Category Archives: Area Education

Harvest Festival Marks a Decade of Essential Farm Education

Area Education, Our Cities
4th grader Jacob DeMaagd said petting a goat is similar to petting sheep, but minus the wool
Fourth grader Jacob DeMaagd said petting a goat is similar to petting sheep, but minus the wool Photos from School News Network

by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, School News Network

Godwin Heights Public Schools, MI —  Unexpectedly, Sonny the horse lets out a high-pitched whinny to the delighted squeals of children gathered around him. The boys and girls ask the owner of the Arabian horse what his neigh means and her reply illustrates why North Godwin Elementary has for a decade poured time and resources into its Harvest Festival.

Now in its 10th year, the Harvest Festival included up close and personal visits with farm animals such as sheep, goats and rabbits. It also featured its own pumpkin patch where boys and girls scrambled to the school’s basketball court to pick one of 400 pumpkins they could take home. Inside the school, farmers explained what’s involved in growing the food that’s sold in grocery stores and exported to the world.

Harvest Festival shows urban students, in a fun way, what’s required to raise livestock and grow produce, not only for the United States but the world, said speech pathologist Toni Browley, who is affectionately known to students as the Harvest Queen.

GH_Harvest_Fest_5
A jack-o-lantern beanbag toss teaches good hand-to-eye coordination

Feeding People the World Over

Caledonia Farmers Elevator employees Jenna Taylor and Krista Janeschek explained how important soybeans and field corn are to feeding the world’s population.

Both plants help feed the world’s population of seven billion people, said Janeschek. They’ll be all the more important when the world’s population increases to a projected nine billion by 2050.

“The U.S. is No. 1 in soybean production and it produces 41 percent of the world’s corn,” said Janeschek.

What surprised students is the many products they would not expect to be made from soybeans and corn, such as carpet fiber, plywood, aspirin, soap detergents and, of course, foodstuffs such as corn bread, candy, cookie mixes and corn syrup.

Good Questions are Asked

“They come up with lots of really good questions, which is great because so many of our kids have never been to a farm or have never seen farm animals,” said Browley. “They’ve never seen a zucchini or brussel sprouts except for those that are in a can.”

It’s safe to add most of the students never heard a horse neigh. Sunny’s owner, Darcy Fransens, explained the 24-year-old horse could see the nearby trailer that transported him to the school. Horses are herd animals, Fransens explained that to his way of thinking, there is another horse in the trailer that he wants to let know he’s at the school.

Fourth-grader Kim Tran said she discovered horses have side to them she never would have guessed.

“Animals can be really shy sometimes,” said Kim.

School teachers and administrators plan Harvest Festival months in advance. Students’ overwhelmingly vote in favor of a school-wide Harvest Festival instead of a Halloween party, said elementary teacher Julie Broene, known that day as “Farmer Broene” for her deft ability to see to it that all the school’s 400 students each took home a small pumpkin.

Where the Flowers Grow

Area Education, Community Health, Local Faces

Where the Flowers GrowMost parents set out to instill good traits into their kids, Michigan natives Greg and Lisa Flower are no different.  Their two daughters – Dallie and Bailey – have benefited immeasurably from the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit instilled into them by their parents.  When combined with the passion for animals and agriculture the family shares, these are the traits that have helped to shape their lives.

 

It’s certainly no coincidence that the girls share their parents’ interest in farming.  Greg and Lisa made the choice to raise them in a way that would encourage it.  After all, agriculture had been a part of their lives from the very beginning. Having met when they were just kids themselves, both members of 4-H, by the time they were in their early twenties they were husband and wife, living out in the country and spending most of their Friday nights attending local team penning events.

 

Back then, Greg was just in the beginning of his career as an Eaton County Sherriff’s Deputy and Lisa was a nurse.  Were they happy?  Happy – yes, but driven for more.  The couple’s Friday night routine eventually got them thinking about how they wanted to raise their kids.  The resulting idea would not only provide a solid foundation for their children’s upbringing, but also give them that something extra they’d been craving in their lives.

 

They began slowly expanding their place; buying the land around them from their neighbors as soon as it became available.  In time, they turned their 40 acres into 240 and have made good use of the space.

 

It’s the home to Slippery F Arena; an indoor and outdoor venue where the family holds team penning events.  It’s most definitely a family affair, daughters Dallie and Bailey are the co-owner operators of the arena with their parents.

 

Much of the their sprawl is devoted to the 400 head of cattle that call it home during the summer, then down to about 100 in the winter.  The property’s former set up as a dairy farm works well for the family’s needs. Greg’s been able to utilize different sectioned off areas to receive new cattle, administer vaccines and ensure that they’re eating well before being turned out to pasture.

 

Another section of the old farm provides shelter to the horses. These five high caliber animals are shared among Lisa, Dallie and Bailey. They’re used to compete not only in events hosted at Slippery F, but also at other locations, when the girls pack them up and head to the next event. Recently, Bailey and Lisa went to Texas, taking three horses for team penning, while Dallie traveled to Ohio for a sorting event.

 

The girls run 10-11 shows each year, hosting riders indoors or out, depending on the season. They say most of the riders who attend are local, but they do get the occasional visitor from places like New York and Texas; mostly those are riders who stop in on their way through, as they travel the circuit. So far the girls have been able to use the money they’ve earned to help pay for their college educations. Dallie says she would like to continue exactly what she’s doing. She teases that her boyfriend – whose Ag interests are geared more towards crops – needs to learn to do what her dad does because while she can run the arena, she can’t handle the cattle too.

 

The girls didn’t get all their entrepreneurial spirit from their dad – Mom Lisa has turned her passion into a thriving organization as well. As a nurse, she was happy with her career, but found she had a special affinity for working with the elderly. It was during negotiations for the purchase of the property across the road from the Flowers’ home that Lisa decided to open an assisted living facility, providing twenty-four hour care for the elderly. The couple from whom Greg and Lisa bought the property were the first residents in Lisa’s new care center. What started as a single wide trailer was built into a custom home, aptly called the Flower House.  The family affair extends to Lisa’s business as well; oldest daughter Bailey is one of the caregivers for the home’s fifteen residents.

 

In the family’s quest to raise healthy animals, Greg says having Michigan Veterinary Supply, a division of ANIMART, Inc. right in his backyard has been a huge help.  The family agrees that the customer service is excellent, it’s easy and convenient and they appreciate that the drivers are knowledgeable. The fact that Greg and MVS Warehouse Manager, Dave Nickel, grew up together in Vermontville makes it an even easier pairing. When it comes to getting what he needs, Greg says “I don’t need any other source, I’ve got Dave.”

 

So what’s next? Greg says one thing he’s certain of is that in three years he’ll be hanging up his badge. He’s seen a lot of interesting things in the 22 years he’s already put in to the Sherriff’s department (most he’d rather not comment on).  Once retired, he hopes to continue to foster Dallie and Bailey’s passion for agriculture, as well as his own.  Currently he’s giving thought to expanding his custom backgrounding operation or says maybe something completely new will catch his attention.  Whatever steps he takes, his family will no doubt be right alongside, sharing the passion that he’s worked so hard to inspire.

 

To hear the girls tell it, they can’t imagine life any other way.

New Technology Keeps WKTV Looking Young

Area Education, Non-Profits, Recreation, WKTV Projects,
Two of WKTV's six editing bays available for community use.
Two of WKTV’s six editing bays available for community use.

mike_dewittAfter 40 years of serving as Wyoming and Kentwood’s community TV station, WKTV is finally over-the-hill. While some may see a 40th birthday as getting old, the technology available here at WKTV says otherwise. It’s what keeps the stations young, fresh, fast and…well… new!

 

The mission at WKTV is to connect the community through media and create media literacy. That’s a fancy way of saying “You have a story to tell that we want to hear, and we have equipment that you can use to tell that story… for free!”

A look inside WKTV's Cinema Suite
A look inside WKTV’s Cinema Suite

 

WKTV boasts six Cannon field cameras that are available for checkout. Each camera has its own tripod and set of microphones – with or without cords – for anyone to use for an event or a project.

 

After you’re done capturing your footage, stay a little while at the station and finish off your work in one of WKTV’s six editing bays fully equipped with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier Pro. Each editing bay is its own room with two large monitors to work on and sound units available for voiceovers.

 

Maybe you’re looking to film your own movie and want something with better resolution that what the Cannon cameras can offer. Well, WKTV recently purchased a state-of-the-art BlackMagic Camera that films at double the resolution of HD! Pair that with the station’s digital cinema program – an editing bay with three full monitors and audio tuning – and WKTV has everything a storyteller needs to bring that story to life.

Studio A and its control room.
Studio A and its control room.

 

If checking out cameras isn’t your thing, and you’d rather run your own show in a TV Studio, WKTV has a full studio open to the community. Cameras, teleprompters, lights, and a control room are all available to make your show run smoothly, and look good too.

 

There is no fee to rent out any of the equipment either. The only stipulation is that you must create a project WKTV can air on one of its three channels.

The inside of WKTV's Mobile Unit
The inside of WKTV’s Mobile Unit

 

On top of all that, WKTV is able to offer the community a chance to participate in the production of a live sports broadcast. The station is home to a 35-foot mobile unit that is one of the largest in Michigan. The truck is used to broadcast high school sports in full HD multiple nights a week. Volunteers are used for the entire production from filming and announcing in the stadium to directing and cutting replays from inside the truck during the game.

 

There’s something at WKTV for everyone. If you have a story, we want to hear it. Over 400 volunteers come through the station every year, so the question is, why not you?

 

Stop by WKTV at 5261 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming.

Master Control Diner
The diner that acts as the master control room!

One Wyoming 1 on 1 Stresses the Power of having a Mentor

Area Education, Our Cities

janice_limbaughAt last Wednesday’s business launch, One Wyoming 1 on 1 appealed to local employers to become mentors to students in Wyoming schools. The need for mentors is significant says Harry Knol of Wyoming Public Schools, while the results are nothing but positive according to “The Mentoring Effect”.

 

“Be someone who matters to someone who matters,” says Pastor Eddy Brewer of GR First Church.

 

The purpose of One Wyoming 1 on 1 is to connect local youth with positive adult mentors so they can grow up to be tomorrow’s leaders. The program requires mentors to meet with the student one hour per week, usually during school on school property, with training and support provided by the One Wyoming 1 on 1 steering team. Outside events, like free movies, are also offered to mentors and mentees throughout the year.

President of Metro Hospital Mike Faas is planning on encouraging his employees to become mentors.
President of Metro Hospital Mike Faas is planning on encouraging his employees to become mentors.

 

Speaking in support of the program was President of Metro Health Hospital Mike Faas and former Wyoming Park basketball player and Michigan State alumni and basketball player Drew Neitzel, who is currently a financial advisor in the Wyoming area.

 

Faas admitted that his “eyes were opened” by what he learned that day.

 

“You can never be a leader unless people want to follow you. And you don’t always know who influences you until years later. That’s why this program is so important,” he explained adding, “I completely support it and look forward to sharing it with my management team. This is something people will want to be a part of.”

Wyoming Park High School and Michigan State alumni and basketball player Drew Neitzel shares the influence of mentors in his life.
Wyoming Park High School and Michigan State alumni and basketball player Drew Neitzel shares the influence of mentors in his life.

 

For Drew Neitzel, mentoring is something he does on a regular basis with his annual basketball camp for kids in 4th to 8th grade. “It gives you a good feeling to help kids,” Neitzel shared from his personal experience. He says that he recalls his first mentor was his dad.

 

“Then through high school I had teachers and coaches who guided me and encouraged me to excel not only academically but as a basketball player as well.

 

“The greatest thing you can do for these kids is support them and tell them they can reach for the stars,” he said.

 

Neitzel added that he owes a great deal of gratitude to MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo who changed him from being a quiet kid to a man who could take charge, speak up and become a leader. “That’s what mentoring is about.”

 

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for a student of any age in the Wyoming school system, e-mail your question to info@onewyoming1on1.org.

Taming Inflation Before It Devours Your Portfolio

Area Education, Local Business

by Wealth Management Systems

Inflation Happens:

Don’t Let It Derail Your Long-Term Plans

A penny saved is a penny earned, right? Not necessarily. Thanks to inflation, over time that penny could be worth less than when it was first dropped into the piggy bank. That’s why if you’re investing—especially for major goals years away, such as retirement—you can’t afford to ignore the corrosive effect rising prices can have on the value of your assets.

Inflation Under the Microscope

Just what is inflation, this ravenous beast that eats away at the value of every dollar you earn? It is essentially the increase in the price of goods or services. The most commonly referenced measure of that increase is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is based on a monthly survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI compares current and past prices of a sample “market basket” of goods from a variety of categories including housing, food, transportation and apparel. The CPI does have shortcomings, according to economists: It does not take taxes into account or consider that as the price of one product rises, consumers may react by purchasing a cheaper substitute (name brand vs. generic, for example). Nonetheless, it is widely considered a useful way to measure prices over time.

Inflation has been a very consistent fact of life in the U.S. economy. Dating back to 1945, the purchasing power of the dollar has declined in value every year but two—1949 and 1954. Still, inflation rates were generally considered moderate until the 1970s. The average annual rate from 1900 to 1970 was approximately 2.5%. From 1970 to 1990, however, the average rate increased to around 6.0%, hitting a high of 13.3% in 1979. Recently, rates have been closer to the 1% to 3% range; the inflation rate has been 2.06% thus far in 2014.

What It Means to Your Wallet

In today’s economy, it is easy to overlook inflation when preparing for your financial future. An inflation rate of 4%, for instance, might not seem to be worth a second thought—until you consider the impact it can have on the purchasing power of your money over the long term. For example, in just 20 years, 4% inflation annually would drive the value of a dollar down to $0.44.

Or look at it another way: If the price of a $1,000 refrigerator rises by 4% over 20 years, it will more than double to almost $2,200. A larger-ticket item, such as a $23,000 automobile, would soar to more than $50,000 given the same inflation rate and time period.

Inflation also works against your investments. When you calculate the return on an investment, you need to consider not just the interest rate you receive but also the real rate of return, which is determined by factoring in the effects of inflation. Your financial adviser can help you calculate your real rate of return.

Clearly, if you plan to achieve long-term financial goals—from college savings for your children to your own retirement—you will need to create a portfolio of investments that will provide sufficient “inflation-adjusted” returns.

Investing to Beat Inflation

Insulating your portfolio against the threat of inflation might begin with a review of the investments most likely to provide returns that outpace inflation.

Over the long run—10, 20, 30 years, or more—stocks may provide the best potential for returns that exceed inflation. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, stocks have historically provided higher returns than other asset classes.

Consider these findings from a study of Standard & Poor’s data: An analysis of holding periods between 1926 and December 31, 2013, found that the annualized return for a portfolio composed exclusively of stocks in the Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 Stocks was 10.14%—well above the average inflation rate of 2.96% for the same period. The annualized return for long-term government bonds, on the other hand, was only 5.52%. In addition, the study found that the stock portfolio did not suffer a loss in 817 separate 20-year holding periods. In every period, the annual rate of return for the stock portfolio was greater than the inflation rate. The bond portfolio outpaced inflation in only 447 of the 817 20-year holding periods—by a much lower margin.

