Category Archives: Non-Profits

Jane Fonda to speak on economic justice at Fountain Street Church this Friday

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Jane Fonda’s social and political activism dates from the 1960s. (Historic File Photo)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

As part of her efforts to promote race, gender and economic justice in Michigan and across the nation, activist/actress Jane Fonda will talk about her life as an activist in a free-to-the-public event at Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church on Friday, Oct. 26.

 

The event — billed as “An Evening with Jane Fonda to Support One Fair Wage” and hosted by Michigan One Fair Wage Protect and Defend Campaign — is scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

 

Fonda has long been a visible political activist, beginning during the Vietnam War and later in advocacy for women’s issues, workers rights, and other social issues.

 

Jane Fonda (Supplied)

“Fonda will share information on her life as an activist, the recent work that she has been doing in Michigan and across the country to promote race, gender and economic justice for low-income workers, and the importance of building multi-racial alliances to create a more just society for all,” as stated in an event flyer supplied to WKTV by Michigan One Fair Wage.

 

Fountain Street is located at 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. While the event is free and open to the public, they ask for an RSVP at bit.ly/fscofw .

 

One of the Michigan issues Fonda has previously advocated for is the Michigan Minimum Wage Increase Initiative, which gained enough signatures to be on the Nov. 6 ballot and was adopted by the legislature in September — a move which would allow lawmakers to make changes to it with a simple majority instead of a higher threshold should the voters have approved it in November.

 

The legislature’s action was seen by some as giving lawmakers the ability to weaken the law’s requirements during a lame-duck session later this year, or in 2019.

 

One of the groups which advocated for the Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, and now advocates for it not being altered by the Michigan lawmakers, is the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN).

 

“My statewide faith group … supports raising the minimum wage to $12/hour for all Michigan workers,” Randy Block, director of the MUUSJN, said in an email to WKTV. “It’s a moral issue: all workers deserve to earn enough to take care of their families.”

 

The MUUSJN is a statewide faith network that advocates for social justice policies, including raising the minimum wage and supporting a policy of earned paid sick time for all workers. It is part of an Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM) coalition that supports both of these policy goals. According to supplied information, the network includes thousands of justice activists from 26 Unitarian Universalist congregations, including one in Grand Rapids.

 

For more information on the event call 517-588-9646. For more information on Michigan One Fair Wage visit MIOneFairWage.org .

 

For more information on Fountain Street Church, visit fountainstreet.org or visit the church’s Facebook page.

 

Cat of the week: Remington

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

August of 2018 sure brought us our (un)fair share of cats that needed our assistance, and our sanctuary head count grew quite a bit due to the number of cats with either Feline Leukemia or FIV that were helpless and homeless. A Grand Rapids resident stumbled across this bedraggled boy, took him in to be checked out only to discover he had FELV AND an owner — who refused to contact her or the microchip company. Sadly the rescuer wasn’t in a position to keep him, and he badly needed further medical attention, so she asked for our help in getting her 6-year-old rescue (born in the summer of 2012) off the streets and into someplace safe.

 

It would be nice to say that Dr. Jen’s first meeting with this guy was love at sight — but it wasn’t. This scruffy orange and white fella wanted NOTHING to do with Dr. Jen and expressed his disdain for the situation he was in by lashing out and lacerating her with his dagger-like nails; what a little pistol he proved to be! Dr. Jen chalked up his less-than-desirable attitude to the fact his teeth were rotting out of his head and considered the fact that he was underweight (probably had tremendous difficulty eating) and had been shaved prior to his arrival in hopes of removing some of the skin-tight mats that caused focal areas of inflammation  scabbing and scaling.

 

So Dr. Jen forgave the ‘hot mess’ his momentary lapse in judgment and let it be known that if he dropped the tough guy act once and for all, life would treat him better than he could possibly imagine.

 

Needless to say, it took Remington several days to simmer down in his new surroundings and realize that not everyone was out to get him, but he took to shelter life much better than we anticipated. He still tends to growl when overwhelmed or if you come near him wielding a brush, but besides his initial attack on the good doc, he is not one to raise a paw to another cat or human to express his uneasiness. He has shown us that the way to his heart is through his stomach via endless bowls of yummy canned food; you can do no wrong when you fill his belly!

 

Remington has calmed down significantly in the month after his arrival, and secretly we think has developed a fondness for his caretakers, as he has been caught sneaking down the hallway after lights out at night to watch his humans as they depart; he may feign disinterest, but deep down we have grown on him. Besides stuffing his cheeks, Remington is most happy when he can perch on a sunny windowsill and watch the birds at the feeder. And although he doesn’t chum around with other cats, he doesn’t go out of his way to pester them, as he believes in keeping to his own space and respecting that of the others.

 

He has slowly learned to trust his food sources and is finding us to provide good company, though we feel that the type of home life that would be suit him is one where he can get comfortable at his own pace. Patience will definitely be the key to a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between him and his person, but the rewards to be reaped will be worth the wait. We can see the potential in our Remi and want him to be able to find a place in this world that will provide him a gentle place for his soul to claim peace and his body and mind to finally flourish.

More about Remington:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without children

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

Godwin Heights football joins HQ to help youth facing housing crisis

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HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis. (Supplied/HQ)

By Godwin Heights Football and HQ

 

As a special feature of Friday night’s football game at Godwin Heights High School, the Night to End Youth Homelessness, Godwin Heights will admit attendees to the game for a donation of vital items for youth facing housing crisis.

