It was a race against the clock for Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody: more than a dozen neighborhoods hosting National Night Out events and his mission was to visit them all within a three-hour time period.
By 8 p.m., Carmody admitted as he left the Cross Creek Green Condos, where they honored him for being named the top Michigan Police Chief by the Michigan Association of Police Chiefs, he probably would not make it to them all.
For Carmody and many officials from both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, the day started off at the annual Consumers Energy kick off for National Night Out. Starting at 5:30 a.m. yesterday, Consumers Energy had two of its large trucks with extended buckets 75 feet above U.S. 131 to help draw attention to the national event designed to encourage residents to get out and meet their neighbors.
Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen and Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll were part of a group of governmental leaders and law enforcement officials on had from six different communities in Kent County for the early morning event. Also in attendance was Carmody and Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen. A proclamation was read and Consumer Energy employees handed out LEDs to those driving by the Consumers Energy office at 4000 Clay Ave. SW in Wyoming.
“We appreciate the support we receive from our cities and law enforcement agencies not only for the annual event, but during every day of the year to keep our communities cross Michigan safe,” said Consumer Energy Vice President of Electric Operations Guy Packard. “This event heightens awareness of crime and drug prevention and helps provide citizens the tools they need to stay safe at home and in their neighborhoods.”
For 34 years, communities across the nation participate in National Night Out. Created by the National Association of Town Watch, the annual event, which always takes place on the first Tuesday in August, is designed to build relations between neighbors and local law and safety personal as a way to help deter crime.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
“National Night Out is a way to get everybody together,” said Kentwood Police Sgt. James Connell, who was at the Kentwood community-wide event at Woodland Mall. “It’s a way to get neighbors out of their houses and talk with their neighbors. A lot of people don’t know their neighbors anymore as we’ve gotten kind of closed off.”
Many of the activities were in the evening including the City of Wyoming’s last Concert in the Park series at Lamar Park which featured a variety of activities and the country band Union Guns.
For more about National Night Out, make sure to check out WKTV Channel 26 for a special report on the event.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In honor of Cinco de Mayo 2017, Dr. Jen opted to give all of the ‘newbies’ for the month names of Hispanic origin; we had already had a Cinco (and Dr. Jen is saving Mayo for a white kitty). So, here’s a little bit about Tostada, one of May’s magnifico kiddos that became a Crash Cat.
Shy Tostada was lurking about behind our shelter when he was live trapped (we were attempting to capture two calicos that had been hanging around for weeks). We think that someone dumped him off and drove away since he hadn’t ever been spotted in the neighborhood before; when he saw an open door and food awaiting, he got himself caught in the hopes of earning a better life for himself.
Dr. Jen guesstimates he was born in the spring of 2012 and was ear-tipped prior to arrival, which means he was a participant in a low-cost spay/neuter program (thankfully). His nails were frayed from being caged (and then deciding he didn’t care for it once the food was gone), his right ear was torn, and he sported a small puncture on his left foreleg.
For the first month at Crash’s, Tostada pretty much spent all of his time hiding inside of a cave-type bed, but he is slowly and surely coming out of his shell at the writing of his bio in July and learning what being brave is all about. He enjoys napping on one of our many toddler beds, but prefers to fly solo, so finding him a home where he can laze the day away in peace and solitude would be best for our handsome orange and white guy.
Want to adopt Tostada? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
LINC Up and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County have received $1 million from Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods for affordable housing projects in Grand Rapids’ southeast and southwest neighborhoods.
This is the first time the Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods grant has been made available and Grand Rapids is one of just four cities in the country to have more than one nonprofit awarded the grant.
“True success for Grand Rapids can only be realized when everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We are thankful for the innovative work of our local affordable housing providers. They are making home ownership opportunities accessible to those who need safe, stable and affordable housing.”
Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods provides grant funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to help stabilize and revitalize distressed communities suffering from the direct and/or indirect effects of the foreclosure crisis. The grants will support and further existing multi-faceted, place-based initiatives working to transform communities.
LINC Up will use the funding to build five affordable homes in the Madison Square Neighborhood in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College’s MTECconstruction program. The funding will also support the creation of a construction trades contractor incubator in LINC’s Business Center at 1258 Madison to focus on training and growing local contractors.
“The Project Reinvest goal of reversing negative effects from the foreclosure crisis aligns with the ongoing work of LINC Up to facilitate new housing development and economic opportunities for residents. Along with immediate impacts of new housing and jobs, this grant supports a long-term investment in local construction talent who will work directly on reinvestment activities taking place in the neighborhood over the next several years.”
Habitat Kent will use the funding to rehabilitate four homes in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood that will be available to purchase for affordable home ownership.
The funds will also help support the annual Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Curb Appeal Contest and the development of pilot programs to encourage and provide resources for more affordable home ownership opportunities to residents.
Photo supplied
“Home ownership is a critical element in providing families with strength and stability for a brighter future.” said Habitat Kent Executive Director BriAnne McKee. “The need for affordable housing is great in our community and we’re thankful for fellow organizations like LINC Up who are helping meet that need.”
LINC Up and Habitat Kent both are members of the Kent County Permanent Housing Coordinating Council, a group of affordable housing providers, funders, and related partners who meet regularly to share best practices and coordinate housing development efforts. LINC Up and Habitat Kent will each receive $500,000. Both applications were filed separately.
Brought to you by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, the RED BARNS SPECTACULAR is the most anticipated show of the season. Hailed as West Michigan’s “Grand Daddy” of all antique, classic and special interest car shows, it is one BIG day with two HUGE shows.
The area’s oldest and largest antique, classic, and special interest car show and swap meet featuring vehicles of all eras from 1992 and earlier takes place at the Gilmore Car Museum on Saturday, August 5th.
Both the Judged Car Show field and Driver’s Choice Show field are open to all vehicles 25 years or older, including cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, vintage campers, military vehicles, fire trucks and boats.
Thousands of cars will be on display, along with special areas for antique campers and the Tin Can Tourists, cars for sale, antique boats, and vintage bicycles. Plus, check out over 300 onsite vendors and shop for those hard to find car parts, tools, literature, antiques, arts, crafts and more in the season’s largest swap meet. For more information, check out the Red Barns Spectacular’s Facebook page.
Celebrating its 37th year, the RED BARNS SPECTACULAR has been sponsored by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club (KAARC) and the Gilmore Car Museum since 1980.
“This is the event that folks wait all summer for,” said KAARC show chairperson Jim Holland. “The name says it all, it really is spectacular!”
At last year’s event, over 1,500 collector cars and more than 300 swap meet vendors, descended on the Gilmore Car Museum for what has been dubbed the “Granddaddy” of all area car shows.
Multiple generations now take part in the RED BARNS SPECTACULAR, either as participants vying for one of the nearly 100 trophies to be awarded in either the Judged Show or in the Driver’s Choice Show or as spectators reliving and making memories.
Whether you’re interested in antiques, classics, mid-century muscle cars, or prefer trucks, customs, street rods, or historic military vehicles, vintage boats or campers, this event will certainly not disappoint! Guests to the RED BARNS SPECTACULAR will be given access into the Gilmore Car Museum—North America’s largest auto museum—and its campus and exhibits at no extra charge.
Two new special exhibits just opened; “Designed for Delivery—the History of the American Truck” featuring 22 incredible trucks from 1907 to 1963; and “Kalamazoo — The Other Motorcity,” showcasing Kalamazoo built autos such as the iconic Checker Cab, the Duesenberg-powered Roamer and the Cornelian racecar driven by Louis Chevrolet in the 1915 Indy 500.
The Gilmore Car Museum’s 90-acre historic campus, located 20 miles northeast of Kalamazoo, will be filled with antique, classic, and special interest autos, as well as customs, street rods and military vehicles.
Visitors will have the chance to step back in time, locate those hard-to-find parts for their restoration project, and even purchase a collector vehicle from the large cars for sale “corral” area. You’ll also find several vendors selling vintage auto-related memorabilia, general antiques, as well as arts and crafts. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of old-time food concessions and visit the Museum’s authentic 1940s roadside eatery—George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner.
Some highlights for this year’s event includes:
See the Car and Meet the Team! The Gilmore Garage Works high school program will display the 1935 Packard that five teens just completed the 2,400-mile 2017 GREAT RACE in.
A living history “Tin Can Tourist Camp,” featuring several dozen antique and vintage campers and trailers from throughout the Midwest, will be displayed on the Museum’s historic campus.