A Balancing Act

Keep in mind that stocks do involve greater risk of short-term fluctuations than other asset classes. Unlike a bond, which offers a fixed return if you hold it until maturity, a stock can rise or fall in value based on daily events in the stock market, trends in the economy or problems at the issuing company. But if you have a long investment time frame and are willing to hold your ground during short-term ups and downs, you may find that stocks offer greater potential to beat inflation.

The key is to consider your time frame, your anticipated income needs and how much volatility you are willing to accept, and then construct a portfolio with the mix of stocks and other investments with which you are comfortable. For instance, if you have just embarked on your career and have 30 or 40 years until you plan to retire, a mix of 70% stocks and 30% bonds might be suitable. But even if you are approaching retirement, you may still need to maintain some growth-oriented investments as a hedge against inflation. After all, your retirement assets may need to last for 30 years or more, and inflation will continue to work against you throughout.

Take Steps to Tame Inflation

Whatever your investor profile—from first-time investor to experienced retiree—you need to keep inflation in your sights. Stocks may be your best weapon, and there are many ways to include them. Consult your financial planner to discuss your specific needs and options.

This communication is not intended to be tax or legal advice and should not be treated as such. Each individual’s situation is different. You should contact your tax and/or legal professional to discuss your personal situation.

This article was prepared by Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc., or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc., nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.

Kent District Library Calendar of Events for November

Area Education

Kent District Library November 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007 Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.  If you want to learn the latest programming highlights from Kent District Library–keep this schedule handy.  Everything from book discussions, computer classes, and story times.  A little something for everyone!  Please visit www.kdl.org for more information. For Children and Families Sensational Senses! See, hear, smell, touch, taste! Come join us as we explore the world through our five sensational senses! For ages 6 and younger. Monday, November 3, 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch Wednesday, November 5, 9:45 AM – Plainfield Township Branch Wednesday, November 5, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township Branch Thursday, November 6, 9:45 AM – Plainfield Township Branch Monday, November 10, 9:45 AM and 10:30 AM – Walker Branch Wednesday, November 12, 10:00 AM – Walker Branch Thursday, November 13, 6:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch Thursday, November 13, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township Branch Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Thursday, November 20, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Fall Mixed Up! Leaves float up and squirrels fly south! Celebrate this topsy-turvy season with zany stories, songs and activities centered around the book Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka. For ages 6 and younger. Wednesday, November 5, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch Monday, November 10, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park Branch Wednesday, November 12, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park Branch Michigan Reads Celebration Celebrate the 2014 Michigan Reads book, Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander, with crafts and activities. For ages 6 and younger. Thursday, November 6, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch Saturday, November 8, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township Branch Monday, November 10, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch Tuesday, November 11, 1:00 PM – Byron Township Branch Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township Branch Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 AM – Caledonia Township Branch Get Revved Up Interested in cars? Want to learn how an engine works? Create your own rubber band car, help us build an engine model and even design a sketch of your own style of car or truck. For all ages. Saturday, November 8, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch Saturday, November 29, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch 3Doodler Dream It, Draw It Have you ever wished your drawings could come to life? Now they can! With the use of the 3Doodler, create simple 3D objects from your own imagination or use some of the provided stencils. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For all ages. Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch Saturday, November 15, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Saturday, November 22, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Thankful for You Day KDL is wrapping up nearly two years of our Happiness Project with a major celebration of the folks who most make us happy — our customers! Help us celebrate YOU with treats, fun, entertainment and surprises during each of our 18 branch celebrations. For all ages. Saturday, November 15, 11:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch Wednesday, November 19, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park Branch Friday, November 21, 3:00 PM – Grandville Branch Saturday, November 22, 10:30 AM – Plainfield Township Branch Saturday, November 22, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Saturday, November 29, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch Meet the Author: Tuesday Tucks Me In with Luis Carlos Montalvan Join us for a visit with author Luis Carlos Montalvan and his service dog Tuesday as they talk about animal assisted therapy, the human/animal bond and their own heartwarming story. As narrated by Tuesday, Tuesday Tucks Me In is a typical day in the life of this service dog extraordinaire and tail-wagging ambassador for all things positive and uplifting in the world. For all ages. Saturday, November 22, 10:30 AM – Plainfield Township Branch Sunday, November 23, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch For Teens Grades 6–12 Write Michigan Short Story Workshop for Teens Delve into the world of creative writing by exploring different techniques and short story ideas. This workshop offers the opportunity to share your work with other aspiring writers. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Saturday, November 8, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Tuesday, November 18, 3:30 PM – Wyoming Branch Stop-Motion Animation Workshop Love animation? Want to make your own animated films? Let loose your creativity at this fun-filled, half-day workshop by bringing found objects or 2D puppets to life. This hands-on experience will teach you the basics of stop-motion animation including adding sound elements. All technology and software is provided. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Saturday, November 15, 12:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch For Adults Future Proof Retirement Planning Kelly Gilbert and Steve Kitchen, authors of Future Proof Investing, will teach participants to make financial decisions based upon their own goals and objectives. In keeping with KDL policy, this is not a sales seminar, but an informational program about different models of retirement planning and how to save and protect funds for an attainable and sustainable retirement. Saturday, November 1, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch Early Childhood Essentials: Money and Economic Skills for Preschoolers Learn ways to grow children’s knowledge about money and economics that will help prepare them for kindergarten and for life. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Monday, November 3, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch Herbal Holiday Gifts Learn a variety of ways to use herbs and essential oils to make gifts for every occasion! We start out by discussing (and sharing!) some tasty foods that can be packaged as gifts. This is followed by ideas for using essential oils to make bath sachets, oils, bath salts and more. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. For adults. Wednesday, November 5, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch Thursday, November 6, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch (Lowell) Monday, November 17, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch Thursday, November 20, 6:30 PM – Spencer Township Branch Early Childhood Essentials: Appropriate Technology with Young Children In this interactive session early childhood professionals will explore how technology can be used to help young children learn. We will review guidelines for quality technology experiences and will evaluate several early childhood applications and websites. Bring your questions and learn more about technology used with children. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Saturday, November 8, 10:00 AM – Caledonia Township Branch Early Childhood Essentials: Selective Screen Time Video games, apps and television have become a normal part of childhood starting from a young age. How does it affect brain development? Is too much a bad thing, or will it give kids a competitive edge? Join Spectrum Health Community Health Educator Kim DeLaFuente and learn the truth about the impact of screen time on growing brains and bodies. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Saturday, November 8, 11:30 AM – Caledonia Township Branch Chocolate Making with Polly Von Eschen Rockford’s very own chocolatier, Polly Von Eschen, will discuss the history of chocolate, different types of chocolate, and the basics of creating your very own delicacies at home. Sponsored by the Friends of the Krause Memorial Library. Monday, November 10, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch Early Childhood Essentials: Discipline with Fewer Tears What are the roots of misbehavior and how can we help young children self regulate their behavior? In this session you will learn how to use choice consequence and positive reinforcement to eliminate power struggles and tears. This is a standalone session but early childhood professionals will gain valuable and applicable background knowledge by attending the “Fostering Goodness” workshop held earlier in the season. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Monday, November 10, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Thursday, November 13, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 PM – Walker Branch Successful Aging An expert on life enrichment in the home from Clark at Home will discuss factors linked to successful aging, including having an active lifestyle, positive coping skills, good social relationships and support, as well as self-efficacy. Miranda will discuss creative ways to adapt to each of these areas as one meets the changing demands of adulthood, focusing on the best quality of life for any individuals. Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 PM – Walker Branch Fall into Poetry Sunday Series Connect with some of our area’s most renowned poets on the 4th Sunday of September, October, and November. This month’s featured poets: “Two Cool Dudes”: GF Korreck and Todd Kanenko will conspire to entertain with their sometimes witty, always insightful poetry. Presented by the Friends of the Kentwood Library. For adults and teens. Sunday, November 23, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Got a Buck save a Duck

Area Education, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals,
For ever plate bought, $25 goes to Ducks Unlimited
For every plate bought, $25 goes to Ducks Unlimited

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging motorists to purchase the new Ducks Unlimited fundraising plate, adding that the revenue generated from the sales will profit more than just ducks.

 

“The new Ducks Unlimited license plate supports conservation and outreach activities that highlight the importance of wetlands,” Johnson said. “Wetlands are essential not only to waterfowl but to the millions of Michigan residents who depend on them for clean drinking water, recreation and more.”

 

Motorists purchasing a Ducks Unlimited plate will pay $35 in addition to any regular registration fees that are due; $25 of the $35 will go to Ducks Unlimited. When the plate is renewed, an additional $10 is collected and sent to the cause. The Ducks Unlimited plates may also be personalized for a fee, giving motorists another opportunity to showcase their support.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson promotes new Ducks Unlimited plate as beneficial to entire state
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson promotes new Ducks Unlimited plate as beneficial to entire state

 

“We’re really pleased to see the license plates available for sale,” said Pete Albrecht, state chair of Michigan Ducks Unlimited. “Michiganders have real pride in their waterfowl heritage and the habitat in which waterfowl flourish. This is another way to express that pride and put money back into Michigan wetland habitat conservation at the same time.”

 

The Ducks Unlimited plates went on sale last month. Plates may be purchased at any Secretary of State office, or by mail using the online fillable form on the Secretary of State website.

 

Michigan’s marshes and wetlands provide food and shelter to hundreds of species of ducks, geese and swans. Wetlands play an important role for waterfowl, but they also are beneficial to humans by reducing floods, filtering pollutants out of the water, recharging underground water supplies, and providing great commercial and recreational value to the economy.

 

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Visit its website at www.ducks.org for more information.

Get In Shape–Take an Adult Ballet Class With The Grand Rapids Ballet

Area Education, Local Entertainment
AdultBalletDSC_1527
Improve your balance and grace with ballet

Balance need improving?   Need to get in shape?  Think you have two left feet?   Improve your balance, grace, and blood pressure by reading about this opportunity:

 

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) has introduced an Adult Ballet Class for active individuals and dance admirers looking to exercise. Come in and learn about all the ways ballet can help you stay fit. This class is open to all ranges, abilities and experience levels. The program focuses on: Ballet Technique, Stretching, and Conditioning. Don’t hesitate to bring a friend, the first class is FREE!

AdultBalletDSC_1516

 

This class focuses not only on ballet technique, but also on core strengthening and muscle conditioning. Studies have proven that ballet dancers train and perform on a level equal to professional football players. In ballet, all of your muscles are actively engaged in movement, providing you with greater flexibility, and exercising the brain. Beyond that, you build self-confidence, grow artistically, and relieve stress.

 

“Ballet is more than just moving and turning” said Artistic Director Patricia Barker. “Ballet provides the poise and presence needed to command both on and off the stage by instilling a sense of accomplishment that improves your outlook on life.”

AdultBalletDSC_1508

 

Classes are held at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance, home of the Grand Rapids Ballet, located at 341 Ellsworth SW. Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30pm-7:45pm.

 

For more information on Grand Rapids Ballet, visit www.grballet.com or connect with them on Facebook.

 

Grand Rapids Ballet
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary this season, the Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) remains committed to lifting the human spirit through the art of dance. A proud recipient of the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Cultural Organization, Michigan’s only professional ballet company has a rich history marked by steady growth, a commitment to excellence, and strong community support.

Kentwood Students Enjoy Early Success in Newcomer Program

Area Education, Our Cities,

by Erin Albanese, School News Network

With curious faces, students in Kentwood Public Schools’ Newcomer Center Program greeted visitors to their classroom, some smiling shyly and others offering beaming grins.

The 5- to 7-year-olds were busy matching plastic letters to their friends’ names, learning the shapes and sounds of the English alphabet.

“Look at this!” yelled one student in accented English, as he showed his work to Miguelina Quinones, the program’s kindergarten through second-grade teacher.

The students have varying levels of English and school experience. They arrived from countries in Africa, Nepal, the Dominican Republic and several other places in recent months. Last year, students came from 17 countries and 17 native languages were spoken throughout the building. At Meadowlawn Elementary School, 33 percent of students are English learners. Many come from war-torn countries and have lived in refugee camps.

In the Newcomer classroom, one student was a little off task. “What do you have to do?” asked Quinones.

The boy paused to find the right word. “Listen,” he said, emphasizing both syllables.

Pictures, hand signals, letters, numbers and words, all taught by teachers and paraprofessionals devoted to helping immigrant children, are helping these youngsters learn English in preparation for enrollment in a regular classroom. The yearlong all-day program has allowed time allotted for English instruction to increase dramatically. Main focuses are speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.

Getting Them Off to A Good Start

The Newcomer Center Program is located at Meadowlawn for grades kindergarten through fifth, and at Crestwood Middle School for sixth- through eighth-graders. At Crestwood, about 40 students attend the program each year. Students there join regular classrooms for part of the day and focus separately on core subjects like reading and math.

Last school year, according to Meadowlawn Principal Michelle Downs, 54 percent of elementary students showed 1.5 to 2 years of reading growth as gauged by the Scholastic Reading Inventory program, and 46 percent showed .5 to 1 year of growth.

The Meadowlawn program draws from all 10 elementary schools, and after a year students start regular programs at their home schools. A total of about 75 elementary students will attend throughout the year, with students trickling in over the months.

Before the program started three years ago, students were receiving 150 hours of language instruction per year. They now receive more than 1,200.

“When you look at the difference in the number of minutes that these kids are getting in high-quality instruction, we’ve really turned the tide in giving these kids the foundation that they need to be successful back in their classrooms,” Downs said.

Students are also opening up more, she added.

“One of the the goals of this was providing an environment where kids felt safe enough to use the language and to learn, and to make mistakes. In an environment were everyone is learning English, kids are taking risks, speaking English at an earlier point.”

More Time = More Success

Newcomer Program student Paw Hyser Gay plays the ukulele
Newcomer Program student Paw Hyser Gay plays the ukulele Photos from School News Network

In the third-fifth-grade classroom, teacher Chellie Howard compared a student’s work from September to May. In the fall, the student, from Tanzania, had drawn a picture and written a few letters and numbers scattered around the page. In May, she titled her paper “Friendship” and wrote in sentences and paragraph form.

“Some of my students have never had the opportunity to go to school before in their lives,” Howard said. “I have third, fourth- and fifth-graders who have never had school, or have had refugee school and can sing the ABC song and that’s it. Their parents maybe have not had an opportunity to go to school. I can get third-graders who still don’t know how to write their name.”

Howard starts by teaching the alphabet, numbers and the names of items, as well as basic phrases, phonics and words students need to read by sight.

But students are also required to meet the same state content standards as all students in their grade level. Howard pointed to information on her walls on states of matter, molecules and scientific tools. They are learning language and grade-level content at the same time.

“By the end of the year they are reading, on average, at middle to end of first-grade level,” she said. “Some of them go higher. They know their letters and sounds; they can put together a simple story for me.”

Students also learn social skills, Downs said. Many aren’t used to U.S. norms such as using indoor bathroom facilities. Some have to be taught to go inside. But teachers aren’t taken aback because they understand the students’ circumstances, Downs said.

“The culture of Meadowlawn really embraces our English learners. It’s really who we are as a building,” Downs said. “For us it’s amazing to watch kids go from not having any English language to being able to participate in class and have basic language skills and basic academic skills.”

Fourth-grade student Victor Fnu, who immigrated with his family from Myanmar 18 months ago, said he likes “everything” about school — “math, reading, writing.”

He said he was “a little bit happy” when he first started. He remembers learning to read and speak English. “When I was in the class it was kind of hard to read the easy books.”

