VandenBerg said in an interview with WKTV. “One of the key aspects in selecting this particular vendor is that the technology is much improved over our old equipment. This equipment is also much more user friendly.”

 

After a months-long review and selection process, and after the State of Michigan approved three qualified vendors, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons recently announced Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. as the vendor of choice for Kent County’s purchase of new election equipment.

 

According to a press release from the county clerk’s office , the new voting machines will first be used by all local voting bodies in Kent County starting with the November 2017 election. Some clerks across the state reportedly plan to use their new machines as early as the August 2017 election. All municipalities are required to have the new machines in place by the August 2018 election.

 

“My priority for Kent County’s new election system is to provide high quality equipment, the assurance of security, and a positive experience for the voter; each of the systems we considered would accomplish this in unique ways,” Lyons said in supplied material. “At the end of the day, my decision came down to the reliability and customer service for which Dominion is known, and its partnership with ElectionSource, an election services provider located right here in Kent County, which also has a proven track record for first class service.”

 

Lyons said here decision was based on input from local municipal clerks; improved features of the machines and software, including election-night result reporting for the public; high-speed absentee ballot-counting capabilities for local jurisdictions; and overall cost. Working with a local vender was also high on her list.

 

“We are supporting our local economy by working with a business located in our own back yard,” Lyons said in the press release.

 

“Kent County is very fortunate that our Elections Director (Susan deSteiguer) was involved in the committee that did the review,” Wyoming clerk VandenBerg told WKTV. “We also have our new County Clerk with Lisa Posthumus Lyons (involved). I understand her process was very thorough — she took a lot of notes and asked a lot of great questions. Kent County was well-represented in the selection process, and I am very comfortable with how we chose the new equipment.”

 

City of Wyoming hosts second meeting on upcoming millage request

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Tonight, the City of Wyoming will host a second meeting to discuss the upcoming request to open up its library maintenance millage for park improvements.

 

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. tonight at the Gezon Fire Station located at 2300 Gezon Parkway SW. On the May 2 ballot, the city is requesting that .16 of the .39 library maintenance levy be used to help with park improvements. The nearly $800,000 per year raised would be use to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money would be dedicated for park improvements at Ideal, Jackson, Ferrand, and Gezon.

 

According to Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, the mill levy for the average Wyoming homeowner would be less than $12 a year.

 

For the past several years, the City of Wyoming has made facility improvements to the library which has included the revamping of the former library cafe into a public meeting space. “Over the course of the years, the city council has only actually levied that which is necessary to maintain the library,” Rynbrandt said, adding that as city officials looked ahead, they realized for the next 10 years, the library facility would not need any major renovations.

 

“So here we are not at the point where we can say we don’t need to make those significant investments in library maintenance in the next 10 years,” Rynbrandt said. “So we have a choice: can we ask the voters to recognize the maintenance needs in the park system and would they allow us the flexibility to use some of those library maintenance funds on park capital.”

 

The question before voters on May 2 is whether the city can use some of the library maintenance funds for park improvements.

 

This would not have any impact on the overall operation of the library which falls under the Kent District Library system. Operation, including materials, is covered through a KDL millage which is separate from the city’s library maintenance millage.

 

Two tornados and a flood within four years caused extensive damage at Ideal Park with the park losing many of its trees and playground equipment. Jackson Park also was impacted by the tornados but also has a need for better stormwater control along with improved security and safety. Ferrand Park is a small pocket park that has not have any major improvements in a number of years and Gezon Park is surrounded by intense residential growth with the central area of the park needing to be developed.

 

For more information about the proposal and the four parks, visit WYParks.com. The next meeting on the parks will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

Fast Track to Success: the Sekayi Bracey Story

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports, , , , , , , , ,
Photo on the left is Sekayi at Purdue taken by Matt Staudt, photo on right is Sekayi from our 05/06 annual report taken William Hebert

By Jacquelyn Zeman, PR Intern for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

When East Kentwood alum Sekayi Bracey was just 8-years-old, her elementary gym teacher encouraged her to pursue running.

 

“We had a field day,” said Sekayi, who graduated from East Kentwood in 2016. “(My teacher) realized how fast I was. He told my mother that I had a gift and I could go somewhere with it.”

 

Eleven years later, she’s still running and can claim 10 individual state titles earned during her high school track career. Sekayi also earned a spot on the women’s track team, with a full-ride scholarship to Purdue University in Indiana.

 

Not long after being discovered by her teacher, Sekayi began running competitively. In 2006, when she was 8-years-old, Sekayi ranked third in her age group for the long jump and 200-yard dash in the state.

 

Sekayi was highly involved with the Grand Rapids Track Club’s summer youth program. It was her mother, Yamaka Bracey, who founded the group “I was running alone until she started it,” Sekayi said. Describing her experience as “amazing.”

 

“Honestly, it got me to where I’m at today,” she said. “(It helped me) accomplish the things I did in high school, like breaking records and becoming a state champion.”

 

The Youth Grant Committee at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded a grant to the track program that year and Sekayi was featured in the organization’s annual report for 2005-2006.

 

She’s a college freshman with aspirations to work in forensics someday. Another one of her major goals is to compete in the 2020 Olympics. “That has been my dream since I was 8, so I really am seeking to fulfill that,” Sekayi said.

 

At 5 foot 3 inches, she is on the shorter side for her events as a sprinter and jumper. She advises anyone who also wants to be a college athlete to “stay focused.”

 

“Always take care of the little things, because the little things help build up to the major things in life,” Sekayi said. “Focus on keeping your grades good and when it’s hard, always just push through because you are going to have hard days sometimes.”

 

Sekayi describes her running as “an escape.” Prior to each race, tries to “really visualize each jump I’m gonna do, before I go onto the track.”

 

Her personal records include a 100m dash of 11.68 seconds, 200m of 23.61 seconds, 60m of 7.41 and a long jump at 19 feet, eight inches.