“Boats at the Barns” is an amazing display area of antique boats and motors and, vintage wooden and classic fiberglass boats of all kinds—from barn-finds to stunningly restored.
The noon traffic “jam” is when all show cars announce their presence by sounding their horns!
Gates will open to the public at 8am for this ever-popular family friendly event, which runs until 4pm, while the Museum remains open until 6pm. Discounted general admission for the day is only $12.00 per person, with those under 11 admitted FREE, and includes the car show and all the expanded Museum exhibit buildings.
To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum and the Red Barns Spectacular, visit: www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call the Museum at 269.671.5089.
For the past 16 years, the Johnson Center for Philanthropy has collected data about Grand Rapid’s residents’ attitudes on various topics concerning our community. This year, in partnership with the Kent County Health Department, the survey has expanded its reach to all of Kent County. The survey is designed to connect demographics with residents’ opinions, attitudes and perceptions. Topics include basic needs, health care, neighborhood safety, employment, education, racism and discrimination.
The goal of the survey is to provide objective data to residents, nonprofits, governments, businesses and other decision makers to help them better understand and meet the needs of our community. Because of the great value this survey provides, many organizations help distribute the survey to their clients. For example, low-income residents who receive services from ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will be asked to participate.
If you would like to participate, hard copies are available at the ACSET CAA office in the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Or, you can access the survey online where there is also a Spanish version available. Participants who submit the online survey can register to win prizes for their participation!
Want to make your voice heard? Visit VoiceKent.org and get started. The survey will only take about 15 minutes. Your participation will help community organizations across the county better serve our community.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
An Aussie/Kiwi couple moves from Down Under to Up Over. Pamela and Craig Benjamin discuss their personal mid-life moves. Changing hemispheres and changing careers in the land of opportunity.
Can a novel deliver entertainment and promise spiritual enlightenment? It can when served up by West Michigan pastor and spiritual director Sharon Garlough Brown. Packed inside her engaging story, Sensible Shoes, is a small non-fiction work on incorporating ancient spiritual disciplines into life. This 2013 Midwest Publishing Awards Show Honorable Mention book chronicles the friendship between four women who meet at a spiritual disciplines class, a class none of them initially wanted to attend.
The back cover of the book describes the women this way:
Hannah, a pastor who doesn’t realize how exhausted she is
Meg, a widow and recent empty-nester who is haunted by her past
Mara, a woman who has bounced from relationship to relationship and who is trying to navigate a difficult marriage
Charissa, a hard-working graduate student who wants to get things right
The book is structured around the development of the friendships, how the women are responding to the Saturday morning lessons given over three months, and what the practice of each discipline is dredging up from their pasts. Key to the development of the story and spiritual growth of the women is the seminar leader, Katherine Rhodes, and Charissa’s professor, Dr. Nathan Allen. The reader is set up to understand the conflict in the story by Brown’s effective use of short flashbacks.
Most chapters begin with the handout the women received at the start of a session, followed by the leader walking the women through the new discipline. Brown makes smooth transitions from the seminar to the lives of each woman, which she separates within the chapters. The story flows just like a typical novel.
Do not be deceived. Even if you skip reading the handout page or the explanation of the discipline you will not be able to escape the spirituality because the women share it with you, with either the personal reflection going on in their heads or in dialogue with each other.
At times, the dialogue itself will make the reader feel as if they are sitting with their own spiritual director. Take these examples:
“He (professor) placed his elbows on his desk, still clasping his hands together. ‘Your desire for control is keeping you from entrusting yourself to Christ, Charissa. And your desire for perfection is preventing you from receiving grace. You’re stumbling over the cross by trying to be good, by trying so hard to be perfect.’”
In the session on praying with imagination, the leader, Katherine refers back to the story of Bartimaeus asking for sight: “That’s a courageous thing to ask for, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s easier to remain in our darkness and blindness. But Bartimaeus wants to see.”
In the session about establishing a rule of life, Katherine gives an analogy: “Rules of life are like trellises … helping branches grow in the right direction and providing support and structure.”
Other practices Brown successfully weaves into her story include: Walking a Labyrinth as a Journey of Prayer, Lectio Divina, Praying the Examen, Wilderness Prayer, and Self-Examination and Confession.
Although I believe this book will find only a small audience in readers from West Michigan, readers of Christian fiction, and readers of Christian spiritual growth books, my hope is that others will pick up this gem and be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
Stabenow, Peters, Bergman, Kildee Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect Thunder Bay Sanctuary
The lawmakers warn Trump Administration against shrinking sanctuary and circumventing ban on drilling in Great Lakes
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) are leading a bipartisan call on the Trump Administration to maintain the existing boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and warned against any attempt by the Administration to circumvent the ban on Great Lakes oil and gas drilling.
The Trump Administration recently ordered a review of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Monuments, such as the Thunder Bay Sanctuary, that have been designated or expanded since 2007. The Thunder Bay Sanctuary is critical to tourism, the regional economy, and Michigan’s maritime heritage and has been protected from offshore oil and gas drilling since Stabenow authored a federal ban in 2005.
“We strongly urge you to maintain the expanded boundaries of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary,” wrote the lawmakers. “The decision to expand the Sanctuary in 2014 came after an extensive process that ensured thorough and transparent input from our constituents and all stakeholders. Michigan depends on its marine sanctuary to support the rural and coastal communities of northeast Michigan and preserve this unique area and cultural artifacts for future generations.”
Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for Veterans
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has announced bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ education benefits and enhance the post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (S.1598), named for the architect of the original G.I. Bill, eliminates an arbitrary 15-year period within which veterans are required to use the benefits they have earned. This bill would allow service-members who enlist after January 1, 2018, to use their benefits at any point after their military service.
“After bravely serving our country, no veteran should have to worry about whether his or her G.I. benefits will expire,” said Senator Stabenow. “So many veterans in Michigan have used the G.I. Bill to continue their education and this bill ensures that even more will have that opportunity.”
The bill expands G.I. Bill eligibility for certain active-duty reservists and Purple Heart recipients who have not completed the full term of their military contract. The bill also restores tuition costs and housing stipends for student veterans whose schools have closed – such as those impacted by the recent closure of for-profit schools like ITT Technical Institute.
Huizenga Speaks, Votes in Favor of Repealing Anti-Consumer CFPB Rule
Congressman Bill Huizenga recently spoke on the House floor in support of repealing the anti-arbitration rule recently put forward by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Through the Congressional Review Act, the House voted to eliminate this onerous anti-consumer regulation by a vote of 231 to 190. This is the 16th time the House has utilized the Congressional Review Act to repeal a burdensome Obama-era regulation. Thus far, President Trump has signed 14 of these regulatory reforms into law, including one authored by Congressman Huizenga.
Huizenga Votes to Increase Sanctions on North Korea, Iran, and Russia
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) recently released the following statement after voting to increase sanctions on North Korea, Russia, and Iran. H.R. 3364, the Countering Adversarial Nations through Sanctions Act, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 419-3.
“This bipartisan legislation holds some of the world’s worst actors accountable for their actions,” said Congressman Huizenga. “North Korea and Iran have continued to develop hostile weapons capabilities that threaten our troops and allies despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. Specifically to Russia, this bill expands sanctions due to hostile cyber activities as well as their intervention in the Ukraine. Additionally this legislation limits the ability of the Executive Branch to unilaterally provide sanction relief to Russia without congressional review.”
Gov. Rick Snyder: Michigan now more competitive for new jobs, diverse industries
It wasn’t the usual bill signing location for Gov. Rick Snyder — he wasn’t in the state Capitol or the Romney building in Lansing. On an available industrial property just off of M-59 in Oakland County, Gov. Snyder inked a three-bill package into law designed to diversify Michigan’s economy and attract new, large-scale employers, with a bipartisan group of legislators from across the state, along with economic development partners from every region and representatives of organized labor.
Senate Bills 242-244, sponsored by Sen. Jim Stamas, Wayne Schmidt and Steve Bieda, respectively, will entice new and emerging businesses with sizable work forces, by allowing them to keep some or all of the state income tax paid by their employees if certain criteria are met. The incentives vary in amount and length of time according to the number of new jobs the qualifying businesses creates, and whether or not it can meet or exceed regional average wage requirements.