Now he’s taking on harder things in the traditional Meadowlawn program. “Today,” he said, “I’m planning on reading a book and practicing times (multiplication).”

CONNECT

Kentwood Public Schools News

It takes two: Parents needed as driving coaches

Area Education

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today, in recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, encouraged parents and guardians to take an active role in coaching their teen driver as they practice behind-the-wheel skills together.

“Parents are the single greatest influence on a young person’s safe-driving habits,” Johnson said. “I encourage parents and guardians to make the most of the time your teen spends driving with you. Take your teen driving in a mix of driving environments and conditions, such as on highways and country roads, and in rain storms and heavy fog. The more experience they get while driving with you, the more confident and safe they’ll be driving by themselves.”

As part of the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing program, teens must practice driving with a parent or guardian for at least 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night. Once they get at least 50 hours of practice, they can take the road-skills test and progress to a Level 2 intermediate license, which lets teens drive by themselves with passenger and nighttime restrictions.

To help parents better coach their teen driver, Johnson partnered with the national traffic-safety group Safe Roads Alliance to offer The Parents Supervised Driving Guide and its related smartphone application late last year. The program’s guidebook focuses on the important role of parents during the first phase of the Graduated Driver Licensing program for teen drivers, providing a resource to help and encourage parents to expand upon the amount and diversity of their teen’s practice driving experience.

Parents and teens are also encouraged to download the award-winning program’s free mobile app, RoadReady™, to track the time they spend together behind the wheel with the click of a button. The app is available from the App Store for iOS devices and will be available for Android devices in the future.

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide is given to teen drivers and their parents or guardians when the teen applies for the Level 1 learner’s license. It’s also available online at www.Michigan.gov/teendriver, a resource site Johnson created to help guide teens and parents through the Graduated Driver Licensing program. An e-reader version of the booklet is also available.

Johnson also created a monthly email newsletter as another way to provide teen drivers and their parents coaching tips when they drive together, updates about new driver laws and reminders for teens about safe driving. People can sign up by visiting the teen driver website and clicking on the red envelope icon. People also can subscribe by texting “MSOS GDL” and then their email address to 468-311. If a subscriber leaves out their email address, they will be sent text message updates with a link to the newsletter.

As part of Johnson’s goal to keep teen drivers safe on the road and further reduce the number of teens involved in vehicle crashes, her office sought a review by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-sponsored panel of national experts. Their report called the Secretary of State Office’s driver education and traffic safety programs exemplary, and the panel’s lead safety expert called Michigan “lucky to have so many dedicated teen driver safety officials, instructors and volunteers. Every day all across the state, teens are receiving top-quality instruction and guidance.”

Michigan’s success in training new drivers is reflected in the remarkable reduction of young drivers aged 16 to 20 involved in crashes over the past decade. From 2004 to 2013, the number of crashes involving teen and young adult drivers decreased 38 percent and the number of fatal crashes involving that group decreased 45 percent.

Successful Write Michigan Short Story Contest Back for 3rd Year

Area Education, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits

KidsBookSigning Kent District Library, Schuler Books & Music, and Herrick District Library announce the third annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, the competition that drew nearly 900 Michigan writers in its second year.

 

Stories can be submitted at www.writemichigan.org through November 30. Writers of all ages can enter, with separate categories for Youth (11 and under), Teens (12-17) and Adults (18 and up). Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online. Winners are chosen by public vote for the Readers’ Choice award and by a panel of judges for the Judges’ Choice award. Voters and judges choose winners from the top ten semi-finalists.

 

The top honor in each category receives a $250 cash prize. Winning entries will also be published by Chapbook Press. “Write Michigan is a wonderful opportunity for authors of all ages to get published,” said Heidi Nagel, Communications Manager at Kent District Library. “The young winners are especially excited to see their stories in print.” Winners will be honored during an Awards Ceremony taking place on Saturday, March 21 at Schuler Books & Music. Susan Dennard, author of the young adult Something Strange and Deadly series, will present the keynote. The ceremony is sponsored by Meijer. Participating libraries are offering writing workshops for adults, teens and children.

 

Details can be found at www.writemichigan.org/events.html. For more information, visit www.writemichigan.org.

 

Kent District Library is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.    

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Area Education
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Michigan State Police shared tips for parents and other adults who would like to talk to kids about how to deal with a bully.
Do you know that October is designated as National Bullying Prevention Month?
This month the Michigan State Police encourages parents and teachers to talk to students about what to do if they experience or witness an act of bullying. Here are some tips about how to best respond to bullying:
•Don’t respond with anger.
•Never get physical or bully back.
•Act brave; walk away and ignore the bully.
•Talk about it.
•Utilize your friends.
•If you are being bullied, tell an adult.
•If you see someone being bullied, tell an adultThese tips will help to convey information about Bullying.

Student’s Death Cautions Classmates Against Distracted Driving

Area Education, Our Cities, ,
Students designed this poster through an education campaign coordinated by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department
Students designed this poster through an education campaign coordinated by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department Photos provided by School News Network

by Charles Honey, School News Network

Kenowa Hills Public Schools, MI —  Jim Freybler hushed an auditorium full of teenagers, then told them that texting a few words on a cell phone was all it took to kill his son Jacob.

“You guys need to think about that, OK?” Freybler told the recent assembly at Kenowa Hills High School. “Texting takes lives. Your parents don’t want to be up here like I am.”

The father’s brief but powerful appeal hit home with many students at the school where Jacob would have been a senior this year. The 17-year-old was killed in a car accident June 18 when his car crossed the center line on Eighth Avenue near Marne and crashed head-on with an SUV. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies said he had been sending and receiving texts at the time.

His father’s testimony capped a day-long program on the dangers of distracted driving. It had been planned long before Jacob’s death, and some wondered if it should be called off because of the accident. His family insisted it go on.

Students wore T-shirts in memory of Jacob Freybler, who died in a car crash involving texting
Students wore T-shirts in memory of Jacob Freybler, who died in a car crash involving texting

“I said, ‘We have to do it. We’ve got to get the message out,’” Jim Freybler said. “There’s too many people out there that are texting and driving. They’re eating, putting on makeup, weaving all over the road. It’s not just kids, it’s adults too.”

He teamed with Jim Blaszak, a State Farm Insurance agent who organized the event as a way to give back to his alma mater and raise awareness. Blaszak said he’s lost a lot of former classmates to distracted driving.

“It used to be drunk driving was the big thing,” Blaszak said. “The biggest drug on the planet right now is a smart phone in the car.”

Students wore T-shirts in memory of Jacob Freybler, who died in a car crash involving texting

‘People are Learning from the Mistakes He Made’

The Kent County Sheriff’s Department collaborated in the event, in which students simulated distracted-driving scenarios on table-top computers and a stationary car in the parking lot.

Sheriff’s deputies started seeing a trend of distracted-driving related crashes several years ago, said Deputy Tim Erhardt, a resource officer at the high school. He helped start an educational campaign in which students competed with videos, posters and other materials for a program that eventually reached about 27,000 students.

The problem remains so prevalent, Erhardt said, that he got two radio calls about distracted-driving accidents while he was overseeing the simulations at Kenowa.

Students said the simulators helped them realize how easy it is to be distracted by not just texting but by passengers. Kevin Elliott, who crashed his video vehicle while sending a text, said he had talked to Jacob Freybler shortly before his fatal accident.

“He’d have been pretty happy to see people are learning from the mistakes he made,” said Elliott, a senior.

“He’s basically living his senior year,” said Karley Lynn Mead, a close friend, pointing to the gym full of students at the assembly. “He would feel proud, like, ‘Wow, people actually care.’”

A football game Oct. 3 is to be dedicated to Jacob and help raise money for a scholarship in his honor, with the sale of T-shirts, decals and wristbands.

Principal Katie Pennington said the effort was a way to help students heal from Freybler’s death while teaching them something valuable. “The more we can hammer them with this message, the more we can impact their behavior outside of school.”

CONNECT

Report on Jacob Freybler’s death

Kentwood High School Alumni gives back!

Area Education
J.D. talking to students
An opportunity to give back as J.D. talks to Teen Leadership students at Kentwood Public Schools.
J.D. tells the class what it was like to serve in Afghanistan.

To teach, is to touch a life forever!

 

This seems apparent with the remarkable relationship that was forged between former Kentwood student J.D. Marsiglia and his former Teen Leadership teacher Mr. Joe Pellerito.

 

“When I first took his class, I was so shy, I could hardly speak in front of anyone,” Marsiglia told WKTV during a recent phone interview.

 

And now, he believes in giving back to the teacher who impacted his life so greatly.

 

Recently Mariglia, who is an Army Specialist in Gulf Company 3BSTB, spoke to Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership students.

 

“The students were really interactive and asked me a lot of questions about my time in service in Afghanistan.  I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a sleep disorder.  I told them how I cope and how difficult it can be,” he explained.

 

J.D. also addressed these issues:

 

How important communication is in the army
His daily life in Afghanistan
Facing fears
The transition home
Speaking with authority figures
Teaching new recruits
What EK did to help prepare him for the real world
What’s next for him (college).

 

JD is currently an Army Specialist in Gulf Company 3BSTB 10th Mountain Division. He is a Team Leader and helps train the new soldiers.  JD just finished a 9 month tour in Afghanistan and is now stationed in New York.

 

The events of 9-11 are what made him join the Military.         J.D. Picture

 

“Anything can happen.  I am going to fight back for our country,!” he exclaimed emphatically.

 

Thank you to JD and all those serving our Country in the military!  And, isn’t it nice to know that one teacher made such a difference in his life.  Thanks Joe Pellerito for being such a great teacher.

India Stewart Dunning: Survivor and Scholar

Area Education
India Stewart Dunning with her mother, Loren
India Stewart Dunning with her mother, Loren

Her clothes are arranged by color.

 

Like Pippi Longstocking, she sleeps upside down, with her head at the footboard and her feet at the headboard.

 

Ever since first meeting “Bucky” in the Disney flick “The Emperor’s New Groove,” she’s been in love with squirrels. And in her own words, the two bouts of cancer she’s endured have only “helped to make me a better person.”

 

None of that showed up on her application form, but it just goes to demonstrate the moxie, whimsy and creativity reflected in the life of India Stewart Dunning, who is the second student in two years from Kent Career Tech Center to snag a coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship.

 

A graduate this past May from Forest Hills Northern High, India, 18, was preceded by 2013 Creston High standout Kaleab Mamo, 19, who just finished his freshman year at the University of Michigan. India just earned a certificate from KCTC’s pharmacy technology program, while Kaleab graduated from the alternative energy program.

 

Both India and Kaleab are in line to have all four years of their undergraduate education completely financed, with the option to renew in certain circumstances that might also fund their education through a doctorate degree. Each scholarship is worth upwards of $350,000.

 

More than 52,000 students applied for this year’s round of scholarship, the largest number in the program’s history. Gates Millennium Scholarships (GMS) are awarded by the United Negro College Fund through a historic $1 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They are specifically designed to assist students from predominantly urban districts who have earned a GPA of 3.3 or better and meet Pell Grant income eligibility criteria.

 

The scholarship recognizes strong leadership, community service and academic achievements. Labeled “the ultimate life-changer” by more than a few educators, the scholarships provide untold opportunities for qualifying minority students by covering the cost of college. They also cover the cost of studying abroad, and programs to further develop their leadership skills.

School News network
Along with India, Union High School student student Sophie Delacruz was selected for the Gates Millennium Scholarship in 2014

 

Along with India, Union High School student student Sophie Delacruz was selected for the Gates Millennium Scholarship in 2014.

 

It takes a lot to reduce India to tears, but the day the announcement came to the Dunning family’s front door was an emotional one: “I was ecstatic, and crying, and thanking God that I’d won, because it was truly a blessing,” she said.

 

That same scenario played out at Kaleab’s home last year on Grand Rapids’ North End: “It was very surprising,” said Kaleab. “I was certainly happy, and my mother was crying.”

School News Network 3
Kaleab Mamo has been working hard at the University of Michigan since being awarded the Millennium Scholarship in 2013

 

Both India and Kaleab are remarkable young adults, and not just for their academic accomplishments.   Kaleab Mamo has been working hard at the University of Michigan since being awarded the Millennium Scholarship in 2013.

 

Kaleab emigrated here from Ethiopia. His father came here first, and was granted political asylum. Kaleab and his mother followed, arriving on U.S. soil in 2009. Neither was able to speak English. In five short years, Kaleab has mastered not only the language, but ascended in other ways as well, and he now has his eye on a career as a neurosurgeon.

 

While at Creston, he was president of the National Honor Society, participated in a robotics competition, volunteered at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and worked as a research specialist at Grand Valley State University. In his spare time, he enjoys watching French flicks.

 

Both Kaleab’s parents – father Tsehai Assefa and mother Woinishet Wolderman – are employed in the housekeeping department at Spectrum Health. Kaleab’s dream involves giving back: “My goal is to become a doctor and be able to volunteer in several countries, any third-world country, really. I know there are lots of opportunities in the world.”

 

India has dealt with more health issues than most her age, beginning in 2007, when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Shortly after celebrating five years in remission, she was diagnosed with an especially rare form of cancer that involves her salivary gland, which she continues to fight now.

 

In large ways, she’s refused to let either malady serve as a major setback. In fact, they’ve only strengthened her resolve to serve others. She’s volunteered over the years at Michigan Blood, Planned Parenthood, the American Red Cross, and at events sponsored by Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

As a student at Northern, she served on the NHS Board of Directors that organizes community volunteer activities, as well as the Principal’s Leadership Team at KCTC. She also earned her varsity letter and pin for cheerleading and crew. At the Grand Rapids Township home she shares with her parents and brother Isiah – a senior at Grand Valley State University — you’ll find her bedroom adorned with pictures of family and friends, and also of R&B star “Drake.”

School News Network 2
Ottawa Hills student Tonyea Brown was awarded the scholarship in 2013

 

Ottawa Hills student Tonyea Brown was awarded the scholarship in 2013.

 

And, um, this: pics of squirrels.

 

She laughs: “One of my favorite movies is ‘The Emperor’s New Groove,’ and I just fell in love with the little squirrel (a buck-toothed cutie named ‘Bucky’).” After saying goodnight to Bucky, India prefers to sleep in reverse fashion, with her feet at the headboard. “I don’t know why,” she says, giggling again. “I just sleep better that way.”

 

While her room isn’t the neatest one in the home, she’s got her clothes organized to a “T,” with garments sorted according to color.

 

KCTC Principal John Kraus could not be more proud of both Kaleab and India, acknowledging how they bring a source of pride not only to their primary high schools and school districts, but KCTC, which has worked long and hard to earn the respect of patrons and educators over the last few decades.

 

“I don’t think this is a matter of happenstance, but instead a reflection of some very rigorous curriculum at both Creston and Forest Hills, and at KCTC,” he says.

 

“We’ve worked very hard to change the perception of what KCTC brings to college-bound students. We’re there to enhance their options and help them examine and explore a wide breadth of pathways.”

 

Kaleab Mamo has been working hard at the University of Michigan since being awarded the Millennium Scholarship in 2013.

 

To that end, KCTC engages with people in the services and industries their programs aim to serve, and teams with them to create dynamic advisory boards aimed to give students real-life experiences.