 

Among these accomplishments, attending college is what she is most proud of. Sekayi said this is because her parents did not have the same opportunity as her. The family has five children, Sekayi is the oldest. Her siblings are all runners, too. “Which is crazy because none of our parents ran.”

 

Growing up, her role model was Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) who is considered to be the fastest woman of all time. Sekayi said that having the ability to inspire people, like Flo-Jo, makes her want to have an impact in the running world.

 

“God got me to the place I am today, and he has blessed me with a gift,” she said.

‘Poverty Simulation’ staffers make the workshops happen

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, Volunteers, , , ,

 

By Ellie Walburg, Access of West Michigan

 

Staffers are important at Access of West Michigan.

 

In preparation for an upcoming Poverty Simulation, volunteer staffers Mary, Cindy, Tom and Rhoeda were busy at work compiling participant packets and organizing materials.

 

The Poverty Simulation is just one of many programs at Access of West Michigan to create solutions to poverty through education and collaboration. The goal in these seminars is to bring awareness of the realities of poverty and to encourage people to get involved.

 

The “Living on the Edge” poverty simulation provides an opportunity for participants to walk in the shoes of someone living in a low-income environment. The participant must navigate with their “family” how to provide for expenses, make ends meet and be sustainable throughout the event.

 

As staffers of the events, Tom and Rhoeda have been working with and learning from these simulations. What began as a way to simply get involved with the community has become a meaningful experience of inspiring participants to engage and learn.

 

Both Tom and Rhoeda, married, retired and living in Muskegon, volunteer to prepare for the simulations by preparing the packages of money and ensuring all participants will have what they need. At the simulation events, Rhoeda loves interacting with the “family members” working hard to stay afloat.

 

“I like interacting with the participants,” she said, “watching them get into their roles, with their comments, discussions — they’re deep in thought.”

 

Tom has also been moved by his experiences of being a part of the simulations.

 

“I heard a participant comment on how she really thought about it when she had to go do the different things, like leaving her child home to go work,” he said. When families are involved, things get personal.

 

Rhoeda gets excited about these events, because they’re so important.

 

“The way it changes people’s attitudes,” she said. “The way they treat people in poverty can make a big difference.”

 

Mary and Cindy also volunteer in the preparation for the simulation, and equally appreciate the opportunity to watch people’s attitudes change.

 

“I like to see the interactions with the families,” Mary said. “They cooperate with families, make a community of their own.”

 

After an afternoon of packing, planning and preparing, the team of volunteers was ready for the upcoming event. For them, it’s not just hours to fill their time, it’s an opportunity to create an awareness of poverty — on a personal level.

 

And these staffers would know. Some have lived it.

Interested in attending or hosting a poverty simulation at your organization? Please visit http://accessofwestmichigan.org/about-us/poverty-education/ for more information.

Government Matters: Week in review, April 17-21

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Politics, , ,

Peters cosponsors legislation to establish national registry for firefighters suffering from cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of deaths for firefighters

 

By WKTV Contributor

 

U.S Senator Gary Peters announced he is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to establish a national registry that would better monitor cancer diagnoses in firefighters. The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would also improve voluntary data collection to track and respond to firefighters’ unique health care needs. Firefighters are exposed to hazardous toxins and carcinogens in the line of duty and have a higher risk for cancer, which is a leading cause of death for career firefighters. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, nearly 60% of firefighters will die from cancer.

 

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to help protect our homes and our communities, and in return they deserve to receive the best care possible,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

 

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would create a voluntary registry to collect and catalog health data related to the high instances of cancer among firefighters. The registry would include information such as years of service, number of fire incidents responded to, and any additional occupational risk factors. The data will be made publicly available to researchers to help support groundbreaking research to determine any link between exposure to toxins and cancer, and develop better protective gear and prevention techniques to improve firefighter safety.

 

According to a 2010 study by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) firefighters have a 14 percent increased risk of dying from cancer compared to the general population. Firefighters are also much more likely to be diagnosed with unique forms of cancer, such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

 

Peters cosponsors bipartisan bill to promote research and development of wood products for building construction

By Allison Green

 

U.S Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), has announced he is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to encourage research and development of innovative uses for wood as a building material in the construction of tall buildings over 85 feet in height. The Timber Innovation Act of 2017, which was introduced by U.S Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), would direct the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish programs to advance and improve environmentally-friendly wood building construction, support Michigan’s forestry industry and encourage good stewardship of forestry resources. According to a 2015 report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Michigan’s forestry industry supports approximately 87,000 jobs and contributed nearly $17.8 billion to the state’s economy.

 

“Michigan’s forests are not only beautiful, they are an important economic resource for our state, especially in our rural communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula,” said Senator Peters.

 

While lumber and wood products have been a key part of construction for centuries, most wood buildings do not exceed three to four stories in height. Recent developments in wood products engineering and new technologies, such as laminated timber and lumber, have encouraged greater use of wood in larger construction projects. According to the USDA, wood building materials are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly than other common building materials.

 

The Timber Innovation Act would build on recent developments in wood construction by promoting research and development through the National Forest Products Lab and American colleges and universities to identify new methods for the construction of wood buildings and to study the commercialization, safety, and environmental impact of tall wood building materials. The bill would also create a Wood Innovation Grant program to encourage builders to adopt emerging technologies and cutting-edge wood products, and launch an annual Tall Wood Building Competition to promote the development of new tall wood building designs.

 

Peters cosponsors legislation to improve access to care for women veterans

By Allison Green

 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, announced he is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide better access to services to help meet the unique health care needs of women veterans. The Deborah Sampson Act, named for a woman who disguised herself to serve in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, would improve access to specialized services, like maternity and newborn care. According to the VA, there are approximately 2 million women veterans across the country, including more than 46,000 in Michigan.

 

“As the number of women veterans continues to grow, we must ensure that they are able to access the care and services they have earned by serving our country in uniform,” said Senator Peters.