To qualify, applicants must create at least 250 new jobs, and pay salaries that are 125 percent or more of the prosperity region average wage. Businesses that meet the 500 or 3,000 (or more) job thresholds must pay wages at least equal to 100 percent of the prosperity region average wage. Qualifying 3,000 or more job and wage applicants are eligible to receive the maximum income tax capture for 10 years, the maximum length of time allowed under the legislation.
The new law also:
Preserves the integrity of a performance-based incentive program – if an authorized business fails to satisfy and maintain the minimum number of new jobs, it would forfeit its withholding tax capture for that year;
Requires transparency reporting to the state legislature, detailing employer information, along with the amount and duration of each tax capture;
Caps the number of employer agreements at 15, which could roll over to future years if unused, and limits tax capture revenues to $200 million over the life of the program;
Mandates approval of the Michigan Strategic Fund and a resolution from the local governing body; and
Prevents new agreements from being signed after Dec. 31, 2019.
The bills were supported by a majority of Republicans and Democrats in both the state House and Senate.
For more information on this and other legislation, please visit www.legislature.mi.gov.
Gov. Rick Snyder returns legislation without signature, helping maintain state’s fiscal strength
Gov. Snyder has returned legislation without his signature due to concerns that the legislation is not fiscally prudent.
Senate Bills 94 and 95 would have accelerated the timeline originally agreed upon in 2013 for the phase-in of sales and use tax relief for those who trade in a vehicle when purchasing a new or used vehicle. The reductions were originally scheduled to phase in gradually to lessen the burden on the state’s general fund and School Aid Fund.
In his veto letter to the Legislature, Gov. Snyder said, “The bills would accelerate a gradual and agreed upon phase in of the sales and use tax relief to a degree that I believe is not fiscally prudent. With budget pressures from a number of areas in coming years, in particular dedication of funds to road funding, I do not believe it is appropriate to create additional financial strain by accelerating the tax relief agreed to in 2013.”
Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” If you have, you are not alone. We don’t always know what our strengths are right out of school. Or, our passions and interests might change over time. It’s never too late to learn more about yourself and find a job you love through career exploration!
What is Career Exploration?
Learning about yourself and the world of work. Your interests, skills and values need to align with the type of career you want to pursue. For example, if you are more of a do-er, you would do best in a job that requires hands-on problem solving and solutions. Interest inventories and skills assessments can help you figure out if you are a do-er, thinker, creator, etc. The O*Net Interest Profiler is a great tool to get started.
Identifying and exploring potentially satisfying occupations. Once you have discovered more about yourself, you can match your interests, skills and values to potential careers. While these careers may be a good fit for you, there may not be job opportunities in your area. Find out which jobs need workers near you or if you should consider a move for your next job. Check out West Michigan Works! Hot Jobs for a list of the 100 fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in West Michigan.
Developing an effective strategy to realize your career goals. Your next career may require new skills or training. Research who provides training for the skills you need. Do employers in your area prefer one training provider over another? How much will training cost? How long will it take to complete training? Will training fit into your schedule? If you need help developing a strategy, visit your local West Michigan Works! service center and find out if you qualify for free career planning or scholarships for career training.
Want more information? Take an interest profile and learn more about using the results to find your next career at one of West Michigan Works! free workshops. Check the online schedule to find and register for a Career Exploration Workshop near you.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them a new forever home. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Gretchen the Gorgeous
Gretchen — Female Domestic Short Hair Mix
I’m a 10-year-old cat looking for my forever home! I have an unusual charcoal tabby coat that you must see in person. I’m a very sweet and affectionate cat, and I love to talk! I’ve been in and out of homes throughout my life, and I’m ready for my permanent forever home. My adoption fee is waived due to generous grant funding. Please come visit me at Humane Society of West Michigan!
More about Gretchen:
Animal ID: 3075754
Species: Cat
Breed: American Shorthair/Mix
Age 10 years
Gender: Female
Size: Small
Color: Charcoal
Spayed
Not declawed
Adoption fee includes:
A physical done by the staff veterinarian
A test for heartworm disease (if six months or older)
A first series of vaccines including DHLPP (distemper combo), Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, and rabies (if older than 14 weeks of age)
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Treatment for internal parasites
One dose of flea preventative
One dose of heartworm preventative
The organization automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1.866.597.2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1.866.375.7387 (PETS).
Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.
When we think of basic needs, we think food, water, housing and clothing. A less obvious, yet equally important need for every individual is a sense of community. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs categorizes this as a psychological need for “belongingness and love.”
According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, there are five stages of needs:
food, water, warmth and rest
security and safety
relationships and friends
status and feelings of accomplishment
self-fulfillment
Individuals must fulfill their lower level needs before they can achieve higher level needs. Every person desires to move toward a level of self-fulfillment. However, many people are unable to do this because their lower level needs haven’t been met.
Kent County is home to many agencies who are committed to helping residents meet basic needs, including ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA). CAA’s senior meals program, however, goes beyond delivering food. It provides a sense of community for the many Hispanic and Latin Americans who live in the county.
Nearly 120 seniors from countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic gather daily for a Latin American-inspired meal. They find comfort in the familiar food, shared language and activities and music from their homelands.
“We’ve had some people coming for 20, 25 years,” says Susan Cervantes, assistant director for ACSET CAA “It’s a very family-oriented atmosphere.”
Seniors of any ethnicity are welcome to participate in the program. Participants must be 60 years or older (or have a spouse 60 years or older), live in Kent County and must fill out an application. The meals are served Monday through Friday at noon at the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin SE in Grand Rapids.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Stabenow Applauds Action Requiring Release of Study to Stop Asian Carp
Sen. Debbie Stabenow
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, today applauded news that the Senate Appropriations Committee included language in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release a critical study to stop Asian carp within thirty days of the bill’s enactment. The study, which will provide important guidance on how best to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, was supposed to be released in February but has been delayed indefinitely by the Trump Administration.
“Today’s news is an important step toward getting the Army Corps to release this report so we can stop invasive species like Asian carp from entering our Great Lakes,” said Senator Stabenow. “This report is especially urgent given that a live silver carp was recently discovered just nine miles from Lake Michigan. There is no time to waste and I will work with my colleagues to make sure this language becomes law.”
Huizenga: We Can Protect Endangered Species and Preserve Taxpayer Dollars
Rep. Bill Huizenga
On Wednesday, Congressman Bill Huizenga testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on his legislation to modernize the Endangered Species Act. Currently, no fee cap exists for litigation pertaining to the Endangered Species Act. Because of this, taxpayer dollars designated for species protection and restoration are being used to line the pockets of litigious trial attorneys and special interests. H.R. 3131, introduced by Congressman Huizenga, brings the hourly rate for awards of fees to prevailing attorneys to $125 per hour, which is in line with litigation involving veterans, small businesses, and federal benefit claims. The Endangered Species Litigation Reasonableness Act will protect endangered species and preserve taxpayer dollars.
Stabenow, Peters Request Meeting with President Trump to Discuss Ways to Promote American Jobs and Manufacturing
As the White House continues its “Made in America” activities this week, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today requested a meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss ways to promote American jobs and manufacturing and end outsourcing. The Senators reminded President Trump of his promise to put forward a comprehensive plan to end outsourcing and create jobs, and they called on him to work with Congress to ensure that American jobs are not shipped overseas.
“Your administration declared this week to be “Made In America” week to showcase American manufacturers and American-made products,” wrote the lawmakers. “In Michigan, manufacturing is a key component of our economy. As Senators who have long supported domestic manufacturing, we share a common goal in rewarding manufacturers that make products domestically and create good-paying jobs. Thus, we respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss an economic agenda that promotes American manufacturing by preventing outsourcing and implementing strong Buy American laws.”
Earlier this year, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced her American Jobs Agenda, which will ensure we are making products in America, closing loopholes that send jobs overseas, and holding countries like China accountable for unfair trade practices.
In February, U.S. Senator Gary Peters introduced the Outsourcing Accountability Act to help consumers identify which companies are sending jobs overseas by requiring publicly traded companies to disclose their total numbers of employees by location, including by state and by country. Currently, publicly traded companies are required to disclose total number of employees, but not where they are based, making it very difficult to accurately track the number of jobs they are eliminating in the United States and moving overseas.
Huizenga Congratulates Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody on Being Named Police Chief of the Year
Chief James CarmodyRep. Bill Huizenga
Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke on the floor of the U.S. House to congratulate Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody on recently being named the Michigan Police Chief of the Year.