 

“We love seeing the individual stories of achievement,” Kraus says, “and I was present the day after India found out she’d won the Gates scholarship. The smile and delight on her face and on her mother’s face was priceless.”

 

Kraus says he’ll be tracking Kaleab and India as they progress through and beyond college. “I believe,” he says, “that they might change the world.”

 

“Actually,” he adds, “I know they will.”

 

To read more stories from the School News Network:  http://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/

September Calendar of Events for Kent District Library

Area Education, Local Entertainment

 

Kent District Library Kent District Library

 

Kent District Library

 

September 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007

 

Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.

 

Fall into Fun.  Here is a complete list of Kent District Library events for the entire family.

 

This calendar contains program highlights. Most KDL branches offer additional programs including Book Discussions, Storytimes and a variety of computer classes. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information. For Children and Families

 

Thankful for You Day KDL is wrapping up nearly two years of our Happiness Project with a major celebration of the folks who most make us happy — our customers! Help us celebrate YOU with treats, fun, entertainment and surprises during each of our 18 branch celebrations.  For all ages. Thursday, September 4, 9:30 AM – Englehardt Branch (Lowell) Thursday, September 4, 1:00 PM – Alto Branch Saturday, September 27, 10:00 AM – Caledonia Township Branch

 

3Doodler Dream It, Draw It Have you ever wished your drawings could come to life? Now they can! With the use of the 3Doodler, create simple 3D objects from your own imagination or use some of the provided stencils. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For all ages. Thursday, September 11, 6:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch Thursday, September 25, 4:00 PM – Alto Branch

 

Michigan Reads Celebration Celebrate the 2014 Michigan Reads book, Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander, with crafts and activities. For ages 6 and younger. Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford) Tuesday, September 16, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park Branch Wednesday, September 17, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park Branch Monday, September 22, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch Tuesday, September 30, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Get Revved Up Interested in cars? Want to learn how an engine works? Create your own rubber band car, help us build an engine model and even design a sketch of your own style of car or truck. For all ages. Sunday, September 14, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch Thursday, September 18, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township Branch Saturday, September 27, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Sensational Senses! See, hear, smell, touch, taste! Come join us as we explore the world through our five sensational senses! For ages 6 and younger. Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch Wednesday, September 24, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch Tuesday, September 30, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township Branch

 

Fall Mixed Up! Leaves float up and squirrels fly south! Celebrate this topsy-turvy season with zany stories, songs and activities centered around the book “Fall Mixed Up” by Bob Raczka. For ages 6 and younger. Thursday, September 18, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch (Lowell) Saturday, September 27, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township Branch Saturday, September 27, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Sunday, September 28, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)

 

Programs for Teens Grades 6 – 12

 

Lighting & Sound: Filmmaking Tips & Tricks Is tinny sound plaguing your movie? Are shadows overrunning your story? Then this two-hour interactive workshop is for you! Learn helpful tips and tricks to improve the lighting and sound of your no-budget or low-budget film. Take your film to the next level by discovering everyday household items you can use to enhance the quality of your film’s lighting and sound. Information about free or low-cost community filmmaking resources will also be provided. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Saturday, September 13, 1:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Teen Halo Tournament Calling all teens! Think you have what it takes to compete in our Halo 4 multiplayer tournament? Bring a partner and battle the best of the best in this first-person shooter competition. The last team standing wins the prize! Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Wednesday, September 24, 6:00 PM – Grandville Branch For Adults

 

KDL Uncorked: Winemaking 101 Join wine aficionado Steve Siciliano, owner of Siciliano’s Market, as he talks about the ins and outs of making wine at home. Learn about the basic equipment and procedures needed for making wine from concentrated kits, as well as with fresh fruits and vegetables. Thursday, September 4, 6:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch Thursday, September 18, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Communicating with Respect Everyone has feelings, so we must learn how to recognize, manage and communicate feelings, and learn to recognize the feelings of others. In this workshop we will work to define I-Statements and You-Messages, explore ways to model appropriate communication styles and help caregivers teach children how to manage their feelings. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Thursday, September 11, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Appropriate Technology with Young Children In this interactive session early childhood professionals will explore how technology can be used to help young children learn. We will review guidelines for quality technology experiences and will evaluate several early childhood applications and websites. Bring your questions and learn more about technology used with children. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Selective Screen Time Video games, apps and television have become a normal part of childhood starting from a young age. How does it affect brain development? Is too much a bad thing, or will it give kids a competitive edge? Join Spectrum Health Community Health Educator Kim DeLaFuente and learn the truth about the impact of screen time on growing brains and bodies. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Saturday, September 13, 11:30 AM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Moral Development and Fostering Goodness This program will explore the stages children go through in learning the difference between right and wrong. Theories of moral development and practical tips will help early childhood professionals better understand how young children think and act. A second session held later in the season entitled Discipline with Fewer Tears will build upon knowledge gained in this session. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Monday, September 15, 6:00 PM – Wyoming Branch Thursday, September 18, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch KDL

 

Uncorked: Wine Tasting with Rose’s Wine enthusiast Bill Koski of Rose’s Restaurant will outline the basics of selecting wines and lead a free tasting. Participants must be 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Part of the national “Outside the Lines” campaign aimed at demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Monday, September 15, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

 

KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting & Tour at Cascade Winery Wine crafters and owners Rose & Bob Bonga invite you for an educational tour of the Cascade Winery (4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids). Enjoy a variety of seasonal wines for 50 cents per taste. Participants must be age 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Offered as part of the national “Outside the Lines” campaign aimed at demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Tuesday, September 16, 6:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Herbal Holiday Gifts Learn a variety of ways to use herbs and essential oils to make gifts for every occasion! We start out by discussing (and sharing!) some tasty foods that can be packaged as gifts. This is followed by ideas for using essential oils to make bath sachets, oils, bath salts and more. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Monday, September 22, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Getting Ready to Write For 3-5 year-olds This interactive session explores what young children must understand before they become interested in drawing, coloring and writing their name. Learn to encourage interest and fine motor coordination for writing. Part 2 will focus on 3 to 5-year-olds, the stages of writing and the use of creative spelling by children. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Monday, September 22, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

KDL Uncorked: Meet the Author: Rick Sigsby The author of “Michigan’s Holy Water: The Great Lakes Wine Bible” spent 15 months traveling the state interviewing wine makers and vineyard owners. His book offers a peek behind the door of the tasting room. Thursday, September 25, 6:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)

 

Harvesting and Saving Garden Seeds Learn the tricks to successfully collecting and saving vegetable and flower seeds. Use the seeds to start your garden next year, share with your neighbors and contribute to KDL’s Seed Library. Thursday, September 25, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

 

KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting at Kayla Rae Cellars Join us at 31 Courtland St. in Rockford to enjoy buy-one-get-one tastings, cheese samples from Farm Country Cheese House in Lakeview and a presentation by winery owner Karen Grossman on how current wine and cider selections were developed, created and refined. Participants must be 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Thursday, September 25, 7:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Journaling with Young Children – EGR Hands-on experiences designed around daily activities, and ways to use them to create early reading/writing activities that you and your child can share. Participants will use three daily experiences to write a journal entry with your child, learn methods to share it together and understand strategies for remembering, reliving and enjoying it! Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Saturday, September 27, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids Branch

 

Write Michigan Short Story Workshop: It Lives! Revision and Re-Vision Rewriting is a crucial part of fiction writing. Author Caitlin Horrocks, New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice honoree, will outline strategies for successful revision on many levels, from ruthless line editing to wholesale re-envisioning of stalled or stale stories. There will be readings, discussion and exercises to make problematic pieces more promising. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting with Pauly’s Paul Faba, owner of Pauly’s in Lowell, will pique your palate’s interest with a few of his favorite Michigan wines. Participants must be age 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, September 29, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch (Lowell)

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Sugar Shock Science is increasingly hinting at a link between sugar and poor health. What’s more, the advice on sugar substitutes can be even more confusing. How much is too much, and where are added sweeteners lurking in the food and drinks both you and your kiddos enjoy? Registered dietitian Jessica Corwin, MPH will explore just how toxic this nutrient actually is. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Monday, September 29, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Let’s Go Outside! Spending time outside, year-round, offers wonderful learning opportunities and it’s also just good fun! Review the benefits of daily outdoor time, make an Outdoor Action Plan and gain/share some new ideas about outdoor activities. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT. Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township Branch

Local Families Needed to Host Chinese Students

Area Education, Our Cities, ,
july 2014 school 025
Pictured from left to right: Jean Wu, Bill Liu, Harry Liu, Autumn Watson, Kate Wolohan, Karlida Gonzales, and Marissa Steiner

kathy_grayEast Kentwood High School is in need of host families for Chinese students from the Weiming Education Group. The partnership between the Weiming Group and East Kentwood is in its second year; the first year’s pilot program being highly successful. Families are needed to house the students during the school year and provide them with the opportunity to learn about American education and family life.

july 2014 school 024
Pictured from left to right: Sarah Vangorden, Kathy Johnson, Ann Dunbar, Victoria Si, and Krystal Liu.

 

The Weiming Education Group is the largest, private education service provider in China. Their focus is on extending the reach of education with a global perspective. Parents choose to send their students to the Weiming School because it offers opportunities for their student to study abroad, learn English, and have the ability to live and interact with a local family. The CEO of the Weiming Group applauds the program’s goal as “relationship building” between our two nations.

 

East Kentwood High School will host 20 Chinese students, including 5 returning students (Krystal, Harry, Bill, Victoria, and Jean—their chosen American names) for the 2014-2015 school year. Most students are juniors and seniors. The returning students will also have the ability to take classes at Grand Rapids Community College, as well as receive a diploma from East Kentwood.

 

Evan Hordyk, Executive Director for Secondary Education in Kentwood, explains, “Being the second year of hosting the Weiming group will be much easier. The returning students will be a great resource.” Hordyk also introduced Erin Wolohan, who was hired as the International Student Coordinator at Kentwood Public Schools. Working as an English Language Learner (ELL) interventionist last year, Ms. Wolohan worked closely with the Weiming students. This year she will be much more involved in planning and supporting social events for the visiting students, as well as trouble shooting transportation and other issues.

 

John Keenoy, East Kentwood High School Principal, and his wife, Missy, hosted “Harry” in their home last year. “I was very reluctant to host a student,” Keenoy admits. He claims he had many excuses; his jobs at the principal of the school, both of his children being heavily involved in sports, and a very busy schedule. Now, Keenoy proudly smiles as he relates, “Harry is my Chinese son.”

 

“It was a great experience,” claims Missy Keenoy. The Keenoys have no problem with having Harry come back to stay with them this fall. With their own son heading off to college, they are opening to taking two students this year.

 

An informational meeting was held on July 29, 2014, with the host families from the 2013-2014 school year. There was much laughter and shared enjoyment as they recounted the learning experiences and fun they had during the year. “They are no trouble at all!” exclaimed Angela, “They are easier than your own kids; they even do their own laundry.” Most agreed that the East Garden Buffet was a favorite amongst the students.

 

Pam Jackson, who hosted “Bill” as their 12th foreign exchange student explained, “Your view of the world is totally different” after being a host family. Her children gained valuable insight from having students from across the globe stay with them. “You know someone in areas of the world that are in the news. It makes it more personal.”

 

“East Kentwood is a very globally diverse school boasting students from 50 countries, speaking at least that many different languages. When my children went to college they were used to diversity and there was nothing surprising about people from different cultures or backgrounds.”

 

With modern technology it is very easy for the students to keep in touch with friends and family. Even with the 12-hour time difference, host families can Skype with Chinese parents. Instead of just being a relationship between the student and the host family, both families become attached. Relationships are built and visits can be arranged for the Kentwood families to travel to China.

 

What does it take to be a host family? An open heart and an open bedroom. The Weiming students have their own money for expenses and the host family receives a stipend to cover food and other expenses.

 

The students generally have taken 9 years of English and have to pass an English proficiency test to qualify for the exchange program. Even so, they understand more than they can speak. Paula Zokoe and her husband hosted “Victoria” in their home. Victoria is returning this fall and they are open to having a second student as well. In order to emphasize English learning in their home, as well as to increase the communication among family members, Paula stated, “We employed an ‘English only’ rule, “with Victoria only able to communicate in Chinese after 9 p.m. each night.

 

Last year the students enjoyed attending football games, touring Saugatuck, Chicago, and the Lake Michigan shore. It was especially fun to introduce them to the holidays of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the American celebration of birthdays. Although these students enjoying experiencing the life of an American student, they are very studious and spend much of their evenings in their rooms. Hordyk explain, “They are used to boarding school life in the Weiming School. In China their school day can go from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unlike most foreign exchange students these students are here for the education not the social experience.

 

No matter the differences in cultures, above all the Weiming students are typical teenagers. They like technology, they love the mall, and they are on the edge of the adult world. “Perhaps the coolest thing,” states Keenoy, “Is I got to see Harry discover his passion. He is a wonderful artist! They have freedom here to find out who they are and who they want to be.”

 

Keenoy and Hordyk, who traveled to China in preparation for the project last year, explained that China is very homogenous, most people look the same. There is very little diversity or originality. “They are missing the creativity and innovation,” shares Hordyk. Here they have the opportunity to explore different sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities.” A goal of the Weiming Project is for these students to share these freedoms when they return to China.

 

If you would be interested in hosting a student, or for more information, you can contact Evan Hordyk at Evan.hordyk@kentwoodps.org or Erin Wolohan at Erin.Wolohan@kentwoodps.org.

Job Corps offers Hands-on Training in Over 100 Technical Areas

Area Education

The economy calls for competitive job-seeking skills.  A non-profit that can help secure employment and training is Job Corps.

 

What is Job Corps?

 

Job Corps is:The nation’s largest career technical training and education program for low-income young people ages 16 through 24.

 

A voluntary program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, and provides eligible young men and women with an opportunity to gain the experience they need to begin a career or advance to higher education.

 

Where is Job Corps?

 

Job Corps has 125 centers nationwide, including Hawaii, Alaska, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

 

When was Job Corps founded?
As part of “The War on Poverty,” on August 20, 1964, Congress enacted the Economic Opportunity Act and President Lyndon B. Johnson created Job Corps.

 

2014 marks Job Corps’ 50th anniversary.

 

How much does it cost to attend Job Corps?

 

Job Corps comes at no cost to students or their families, but does require a time commitment.

 

The most successful Job Corps students are enrolled in the program for 12 to 24 months.

 

What does Job Corps offer?

 

Hands-on training in more than 100 career technical areas.

 

The opportunity to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent, and assistance in preparing for college through educational partnerships.

 

Courses in independent living, employ-ability, and social skills.

 

Food, housing, and basic medical care.

 

Whom does Job Corps help?

 

Low-income young people ages 16 through 24 are eligible for Job Corps.
According to the most recent data available:

 

o 59 percent of Job Corps students are male, and 41 percent are female.
o 51 percent African-American, 28 percent white, 16 percent Hispanic.
o 2.7 million young people have graduated from Job Corps, and 60,000 young people are served by Job Corps each year.
o 82 percent of graduates joined the workforce, enlisted in the military, or enrolled in higher education.

 

What type of Career Technical training does Job Corp offer?

 

Job Corps offers hands-on training in more than 100 career technical areas ranging from automotive and machine repair to information technology and renewable resources.

 

All training programs are aligned with industry credentials and are designed to meet the requirements of today’s careers.