 

The Deborah Simpson Act would improve access to support services, including counseling and legal support for issues such as housing, eviction and child support issues. The bill also improves health care for women veterans by requiring every VA facility to have at least one women’s health primary care provider on staff, authorizing funding to retrofit VA facilities to enhance privacy and provide a better care environment, and expanding coverage for specialized services including maternity and newborn care.

 

Peters, colleagues to urge Trump to quickly nominate government watchdogs

Inspectors General needed to conduct critical oversight and investigations of taxpayer dollars

 

By WKTV Contributor

 

U.S Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to send a letter urging President Donald Trump to quickly nominate qualified candidates for Inspectors General (IGs), who serve as watchdogs at federal agencies. According to a 2014 report from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), for every federal dollar invested in the IG community, IGs recoup 18 dollars in potential savings from identifying waste, fraud, and abuse.

 

“While many acting IGs have served admirably in the absence of permanent leadership, the lack of a permanent leader threatens to impede the ability of these offices to conduct the oversight and investigations necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected, public safety risks are identified, and that whistleblowers who expose waste, fraud, and abuse are protected,” the senators wrote. “In addition, the lack of a permanent IG can create the potential for conflicts of interest and diminish the essential independence of IGs.”

 

Many government agencies have an independent Office of the Inspector General that is responsible for auditing federal programs in order to improve government operations and target waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as investigating whistleblower claims and allegations of wrongdoing. The following agencies currently lack a presidentially-appointed permanent Inspector General: Department of the Interior, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Administration, National Security Agency, Small Business Administration and Intelligence Community. The United States Postal Service, AbilityOne Commission, and the Federal Election Commission have Inspectors General vacancies that the agencies are required to fill. The members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee had previously sent a similar letter to President Obama urging him to fill Inspectors General vacancies.

 

Peters cosponsors bill to help more veterans suffering from PTSD receive mental health treatment

By WKTV Contributor

 

U.S Senator Gary Peters has announced he is cosponsoring legislation to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mental and behavioral health services to certain former servicemembers who received less than honorable discharges, also known as “bad paper” discharges. The Honor Our Commitment Act of 2017 would extend eligibility for VA mental health benefits to individuals with bad paper discharges who are suffering from mental health disorders as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained during their service.

 

“Our veterans put their lives on the line in service to our country, and they have earned the right to get the treatment they need for injuries sustained during their service, including the invisible wounds of war like PTSD and traumatic brain injuries,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation that will ensure our brave service members can get the health care services they need both during and after their military service.”

 

A less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments – behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A less than honorable discharge renders servicemembers ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans. The bill applies to former servicemembers who received a general or other-than-honorable discharge.

 

The VA has recently announced that it will extend only limited mental health services for suicide prevention and crisis prevention to veterans who qualify, such as the Veterans Crisis Line. According to an investigation by the National Journal, 13% of Post-9/11 veterans – roughly 318,000 – have left the service with a less than honorable discharge. This status denies most of them of VA educational, economic and other benefits. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 11-20% of these veterans have PTSD in a given year.

 

Last year, President Obama signed into law Peters’ bipartisan Fairness for Veterans amendment that helps veterans with a bad paper discharge resulting from behavior caused by PTSD to petition for an upgrade in their discharge status. An upgrade to an honorable discharge would help certain veterans access benefits earned through their service like VA home loans and educational benefits provided by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

 

Peters statement on reported potential closure of EPA Region 5 Office

By WKTV Contributor

 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters has released the following statement on reports that President Trump’s Administration may close the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Office in Chicago that serves Michigan and other Great Lakes states:

 

“While these reports have yet to be confirmed, I am gravely concerned with any effort to potentially close the Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office, which would be a disaster for the Great Lakes. Not only are the Great Lakes a source of clean drinking water for over 40 million people, but they play a critical role in our economy – from shipping and commerce to tourism and travel. Important Environmental Protection Agency programs help restore portions of the Great Lakes watershed and protect against threats like toxic algal blooms and invasive species.

 

“The Environmental Protection Agency also provides important technical assistance as the City of Flint recovers from the water crisis and considers a transition to a new water source. Flint families still cannot drink tap water without a filter, and as more communities deal with the effects of aging infrastructure on the health of their water systems, we should be strengthening – not cutting – these vital federal tools.

 

“I am committed to fighting any proposal to close the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 office, which would threaten public health in communities across Michigan and endanger the Great Lakes for future generations.”

6th Annual KCPC Above the Influence-Kent County ‘Recode’ Youth Summit set for May 12

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , ,

 

By Kent County Prevention Coalition

 

The Above the Influence [ATI]–Kent County Youth Summit is a Generation Y- and Z-driven conference powered by the Kent County Prevention Coalition (KCPC).

 

Birthed out of a vision to empower community youth, The Summit is designed to equip middle and high school youth to think critically about personal choices and future ambitions, emerging community health and wellness trends related to underage substance use/misuse, and the power community teens have individually and collectively to impact peers, family and community norms and the world by making a personal commitment to live Above the Influence.

 

This year’s ‘Summit: Recode‘ is all about encouraging this generation to take a stand and to drive positive change in the community, while transforming health and wellness trends and overcoming pop culture messages that suggest that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are not harmful. Ultimately, this year’s theme speaks to Summit 2017’s goal of empowering and equipping every attendee to excel individually, lead socially and revolutionize their families, schools and community by living Above the Influence.

 

The Summit is designed to:

  • Engage youth in being visible, valuable and vocal to underage substance use prevention efforts in Kent County
  • Champion the voices and engagement of youth in the work of underage substance use prevention
  • Understand the underage substance use issues and emerging trends in Kent County
  • Engage youth as investors in the health and wellness of Kent County
  • Develop adolescent leadership skills and talents
  • Foster relationship-building among teens across the county, state and region
  • Create opportunities for youth to engage community leaders and elected officials
  • Uses innovation, art, technology and media to deliver prevention messages

The Kent County Prevention Coalition (KCPC) is a team of 25+ member organizations who all share a genuine concern for improving the health and wellness of the community. They band together to change community conditions, norms, systems and policies in a variety of creative ways.