Peters, Young Introduce Legislation to Update Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps for Great Lakes
Maps Help Assess Ecological Risks of Oil Spill & Natural Disaster; Great Lakes Maps Have Not Been Updated in Over 20 Years
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) announced that they are introducing bipartisan legislation to update the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps in the Great Lakes to better address habitat restoration and potential ecological impacts in the event of an oil spill or a natural disaster. ESI maps provide an inventory of at-risk coastal resources such as endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and human-use resources like beaches, parks and boat ramps. ESI maps for the Great Lakes have not been updated in over two decades and are only available in a limited number of viewable formats, while maps of the East coast, West coast, and Gulf coast have been updated within the last five years and are available in more accessible, searchable and detailed formats.
“An oil spill in the Great Lakes would have long-term and catastrophic implications for the health of Michigan’s ecosystem and economy,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. “ESI maps can provide crucial insight into how oil spills or natural disasters can impact our environment, but unfortunately maps for the Great Lakes have not been updated in decades. I’m pleased to join Senator Young in introducing bipartisan legislation that will modernize these maps and help provide a better picture of what resources could be at risk so we can keep our Great Lakes safe and clean for future generations.”
ESI maps, which are administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are used to document the potential ecological impacts for a range of risks to natural resources including oil spills, natural disaster planning and recovery, research, resource damage assessments, and restoration. An up-to-date ESI is necessary to correctly identify vulnerable locations and prioritize areas for protection in the event of a disaster. ESI maps in the Great Lakes have not been updated since between 1985 and 1994, depending on location.
Huizenga leads hearing on the costs of going and staying public
Capital Markets, Securities, and Investment Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga led a hearing to examine the burden that federal corporate governance policies, particularly those stemming from Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act, place on public companies. The hearing also focused on ways to ease over-burdensome regulations so public companies can better facilitate capital formation and promote economic growth.
Key Takeaways from the Hearing
The number of public companies and the number of companies going public have dramatically decreased over the last 15 years, greatly limiting the investing options for ordinary Americans.
Given that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) turns 15 this year, it is appropriate for Congress to review its effectiveness and the significant compliance cost imposed on public companies, particularly for small and medium sized issuers.
Congress must take steps to ensure that the federal securities laws provide investors with material information, and ease burdensome regulations and federal corporate governance polices, many arising out of Dodd-Frank, to facilitate public company formation.
By Mary Knudstrup, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main
Packing for your summer vacation? Be sure to take along Mary Roach’s Packing for Mars. Not exactly a travel guide, but an informative and often hilarious look at the arduous task of getting a human into space. This is not book about rocket thrusters and gaining orbit, but a look at the more intimate aspects of space travel that confound NASA scientists.
While reviewing the history of the space race, Roach unabashedly investigates some of science’s most delicate engineering challenges. Among her topics are digestion, and egestion in a zero-gravity environment and the problems that result from “two men, two weeks, no bathing, same underwear.” She revels about the joys of weightlessness; “(it’s) like heroin, or how I imagine heroin must be. You try it once, and when it’s over, all you can think about is how much you want to do it again.”
Her writing is smart, sassy and well-researched, loaded with footnotes that stand out as quirky entertaining side-bars to the main text; for example, did you know that guinea pigs and rabbits are the only mammals thought to be immune to motion sickness? Dogs, on the other hand, come by the old adage “sick as a dog” quite honestly. She also delves into the problem of taking a corned beef sandwich on a space mission and the contribution of cadavers to the space program.
While never losing sight of the heroic feats that astronauts perform, Roach probes fearlessly into the “ick factor” of living in space and in the end gives the reader an even deeper appreciation for what astronauts endure in terms discomfort and lack of privacy. Whether you are scientifically inclined or not, Packing for Mars will take you to places you’ve never been before.
Learn how to create batik designs at West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, July 24–27, 2017, from 9:30 am-12:00 pm.
Batik is a traditional Indonesian fabric dyeing technique that allows artists to create beautiful patterns using a wax “resist”. You will also experiment with other dyeing techniques and design a hand-dyed pattern of your own.
Workshop leader John Cox specializes in color, design and textiles. He has taught fiber arts at WMCAT since 2008. John earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Kendall College of Art and Design with additional studies in textiles, industrial design and art history. He owned an arts retail business in Grand Rapids for 12 years and worked as an artist in Japan. John has displayed his work at galleries throughout West Michigan.
Go here to register. Fee is $125. Call 616.454.7004 for more information.
West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology is located at 98 E. Fulton St. Ste 202, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
New York Times bestselling young adult author Susan Dennard will present a talk and signing Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at Schuler Books and Music, 2660 28th St. SE.
The Grand Rapids author is know for the popular “Something Strange and Deadly” series. She will present “Windwitch,” the follow up to the New York Times bestselling novel “Trutwithch.”
After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwich, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak — which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the opposed.
Author Susan Dennard
When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her — yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen form him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first.
After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge — especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.
For more information about the author presentation, visit www.schulerbook.com.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a special week of Laser Light Shows will take place this summer at the Chaffee Planetarium. For one week only, visitors to the Chaffee Planetarium can recline, relax, and rock out to dazzling laser light performances set to popular and classic music. From Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin to nineties hits and today’s hottest pop, get ready for a timeless journey of light and sound.
Laser Light Shows have something for every music lover, including: Laser Beatles, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Laser Vinyl (the best of classic rock), Laser Zeppelin, Laserpolis (pop, rock, alternative and oldies), Laser Country, Electro Pop (today’s hottest hits), Lase Rock (classic rock), Laser Tribute (great artists whose music has inspired many), Electrolase (electronic dance music), and Metallica.
Laser Light Shows will take place starting Monday, July 24 and continue through Sunday, July 30. Shows begin at 3 or 4 p.m. each day, and continue with the last show at 9 p.m. Tickets to shows are $4 with Museum general admission, and $5 for planetarium-only tickets. Members receive free admission to planetarium shows. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit grpm.org/Planetarium.
The Chaffee Planetariums special week of Laser Light Shows will return in September during ArtPrize. Save the dates for Sept. 25 through Oct. 1 for another round of dazzling lights and tantalizing tunes.
You can say that theater is in Abby Pletcher’s blood. Her grandmothers and mother have been involved in the arts including theater arts and now Pletcher will follow in their footsteps making her directorial and producing debut this month with the production of “Little Women: The Broadway Musical.”
The show scheduled for July 28 and 29 at the Wealthy Theatre is not Pletcher’s first foray into directing. The home-school graduate has directed many shows over the last several years, if directing your cousins counts. She usually has directed one show each summer since the age of 10. Her first big show involved all the kids in her neighborhood, where she directed a place called “Hotel for Kids,” which was a re-write of the kids movie “Hotel for Dogs.”
All of the other shows Pletcher has directed have been with her willing, although sometimes, coersed cousins. These shows would be held at the family’s favorite annual reunion hotspot in Big Rapids.
Although Pletcher has directed about a dozen shows with youth, this will be her first time directing for a show that is in conjuction with Homeschool Performing Arts – or just HPA (as referenced by those who know the group closely). HPA is a theater group that produces shows every year in the communities of Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo. The show’s cast, crew, make-up, lighting, sound, music, costumes, sets, and rehearsals are all done by home schooled students with parent involvement. Parents and other family members assist in making the costumes, sets, and running rehearsals, but the kids learn and perform the shows. The group was stared by Brad Garnaat back in 1997. Pletcher has been involved with HPA as a student since 2008 where she has had the opportunity to observe, learn, and grow as a thespian.
Show times for the “Little Women: The Broadway Musical” are 7 p.m. both days, July 28 and 29, at Wealthy Street Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. Tickets are $8. For tickets, click here. For more information about the production, visit www.hpami.org.
One of the most devastating words in the English language is “cancer”. Even more sobering is the fact and 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime (according to the American Cancer Society).
Pat Holland knows this pain firsthand. His dear wife, Peggy, lost her battle against cancer in 2014. Holland wanted to memorialize his wife and her 18-month journey at The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village.
“Peggy was everything to me, everything I could want in a wife and best friend,” said Holland. “I wanted to do something substantial to help celebrate her memory; something people would notice for a long time.”
Holland worked with the Metro Health Hospital Foundation and came up with a plan to install tribute bricks in the Cancer Center garden. A campaign was held offering anyone touched by the Cancer Center a chance to plant a brick in memory of a loved one. More than 30 people did so, purchasing bricks by making a donation to the Cancer Center via the foundation. Though most bricks are memorials, some bear message of hope from Cancer Center survivors.