 

Job Corps’ “Work-Based Learning” and community service programs allow students to gain on-the-job experience through internships with local employers prior to graduation.

 

How do young people enroll in Job Corps?

 

Low-income young people ages 16 through 24 interested in Job Corps can start the enrollment process over the phone or online by:

 

o Calling (800) 733-JOBS [5627] to be put in touch with an admissions counselor their area.
o Requesting information using the online form, at www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov.
o Visiting Job Corps’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/doljobcorps and clicking the “Enroll” tab.
o Spanish speakers can visit www.mifuturo.jobcorps.gov.

 

How can I find out more about Job Corps?

 

Anyone interested in applying to Job Corps should call (800) 733-JOBS [5627].

 

• Job Corps also has a number of online resources, including:
o A recruiting website, www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov.
o A Facebook page, www.facebook.com/doljobcorps.
o A YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/doljobcorps.

Wyoming High School Teacher Wins American Legion Teacher of the Year Award!

Area Education, Local Faces
Teacher #3 American Legion
Clark VerHulst accepts his award from the American Legion for Teacher of the Year Award!

To say he is a superstar, could be an understatement!

 

Government teacher Clark VerHulst has spent 29  of his 30-year teaching career at Wyoming High School. He graduated from Rodgers High School and has lent his talents to the district as a coach, teacher and an active community member.

 

He was recently awarded the American Legion Teacher of the Year Award. One of five teachers statewide–and the only one in West Michigan– to receive the highly prestigious award.

 

“I love having the opportunity to see young students grow and develop as people, he said during an interview with WKTV Community Media. I like to teach them life skills beyond the classroom—to me that is what it is all about.”

 

He was nominated by David Wheeler, a volunteer with the American Legion. VerHulst taught all four of Wheeler’s sons.

 

“He knows and cares about his students,” Wheeler said. “He has also been terrific to work with on the American Legion’s Boys and Girls State Program.”

 

This program helps students learn about the workings of our government and how it works.

 

Walk into Clark’s Government classroom and witness hands-on learning at its finest! Student’s take an active role by running for office and developing political campaigns.
“Everyone has to run for some type of office,” he explained. “They choose political issues and their personality traits make them special. You will see students dressed up, bringing in food, working on yard signs and endorsements.”

 

In short, there is never a dull moment in his classroom.

Teacher 2
Clark enjoys time with his family!

 

The students and staff at Wyoming High School should be awfully proud of the award-winner named Mr. Clark. He is a teacher that truly cares!

 

 

ARCH Summer Program Offers Learning and Fun for Students

Area Education
ce9a94eefb8119d6a974e0db74d73d82_f2461
Students Rayvin Glover and Suzana Milivojevic make bookmarks Photos for School News Network

by Erin Albanese, School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools, MI — Soon-to-be fifth graders Amaree James, Jerreh Saidykhan and Jordan Steffen dug for a buried clue in the dusty dirt of Meadowlawn Elementary School’s baseball diamond during Kentwood Public Schools’ ARCH summer program’s scavenger hunt. Around them, classmates searched the playground for jars, matchbox cars, pencils and even sneakers, all items on the list of treasures.

Inside the school, students twisted T-shirts, tying them tight with rubber bands before dipping them into buckets filled with brightly hued water to create tie-dye patterns. Other groups made bookmarks with paper and markers and polished off lunch.

The district’s 1,116 students enrolled in the six-week enrichment program are beefing up their knowledge before heading back to school in September and having a good time doing it. The “fun stuff” followed a morning of academics including math, reading, writing and science.

“The stuff I didn’t learn and understand in school they teach us here,” said Amaree. “Now when I go back to school I get to do the things more easily.”

pizza
Jerreh Saidykhan learns fractions with pizza slices

The ARCH program, which stands for Academics, Recreation, Community and Health, combines summer fun with class time to reach Kentwood students and keep them busy and learning during the months when proficiency levels can easily slide backward.

“The entire intent is to address the gap in learning students experience and get them caught up,” said Michael Pickard, executive director of elementary instruction and federal programs for Kentwood Public Schools.

Academic gains are most evident in reading, he said.

“Just in the summer months last year, some students made gains of three to four months (in grade-level reading proficiency) after attending summer school and ARCH,” Pickard said.

Academics, Field Trips and Fun

Students start each morning with two hours of regular summer school, funded by federal and state grants for at-risk students, which rolls into ARCH: another hour of academics, followed by lunch and afternoon enrichment activities or field trips run and funded by a federal grant.

“My focus is to broaden their horizons,” said Andrew Judson, site coordinator at Meadowlawn Elementary School, where about 50 students attend the program.

During the school year, ARCH runs as an after-school program Monday through Thursday. Field trips and activities. Clubs within the ARCH program include Photography, CSI and Cooking Club.

little girl
Student Paw Hser Gay works on academics

The program, in its sixth year, recently expanded to five new Kentwood Public School sites for a total of 15 sites. It now operates at all elementary, middle school, and at East Kentwood High School and Crossroads Alternative High School. Four to six staff members operate out of each site.

Previously funded through grant money that expired in June, Kentwood Public Schools recently received funding to allow the program to continue and expand. The 21st Century Community Learning Center grants–$2.25 million is earmarked through next year– allocated by Michigan Department of Education, flow from the U.S. Department of Education to the states. New sites include Discovery, Challenger, Explorer and Endeavor elementary schools and Pinewood Middle School.

“They get the academic hours but get the enrichment things as well,” Pickard said. “These are the students that learn differently, who have different learning styles. They enjoy it, even though it’s 80 degrees and sunny.”

Students said ARCH gives them the chance to take field trips to Frederik Meijer Garden, area parks, a recycling center, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Craig’s Cruisers, places many of them haven’t been before. Several students who have recently immigrated to the United States and attend the district’s English as a Second Language Newcomers Centers at Crestwood Middle and Meadowlawn Elementary schools participate in the program.

“In the summer we try to make it like a summer camp,” said Assistant Project Director Becki Barrenger, rattling off activities that engage the students including pottery, music, dance fitness, and science activities taught by local professionals.

“They do fun stuff and they care for us and make sure we are always safe,” said Rayvin Glover, a third grader. They make it easier for us to understand and if we need help they will help us in different ways.”

TEAM 21 Funding to Restore Cut Programs

Area Education

by Erin Albanese, KISD School News Network

T.E.A.M 21 offers many experiential outings for Wyoming students. A student works on a water-a quality project on a boat in partnership with GVSU’s Annis Institute
T.E.A.M 21 offers many experiential outings for Wyoming students. A student works on a water-a quality project on a boat in partnership with GVSU’s Annis Institute

 

Wyoming Public Schools, MI — For Claribel Ortiz, having a place for her four children to go after school and in the summer while she works helps a lot.

 

She knows David, 11, Francisco, 10, Josue, 9, and Jazmine, 7, will get help with their homework, have access to computers, hang out with friends, and have fun at T.E.A.M 21.

 

“It is extremely helpful,” she said. “It is a huge benefit in the summer.”

 

Her son, David, said he likes the “learning” part of the program, and field trips to places like an indoor trampoline park and a pumpkin patch. He and his siblings attend the Parkview Elementary School location, in Wyoming Public Schools.

 

Like Ortiz’s children, more elementary school students in Wyoming will have a place to go after school and during the summer, thanks to recently approved grant funding to restore and expand T.E.A.M 21.

A T.E.A.M 21 student cools off the Splash Pad at Lamar Park during summer programmingA T.E.A.M 21 student cools off the Splash Pad at Lamar Park during summer programming
A T.E.A.M 21 student cools off the Splash Pad at Lamar Park during summer programming

 

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and Wyoming Public Schools was recently awarded federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, allocated by Michigan Department of Education, totaling $1.35 million each year for five years to cover nearly all direct costs for the program, Bloem said. The grants are funded with federal dollars that flow from the U.S. Department of Education to the states.

 

The money follows a year of cuts due to the expiration of grant money which forced the program to end at several elementary sites, said Scott Bloem, project director for the program. Last year, a five-year grant funding the T.E.A.M. 21 program in all Wyoming schools expired, and while schools were able to secure funding for the middle school program, the elementary grant was not renewed.

 

“To lose the feeder schools was hard for buildings,” Bloem said. “We’re very happy to be able to restore the elementary program.”

Serving Four Wyoming Districts

 

T.E.A.M 21 is a collaborative program offered through a partnership between Wyoming, Godwin, Godfrey Lee and Kelloggville school districts and the City of Wyoming.

A T.E.A.M. 21 student learns about food origins at Dairy Discovery Farm, in Alto A T.E.A.M. 21 student learns about food origins at Dairy Discovery Farm, in Alto
A T.E.A.M. 21 student learns about food origins at Dairy Discovery Farm, in Alto

 

“This program provides academic, social and physical opportunities with caring adults to support our students and their families,” said Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Tom Reeder.

 

Carol Lautenbach, Godfrey Lee Public Schools director of elementary education, said cutting the program there was a big loss.

 

“Parents were quite devastated to tell you the truth,” she said, noting that there was a great connection between the after-school program and the classroom. “From my perspective, it’s really offering children experiences.

 

During the 2012-2013 school year, T.E.A.M 21 served more than 1,300 unique students. Bloem predicts more than 2,000 students will now participate at a total of 15 sites, up from seven, in the four districts.

 

The summer program operates as a half-day summer school program run by certified teachers and a half-day of fun, enrichment activities for students to experience new things, Bloem said.

 

The after-school program offers homework help, character education, service projects, and focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, health and nutrition.
Transportation and meals are provided.

 

CONNECT  T.E.A.M. 21

July Calendar of Events at Kent District Library

Area Education, Local Entertainment

July 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007

 

Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.

 

Keep your children entertained with fun, informative programs that will help the summer fly by.        Books

 

This calendar contains program highlights. Most KDL branches offer additional programs including Book Discussions, Storytimes and a variety of computer classes. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information.

 

For Children and Families

 

Teddy Bear Clinic

 

Bring your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal friend to the library for a quick check-up. Learn ways to keep them healthy and happy and even get a clean bill of health. For ages 6 and younger.

 

Wednesday, July 2, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
Monday, July 21, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Monday, July 28, 7:00 PM – Walker Branch

 

Kids and Teens Craft Show

 

Arts and crafts for sale by local kids and teens. Stop in the library to register as a seller or just come to shop. You’re sure to find some great bargains. For all ages.
Wednesday, July 2, 1:00 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Thursday, July 10, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Wednesday, July 16, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 10:00 AM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Kevin Kammeraad and The Cooperfly Puppet Troupe

 

Don’t miss this quirky crew of characters examining some various components and styles of puppetry. You’ll laugh and learn, while having a great time in this musical, interactive show for all ages!

 

Wednesday, July 2, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch

 

Stormy the Magician Presents the Magic of Science

 

Go on an entertaining adventure into the magic of science and the science of magic. For all ages.

 

Monday, July 7, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, July 26, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Thursday, July 31, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Out of This World Party

 

Join us for galactic games, stellar stories and alien activities. Come dressed as an astronaut or space creature and enjoy the fun! For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, July 8, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Saturday, July 19, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch

 

Carol Johnson in Concert

 

Join uniquely gifted singer/songwriter Carol Johnson for a lively, upbeat performance of her well-known original songs as well as other familiar tunes. Her participatory singing encourages us to be good to each other, to ourselves and to the earth. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, July 17, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Take It Apart

 

Like to tinker? Are you curious about how things work or what is inside? Old telephones, keyboards and other gadgets will be provided for children to take apart and explore. Spark your child’s interest in what makes things tick! For ages 6 and older.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch

 

The Porters in Concert

 

Put on your dancin’ shoes and swing to the toe-tappin’ sounds of The Porters, a four-piece band that will captivate and entertain even the youngest audience. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Thursday, July 17, 7:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch

 

Farm on the Go

 

The Critter Barn of Zeeland brings a little of the farm to the city in a program featuring the cutest barnyard animals around for you to touch and pet. For all ages.

 

Wednesday, July 9, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Monday, July 14, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, July 23, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Mario Kart Tournament for Kids

 

A Wii gaming tournament for school-age kids featuring Mario Kart, prizes and more. Many will enter, but only one will be crowned champion. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library. For kids entering grades K-5.

 

Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Magic with Tom Plunkard

 

An amazing program filled with live animals and loads of audience participation. For all ages.

 

Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch

 

Super Fun Science Party!

 

You’ll have such a great time playing, making and doing that you may not notice you’re exploring the principles of science at the same time. For all ages.

 

Thursday, July 10, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Wednesday, July 23, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, July 24, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch

 

John Ball Traveling Zoo

 

Come learn about animals and even get a chance to meet some. For all ages.

 

Thursday, July 10, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch

 

Rockets are a Blast!

 

Learn all about building and launching model rockets from Matt Johnson, of the local SMASH rocketry association and National Association of Rocketry. Participants will collaborate on a rocket build and learn about upcoming launch opportunities in the area. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For ages 6 and older.

 

Saturday, July 12, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch

 

Touch-a-Truck

 

Are you wild about trucks? Get up close! Some of our municipal vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, front loaders and more will be stopping at the library, along with the pros who operate them. Decorate your own hard hat and other crafts. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 15, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, July 30, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Baffling Bill the Magician

 

POOF! In a brilliant flash, Baffling Bill the magician arrives to amaze with illusion, comedy, audience participation, and Gus the Bunny to celebrate summer reading. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 15, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 7:00 PM – Grandville Branch

Radical Reptiles

 

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary engages young minds with fascinating facts and real-life encounters with snakes, alligators and turtles. For all ages.

 

Thursday, July 17, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, July 17, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, July 31, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch

 

The Science of Us with the World’s Coolest Nerd

 

Miss Cari’s interactive science demonstration on the five senses will have children laughing and learning about how they are a walking piece of science. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, July 28, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, July 30, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch

 

For Teens Grades 6-12

 

Mind Boggle Science Workshop

 

Dr. Boggle leads you through amazing hands-on experiments and endless possibilities. Learn science the fun way through a series of mind boggling experiences.

 

Tuesday, July 1, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch

 

DIY Tie-Dye for Teens

 

Bring a white or light colored T-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie-dye — with permanent markers. All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear.

 

Wednesday, July 2, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Monday, July 7, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Tuesday, July 8, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Thursday, July 31, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch

 

Kent County Teen Film Festival 2014 Encore

 

Due to popular demand, KDL is proud to offer another screening of the 2014 KCTFF! If you missed it the first time or just want to relive the awesomeness, here is your chance. Plus, learn how you can enter the 2015 Festival.

 

Thursday, July 3, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Bust That Myth!

 

Can soda pop really clean a gross penny? Can you separate two intertwined phone books? Can you make your own bouncy ball? Test out these myths and more to determine whether they are confirmed or busted!

 

Tuesday, July 8, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, July 17, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

DIY Spa Products for Teens

 

Create everything you need for your own spa day! Make your own pampering products like foot scrub, bath salts and body glitter and take some home.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Wednesday, July 16, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch

 

The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite

 

Tess Grant, former forensic anthropologist and author of teen suspense and adult thrillers, will talk about where and how the myth began.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, July 8, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Tuesday, July 22, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Nuts & Bolts: Jewelry from Hardware

 

Create one-of-a-kind, edgy, indie jewelry. Make a keychain, necklace, bracelet or earrings from unexpected materials.