 

The organization’s purpose is to prevent and reduce substance use behaviors in Kent County with a focus on youth. They are committed to being visible, valuable and vocal in the work of substance abuse prevention.

 

The work of the coalition is about people, passion, partnerships and performance. These goals are achieved by taking prevention to culture. Rather urban, suburban or rural, these issues impact where people work, live, play, learn and worship.

Details

Date:

Friday, May 12, 2017

Time:

8 am-2 pm

Venue:

DeVos Place Convention Center

303 Monroe Ave. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This event is FREE.

For more info, contact Michele Stitt, KCPC at michele.stitt@network180.org or call 616.855.5298.

The City of Wyoming once again answers the urge to purge with its Community Clean-Up Day

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Residents unload trash into the dumpsters during last year’s Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Neighbors helping neighbors. Parishioners loading up trucks. Friends helping seniors move items. These are the stories City Treasurer Nancy Stoddard collected from last year’s Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day. Stories she hopes to see repeated at this year’s event set for Saturday, April 22.

 

“We have the same goal we had last year when we put together the Community Clean Up Day,” said Stoddard, who is is part of the Looks Good Committee, one of three strategic planning committees made up of city employees. “That was to reduce blight in the City of Wyoming as well as beautifying the neighborhood. So we are excited to bring this event back to the community again, right on Earth Day.”

 

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a new location, North Godwin Elementary School located at 161 34th St. SW.

 

“When we first came up with this plan for these community clean ups, we looked at areas of the city that had a particular amount of complaints regarding the improper disposal of refuse and in doing so there are three areas that started to standout in the city,” Stoddard said. “So we are trying to do a clean up in each of those three areas. So this year we have switched it to that North Godwin area.”

 

Entrance to the site will be from the northbound land of Buchanan from 34th Street to the south driveway of the school. Southbound Buchanan traffic will not be permitted to turn left into the site. Traffic will exit from the site to northbound Buchanan only.

 

Stoddard noted that residents living in the area have been notified that Opal and Reiser streets will be closed on 34th Street along with the west end of 34th Street to Buchanan during the event. Residents are encouraged to enter and exit the area via Division Avenue.

 

The set up is similar to last year. Residents must bring a proof of residency or if the person is a property owner, a utility bill showing that, to enter. Upon entering, household hazardous waste and items for recycling will be collected by Kent County (for what is accepted in hazardous waste and recycling, visit the Recycle Kent website), and Salvation Army will be collecting gently-used items (for a list of accepted items, visit the Salvation Army website). The north end will have eight refuse bins from Plummer. The number of refuse bins was doubled from last year due to demand.

 

“We were ecstatic with the turnout [from last year],” Stoddard said. “Three-hundred thirty-six vehicles came through the lot that day. Fifty-one point four tons of garbage, refuse were removed from the city at that one six-hour event.”

 

There will be a charge for mattresses and box springs, $15 each, and tires, which must be cut in half, will be $10.

 

Many of the city’s employees will be volunteering their time again at this year’s event. Also, high school students may use the event toward their required community service hours needed to graduate. To do so, high students need to fill out a form with the city by 5 p.m. Monday, April 17.

 

Also, the Wyoming Public Service Center Yard Waste Drop-Off site, located at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no limits to the size of branches or shrubs, however, residents must unload the yard waste themselves and all containers must be removed from the facility.

 

For more information, visit the city’s website or call the treasurer’s office at 530-7284.

Employment Expertise: 6 ways to deal with a bad boss

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Not all bosses are created equal. If you have a difficult supervisor, here are some ways to cope:

  • Know their work habits. Do they like to communicate in person or via email? Do they need coffee right away? Adjust your work style accordingly to create a more pleasant work environment.
  • Do your job well. Increase your value as an employee by being productive and positive, even if your boss doesn’t seem to notice.
  • Be professional. Are you doing anything to contribute to the issues with your boss? Are you defensive in meetings or gossip with co-workers? If you don’t know, ask someone you trust for honest feedback.
  • Talk to your boss. Ask them to clarify expectations and priorities. Make sure to write them down so you and your boss can refer back to it.
  • Try to reach a compromise. If clarifying expectations doesn’t help the situation, set up a time with your boss to discuss the issues in an honest and respectful way. Think of solutions to suggest at the meeting.
  • If all else fails, talk to HR. If things still don’t change after meeting with your boss, talk with Human Resources. Remember to report any bullying or harassment immediately.

If your relationship with your boss is still unhealthy, consider joining a company with a better culture. When you’re happy in your job you’re more likely to succeed and grow.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Wyoming seeks to open up library maintenance millage for park improvements

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , , , , , ,

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

With much of the necessary updates made to the City of Wyoming’s library building, Wyoming officials are now turning their attention to its parks by asking its voters to allow the city’s dedicated library maintenance millage to be opened up to make improvements at four of its parks.

 

The proposal will go before voters at the May 2 election. It is requesting that about .16 of the .39 library maintenance levy be used to help with park improvements. The nearly $800,000 per year raised would be used to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money would be used for four parks: Ideal, Jackson, Ferrand, and Gezon.

 

“From a mill levy standpoint it is less than $12 a year,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “So it is the average cost for a homeowner in the City of Wyoming less than one cup of coffee a month.”

 

The City of Wyoming’s request is not an increase to voters but would allow the city more flexibility in using the library maintenance funds for park improvements.

 

“By being creative, by being flexible, we can meet the needs of this community without having to ask voters for an increase in millage,” said Rynbrandt, who oversees the city’s Park and Recreation Department.