Photo supplied
Last summer, a few dozen family members, friends and former patients gathered in the garden to dedicate the first round of bricks, which raised more than $7,000 for the Cancer Center.
“It’s a little piece of tranquility,” Holland said of the garden, which is visible through a wall of windows from the chemotherapy infusion chairs. “Peggy and I found comfort in the view during difficult times.”
If you are interested in including your message to the garden, a gift of $100 or more will add a brick with your message of hope and celebration to the path in the Cancer Center Garden. Contact Foundation to make your gift today at 616.252.5000 orfoundation@metrogr.org.
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides a major source of funding to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the United States. In Kent County, 30% of ACSET CAA’s budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 consists of CSBG funds. Unfortunately, the proposed 2018 federal budget would completely eliminate CSBG funding–directly cutting 30% of the funds that assist low-income families.
The proposed budget would also eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps low-income households heat and cool their homes. LIHEAP also funds weatherization improvements to make clients’ homes more efficient, saving energy and reducing utility bills. LIHEAP funds account for 10% of ACSET CAA’s 2016-2017 budget. If this program is cut, our neighbors could literally be left out in the cold.
ACSET CAA depends on CSBG & LIHEAP to fund programs that serve:
Hard-working families who struggle due to job-loss, family emergencies and unexpected costs from medical problems or car and home repairs
Children who need a warm place to sleep and food on the table
People who have worked all their lives but are struggling to make ends meet when they retire from the workforce
People with disabilities who need door-to-door transportation to get to appointments and maintain their independence
These are our family members, our friends, our neighbors. These are the people who will lose the most from the proposed budget.
You can help ensure ACSET CAA can continue to reduce the conditions of poverty and help move families toward self-sufficiency. Contact your congressman/woman and senators. Ask them to oppose any budget that cuts the current level of funding for CSBG and LIHEAP. Use this online tool to find your congressional representatives based on where you live.
Learn more about ACSET CAA’s impact on our community in their 2016 Annual Report.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In honor of Cinco de Mayo 2017, Dr. Jen opted to give all of the ‘newbies’ for the month names of Hispanic origin; we had already had a Cinco (and Dr. Jen is saving Mayo for a white kitty). So, here’s a little bit about Cilantro, one of May’s magnifico kiddos that became a Crash Cat.
Super cute Cilantro is a fun and fabulous fella born in early 2015 who was fortunate enough to cross paths with one of our volunteers. As part of her TNR efforts on the south side of town, the volunteer comes across MANY a cat in need, but thankfully Cilantro was pretty darn healthy, just homeless.
He initially had a difficult time adjusting to shelter life as he didn’t take too kindly to others invading his personal space, but over time he has gotten used to their company. However, we are sure he wouldn’t mind being in a single cat house as long as it is a VERY busy one, probably with a rambunctious kid or two! He can’t wait to chum around with a human that is as energetic and adventurous as he is.
Want to adopt Cilantro? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
Change is never easy. Change becomes even more difficult to manage as we get older and more set in our ways. One of life’s more difficult transitions is the move from independent living to an assisted living facility. Many seniors view this transition as the last move of their life and perhaps, their final chapter. Coming to terms with that knowledge can bring sadness and depression. There are many ways to help your loved one ease into this transition and manage the emotions that accompany it.
When to Move to Assisted Living
There are many reasons to make the move to assisted living. Many seniors are more than capable of managing in their own home with some outside help from family, friends or a paid caregiver. However, this is not always possible or even feasible. Following are some things to consider as you work to determine the best care option for your loved one.
They can no longer shower or bathe without help, or you are concerned about their safety in the tub or shower.
They are at risk for falls.
They forget to take medications ortake medications improperly.
They no longer cook nutritious meals for themselves and may be losing weight.
They can no longer drive and are becoming isolated.
They have been recently hospitalized and you are concerned about whether they can recover at home.
Breaking the Ice
Moving a parent or loved one to assisted living is stressful for everyone involved. Adults are accustomed to being self-sufficient and to keeping their own unique schedule. Giving up their home can leave them feeling frustrated, helpless or angry. In addition, it’s hard for the caregiver to see their loved one growing older, and you may be having difficulty accepting the change yourself.
Visit the chosen facility several times and give your loved one a chance to become accustomed to the idea of moving. When you visit, encourage your loved one to talk with as many of the residents as possible. Most facilities will allow you to join them for meals. You should also take the time to meet with the administrator and any relevant staff members. Spend some time with your loved one going over any brochures or written material you may have been given. Be sure to get a copy of the activities schedule and point out anything you think might interest your loved one.
Ask the facility about respite care. Many offer it, and it’s the perfect way for your loved one to try out their new lifestyle without making a long-term commitment.
“Respite stays can last from a few days to more than a month,” said Amy Thayer, senior living consultant for Holland Home. “It’s not unusual for one of our respite residents to decide to make the move after experiencing everything we offer.
“It’s important to choose a facility that offers the full continuum of care, if possible,” said Thayer. “That way, should a move to a higher level of care such as nursing be required, your loved one will only have to change floors as opposed to moving to a whole new facility.”
Making the Move
When it’s time to make the physical move to the new facility, planning is key. Make sure you have the dimensions of the new space. If possible, plan the furniture arrangement in advance. You will want to bring enough personal items and furniture to make the space feel like “home,” but chances are you will not need everything in your loved one’s current home. Special pieces can be passed down to family and friends. Knowing others will be enjoy treasured belongings can make parting with it easier.
Have a plan for arranging the furniture so that the movers set things up in a way that suits your loved one’s lifestyle and makes them feel more “at home”. Placing knickknacks and pictures in the same or similar places will go a long way toward giving the new space a feeling of familiarity.
After Moving In
One of the best ways to ease the transition to your loved one’s new way of life is to get to know neighbors. They’ve already “been there, and done that,” and can help the individual adapt to the change. One of the best parts about assisted living is that your senior will no longer be isolated, dependent on visits from family and friends to ease any loneliness. They will be surrounded by peers and will have access to a full calendar of specially planned events and outings.
Check the activities calendar as soon as they move in and plan on participating in at least a few of the scheduled events. You may find there are clubs to join, musical evenings, movie showings and bus trips. Getting involved will help your loved one meet people and make new friends.
In addition, they should familiarize themselves with their new surroundings—check out the library, the exercise room, and the laundry facilities. Knowing their way around will make things feel familiar more quickly.
Adjusting
Finally, encourage your loved one to give themselves time to adjust to their new lifestyle. No matter how much they like it, there will most likely still be days when they feel sad or nostalgic for their old way of life.
“If those emotions persist,” said Thayer, “be sure to talk to the staff. Arrangements can be made for the individual to speak to a counselor who can help them ease into their new way of life.”
Most importantly, try to keep a positive mindset. Help your senior focus on the things they like about their new living situation and take advantage of all that it has to offer.
Men are passionate about many things, and Piot’s memoir, No Time to Lose: A Life in Pursuit of Deadly Viruses is by turns, chilling and fascinating, as he reveals how a boy growing up in a small Belgium town, went on to pursue a consuming desire to help eradicate major infectious diseases, especially in Africa. People who are aware at a young age, of their calling — of some great work they must achieve, have always intrigued me. How do they know? Where does such an unselfish desire and drive come from?
As a child, Peter would pass by the tiny museum dedicated to a local man who had been a missionary to the lepers in Hawaii. He was incensed by society’s cruelty to people with a disease that brought such condemnation and isolation, and determined that he too, would serve those in great need.
Fresh out of medical school, in 1976 he was employed at a Belgium laboratory when a blood sample, thought to be a variety of yellow fever, came in. Routine tests were done on what Dr. Piot would later have the honor of helping to put a name to: Ebola. The most lethal and feared of all the hemorrhagic viruses to come out of Africa, with a 50-90 percent death rate.
After Ebola came another mysterious epidemic, slower to kill, but quicker to spread; and he realized how wrong his old professors had been, thinking that we had conquered the microbes. Piot would eventually go on to head up UNAIDS for fifteen years.
The author has a great storytelling voice — down home, funny, compassionate, engaging. He’s like a witty professor combined with a pirate with Bill Clinton, as he talks about working with political leaders and prostitutes, scary plane flights, irascible bosses, turf wars at the U.N. and more. A wonderful read.