 

Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 4:00 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, July 28, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

 

Minute to Win It

 

Pit your skills against the clock and against your peers. Set a personal record or challenge a friend. Prizes for all!

 

Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Monday, July 14, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township
Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, July 23, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Saturday, July 26, 11:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
Tuesday, July 29, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 4:00 PM – Alto Branch

 

Teen Summer Wii Tournament

 

Super Smash Bros. Brawl! Many will enter, but only the best will prevail. The tournament features great prizes and snacks. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library.

 

Thursday, July 10, 1:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Veggie Nutrition

 

Join Kim Kyunghee from Veg West Michigan and learn about a healthy and happy lifestyle with vegetarian and vegan cooking. Her program includes a cooking demonstration, food sampling and tips on eating green.

 

Thursday, July 10, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, July 15, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, July 21, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, July 30, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch

 

Flash Fashion for Teens

 

KDL’s twist on “Project Runway.” Fashion you create in a FLASH using paper, plastic and other unconventional materials and techniques. We provide the stuff and you dish out the creativity. You’ll work with a team to create a runway look in just 30 minutes by snipping, draping, taping and even accessorizing. Make it work!

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

For Adults

 

The Art and Science of Canning

 

Join Annette McBride as she explains the science behind canning fruits and vegetables at home and demonstrates how to get started with basic canning.

 

Monday, July 7, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Monday, July 14, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Saturday, July 19, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Bicycle Maintenance 101

 

The Spoke Folks will bring their mobile bike shop and demonstrate tips on how to keep your bike in tip-top shape so you have a great ride every time you go out.

 

Saturday, July 19, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch

 

Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine

 

Join herbalist and forager Lisa Rose Starner to learn about local plants and “weeds” that can be used for food and herbal medicine.

 

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM – Alto Branch

Lookin’ Good: Middle School Students Learn How to Tie a Tie from Local Professionals

Area Education
Local hip-hop artist George Moss teaches students how to tie a tie
Local hip-hop artist George Moss teaches students how to tie a tie Photos from School News Network

by Erin Albanese, School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools, MI — Local hip-hop artist George Moss demonstrated how to tie a tie to Crestwood Middle School students.

“Shwoo,” he said, flipping the long end of the tie up through the loop started around his neck. “You’ve got to make the sound too.”

“Shwoo,” the 15 boys answered, following instruction with their own ties.

An hour later, students were securing their new ties all by themselves, helping each other with the looping and knotting, and flashing bright, grown-up smiles.

The non-native English students received the lesson in dressing up from Jermale Eddie, employment and education specialist for Grand Rapids Urban League, and Eddie’s friends Moss and Wesley Morgan, a local business owner and crisis counselor.

Crestwood Middle School student James Ngabo sports his new tie
Crestwood Middle School student James Ngabo sports his new tie

Grand Rapids Urban League is a non-profit organization which assists people in achieving self-sufficiency and equality through education, housing and health care programs. The organization donated about 30 colorful ties to the school. All of the boys participating in the event got to keep one, and the rest were given to the school’s clothes pantry. For many of them, it was their first tie.

Something to Wear

Sarah Russell, community school coordinator for Kent School Services Network, said one reason the event was planned was to prepare the boys for the upcoming eighth-grade awards banquet.

“A lot of students choose not to go because they don’t have adequate clothing,” she said. “The resources aren’t available to get them.”

Perfecting their tying skills took some practice, and Eddie walked them through the process, step by step.

“Everybody have a knot?” he asked, looking around at half-tied ties early in the session. “Alright let’s do it again.”

Crestwood Middle School students check themselves out in a mirror
Crestwood Middle School students check themselves out in a mirror

The men taught the boys three different ways to tie the ties securely.

“There are so many ways to do it,” Eddie said. “If you look at the Internet you’ll find 10-15 ways to tie a tie.”

Moss got fancy with his group of boys.

“That’s called a Windsor knot. I’ll show you how to do a double Windsor,” he said. Eighth grader Dung Huyn said he plans to wear his tie to the eighth-grade awards ceremony.
(Jermale Eddie, employment and education specialist for Grand Rapids Urban League. helps Crestwood Middle School student Nur Nur tie a tie)

“First I thought it was hard, but it’s kind of easy,” he said of tying the tie. “They are nice.”

Paying Forward a Life Skill

Jermale Eddie, employment and education specialist for Grand Rapids Urban League. helps Crestwood Middle School student Nur Nur tie a tie
Jermale Eddie, employment and education specialist for Grand Rapids Urban League. helps Crestwood Middle School student Nur Nur tie a tie

Eddie said teaching the boys to tie their ties was important to him.

“A lot of boys don’t have fathers to teach them to do this,” Eddie said. “My grandfather taught me when I was 16 or 17. I thought it would be good to give them that father-son lesson.”

It’s a skill that helps young men develop self-confidence, he said. “If you look good, you feel good. You can buy one tie and wear it with a bunch of different things.”

The students continued to wear their ties after the lesson
The students continued to wear their ties after the lesson

Morgan said he participated to invest time into youth who will use the skill throughout their lives for job interviews and other professional events.
“It’s a life skill that can take them further than just sports. It’s that self-esteem booster. Just like someone gave time to them, they are going to go out and take time for someone else.”

Moss said tying a tie is a skill that goes a long way.

“A good tie and a good handshake make a great impression,” he said.

Kids Helping Kids Through Creative Writing

Area Education, Non-Profits, ,

michele_smith-aversaLisa McNeilley, Ph.D, owner of Writer’s Alley, has come up with a ‘novel’ idea – Publish an anthology of short stories and poems written by kids, then donate the proceeds of the book sales to the Kids’ Food Basket. Kids helping kids!

 

And where will McNeilley get the stories for the anthology? She has a plan for that too! Writer’s Alley is offering the “Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop for Kids’ Food Basket,” a program for kids ages 12 and up.

 

The goal of the workshop is:
• expose the students to various aspects of the writing and publishing process
• enhance their skills
• and the students will receive and provide feedback on their writing
• students will develop a story and a poem to be included in the anthology

 

The culmination of the course is where the rubber meets the road, or rather where the ink meets the page. The stories and poems will be compiled into an anthology. From there, the students will learn about the publication process firsthand, including book design, editing, publishing and promoting the book that carries their very own written work. kfb LOGO

 

Another bonus to seeing their name in print is knowing that the proceeds from the book sales will go directly to help the Kids’ Food Basket. Students who participate will get a fun and creative learning experience, as well as learn about the importance of giving back to the community.

 

Workshop Information:
• Will run July and August
• Available to students 12 and older who are interested in writing and publishing careers.
• Class size is between 20 – 30 participants
• Includes 20 hours of workshop time.
• Varied schedule to accommodate vacations and summer jobs of the participants.
• Tuition is $200, which breaks down to only $10 an hour. Tuition applies in order to cover teachers, software and other expenses.
• Writer’s Alley will provide payment options, reduced or waived tuition for those who desire but cannot afford to participate.

 

“The main goal here is to reach those students who aspire to be part of the writing and publishing industries,” says McNeilly. “We don’t want lack of funds to prevent a child from experiencing this program if they are truly interested.”

 

This is not the first time McNeilley has taken on such an aggressive project. In 2013, the Cascade Writers’ Group (which was founded and is led by McNeilley), held a national writing competition. The winners of the competition were then published in Imagine This! An Artprize Anthology. McNeilley was the editor of the book, which was sold during Artprize last October. The success of that project spawned her idea for the Kids’ Food Basket workshop.

lisa
Dr. Lisa McNeilly

 

Time is Running Out

 

The deadline to join the Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop for Kids’ Food Basket program is June 30! It is an incredible opportunity for the budding authors and future publishers in our community to learn writing skills and see the entire publishing process from creating a story to developing and printing a book.

 

For more information, visit Writers Alley at www.thewritersalley.com/workshops.

 

Lisa H. McNeilley, PH.D

 

McNeilley earned her degree in English from Wayne State University, has a business degree (BBA Marketing) from the University of Michigan and has taught college courses from basic writing to business and technical writing for over 15 years. She is the owner of Writer’s Alley, which offers tutorials and workshops for writers.

High School Students Publish Book Documenting Personal Journeys

Area Education, ,

Narratives Inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning Writer

by Erin Albanese, KISD School News Network

Wyoming Public Schools, MI —  “My parents left me right after I was born, so I grew up in orphanages before I was adopted and moved to the United States.”

“It was November 9, 2011 when I had called the Kent County Jail to schedule an appointment with (my father), they said Immigration had already took him to jail in Detroit.”

“Minutes turned into hours, hours turned into days, days turned into weeks. I would come home and complain about how cold it was, but I was too young to understand that my mom didn’t have money to pay the bill.”

“I couldn’t read or write I could only speak a little English and I could never get my school work done on time I had no idea how to do it and I often got frustrated and angry that I couldn’t complete a single assignment.”

“Then (my father) got deported and everything changed. My mom was struggling, trying to find a way to pay for the bills and the house payments at the same time.”

— from “Always a New Chapter, Wyoming HS 2014”

Student Maria Pablo shares a moment with author Sonia Nazario during her visit to Wyoming
Student Maria Pablo shares a moment with author Sonia Nazario during her visit to Wyoming Photos from School News Network

Wyoming High School students’ life stories unfold with startling detail, touching on hard realities they have faced. They are chronicled in the book “Always a New Chapter,” a self-published compilation of essays and stories written by 214 students.

Inspired by Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the immigration story “Enrique’s Journey,” students wrote about their own values and beliefs in relation to themes Nazario touched on during a recent visit to Wyoming High School.

Through a partnership with the Wyoming Branch Kent District Library’s “Wyoming Reads” program, students each got a copy of “Enrique’s Journey” to study. Nazario’s book recounts the quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, 11 years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States.

Students then drew from their own life experiences to write short narratives and essays for publication. They had the chance to meet and speak with Nazario.

“The kids were able to get their (copies) signed by her and listen to her speak about immigration and her struggle — about being a minority, working hard and grit,” said media specialist Melissa Schneider, who coordinated the project.

Nazario talked to students about their experiences. “It was very personal for some of the kids,” Schneider said, noting that even non-immigrant students could relate.

Junior Leslie Enriquez wrote about immigration
Junior Leslie Enriquez wrote about immigration

Writing a Book

The assignment morphed into tales of survival that bring human faces to universal themes, such as personal journeys, perseverance, grit, determination, the value of education and family relations. Students’ voices come off the pages in blunt, honest phrases that now are forever documented in the book.

“It was an opportunity for them to see, ‘Wow, I’m a published writer,’ which some of them would have never aspired to, and to show them that they have a voice,” Schneider said.

Almost all juniors, except Advanced Placement students who are focusing on the end-of-year exam, were assigned to complete an entry, and nearly all submitted their work by deadline.

Eleventh-grade English teacher Joslyn Rodgers said many entries were eye-opening. “You get a good glimpse into their pasts and their backgrounds, and you get a better understanding of why they act the way they do,” she said.

Not Giving Up

Junior Juan Hernandez wrote the entry, “A Time I Didn’t Give Up,” about leaving his country and culture in Puerto Rico for “a better life and a better education.” He tells of how difficult it was to attend school where he didn’t speak the language. He found his way.

Junior Juan Hernandez wrote about moving from Puerto Rico for the book “Always a New Chapter”
Junior Juan Hernandez wrote about moving from Puerto Rico for the book “Always a New Chapter”

“I like people to know what I write because not everybody’s life is as easy as it seems and as good as it seems,” said Juan, who now has a 3.4 grade point average and plays football. “What I’m going through I can get through. It pushes me to do better and motivates me to try hard in everything.”

Leslie Enriquez wrote “Mi Papa Y La Migra: My Dad and the Immigration Police.” It’s a story about a girl whose father is deported and the animosity she feels from people about immigrants.

“That’s one of the biggest issues in America and the world today and one of the hardest things to find a solution to,” Leslie said.  “I feel like people can actually read my stuff and hopefully it will inspire them too.”

Junior Taylor Scheidel wrote about how immigrants have enriched U.S. culture
Junior Taylor Scheidel wrote about how immigrants have enriched U.S. culture

Looking Forward

While many students tell of sad, difficult circumstances, glimmers of optimism and hope also shine through “Always a New Chapter”:

“Today after 20 years both of (my parents) have acquired their citizenship and are here now legally. For most immigrants that is part of their goal to be legal in the United States otherwise referred to as the American Dream. I am proud of my parents for taking that journey to help their family back in Mexico.”

“I hope one day to finish high school and go back to my countries, Thailand and Burma, to help my Karen refugee people.”

“I’ve realized that sometimes it’s better to think about other people’s happiness before thinking about my own.”

“I want to show my future kids that education and hard work is the key to life — just like my father showed me. My dad, to this day, makes sacrifices for me every day and I love him for that.”

“I learned to be thankful for what I have. I saw the struggle my mother went through to get me where I am. I am blessed.”

The book is available in the Wyoming High School Media Center, the Wyoming Branch Kent District Library and for purchase online, here at TheBookPatch.com

Alternative Students Challenged to “Be Phenomenal”

Area Education, Local Faces, ,

by Erin Albanese, KISD School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools, MI —  If you can survive on the streets, you can survive in school and, later, in the marketplace.  If you don’t, there will be very few options available to you, motivational speaker Eric Thomas told Crossroads high school students.

Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Crossroads Alternative High School students to turn “street smarts” into school success
Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Crossroads Alternative High School students to turn “street smarts” into school success Photos from School News Network

“You’ve been through a lot,” he said. “A lot of times you walk through those doors and they don’t know what you’ve been through.  You’re a survivor. You’re a warrior…you can survive all this stuff and you can’t survive math class?”

“It’s your world, it’s your life,” said Thomas, challenging the Kentwood alternative high school students. “There are no limits except the ones you put on yourself.”

Dressed in Nike pants, a cap, Jordan shoes and a sweatshirt with the words “Be Phenomenal, Not Forgettable,” Thomas spoke about how he went from being a homeless teen to turning his life around, obtaining his master’s degree and now pursuing his doctorate in education administration at Michigan State University. He is the author of the books “The Secret to Success” and “Greatness is Upon You.”

While consulting at Michigan State, he developed The Advantage Program, an undergraduate retention program targeting academically high-risk students of color. He consults with professional and collegiate athletes including MSU teams.

Eric Thomas talks to students while posing with senior Shonteonna Dempsey
Eric Thomas talks to students while posing with senior Shonteonna Dempsey

No Degree, No Options

He told students to figure out what they want to do and “do it with excellence” and that they can get through the challenges they face.

Born in Detroit, he said he grew up in a rough environment as the son of a teenage mother. Still, at age 43, he is thankful to his mother every day for her love and support. She was a big reason he got on the right path, he said. Now he works hard for his wife and two children.

“What’s your ‘why?'” he asked. “Why do you get up every day?”

He said his education and hard work means he has options in life. He can set his own price for his services and do what he wants to do.

“I got options I didn’t have in high school,” he said. “When you’re a high school dropout, you have no options… I guarantee in 10 years with no degree, everybody will be telling you what to do.”

He told students to stop being their own enemies, to use their street smarts to do better at school, and to break the cycle of poverty and lack of education in their families.

Working to Motivate

Monica Petriuc worked to bring Thomas to the school as part of the after-school ARCH program, which she coordinates. The program helps students work toward their goals of credit-recovery and graduation though academic work, field trips and community service activities.