 

More than $650,000 in facility improvements have been made at the library, which is located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW. Those improvements have included a new roof and the conversion of the former library cafe into a public meeting space. The library is part of the Kent District Library system, which provides for all of the materials, books, CDs, etc. Those materials are covered by the KDL millage. The city’s library maintenance millage is only for the facility and would have no impact on the operation of the library, Rynbrandt said.

 

“So here we are at the point now where we are saying that we don’t need to make significant investment in library maintenance for the next ten years so we have a choice,” Rynbrandt said. “Can we ask the voters to recognize maintenance and capital needs in the park system and would they allow us the flexibility to use some of those library maintenance funds on park capital.”

 

Every five years, the City of Wyoming meets with residents and city staff to review needs at its parks. Through that process, the city has recognized more than $23 million in park improvements. In 1994, Wyoming residents did grant a park millage which for the past 20 years the city has been able to invest and maintain the parks without an increase, Rynbrandt said.

 

However, within four years the city has had several natural disasters — a 2013 flood, and 2014 and 2016 tornados — which has created a greater need, Rynbrandt said. Highlighting some of those needs is Ideal Park, one of the four parks that would receive funding through the millage proposal. Ideal Park was severally impacted from the 2014 tornado with its playground equipment destroyed. The city was able to remove much of the debris and get the park reopened only to have the 2016 tornado cause more damage.

 

Ideal Park was closed after the 2014 tornado caused serve damage, destroy the park’s playground.

Learning from those lessons, Rynbrandt said the city recognizes that it needs to improve the security at the park along with the entrances and exits. The city also would like to replace the playground equipment as well, she said.

 

Another park is Gezon Park, located between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street, which has had tremendous residential growth around it. A site plan was developed for the park in 1996, which needs to be reviewed, Rynbrandt said since things have changed so much around the park.

 

“We didn’t have splash pads back then,” Rynbrandt said as example of some of the changes. The south and north ends of the park have been developed, but the center of the park remains mostly open with residents asking when will the development for that area begin.

 

Also on the list is Ferrand Park, a small pocket park located off of Byron Center, that serves a very dense residential area, Rynbrandt said. The park has not had any improvements or new equipment in a number of years.

 

Jackson Park is the last park on the list. Located at 1331 33rd St. SW, this park, which at one time had a swimming pool, is in an area that was once Lake Alexandria and floods frequently. One of the goals is to improve the stormwater control along with security and safety as well as put in a restroom and improve parking.

 

For more about the millage request and the four parks, visit wyparks.com or visit wyomingmi.gov and go to Parks and Recreation.

 

Kentwood makes emergency repairs at 44th and Division, drivers should seek alternate routes

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

If your travel plans involve heading in or near the intersection of 44th Street and Division Avenue in the next few days, you might want to find alternative plans.

 

The City of Kentwood will be making emergency road repairs at the intersection due to a broken manhole cover.

 

According to a release from the city, one eastbound lane of 44th Street will be closed for up to three days while city staff make the repairs. Those traveling through the intersection should expect delays and if at all possible are encouraged to find an alternative route.

Every day is Record Store Day at local record shop hosting new vinyl, live bands

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Corner Record Shop, in a stylized image created by Christian J. VanAntwerpen, is a magical place for music lovers. (Supplied)

 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The people behind the counter at the Corner Record Shop, located in Grandville just over the City of Wyoming border and long known as one of Western Michigan best places to browse for used vinyl and CDs, believe every day is Record Store Day.

 

But that doesn’t stop them from having a big ol’ party on the annual celebration of independent record stores — this year it being Saturday, April 22 — with an annual rush day of new vinyl releases, a bunch of bands in the back room, and a party-like atmosphere for customers familiar and newbie.

 

A bit of advice for the newbies, however, don’t say something like “vinyl is coming back” unless you want to look like a dork.

 

The inside of the Corner Record Shop will be the place for new vinyl and live music Saturday. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“Record Store Day has probably gotten bigger each year, just the number of releases and the people who are aware of it, as far as the public and customers,” said Bruce Parrott, who often works behind the counter for store owner Steve Williamson. “Vinyl has always been the biggest part of this business. People say all the time ‘vinyl is coming back, vinyl is coming back’. It has never left for us.”

 

So while there will be new vinyl releases to be checked out at the Corner Record Shop, they will also offer up live music.

 

“A lot of major labels are releasing stuff on Record Store Day, specifically, and the list gets bigger each year as more record labels participating in the day and offering things up,” Parrott said. “But we will have live bands in the back room too.”

 

Starting at noon — doors open at 11 a.m. for those wanting first crack at new releases — there will be live music until nearly 7 p.m., with local bands and musicians on stage including, in scheduled order, The Other Brothers, Dangerville, Jake Stevens Band, Tired Blood, Oliver Draper, Nate, Devin and The Dead Frets. (For video of some of the bands set to play, visit the store’s Facebook page.)

 

Vinyl records, new and rare, are the main market at the Corner Record Shop. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Whether is is Record Store Day, or any day, the Corner Record Shop is a microcosm of the not-so-new resurgence of vinyl, and part of is the fountain of knowledge of the staff on the subject.

 

“New vinyl is better, in most cases,” Parrott said. “The majority of releases come out on what is called 180 gram vinyl, which is a thicker, heavier, sturdier vinyl. Better made than they were — there are some ’70s RCA records, when they were going Dynaflex, you could bend in half almost. The quality of stuff coming out is really good.”

 

Great vinyl is coming out no matter what the genre of music, and trying to pigeonhole the genre of the store’s customers is a fool’s game.

 

“Just when you do that, then something, somebody changes your mind,” Parrott said. “We have a lot of shoppers of every genre. Obviously, classical listeners are getting a little older, so there is probably less of them then there are in the other genres. There is a lot of jazz people who look for new vinyl; definitely classic rock, the stuff that is getting reissued — everywhere from Prince to Led Zeppelin. We sell a lot of new vinyl of every genre.”