Kent Intermediate School District estimates that 2,098 school-age children experienced homelessness last school year. These districts include 20 public schools and several private and charter schools in Kent County.
The majority of the services to help struggling families connect to resources are concentrated in downtown Grand Rapids. However, the issue of homelessness reaches beyond the inner city and into rural areas, where a staggering number of families are facing homelessness due to a variety of reasons.
Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) was invited to form partnerships with organizations in rural areas to address the crisis together; North Kent Connect (formerly North Kent Community Services) and Cedar Springs Public Schools are two of those organizations. MTM felt called to respond by hiring an outreach advocate to build relationships in rural areas. The outreach advocate connects individuals and families in crisis with resources to help them overcome barriers such as a lack of housing, finances, transportation, domestic violence and other issues.
Photo supplied
“As an organization we have come to realize that if there is a need for our services and ministry in areas outside of the core city, it is our responsibility to partner with organizations to meet those needs. This crisis is too big for any one organization or individual, but it’s not too big for all of us to come together and solve,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries.
The MTM outreach advocate has weekly office hours at North Kent Connect and at the Cedar Springs Public Schools administration building. The advocate will also provide outreach services to people living in camps and motels.
“Through this partnership, our families have access to the support they need to help them move through homelessness and into the next step of their lives,” said Stacie Voskuil, Director of Special Education and Student Services at CSPS. “The connections and knowledge that MTM brings will have a ripple effect that could help end homelessness in our district. This affiliation will also bring a spotlight to the issue of homelessness within Cedar Springs.”
Last summer, 191 families were on the waiting list to get into emergency shelter in Kent County.
As the sun sets on his reign, the great and powerful Henry Plantagenet (Guest Artist Robert Newman) calls his wife Eleanor (Guest Artist Kim Zimmer) to the castle at Chinon for Winter Court, along with their three sons — the warrior Richard (veteran Jamey Grisham), and the bumble-headed John (first year apprentice William Dunn), and the conniving Geoffrey (first-year apprentice Jabri Johnson). Eleanor has been imprisoned by her husband since 1173 and uses every moment she can to ensure Richard to be the successor to Henry. The key to the throne is to marry Alais, King Henry’s mistress (second-year apprentice Audrey Morton), who is promised by her brother, King Philip of France (second-year apprentice Quinn Moran), to Richard.
Locked behind the palace doors, a deadly game of alliances and betrayals unfolds as each player moves to control who will sit on the throne when Henry is gone. Goldman has combined keen historical and psychological insights with delicious, acid wit to create a modern theatrical masterpiece.
The Lion in Winter was originally produced on Broadway in 1966 with Robert Preston and Christopher Walken in the cast. It became an Academy Award-winning film in 1968 with Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, and Timothy Dalton. In many ways, this play is the very precursor to the Game of Thrones phenomenon. The political sleight of hand accompanied with the raw, often turned violent, emotions that can only be accessed in the most brutal of family dramas is sure to keep audiences at the edge of their seats as they try to distinguish love from lies.
Since their final appearances on TV’s Guiding Light, Robert and Kim have been sustaining their palpable chemistry and remaining a dynamic duo. They have worked together in productions of GYPSY at Pittsburgh CLO, and CURTAINS at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. They will soon be in a production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF later this year at the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket — but this marks the first time the power-couple has ever shared the Barn stage.
Performances for The Lion in Winter are Tuesday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 5 pm, July 25–August 6.
The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $37 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under for all performances. Rehearsal Shed reservations can now be made online–day of show. Go to www.barntheatreschool.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Group rates available. Tickets may now be purchased online. To reserve tickets at the Box Office – Call 269.731.4121; open daily 10 am-10 pm, or visit www.barntheatreschool.org.
The use of smartphones, tablets and computers has become firmly integrated into our daily lives. Even the most resistant adopters of electronic devices in their daily lives often find themselves on the way to their local library or a family member’s house in order to ‘get online’ to complete an important task. Fast-moving technologies can make once simple tasks like banking or ordering from a catalog difficult for those who have not stayed up to date with changes.
While in many ways it can seem like technology has overtaken our lives, it has brought us many opportunities we previously didn’t have. Being able to place a video call to grandchildren who may live miles and miles away from us, or to consult with a physician and get help without an appointment, enriches our everyday experience. Using electronic devices can also empower us, increase our independence and safety, and reduce isolation by connecting us to our communities.
In May, the Pew Research Center (2017), released results on a study of the use of technology by older adults and the results indicated a significant increase of electronic devices in the few years. Since 2011, the use of smartphones among older adults increased 35%. Today 4 in 10 adults age 65+ own a smart phone. There were similar increases in tablet use. One third of seniors own a tablet, like an iPad, which is a 19% increase from 2010. These results indicate that older adults are just as connected as other age groups, yet for many older adults, their devices seem more a hindrance than a help in their daily lives.
While 75% of older adults surveyed in the Center’s study are online several times a day, only 26% of those same adults feel confident in their use of electronic devices. There are several factors that contribute to this experience, but one of the main ones is the feeling of disorientation that older adults sometimes experience when they first get a smartphone, tablet or computer. Well-meaning family members, may get a device for a family member, set it up for them with passwords and security questions they don’t share with the new owner, and then become impatient with them when the device isn’t working properly.
Seniors will often limit themselves to only using features of their devices that they are certain they know how to operate, like making a phone call or playing a favorite game, missing out on a world of functions and apps that can actually enhance their lives and help them continue to be independent.
There are many organizations working to help seniors become more comfortable and proficient on using electronic devices throughout the nation. Public libraries are a great resource for seniors to learn the basics about how to use computers and even tablets and smartphones. Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is developing a class to teach seniors how to use their devices, and show them specific applications available that can support their independence and connection to their communities. We’ll also teach seniors how to protect themselves from scams while on the internet.
On Tuesday, August 22nd from 1-3 pm as part of Family Caregiver University, AAAWM will be introducing our new technology class. On this day, participants will learn the best ways to integrate new technology into the lives of older adults, some of the assistive technologies built into many devices, review apps that can help caregivers manage their lives, as well as give a preview of an upcoming course designed specifically to help seniors use mobile devices like a smartphone or tablet. The class will take place at Area Agency on Aging located at 3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
For a full list of Family Caregiver University classes provided by the Caregiver Resource Network, please call 888.456.5664 or go here.
Caregiver’s Corner is provided as a public service of the Caregiver Resource Network. The Caregiver Resource Network is a collaboration of West Michigan organizations dedicated to providing for the needs and welfare of family and professional caregivers within the community. Funded by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan with Older American’s Act Title IIIE, Family Caregiver Support funds.
The cost-free Growing Young Artists (GYA) program continues this summer at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street). While their parents are harvesting produce in West Michigan, migrant children in pre-K through 8th grade will have the opportunity to raise their voices and make their mark through this project-based learning program created by the SCA.
Now in its sixth year, GYA uses creativity-infused project-based learning (PBL) to deliver key life skills to approximately 150 “at risk” migrant students in Allegan and Van Buren Counties. PBL delivers value around “hard skills” including language and literacy fluency, math and science, as well as critical “soft skills” such as problem solving, team building, communication skills and empathy. By expanding experiences beyond traditional textbook learning with a professional artist and plunging students into experiential hands-on situations, students will develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and civic life.
“The Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) is committed to Growing Young Artists because all young people deserve access to innovative learning experiences,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “Migrant children are under the radar — most of us are unaware that they’re living in our communities each summer and going to school while they’re here. These children deserve access to the same programs our own children benefit from. Thanks to a group of dedicated sponsors, we are able to offer this program, free of charge, to our educational partners.”
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These children follow their parents to West Michigan’s fruit belt to harvest for the summer, moving from school to school and state to state throughout the year. Via GYA, the SCA partners with Fennville and South Haven schools’ summer programs to bridge the gap for these children who often struggle to meet core academic standards.
“We could not offer this program to our students without the generosity and vision of the SCA. We simply don’t have the resources or the expertise that the SCA shares with our students every summer,” said Fennville Education Director Corey Harbaugh. “The opportunity the SCA provides our students to work with a professional artist communicates nothing less than respect for these kids as artists and thinkers. Our students are invited and inspired by SCA every summer to do real art with real artists, and we are grateful.”