She said it’s very important for Crossroads students to have positive role models like Thomas.

“Our school doesn’t get the merit or the attention it should,” Petruic said. “These are some of the most underprivileged kids. They don’t get the motivation or the hope that they are going to be somebody at home. We are the only ones that push them.”

Eric Thomas chats with senior Thomas Robinson
Eric Thomas chats with senior Thomas Robinson

Ongoing Relationships

Students introduced themselves to Thomas, some told him how much they were inspired.  Thomas promised to continue to help them. “Social networking makes it easy,” he said.

He promised students that his work goes beyond a speech. When someone takes the time to care, it means the world to students, he said.

 

“Now that the door is open I’m going to be the bridge to get them from here to where they want to be,” he said.

Freshman Kirk Taylor introduced himself to Thomas. He said he was moved by the message to not put limitations on himself.

“He came from a fatherless home; I come from one… He was a great inspiration to me,” Kirk said.

Senior Shonteonna Dempsey said Thomas was able to get the attention of students.

“Some of the guys asking questions usually don’t talk much,” she said.

CONNECT

Godwin Scholarship Fund Increase is “GOLDEN”

Area Education, ,
Golden G’s scholarship winners were Katlynn Levian, Clemence Dusabe, Justin Roop, Alexis Gaertner, Rielle Walker and Taijhah Claybrook
Golden G’s scholarship winners were Katlynn Levian, Clemence Dusabe, Justin Roop, Alexis Gaertner, Rielle Walker and Taijhah Claybrook Photos from School News Network

by Linda Odette, KISD School News Network

Godwin Heights Public Schools, MI —  The winners of scholarships from the Golden Gs this year at Godwin Heights High School were in for a bit of a shock when they found out the size of the awards.

For the last eight years, the Golden Gs have awarded three students scholarships of $2,500 each. This year, six students received scholarships for $6,600 each.

“They acted dumbfounded,” said Norinne Polkowski, the scholarship chairperson who handed out the awards. “One even asked, ‘Is that for each one?'”

An anonymous donor made the jump in the size and number of awards possible, but it was kept under wraps until Class Day on May 16. “I couldn’t wait to do it,” Polkowski said.

Seniors receiving the scholarships were Katlynn Levian, Taijhah Claybrook, Alexis Gaertner, Rielle Walker, Justin Roop and Clemence Dusabe. Students were judged on an essay about their family, plus their leadership skills, community involvement, athletic participation and several other characteristics.

The awards given by the Golden Gs are special because they’re more personal than state or national ones, which have hundreds of applications, said Tish Stevenson, Godwin Heights counselor. “To have something so very local ups the odds for our kids, and they realize this,” Stevenson said. “They know those people are from Godwin.”

The Golden Gs started in 1945 as a way to organize reunions for Godwin students. Since 2000, a major focus became the scholarships. Polkowski said the scholarship project got started because the Golden Gs wanted to do something for community youth. “They can’t afford college if they don’t get help,” she said.

The group collects funds toward the scholarship year-round from a variety of activities and events. All of the contributions go straight into the fund, with nothing subtracted for costs.

Polkowski said there have been lots of success stories since the awards started being given. She remembers a girl who was able to go to college because of the $2,500 scholarship she won. “She ended up getting a master’s and a Ph.D., and now works for government,” Polkowski said.

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Golden Gs

Kentwoodpalooza! Annual Festival of Arts, Film and Music by Teens, for Teens!

Area Education, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, , ,


Hundreds of teens from Kent County and beyond are expected to gather at Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch on June 12 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM for Kentwoodpalooza, a festival-style celebration of the arts, the end of school and the beginning of Summer Reading @ KDL.

“We wanted to host an event that would introduce teens to their library so they could see it as a welcoming environment, a place where they could hang out during the summer months,” said event organizer Greg Lewis, a teen librarian at the branch. “The City of Kentwood and area businesses have been very supportive, and since KDL has embraced this we have people coming from all over.”

Supported this year by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts and sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library, activities at Kentwoodpalooza include live music; workshops with local musicians, writers and other artists; plus poetry, teen film festival screenings and free food. “Now that we’ve been doing this a few years, Kentwoodpalooza is becoming known as a summer event area teens look forward to – performers too,” Lewis said. “This is a great opportunity for teens to show what they can do and to learn from some of the area’s most well known performers and artists.”     film-strip-roll-cinema-technology-22984546

Schedule:

1:00 p.m. — JibberJams Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus will lead a round of intelligent silliness for all ages. This energetic, engaging interactive performance by a local musician features original songs and improvisation performed in the universal language of jibberish.

1:00 p.m. – Ongoing. Watch local artist Barbara Williams collaborate with about a dozen East Kentwood High School National Art Honor Society students on the creation of a large mural that will hang inside the library when completed.

2:00 p.m. — Kent County Teen Film Festival Encore. If you missed seeing these short films by teens on the big screen in February, watch them now and talk with a few of the young film makers about how they created their masterpieces.

2:00 p.m. — Guitar Workshop with Justin Dore. Join Big Dudee Roo’s lead guitarist in exploring different playing styles of and what makes those styles unique. Find out what it means to be a lead guitarist and hear the dos and don’ts of joining a band. Also, get some practice techniques and hear about the history of the instrument and notable guitarists.

3:00 p.m. — Songwriting Workshop. Max Lockwood, lead singer and songwriter for folk rock band Big Dudee Roo, will perform some of his songs, discuss the songwriting process, share ideas for building a song from the ground up and show how to put together all the elements of a song.

5:30 p.m. — Writing Workshop. Published writer, poet and creative writing instructor Hazel Foster will explain how to take working drafts from revision to publication, addressing revision strategies, submission etiquette, venues for publication and how to survive rejection.

6:30 p.m. — Poetry Reading and Awards Ceremony. Winners from the Kent District Library Teen Poetry Contest will share their poetry.

4:00 — 8:00 p.m. Live Music on the Amphitheatre
4:00 p.m. — December Assembly (Electronic Alternative)
5:00 p.m. — Phantom Ivory (Alternative)
6:00 p.m. – Virgo (Alternative Rock)
7:00 p.m. — Big Dudee Roo (Grunge Folk Rock)

Kentwood High School State Champs!

Area Education, Our Cities, Sports

Kentwood State Champs in Track

 

 

Tuesday, June 10, Kentwood’s State Champion Boy’s Track Team visited the Michigan Capital and Legislators at the request of Representative Ken Yonker. They won the MHSAA State Championship for the 5th time in 6 years!! Special thanks go out to Coach Emeott, his staff, and Ketntwood’s  fantastic student athletes for representing KPS in such a positive manner. In the words of many administrators and students: “Another Great Day To Be A Falcon!”

Tips on Identity Theft and Exploitation Prevention

Area Education, Senior Living, , ,

If an offer seems too good to be true,

it really is!

Identity theft is real and the exploitation of the weak and elderly is on the increase. Seniors be informed and aware!

by Patricia Riley and Janice Limbaugh

That’s the message of  Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones – The Realities Behind Physical, Emotional, and Financial Elder Abuse,  a six-speaker forum of professionals coordinated by the Area Agency on Aging and the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition. The group recently provided a free seminar to citizens at the Wyoming Senior Center and will repeat the event on Tuesday, June 10 at the Forest Hill Fine Arts building. no

Topics of discussion covered a gamut of abuses on seniors and how to recognize abuse and report it to authorities. Each year, 15 million people in the U.S. experience identity theft or fraud. Of that number, approximately 90,000 Michigan seniors are vulnerable subjects.

“Out of the fifty states in America, Michigan ranks number four with highest crimes concerning fraud and identity theft,” says Glenn Sweeney, vice president of Chemical Bank’s Loss Division, one of the speakers at the event.

“People steal personal information from vulnerable adults by searching through trash bins, dumpsters, and mail boxes.”

Other unsuspecting and common methods of identity theft he says include pulling names, addresses, and phone numbers from entry forms for drawings as well as rerecording voices from voicemail messages in order to recreate a false message from the victim.

“Be very careful about going to ATM machines,” Sweeney warned the attendees, “Sometimes criminals place cameras on top of the machine to get your personal information. Be sure to use your hand to cover entering your pin so they cannot get that information. Play it safe!”

Nancy Kropiewnicki, Contract Coordinator with the Area Agency and Aging and Coordinator of the Kent county Elder Abuse Coalition, coordinated the forum which features: Assistant Chief Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker,  elder law attorney, author and founder of Safe Place Consulting, Beth Swangman, Mike Faber of The Learning Center for Older Adults at Grand Rapids Community College, Regional Coordinator of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Bob Callery, Michigan State Police Trooper Martin Miller, and Glenn Sweeney of Chemical Bank Loss Division.

The focus of the forum is not only to create abuse awareness among senior citizens but to also encourage reporting elder abuse and exploitation to authorities.

Assistant Chief Prosecutor Becker says that vulnerable adults of elder abuse are targeted because of age, developmental disability, mental disability, illness, or physical disability that requires supervision or personal care.

“To be a vulnerable adult you do not have to be completely out of it,” she says. “One out of eight abuse cases are reported. Sometimes the victim doesn’t know they are being abused or doesn’t want to report the abuse.”

She adds that the abuser can be an unsuspecting individual like a church or family member, a caregiver, a neighbor, a guardian or Power of Attorney to name a few. Many times it’s a person with authority over a vulnerable adult she says.

“Just because people have power to conduct business for the victim, does not give them the right to abuse their power because they are guardian” says Becker.

“We have done a good job persecuting criminals committing crimes relating to elder abuse in Kent County. But, on the contrary, many cases don’t go to trial because people do not report the crimes.”

This forum and others like it are created in hopes that Michiganders will step up and speak out by reporting elder abuse.

“The forums are also created to let seniors know we have people who care about them and they do not have to be afraid to report issues concerning abuse,” Becker states.

Attorney Beth Swangman took the floor saying, “Abuse comes in many forms. It can be physical abuse or threats, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse.”

Her long list of abuse includes signs of the obvious such as bruises, broken bones, bed sores, poor hygiene, and genital injury, but also inconspicuous signs such as a change in financial status, depression and withdrawal from social activities and people, loss of bowel control and incontinence, strained or tense relationships or deteriorating health due to medication in balance.

Swangman states that although elder abuse does not draw the same attention as child abuse, it should. As part of her commitment to the community, Swangman works hard to get the word out about elderly abuse.

“Elder abuse awareness must be created first in order to get to restoration, reconciliation, and forgiveness,” states Swangman, adding, “All abuse is accompanied by shame and fear. These are the reasons why people do not report them.”

One of the sources of elder abuse is caregiver stress. Mike Faber coordinates and teaches a program at GRCC to train people how to work with older adults. Faber states that 80 to 90 percent of caregiving is provided by family members. One in three households in Kent County is involved in some form of elder care. This is why, Faber states, “It’s important for caregivers to know the resources are out there to help ease the stress from giving care and avoid burn out.”

However, Faber says that only 10 to 20 percent of caregivers take advantage of the support available to them.

“Many caregivers abuse their love ones because they are burned out. Anybody can break. They think they are all alone and don’t seek help,” he explains.

“But in Kent County, we have the best aging network and community support services. The problem is people don’t know the services exist, or they don’t recognize themselves as being a caregiver. Are you a caregiver?”

Giving the heads-up on scams in West Michigan was Trooper Martin Miller. He listed such scams as: international lottery scams through documents sent via email from the United Kingdom; individuals calling pretending to be a grandchild who is overseas, is in some kind of trouble and needs bond money.

“Police have no way of tracing these scams to help you get the money back you have sent through Western Union,” he warns.

Other known phone scams in West Michigan include: a request for money for the ‘fireman support group,’ ‘police memorial fund,’ political organizations, hurricane relief, or calls stating you have won a lottery and owe money for sales taxes.

“If you wish to donate to a cause, go directly to the offices of these organizations yourself,” he stresses. “Please do not give information out to anybody. You don’t know who is on the other end of the phone.”

According to Trooper Miller, latest scam trends in the area are coming through the mail as official-looking letters from court. The letters state that a license may be suspended if an unpaid ticket is not paid. After the fine is not paid, the victim receives another letter from a fake collection agency stating that now a warrant is issued and the victim maybe arrested.

“If we have a warrant for your arrest, we will come straight to your door” states Miller.
Other trendy scams to be aware of are people requesting deposits for home repair work to be performed, phony census workers asking for personal information, and buying into bogus offers to get discounts on future purchases.

“Never give perpetrators your social security number, bank numbers, credit card number and do not send money in advance. If the offer is too good to be true, IT IS!” stresses Miller.
Bob Callery, regional coordinator of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan discusses Medicare fraud and abuse.

“Over a million people per year are affected by medical identity theft,” he says. “The average cost per incident of medical identity theft is approximately $20,000.” He explains that Medicare fraud is committed when criminal calls stating you have reached your limit and need to pay.

For the record, Medicare will never call you stating you have reached your limit. If you get a call from someone stating they are from Medicare and you’ve reached your limit and owe money, Callery says too call the Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMPP) and report the incident.

“Protect your Medicare card,” he stresses. “Always read and compare your Medicare Summary Notice, or MSN that is sent to you through the mail by Medicare. The notice shows the services you have used. Report any doctors or services on your report you might not recognize. If you notice something suspicious, call the SMPP.”

Callery also advises seniors to track or log all their medical services for verification. Personal information should only be given out to Medicaid or Medicare approved doctors and suppliers. He suggests taking labels off prescription bottles before throwing them away as a way of protecting personal information.

The information provided at this event is beneficial to seniors, caregivers and family members. It pays to be aware. To learn more about elder abuse, fraud, or exploitation contact:

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan: 616-222-7025
Kent County Prosecutor: 616-632-6665
To file a complaint against a business or to check a business’s complaint history call 1-517-373-1140
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, 616-456-5664 or 1-888-456-5664
Caregiver Resource Network: 616-234-3483
Michigan State Police: 616-666-4411
Elder Law Attorney Beth Swangman: 616-323-3443
Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-438-4338

or visit   http://www.protectkentseniors.org/ 

No Summer Boredom with Library events like these!

Area Education

Kent District Library

June 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007

Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.

beautiful-girl-books-29181048This calendar contains program highlights. Most KDL branches offer additional programs including Book Discussions, Storytimes and a variety of computer classes. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information.

For Children and Families

Teddy Bear Clinic

 

Bring your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal friend to the library for a quick check-up. Learn ways to keep them healthy and happy and even get a clean bill of health. For ages 6 and younger.

 

Tuesday, June 3, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Monday, June 23, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch

 Summer Carnival

Celebrate Summer Reading @ KDL with carnival games and activities. For all ages.

Monday, June 9, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch

 

Sport Stacking with “Mr. Jim” Merrills

 

Sport Stacking (formerly called Cup Stacking) is fast and fun! Bring your friends and learnhow to do it — it’s a blast! For ages 6 and older.

 

Tuesday, June 10, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch

 

Radical Reptiles

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary engages young minds with fascinating facts and real-life encounters with snakes, alligators and turtles. For all ages.

Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, June 19, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, June 28, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Magic with Tom Plunkard

 

An amazing program filled with live animals and loads of audience participation. For all ages.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Let’s Explore Geodes!