 

And, while most used vinyl (and CDs) are not all that expensive, depending on taste, rarity and how big a box set, there are exceptions.

 

“Just two months ago, they re-released all the George Harrison albums, every single one, those also came in a boxed set, which was $450. We sold one — one,” Parrott said. “We also have had (rare) albums that we have had priced at $400, that we put behind the wall (for protection) and sold them.”

 

Record Store Day started in 2008 as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1,400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally, according to its website. In 2008, a small list of titles was released on Record Store Day but that list has grown to include artists and labels both large and small. In 2015, 60 percent of the Record Store Day Official Release List came from independent labels and distributors.

 

Corner Record Shop is located at 3562 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville. For more information on events at Corner Record Shop, list them on Facebook @crs.grandville or call 616-531-6578.

 

Arbor Day Foundation names Wyoming Tree City USA

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The City of Wyoming Tree Commission accepts the city’s new Tree USA designation at the Tree City Awards in Lansing earlier this month.

The Arbor Day Foundation named The City of Wyoming a 2016 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Wyoming achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

 

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

 

Wyoming began its quest to attain Tree City USA status in February 2016 when a group of committed residents formed The Tree Amigos. Wyoming commissioners voted in July 2016 to formally establish them as the Wyoming Tree Commission. The Tree Amigos are celebrating Arbor Day 2017 with three events:

 

  • Arbor Day Tree Planting and Proclamation by Mayor Jack Poll at City Hall, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. DeHamer Brothers Landscaping has donated a ten-foot tall serviceberry tree to commemorate this very special occasion.
  • Arbor Day Tree Education event with 60 Kellogsville students at Ideal Park, 5843 Crippen Ave SW, 49548 at 1 p.m. Friday, April 28. In addition to educational activities, the Kelloggsville Pep Band will play. The Tree Amigos will present each student a blue spruce sapling – and careful directions for its care.
  • Presentation of Tree City USA Award and flag to Wyoming City Council at City Hall, 7 p.m. Monday, May 1. The Tree Amigos will make a five-minute presentation and update to the City council.

 

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home energy costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

 

More information on the Tree City USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. Find the Wyoming Tree Commission on Facebook, The Tree Amigos, or email TreeAmigosWyoming@gmail.com.

 

The Wyoming Tree Commission, nick-named The Tree Amigos, seeks to develop and promote programs that maintain and improve Wyoming’s tree assets in our city’s public and private properties. We strive to foster a healthy, species-diverse tree canopy that meets or exceeds coverage percentages suggested by the Michigan DNR, U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.

Two GVSU students from Kentwood received scholarships to study abroad

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Kentwood resident and GVSU student Holly Miller

Two Kentwood residents were among the nearly two dozen Grand Valley State University students selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for terms during the 2016-2017 academic year to help fund opportunities to study abroad.

 

Shukri Bana and Holly Miller both participated in the program during the summer of 2016. Bana studies were in Women and Gender and English in South Africa while Miller studied Chinese in China.

 

“The impacts of my study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa are numerous,” said Bana in a released statement. “I learned so much about South African history, visited key sights, became close with 13 of my peers and sixth grade South African learners, and the  mountains are pretty beautiful, too.

 

“In those six weeks, I learned about justice, freedom, solidarity, and activism in a way that radically altered my outlook on my education at Grand Valley.”

 

Kentwood resident and GVSU student Shukri Bana

The scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are awarded to high-achieving students to help diversify the students who study and serve internships abroad, as well as the regions where they work and study.

 

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply.

 

Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.

 

There was a total of 4,627 applicants with 1,197 American undergraduate students from 377 colleges and universities were award scholarships for the Summer 2016. Grand Valley had 13 students for the summer program. About 2,900 American undergraduate students applied for the Fall 2016 semester with Grand Valley having three students being awarded scholarships. For the Winter 2017 students, there was 2,700 applicants with Grand Valley having four students receiving scholarships.

 

 

 

 

 

The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

 

For more information on competitive scholarships and fellowships, visit gvsu.edu/fellowships.

School News Network: Settling conflict by settling minds with connective art

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Non-Profits, , , ,

Student-made mandala supports Restorative Justice

By Erin Albanese School News Network

 

With colorful petals radiating from a bright orange center, the mandala Circle of Art rug represents the universe and all its connectivity.

 

For members of Wyoming High School’s National Art Honor Society, it’s also a way of connecting with a program right in their school that helps reduce conflict and unite people.

 

Sinai Salvador, Cecilia Medina and Bekah Luce created the mandala Circle of Art to symbolize restorative justice

NAHS members and juniors Sinai Salvador, Cecilia Medina and Bekah Luce created the rug at the request of Marilyn Booker, who facilitates restorative justice circles at the high school. Booker wanted a symbol that complemented her practice, and students came up with the design. They showcased the rug at the district’s recent Fine Arts Festival.

 

Restorative justice, an outreach of the Grand Rapids-based nonprofit Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan that started at the high school last school year, is a non-punitive, conflict-resolution program that helps students solve differences using trained mediators.

 

Connecting, Uniting, Restoring

In restorative circles, students who are having conflicts tell each other through guided conversation with Booker what’s on their minds. They hold something, like a squishy ball, to indicate their turn to speak. The goal is to reduce suspensions and address harmful behaviors in a therapeutic way. It has been successful and was expanded to the junior high this school year.

 

Booker lays the rug on the floor in the middle of the circles to give students a focal point if they aren’t quite ready to meet eye-to-eye.

 

“We made the rug to help relieve anxiety with these groups,” said Bekah. “A lot of times the kids don’t feel comfortable and don’t know where to look.”

 

The circle is a universal and eternal symbol seen in many aspects of life: the sun, the moon, the earth and the universe. Conflict is also a universal and eternal issue in society, Booker said: “In a circle, there is no disconnect. We are all connected in some way, shape, or form. … Part of doing circles is every voice is important.