The SCA employs a multi-layered, bilingual teaching team comprised of working professionals, college students studying education with varying experience, as well as middle and high school interns for the GYA program. Teachers and interns team up in pairs to teach the GYA programming to students, and along the way also impact the SCA Artist in Residence, the other teachers in Fennville and South Haven, and even each other. “We’ve discovered that this model is so rich in learning opportunities that everyone involved is positively impacted,” said Armstrong.
“I’m grateful for the ability to make these students feel important,” said Fennville Migrant Teacher Kate Godwin. “After Growing Young Artists, students have the tools, experience, and pride – I hope they continue with their self-reflections and creativity, making their dreams a reality after they leave Fennville. I also hope the GYA experience reinforces that the future is wide open for them.”
This summer’s GYA program includes arts-infused field trips and the opportunity to work alongside the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Artist in Residence Rubén Aguirre. Aguirre, Chicago artist who focuses on public artwork, will teach the students about cultural connection, relationship building, empowerment, and celebrating their own stories. Students will make their mark and leave a positive impact on Saugatuck by helping Aguirre create a public mural on the west wall of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts building.
Photo supplied
During the four-week GYA program, students complete one drawing prompt and one writing prompt daily, building a portfolio. The goal is to empower the students to think about who they are, what they want to say and to realize that they have the ability to leave permanent, positive “marks” on their community. The students will create individual paintings, representing their stories, which will go into two collaborative panels: one to remain at their school and one to be installed on the SCA public mural. Aguirre will then take the two schools’ panels and attach them to the SCA mural, filling in the empty spaces with his own designs, allowing the children — who are often “invisible” — to truly make a mark on our community.
“Rubén has this admirable gravitas about him and an immense amount of talent, we’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him this summer. His evolution as an artist is fascinating and his creative experiences will seamlessly engage him with our West Michigan migrant youth,” said SCA Education & Exhibitions Manager Whitney Valentine. “During this summer’s program, we’re posing important questions about the students’ identity, their culture and how they want to visually leave their mark on the world. I look forward to watching how deeply Rubén impacts the lives of the students, my staff, and our community over the next month.”
For more information about GYA and other SCA outreach programming, visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
Wyoming Public Safety Director James E. Carmody has been recognized as the top police chief of 2016 by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Carmody, who has more than four decades of law enforcement experience, received the MACP Presidential Citation award at the organization’s annual conference in late June. The Presidential Citation is “awarded for outstanding and extraordinary professional and personal service to the criminal justice system, the law enforcement profession and the MACP” and recognizes “a personal dedication and commitment above and beyond normal professional duties and interactions.”
“As a City, we are deeply honored to have Chief Carmody recognized by his peers as the top police chief in Michigan,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “He exemplifies professionalism and has a deep commitment to law enforcement, to his officers and staff, and to all the residents of the City of Wyoming.
“Since joining us in 2006, Chief Carmody has developed innovative programs that improve our ability to address key issues facing our community while building positive bridges with our citizens. His effective leadership style has earned the respect of all those who work with him.”
Carmody began his career as a police officer in Port Huron in 1975, retiring from the force as a deputy chief before moving to Wyoming as police chief. In 2013, he oversaw the creation of a joint Public Safety Department in Wyoming and was made public safety director with responsibilities for police and fire services in this city of nearly 75,000.
The MACP award recognizes the 42 years he has served as a police officer, including 24 at an executive level, and his 23 years of active membership with the MACP. Carmody serves on several MACP committees, including chair of the Traffic Safety Committee and a member of the Training & Education and Legislative committees. He was recently selected as the Michigan District 5 MACP executive board alternate representative. In April, he was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission.
“I can’t think of a greater honor than to be recognized by my peers,” Carmody said. “It has, and will continue to be, a team effort as we work collectively to advance our communities and work to provide the best public safety services.”
Active professionally, Carmody works with the MACP Executive Development program and has taught dozens of police training, management and leadership classes. He sits on the interview panel for Congressman Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, reviewing high school students who have applied for appointment to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the nation’s other military service academies. In January 2016, Carmody represented the MACP and Michigan’s law enforcement community when he attended Pres. Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
Carmody received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and his master’s from University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.
It’s no secret that job loss is stressful. Losing your income, daily routine and professional identity can lead to feelings of anger, fear and grief. Coping with these emotions can make searching for a new job overwhelming. There are things you can do to help stay positive and keep moving forward.
Start by organizing what you need to do into easy-to-follow steps. Focus on one step at time. Every time you complete a step, check it off your list. Eventually your list will no longer seem so overwhelming! The checklist below can help you get started.
Register with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). You can register for unemployment and update your records all online. Visit the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) to set up an account and file your claim.
Create a Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC) account. PMTC is an online portal where you can search for jobs and upload your resume so employers can find you. Get started at www.mitalent.org/.
Visit a Michigan Works! service center. Once you file for unemployment, you will need to register for work in person at a service center. Michigan Works! staff can help you through the process. The service center in Ottawa County is located at 121 Clover St, Holland, MI 49423. Visit the West Michigan Works! website to find other locations in our region.
Talk to a service center staff member. They can tell you what free services you are eligible for. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for employment preparation, career planning or scholarships for career training or on-the-job training.
Connect online. Follow the Michigan Works! Facebook page in your county to stay up-to-date on employers that are hiring and other resources for job seekers. Update your PMTC profile at least once every 30 days. This ensures your information will continue to be seen by employers.
Remember to stay positive, take it one step at a time and use the many resources available to job seekers. West Michigan Works! offers a variety of free services to help you develop a plan and take your next step to a new career!
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
“D. Wayne Sharf slid across Winky Butterfield’s pasture like a greased weasel headed for a chicken house.” Criminal stealth and practice have readied D. Wayne with a center cut pork chop as part of his kit, and soon he is on the run with his victims. A hail of bullets from their frantic owner suggests to D. Wayne that there has to be a better way to make a living, but — what? “There was stealing dogs, cooking meth, and stripping copper wire and pipes out of unoccupied summer cabins. That was about it in D. Wayne’s world.”
Thus begins the newest Virgil Flowers thriller, and no sooner had I brought it home, than my husband nabbed it. Putting aside his historical studies, he decided he needed a break with some less taxing reading. Soon he was chortling away, as detective Flowers steps in to help a close friend find some missing dogs. All this is on the QT, since Flowers can’t tell his boss he’s working a dog-napping case. But soon after the BCA agent arrives, the quiet southern Minnesota town of Trippton is struck by a murder. And then another murder—
Flowers is soon on the trail of a very, very, bad school board, meth makers, killers, and worst of all, cold-hearted dog-nappers. If you are already a Sandford fan, you’ve already read this book (pre-ordered possibly!), but if you haven’t tried him yet, he writes a meanly humorous thriller. This one is just a little lighter than usual, but it was just as much fun.
This Monday, July 17, the Wyoming City Council again takes its meeting on the road, this time heading to Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE.
“Taking our meetings outside of council chambers provides us with a great opportunity to meet residents and educate them about our decision-making process,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “Their input is critical to our success as a community.”
Poll, Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt, and Council Members William VerHulst, Marissa Postler, Robert Postema, Dan Burrill, and Kent Vanderwood and city officials are scheduled to be at the park around 6 p.m. Ice cream also will be served at that time. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. with it being broadcast live on WKTV Channel 26.
In June, the council hosting a meeting at Lamar Park with city leaders pleased at the overall turn out. More than half a dozen residents made comments at the end of the meeting from thanking the city for help with such projects as the new light at 44th Street and Burlingame Avenue and working with the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission on the Concerts in the Parks programs to discussing such items as the Paris Accord, a concern over a home being rented out and the condition of West Lake and West Pond.
“This is like a dream come true for me,” said Councilor Dan Burrill at the June 19 meeting, who added he has enjoyed looking out from the stage, to the sights and sounds of the park.
Pastor Wayne Ondersma from The Pier Church is scheduled to give the invocation. The council will follow its normal meeting procedures with Poll explaining each segment, like he does at the regular council meetings. To see the July 17 agenda, click here.
The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at its chambers in Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. The meetings are broadcast live on WKTV Channel 26 and rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Nearly 200 egg growers and suppliers, area farmers, and local Jaycees along with local and state elected officials who attended the Ionia Free Fair’s opening day breakfast celebrated Michigan’s egg growing industry, which has an extraordinary presence in Ionia County. The breakfast event featured Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams as a keynote speaker, and also included McDonald’s inaugural “Fastest Egg Cracking” championship.