 

Join geologist Steve Tchozeski to learn about the mysteries of geodes and a hands-on chance to explore what is inside. Participants will select a geode to take home with them! For ages 6 and older.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch

Take It Apart

Like to tinker? Are you curious about how things work or what is inside? Old telephones, keyboards and other gadgets will be provided for children to take apart and explore. Spark your child’s interest in what makes things tick! For ages 6 and older.

Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch

 Art Attack

Exercise your creativity! Make paintings, sculptures, prints and mosaics to take home with you. Sponsored by Karl Orthodontics. For all ages.

Thursday, June 12, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 23, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

 

John Ball Traveling Zoo

 

Come learn about animals and even get a chance to meet some. For all ages.

 

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Pet Show

 

Is your pet a star? Every critter’s a winner in this unique show designed to put the spotlight on your furry, scaly or feathered friend. All acts must pre-register. Visit the library for more details. For all ages.

 

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch

 

Super Fun Science Party!

 

You’ll have such a great time playing, making and doing that you may not notice you’re exploring the principles of science at the same time. For all ages.

 

Saturday, June 14, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Monday, June 30, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

 

Amazing Bats

 

Can you fly with your hands? Bats can. Meet and learn about the Organization for Bat Conservation’s live bats from around the world. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, June 17, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch

 

Touch-a-Truck

 

Are you wild about trucks? Get up close! Some of our municipal vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, front loaders and more will be stopping at the library, along with the pros who operate them. Decorate your own hard hat and other crafts. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, June 17, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch

 

Native American Dancers

 

Dancing, drumming and stories! Watch traditional Native American stories come alive through a storyteller and dancers, including a hoop dancer. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, June 17, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM – Grandville Branch

 

Rockets are a Blast!

 

Learn all about building and launching model rockets from Matt Johnson, of the local SMASH rocketry association and National Association of Rocketry. Participants will collaborate on a rocket build and learn about upcoming launch opportunities in the area. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For ages 6 and older.

 

Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 Out of This World Party

Join us for galactic games, stellar stories and alien activities. Come dressed as an astronaut or space creature and enjoy the fun! For all ages.

Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch

 

 

Kevin Kammeraad and The Cooperfly Puppet Troupe

 

Don’t miss this quirky crew of characters examining some various components and styles of puppetry. You’ll laugh and learn, while having a great time in this musical, interactive show for all ages!

 

Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch

 

Book Buddies

 

Ever want to read to a princess, race car driver or a dinosaur? Now you can! Come check out a Book Buddy from the library and spend 10 minutes reading your favorite book together! There will be lots of special characters to choose from and each one is excited to hear you read. This is a special partnership between the United Way, the Grand Rapids Public Library and Kent District Library. For families.

 

Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Wyoming Branch
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch

 

The Science of Us with the World’s Coolest Nerd

 

Miss Cari’s interactive science demonstration on the five senses will have children laughing and learning about how they are a walking piece of science. For all ages.

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, June 26, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch

 

 

Stormy the Magician Presents the Magic of Science

 

Go on an entertaining adventure into the magic of science and the science of magic. For all ages.

 

Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

Kids and Teens Craft Show

 

Arts and crafts for sale by local kids and teens. Stop in the library to register as a seller or just come to shop. You’re sure to find some great bargains. For all ages.

 

Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch

 

Farm on the Go

 

The Critter Barn of Zeeland brings a little of the farm to the city in a program featuring the cutest barnyard animals around for you to touch and pet. For all ages.

 

Saturday, June 28, 11:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch

 

For Teens (Grades 6-12)

 

 

Kent County Teen Film Festival 2014 Encore

 

Due to popular demand, KDL is proud to offer another screening of the 2014 KCTFF! If you missed it the first time or just want to relive the awesomeness, here is your chance. Plus, learn how you can enter the 2015 Festival. While you are here enjoy some pizza from local pizzerias.

 

Tuesday, June 10, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 26, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch

 

 

DIY Spa Products for Teens

 

Create everything you need for your own spa day! Make your own pampering products like foot scrub, bath salts and body glitter and take some home.

 

Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 12, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 4:00 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

Bust That Myth!

 

Can soda pop really clean a gross penny? Can you separate two intertwined phone books? Can you make your own bouncy ball? Test out these myths and more to determine whether they are confirmed or busted!

 

Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch

 

Flash Fashion for Teens

 

KDL’s twist on “Project Runway.” Fashion you create in a FLASH using paper, plastic and other unconventional materials and techniques. We provide the stuff and you dish out the creativity. You’ll work with a team to create a runway look in just 30 minutes by snipping, draping, taping and even accessorizing. Make it work!

 

Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

 

Nuts & Bolts: Jewelry from Hardware

 

Create one-of-a-kind, edgy, indie jewelry. Make a keychain, necklace, bracelet or earrings from unexpected materials.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch

 

Mind Boggle Science Workshop

 

Dr. Boggle leads you through amazing hands-on experiments and endless possibilities. Learn science the fun way through a series of mind boggling experiences.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

Kentwoodpalooza

 

A festival-style celebration of the arts, the end of school and the beginning of Summer Reading @ KDL with music, film, poetry, food and more. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library.

 

Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

DIY Tie-Dye for Teens

 

Bring a white or light colored T-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie-dye — with permanent markers! All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear.

 

Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 2:00 PM –Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite

 

Tess Grant, former forensic anthropologist and author of teen suspense and adult thrillers, will talk about where and how the myth began.

 

Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch

 

 

Minute to Win It

 

Pit your skills against the clock and against your peers. Set a personal record or challenge a friend. Prizes for all!

 

Thursday, June 19, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch

 

Veggie Nutrition

 

Join Kim Kyunghee from Veg West Michigan and learn about a healthy and happy lifestyle with vegetarian and vegan cooking. Her program includes a cooking demonstration, food sampling and tips on eating green.

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch

 

For Adults

 

Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine

Join herbalist and forager Lisa Rose Starner to learn about local plants and “weeds” that can be used for food and herbal medicine.

Monday, June 2, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, June 23, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 30, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch

 

Designing a New Kitchen Garden

 

You can have a very productive garden even if you have only a small area to work with! Connie Hanson of Grand Shire Farm will present design ideas for raised beds, container gardening, companion planting and information on vegetables and herbs that grow well in small spaces.

 

Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Monday, June 23, 6:30 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Monday, June 30, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

 

Bicycle Maintenance 101

 

The Spoke Folks will bring their mobile bike shop and demonstrate tips on how to keep your bike in tip-top shape so you have a great ride every time you go out.

 

Monday, June 9, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch

 

The National Park Service Presents the North Country Trail

 

Learn about the longest trail in the nation, right in our own backyards, from Mark Weaver, the National Park Service superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

 

Monday, June 9, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch

 

The Art and Science of Canning

 

Join Annette McBride as she explains the science behind canning fruits and vegetables at home and demonstrates how to get started with basic canning.

 

Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 PM – Walker Branch

 

Trail Hiking 101

 

Chuck Hayden, of the West Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, tells you everything you need to know about boots, poles, safety and etiquette to begin your trail hiking journey.

 

Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

 

The North Country Trail and the Kitchen Sink

 

Author and Ludington Daily News columnist Joan Young, the first woman in history to complete the North Country Trail, will regale us with tales of her experiences. Sponsored by Friends of the Cascade Library.

 

Tuesday, June 24, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch

More Than 1,000 Dads Bring Kentwood Elementary Children to School for Event

Area Education, Our Cities
Tray Clopton chats with his son, Elijah.
Tray Clopton chats with his son, Elijah. Photos from School News Network

by Erin Albanese, School News Network at Kent ISD

Kentwood Public Schools, MI —  Challenger Elementary first-grade student Omar Aganovic thought about how it feels to have his father, Sanel Aganovic, with him at school for breakfast. Omar reached out to grab Sanel’s hand across the table.

“Happy!” he said.

Sanel smiled at his son.

“Usually I can’t because of work,” he said. “We eat breakfast together enough at home, but this brings another element to it.”

The line stretched out the door as fathers, alongside their children, arrived for the first-ever Fathers-Bring-Your-Child-to-School-Day. The district’s 10 elementary schools hosted fathers who ate with their children, listened to local standout athletes about how male role models impacted their lives, and attended class with their child.

The response was even bigger than anticipated, with more than 1,000 fathers attending. At Challenger Elementary, the food ran out because so many fathers attended.

Donta’ Young, behavior specialist at Challenger and Endeavor elementary schools, planned the event as a way to emphasize fathers’ role in shaping children’s lives academically, socially and with athletics.

Many students he works with who have behavioral problems do not have fathers involved in their lives, he said.

Sanel Aganovic eats breakfast with his son, Omar.
Sanel Aganovic eats breakfast with his son, Omar.

The Impact A Father Can Have

A 2006 study, “Fathers Influence in the Lives of Children with Adolescent Mothers,” involved 134 children over 10 years and showed children with involved fathers did better emotionally and academically, had fewer behavior problems, and scored higher on reading tests.

Other studies show students are more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, and avoid high-risk behaviors if they have involved loving fathers, Young said.

“If you can change the behavior, you can shape the culture,” Young said.

Challenger Principal Mark Bea said the school has a lot of involved fathers, which is great. However, mothers are usually the ones dropping students off, so inviting fathers was a great way to recognize their importance.

“You, by being here today, are showing you’re an involved dad,” he told the gymnasium full of fathers.

Local Superstars

Leontae Couch sits with his son, Jayden, to start his kindergarten school day.
Leontae Couch sits with his son, Jayden, to start his kindergarten school day.

Fifteen college and professional athletes spoke for the event at the elementary schools.

At Challenger, retired NFL player Kevin Clemens and retired NBA player Reggie Jordan spoke about their journeys in athletics, influenced by role models.

Clemens, now a Kent County probations officer who works with juveniles, said many children he works with do not have fathers in their lives.

“I have 30 cases on my caseload and all I deal with is 29 moms and one dad,” he said. “I have to deal with children every day and when there are no male in their homes, the kids run rampant.”

He said his high school football coach was the first male role model in his life. The coach inspired him to think about college, and Clemens eventually got a scholarship to Grand Valley State University. Clemens went on to play arena football for several teams including the Grand Rapids Rampage. He played for the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Never think your effect is not that strong because it is,” he said.

Jordan, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trailblazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Washington Wizards, has two teenagers who attend East Kentwood High School.

“The involvement of a dad in a kid’s life helps mold them into what they’re going to be,” he said. “They are going to be dad’s, husbands, outstanding citizens. We need to grab them before it’s too late.”

One Wyoming 1 on 1 Celebrates 7500 Hours of Connecting with Area School Kids

Area Education, Non-Profits

janice_limbaugh

Jack Ponstine (right) honors volunteer mentors for putting in the most time mentoring.
Jack Ponstine (right) honors volunteer mentors for putting in the most time mentoring Wyoming kids this year.

The first Mentor Celebration for One Wyoming 1 on 1 not only showed appreciation to volunteers but revealed some undeniable facts about this grassroots effort – it’s actually working!

 

According to mentee surveys taken in the spring of this year that include students from Godfrey-Lee, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville and Wyoming schools, over 84 percent say they enjoy being a part of the Mentoring program. The majority of students went on to state that having a mentor helped them in school, helped them learn new things, and makes them feel comfortable talking about things, both good and bad.

 

Jack Ponstine, executive director, asked the mentors, “Do you appreciate this as a pat on the back? You should. We’re making something work here!”

 

The One Wyoming 1 on 1 Mentoring Initiative was launched on February 2, 2012 through a collaborative effort of city, school, church, and business leaders of Wyoming at Grace Bible College. Their goal is to train 1100 mentors to serve 10 percent of the students in the city to help them develop an affirming vision of themselves and their future. To date, the organization has approximately 492 mentors in place to finish out the 2013-2014 school year.

One Wyoming 1 on 1 currently has over 400 volunteers for their first year of service.
One Wyoming 1 on 1 currently has over 400 volunteers for their first year of service.

 

“I’m a ‘glass is half full’ kind of guy,” says Ponstine. “I think that’s awesome!”

 

Ponstine admits the group is actually glad they didn’t meet their goal this year. “It’s given us time to get more organized and work out the processes for mentoring. We have a good solid foundation now to build on and are more prepared to take on an additional 500 to 800 new mentors.”

 

The number of additional mentors is expected to climb before the start of school next fall as both Gordon Foods and Spartan Foods announced their participation in the program. Exciting news for the 40 or more mentors attending this first celebration as they unanimously agree that more children need their help. The one hour per week for one year commitment has some saying, it may not be enough. Many are ready to volunteer more of their time to their kids.

 

“Think of the loss these kids have had,” one mentor suggested. “With the school year ending, do they think they are losing us too? We need to assure them we are there for them.”

 

“I can already see changes in my mentee as the school year winds down. School provides him a steady routine. Without the school routine, he only has an unstable home life. I think we need to show up for these kids during the summer and show them we are their one constant,” added another volunteer.

A volunteer reviews feedback from student surveys about the program.
A volunteer reviews feedback from student surveys about the program.

 

Although the number of volunteers in attendance was roughly 10 percent of the entire group, they unanimously agreed to continue their mentoring efforts at various times throughout the summer months. The vested interest in the youth and future of Wyoming is clear.

 

“Of course you think the mentee is going to experience the greatest impact from this but the mentor changes too. These kids have an impact on their lives just as much as we do on theirs,” says Randy Weener, one of the organizers of the program.

 

“Back when we first discussed a mentoring program, we narrowed down our focus from six topics to one. Our biggest concern for the future of Wyoming is poverty, ” he explains. “We determined that a lack of employment is due to a lack of education. If we can change the course of history to get kids to feel more affirmed in elementary or middle school, they have a stronger sense and aspiration of who they can become.”

 

One mentor shared her story of making a Valentine’s Day card for her 8-year old mentee writing in it that she had potential. “It was the first time any one ever told her that or had given her a Valentine’s card, ” she says. It’s that kind of influence the organization hopes makes a life-changing difference in the lives of these children.

 

What’s also impressive is that One Wyoming 1 on 1 is not modeled after any other program in the state or in the country. Weener says that it’s a collaborative effort of volunteers representing a broad part of the community. “We’re intentionally keeping it grassroots,” he says. “It has more power as a volunteer movement rather than a hierarchical organization.”

Susan Lamos, life engagement director at Vista Springs Living Center (back center) takes these resident volunteers to read to three- and four-year olds. She says it makes their day when they here the kids say, "The grandmas are here to read to us!"
Susan Lamos, life engagement director at Vista Springs Living Center (back center) takes these resident volunteers to read to three- and four-year olds. She says it makes their day when they hear the kids say, “The grandmas are here to read to us!”

 

Focused, determined and committed, the volunteers openly discuss challenges and triumphs of mentoring. The group is divided up into the four schools they serve to address concerns or offer suggestions for improvement. Once reunited as the whole group, the topics are shared. Input is welcomed and steps toward improving the experience are noted and acted on. Volunteer mentoring is work but not without its rewards. As much time that is spent on discussing obstacles or improvements, equal time is spent sharing touching and heartwarming testimonies of positive results for their efforts.

 

“They get you don’t they?” Ponstine says to the group after hearing several volunteers share their successes.

 

“It’s awesome,” answers a mentor.

 

Ponstine adds, “It’s proof that in some way, shape or form, you are going to have a positive impact on these kids. And keep telling these stories everywhere you go!”

 

To find out more about becoming a mentor or how to nominate a mentee, visit the website of One Wyoming 1 on 1.