 

“We are restoring kids instead of pushing them out,” she said.

 

Wyoming is a very diverse district, the fourth most diverse in the state, according to the website, Niche. In that context, Sinai explained the depth she sees in the piece.

 

“You can think of all the colors we connected in the mandala rug as all the races that are connected in our school society,” Sinai said. “That’s why it’s used in the restorative program. It gets everyone together.”

 

She sees the school’s diversity as a plus for understanding, noting “we all get along. It doesn’t matter where you come from, we all understand that we have different customs, but we all come together because we are all equal.

 

Restorative justice facilitator Marilyn Booker (far left) hosts a Restorative Circle, with the mandala rug in the center, with, from left, students Kiara Kornoelje, Ashley Elliott, Makenna Vanderstolp and Shay Sees

“It’s a way for the school environment to flourish. That’s also why we picked the flower.”

 

Art and Its Many Connections

Wyoming High’s National Art Honor Society, which includes 21 students, focuses on creating art that connects with the greater community, school community and with themselves, said adviser and art teacher Robin Gransow-Higley.

 

In 1978, the National Art Education Association began the NAHS program to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art, though it’s open to all students.

 

Wyoming NAHS students organized the district’s recent Fine Arts Festival, which included works from those in grades K-12, plus choir and theater performances, demonstrations by various clubs, face-painting and other activities. Students are also creating a mural representing student athletics and activities.

 

The club aims to encircle the community it its own way, through art, Higley said.

 

“They connect with the greater community, school community and with themselves,” she said.

Cat of the week: Bryant

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Stunning Bryant

By Sharon Wylie

Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable cat from Crash’s Landing or Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Both cat rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Petrovich, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

A Cutlerville resident came across this stunning — but stinky — intact male on Nov. 18, 2016, and contacted a friend for help; that friend kept the kitty indoors for three days but was unable to house him long-term.

 

When the strapping stud arrived at the clinic on the 21st, he was completely loaded with flea dirt and crawling with live fleas, had significant gingivitis and completely missing an entire toenail from his left rear foot. However, he weighed in at 12.5 pounds — he was well-fed while out roaming the streets — so he did have that going for him, along with being a well-muscled, fine specimen of a cat; we now had quite the hunk in our possession! Dr. Jen’s first order of business was to retest him for FELV/FIV as he had supposedly tested positive for one of the viruses at another clinic; testing at intake (and again a month later) revealed a negative viral status. Once neutered and cleaned up, bold and beguiling Bryant made his way on down to Crash’s.

 

Born in November of 2013, Bryant is a total sweetheart the majority of the time, but has a tendency to get a wee bit nippy when he feels he has had enough attention. He will tolerate the other cats but we think he would ideally prefer to fly solo. He is a very confident guy, so he is not afraid to stand up to some of our more temperamental boys, not backing down and showing them what he is made of.

 

Because of his hot-and-cold attitude, we believe that it would be best that he be placed into a home without small children who might be apt to overlook his cues as to when he needs alone time. That being said, undoubtedly he will make a fabulous addition to someone who wants a cat who will be totally devoted to the human in his life, as long as he is given some space on occasion. He is a stunning boy who is sure to be the confidante and companion someone out there is looking for!

MORE ABOUT BRYANT

  • House trained
  • Spayed/Neutered
  • Current on vaccinations
  • Prefers a home without young children

Want to adopt Bryant? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

MI Choice offers options for independence

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, , , , ,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

According to a 2015 report on caregiving by the AARP, 16.6% of adults act as an unpaid caregiver of another adult age 50 or over. This may be a spouse caring for their husband/wife, a family caring for their mother/father, or even a friend caring for another who doesn’t have family available. As our aging population continues to grow, so will the number of people who find themselves in position of caring for a loved one.

Often when we begin having discussions about those we are caring for, with them or other family members, we often assume that the decisions are “Who is mom going to live with?” or “Should we start looking at nursing homes for dad?” A person caring for their spouse may be reluctant to ask for help, believing that it means they are incapable of providing for their loved one, and fear losing them as a result. Many people are unaware that there are options available for older adults that may not require a move or loss of independence at all.

The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program is one of these options. Created in 1992, MI Choice is an income-eligible program providing in-home services to older adults in order to help them remain in their own homes rather than a nursing home or to move in with a relative. With assistance, many older adults are able to live independently for the remainder of their lives.

Individuals in the MI Choice program can receive help with all sorts of daily living tasks, like in-home cleaning services, bathing and dressing, nursing, and meal delivery. Individuals may qualify for services like home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and transportation. For those families who already made the choice to have a loved one move in with them, these services are available to help care for a loved one in your home, as well as respite services for those times when family caregivers need a break. In addition, MI Choice Medicaid Waiver saves Michigan tax-payers money.

Providing in-home services costs far less than a move into a nursing home. Applying for the MI Choice program begins with a phone call to Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. Applicants to the program are pre-screened for income eligibility, so it is important to have financial information on hand. Once an applicant’s income is verified, a Care Management team, comprised of a Social Worker and an R.N., is sent to the home to do an assessment. This assessment determines what supports are necessary to help an older adult remain at home.

Throughout this process, the individual and anyone else they choose to have involved has a say in what services they want and how they want them delivered. There are supports we may be qualified to have, but we do not want them, or we want less of them. The Care Management team will work to insure you have a say in decisions made about your care every step of the way.

If you are interested in learning more about the services that may be available to you or your loved ones or you would like to begin the application process, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or email at aaainfo@aaawm.org. Even if the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program isn’t for you, there are a number of other services available through Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and their partners for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Visit our website: www.aaawm.org or find us on Facebook.

 

Staying safe: 5 tips to prevent summer emergencies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA)

 

Sunshine and warm weather provide plenty of opportunity to get outside and be active. Don’t let an emergency get in the way of your summertime fun. Here are five tips to keep your family safe this summer.