Sergio Brito, a McDonald’s crew member from Wyoming, cracked 13 eggs in 15 seconds and was crowned McDonald’s of Michigan’s Egg Cracking Champion. The contest was held to showcase how McDonald’s cracks fresh eggs for its Egg McMuffin breakfast sandwiches.
McDonald’s of Michigan’s Egg Cracking Champion Sergio Brito.
Michigan is the second-most diverse state in the country when it comes to agriculture. Food and agriculture has an economic impact of more than $101 billion in Michigan, employs more than 52,000 farmers, and ranks in the top ten in 19 different commodities. Michigan’s egg industry has an estimated $625 million impact on the state’s economy, Clover Adams said.
“I am thrilled to once again have the opportunity to thank McDonald’s for being one of Michigan’s best customers of our agriculture,” said Clover Adams. “In 2015, McDonald’s purchased about $164 million in Michigan agricultural products, including 69.9 million dozen eggs…that’s almost 1 billion eggs a year! Each year McDonald’s demonstrates its strong commitment to buying Michigan agricultural products; annually buying 16.2 million pounds of apples, 7.6 million gallons of milk, 7.8 million pounds of butter, 6.2 million pounds of beef, 1.7 million pounds of blueberries and 25.9 million pounds of corn.”
“It’s businesses like McDonald’s, and small business owners like Keith Berg, owner/operator of McDonald’s here in Ionia, that help Michigan to rank as one of the nation’s leaders in agribusiness and helps us continue to remain on a world class platform. By continuing to invest in Michigan agri-business, McDonald’s helps us to ensure that our farming industry will continue to grow and be embraced by future generations of farmers,” she added.
The event, co-hosted by the Ionia Jaycees and the Ionia Free Fair, also recognized one of the state’s leading egg suppliers, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, located in Ionia.
“At McDonald’s we take great pride in our relationships with suppliers like Herbruck’s, who are not only committed to providing McDonald’s USA with high-quality ingredients, but are industry leaders in their dedication to innovation, environmental sustainability and the highest quality and safety standards,” said Marcos Quesada, McDonald’s vice president and general manager of the Michigan region. “We value our partnership with Herburck’s and the many farmers, suppliers and processors throughout Michigan.”
McDonald’s employs approximately 32,000 people statewide with 450 restaurants being owned and operated by more than 100 small independent business owners.
Greg Bryan and his wife, Beverly, watched as the City of Wyoming was forced to remove the city trees. First it was due to the Dutch Elm Disease which wiped out about 75 percent of North American’s elm trees by 1989.
Then in early 200s, it was the Emerald Ash Borer, an insect that is lethal to ash trees, with the City of Wyoming becoming part of a countywide Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine.
“They cutdown more than a 1,000 trees,” Bryan said. “My wife turned to me and said ‘We have to do something.’”
Bryan did. He helped establish the Wyoming Tree Commission and this week, in memory of his wife who passed way in the spring, he donated $10,000 to the commission to help get its fundraising efforts moving forward.
Tree Commission Vice Char Greg Bryan shakes hands with City Council member Kent Vanderwood at the the check presentation.
“We are in the process of raising funds,” Bryan said. “For many of the grants we are seeking, you need to have matching funds. I am hoping this will help in the group’s fundraising efforts.”
Just a year-old, the Wyoming Tree Commission’s focus has been centered on planting trees. It recently helped the city be named as a Tree City USA, a national movement formed in 1976 to provide the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees.
With that honor, the commission, named nicknamed the Tree Amigos, has been focusing on projects within the city including a collaboration with Wyoming Public Schools in developing a small orchard at West Elementary School.
Tree Commission Chairperson Stella Slootmaker, who also helped establish the Tree Commission, said during the commission’s recent meeting, that the group is working to raise funds by looking at various grant opportunities through the Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Farm to School Grant.
The Tree Commission also has sponsorships available at various levels, the Service Berry level, $100 – $499; the Silver Maple level, $500 – $999; and the Mighty Oak level, $1,000 or more. For more information about the Wyoming Tree Commission, email treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com.
Being disabled is tough enough, but imagine not having access to mobility equipment to get around. Thankfully, there’s a nonprofit that helps people who can’t afford or fall through the cracks of health insurance.
Alternatives in Motion enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing independence through access to mobility equipment.
The nonprofit’s vision is to be the central hub in West Michigan for recycling, distributing, and maintaining mobility devices for those in need. Alternatives in Motion had its beginnings in 1993, after the brother-in-law of founder George Ranville, a Grand Rapids native, got into a tragic accident. As Ranville struggled to help his brother-in-law attain proper — but expensive — equipment, he saw an opportunity to help the disabled community.
The new nonprofit began raising money and making its cause known, believing that access to mobility equipment is the path to independence for those in need. Since then, Alternatives in Motion, which remains entirely funded by independent donations, has continued to grow and strives to keep up with the need for mobility equipment.
The organization’s mission is to provide wheelchairs to individuals who do not qualify for other assistance and who could not obtain such equipment without financial aid. By creating access to mobility equipment and repair services for those in need, Alternatives in Motion gives them the independence and quality of life they deserve.
If you or someone you know needs mobility equipment, apply here. (You must live in West Michigan to qualify.) For more information go to the website or call 616.493.2620.
June 2017 was the busiest June on record at the Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport, coming off a March that was the single busiest month in airport history.
June 2017 passengers were up 5.59 percent year-over-year, not only resulting in the busiest June ever, but also securing the title of busiest second quarter in airport history by over 30,000 passengers; and the busiest overall quarter ever serving over 700,452 passengers since the beginning of the year.
“We are halfway through 2017 and already seeing incredible record-breaking statistics,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “This is a testament to our region, and our growing community along with our airline partnerships. Not only does this June go down in airport history, but 2017 now holds the title for busiest first half ever beating out 2016 by over 86,000 passengers.”
Each month of 2017 has resulted in record-breaking passenger numbers, and the Airport has seen ten straight months of record growth.
Through June 2017, GFIA has served 1,385,730 total passengers — up 6.6 percent from 2016.
“The first phase of our Gateway Transformation Project will be complete at the end of summer, and we’re excited to see what the combination of this redesign along with the growing business in West Michigan does for our numbers,” said Gill. “We hope our continued growth prompts more nonstop service, and more options for those travelers who keep supporting us to achieve these record- breaking stats.”
Gateway Transformation Project construction began in December 2015 and is slated to continue through summer 2017. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which opened in June, and centralizes security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, kids play areas, restroom and nursing room, family restrooms, pre- and post-security business centers, new retail and food & beverage space, and much more.
Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them a new forever home. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Missy
Missy — Female Domestic Short Hair Mix
I’m a 9-year-old cat looking for my forever home! I’m sweet, affectionate and relaxed. I would do well as the only pet in the home in a laid-back environment. My favorite activity is napping! I love to be petted and shown love. I would be a great companion for a senior or someone who is looking for a calm, loving, low-maintenance cat. My adoption fee is waived due to generous grant funding.
More about Missy:
Animal ID: 33958186
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age 9 years 8 months
Gender: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Black/Orange
Spayed
Not declawed
Safya – Female Catahoula Leopard Mix
Safya
I’m a playful and friendly 4-year-old dog looking for my forever home! I’m an active dog who would do well in a home with people who give me an active lifestyle by playing with me, going for walks, etc. I am kenneled with a playful male dog and we get along great! Having a dog friend in the home would be a great way for me to get out some of my energy by having a friend to play with. I would not do well in a home with cats. I would do well in a home with older/respectful children. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!
More about Safya:
Animal ID: 35588482
Species: Dog
Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog/Mix
Age: 4 years 1 month 25 days
Gender: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Grey/Black
Spayed
Feisty
Feisty – Female Domestic Short Hair Mix
I’m a 3-year-old cat looking for my forever home! I was brought in to HSWM as a stray in April and am looking for a good home to call my own. I would do well in a relaxed home. I enjoy napping, being petted, and playing around. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan! Cat adoption fees are only $15.
More about Feisty:
Animal ID: 35187536
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age 3 years 20 days
Gender: Female
Size: Small
Color: White/Orange
Not declawed
Adoption fee includes:
A physical done by the staff veterinarian
A test for heartworm disease (if six months or older)
A first series of vaccines including DHLPP (distemper combo), Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, and rabies (if older than 14 weeks of age)
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Treatment for internal parasites
One dose of flea preventative
One dose of heartworm preventative
The organization automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1.866.597.2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1.866.375.7387 (PETS).
Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.