  • Window Safety. Opening up windows and letting in a cool breeze is a welcome change in spring but can also increase the risk of falls, especially for small children and pets. Move furniture that kids and pets might climb on away from windows. If you have double-hung windows, open the top and keep the bottom closed. Remember, screens don’t make windows safe; even a small child can fall through a screen.
  • Injuries. Summer provides all kinds of opportunities to get outside and be active. Be sure to wear protective gear like helmets when biking, skating or riding a scooter and appropriate pads and guards for sports activities. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
  • Severe Storms. As tornado season begins, be sure to identify a safe place to go when there’s a tornado risk. The best options are in the basement or a storm cellar. If you don’t have one of these options, identify an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Water. Swimming and enjoying Michigan’s many natural waterways is a great way to cool off in the summer. Stay safe this summer by swimming with a buddy; don’t allow someone to swim alone. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water.
  • Heat Waves. Never leave children or pets alone in an enclosed vehicle. In just a few minutes, temperatures can become life threatening!

 

Unfortunately, no matter how prepared we are, emergencies can happen. Now, a new service, available to Kent County residents, can get you help faster.

 

Smart911 allows you to create a free online safety profile to assist 911 dispatch. For example, dispatch technology used by 911 systems can sometimes pin cell phone calls to inaccurate locations. However, with a Smart911 profile you can register your cell phone to a specific address. Call-takers will have a precise location for your home along with other key information like home layout, family make-up, pet descriptions, medical information and gas and electrical shutoff locations.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is dedicated to providing resources to members of our community. We hope you will visit Smart911 to learn more and sign up for this potentially life-saving service!

 

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

World Affairs Council offers ‘Peace’ talks at KDL’s Cascade branch

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Non-Profits, Politics,
The April 19, discussion, “The New Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities”, will be led by Dr. George Lopez, Hesburgh.

WKTV Contributor

 

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan and the Kent District Library is holding a series of discussions titled “Give Peace a Chance” at the KDL Cascade Township Branch with the second of three discussions being Wednesday, April 19.

 

The Cascade library is located at 2870 Jack Smith Ave SE, Grand Rapids. The lectures, scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each day, are free, open to the public and free parking is provided.

 

The April 19, discussion, “The New Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities”, will be led by Dr. George Lopez, Hesburgh Professor of Peace Studies, Emeritus, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Description: “Many pundits and professional politicians suggest that our era of global violence, and especially terrorism, makes peace a fantasy.  This presentation will challenge that claim and will illustrate the new pathways to building peace, particularly on ways in which individual citizens and larger civil society groups can play important roles in building peace in their local communities and especially in outreach to the wider world.”

 

The Thursday, April 27, discussion, “Perspectives on Peace in the New Administration”, will be led by Dr. Frederic Pearson, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Wayne State University. Description: “With the presidential elections so recent, it is unclear what direction the new administration will take. Dr. Pearson will outline President Trump’s first 100 days in office. Given the trends in his presidential policy thus far, he’ll assess what that means for the prospects of peace worldwide.”

 

For more information visit worldmichigan.org/peace-series .

Eclipse Award nominees announced

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Rehearsals for the big announcement

By WKTV Contributor

 

The nominations for the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards is out, with a few WKTV productions on the list.

 

For a list of the nominees for the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards check out the following video:

https://vimeo.com/213556495

 

WKTV Government Channel 26 features launch and docking ISS Expedition 52

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The crew of ISS Expedition 51.

The launch and docking of the Soyuz MS-04 will be aired on WKTV Government Channel 26 on April 20.

 

This will mark the transition for the International Space Station Expedition 51 to 52.

 

At 2 a.m., There will be a showing of the crew’s launch day pre-launch activities. The crew heading to the station includes Russian cosmonaut  Fyodor Yurchikhin and American astronaut Jack Fischer.

 

At 8 a.m., there will be video of the pre-launch, launch and post-launch interviews.

 

Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and American astronaut Jack Fischer preparing to head for the International Space Station.

At 8:30 a.m., will be coverage of the docking of the ISS Expedition 51-52/Soyuz MS-04 to the International Space Station.

 

At 10:30 a.m., will be the hatch opening and the welcoming ceremony.

 

Expedition 51 is the 51st expedition to the International Space Station, which began upon the departure of Soyuz MS-02 on April 10 and is scheduled to conclude upon the departures of Soyuz MS-03 in June. Peggy Whitson is commander of the expedition and is the first woman to command two expeditions to the International Space Station, having previously commanded Expedition 16.

 

Along with Whitson, Yurchikhin, and Fischer, the crew includes Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French aerospace engineer Thomas Pesquet.

 

Whitson will be extending her stay through the 52nd Expedition with Fischer and Yurchikhin, returning home in September rather than June. Novitsky and Pesquet will return in June.

 

The reason for this is Roscosmos’ temporary  decision to reduce its number of cosmonauts to two which left a seat open on the return flight. Whitson’s extension will ensure a full complement of six astronauts — rounding out the crew will be U.S. astronaut Randy Bresnik, cosmonaut Sergey Ryazansky, and Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli — on board the station and increase the amount of valuable astronaut time available for experiments.

 

“I love being up here,” Whitson said through a NASA press release. “Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for.”

 

On April 24, Whitson will break the standing record U.S. record of 534 cumulative days in space. She also holds the record for most spacewalks by a female. To follow Whitson’s space station journey, go to http://www.twitter.com/AstroPeggy.

 

For more on NASA and upcoming missions, visit nasa.gov.

School News Network: East Kentwood’s robotics team earns award at Lakeview district competition

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East Kentwood High School’s Red Storm FIRST Robotics team earned the district Chairman’s Award at the recent Lakeview district competition. The prestigious award honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST, including hard work and dedication. The coveted award qualified the team for the state competition at Saginaw Valley State University.