 

On Oct. 19, when Godwin Heights host Lee, the two teams will be facing off with more than football on their mind. They will also be supporting local youth who are struggling to find safe and stable housing.

 

Staff and students at Godwin Heights saw that there are youth in Wyoming, and across Kent County, that are struggling with safe and stable housing, including at their own school.  This is an opportunity for the team and the community to step up and make a difference.

 

You can gain entry to the game with a donation of any of the following items:  liquid body soap, natural/urban hair products, deodorant, boxes of cereal, men’s and women’s underwear, packages of socks, white undershirts, toothpaste/toothbrush, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves.

 

“At Godwin Heights Public Schools, we have a number of students and families currently experiencing homelessness. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with HQ to help raise awareness and bring additional resources to this community issue,” according to a spokesperson for the school.

 

Godwin Heights High School currently has over 650 students and strives to build a legacy by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff and community partners.

 

HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis — staying in a shelter, a car, a tent, with friends or in a home environment that no longer feels safe. For each of these youth, access to resources, safety, and support from caring adults is no longer a given. This is where HQ comes in.

 

HQ exists to help young people find a place to rest, build connections, and receive support through relationship and professional skill building. We are a transformative space where everyone is welcome and diversity is celebrated. Youth are the experts of their own lives, and are encouraged and supported, with no strings attached, as they realize and achieve their goals and dreams.

 

For more information on HQ, please visit www.hqgr.org. To learn more about Godwin Heights high school, visit https://www.godwinschools.org/ .

 

‘Many Hands’ makes light work

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a difficult job. Depending on the progression of the disease, the simplest tasks can often seem impossible — taking a shower, picking up a few items from the grocery story, keeping a hair appointment. Asking for help from family and friends seems like too much and accepting offers of help can feel overwhelming, ‘Where would I start?,’ we think.

 

The Many Hands program helps caregivers access the support networks they may not realize they already have.

 

A majority of family caregivers, 60% according to the AARP, still work outside of the home.

 

Stephanie Hecksel, Outreach Specialist at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan observes, “It is common to see caregivers helping out with household chores, errands, and transportation for a loved one while trying to balance time with their own personal responsibilities.”

 

As their loved one’s needs increase, the caregiver puts their personal responsibilities aside to dedicate themselves to the needs their loved one. This leads to increased stress and/or burnout, can take a toll on other relationships and even affect one’s employment. This is where Many Hands comes in. With the help of a Licensed Social Worker, participants in the Many Hands program receive help with organizing their friends, other family members, neighbors, church members, co-workers into a network of willing helpers and to restore some balance to their own lives.

 

Asking people for help is difficult, too difficult for many of us to pick up a phone and reach out to a friend, or accept the help extended by people in our community.

 

Hecksel acknowledges, “It can be difficult to ask for help for many reasons, including feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver or simply feeling overwhelmed by having to reach out for support and how to accept help it without feeling like a bother. Likewise, the people in our lives who would like to help are not sure how to go about it, what they can do or what needs to be done.

 

One of the most unique aspects of Many Hands is that you don’t have to be the one to ask for help.

 

Julie Alicki, LMSW and Certified Advance Dementia Practitioner, said, “Many Hands takes the pressure off of you by having a trained Social Worker handle the entire meeting. As a caregiver you attend, but we do the explaining.” Hecksel agrees, “Rather than the caregiver being expected to take on yet another responsibility of coordinating care, Many Hands will provide that assistance.”

 

All the caregiver needs to do is come up with a list of people in their current social circle who may be willing to help provide support with tasks such as laundry, yard work, meal preparation or spending time with a loved one to give the caregiver a rest and time for themselves.

 

How does it work? The caregiver makes a list of potential helpers. When the Social Worker receives this list, they will send invites and organize a Caregiver Support meeting.

 

At the meeting, the social worker will educate participants on dementia along with behaviors that may be present with the disease. They will also go over the effects of stress on the health of the caregiver, present the tasks identified by the primary caregiver and ask for support in these areas. Once a list of helpers is established, the Social Worker will prepare the Caregiver Calendar used to organize and communicate with helpers. “Many hands make light work” and this is the goal of the Many Hands program.

 

Many Hands is free and available to caregivers in Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties. To learn more about this program, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. More information about all the services available through AAAWM can be found at www.aaawm.org.

Employment Expertise: Employers need YOU. Seasonal hiring starts now.

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays? 

 

Are you a college student looking for a job over break? 

 

Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer?

 

Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal workers to help during this year’s busy holiday season.

 

Why seasonal employment?

 

Perks and incentives

With the high demand for seasonal workers, employers know they need to offer competitive wages. Many retailers have increased their starting wage. Kohl’s at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids is offering higher seasonal pay over last year. Target stores are offering $12/hr to all seasonal staff—a dollar an hour more than last year. Amazon’s recent hike in minimum wage to $15/hr includes part-time, temporary and seasonal workers.

 

In addition to increased pay, employers are getting creative with incentives to attract seasonal help. JCPenney is offering seasonal employees paid time-off for the first time. Target started the work.win.give program which will award one hourly team member per store a $500 Target gift card and $500 to donate to the local community organization of their choice. Kohl’s associates can take advantage of extra discounts during friends and family weekends to get their holiday shopping done.

 

It’s easy to apply and interview

  • All Kohl’s locations offer walk-in interviews to candidates during business hours but recommend coming on a weekday when it is less busy.
  • Every Target store will be hosting seasonal hiring events Friday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10am to 6pm.
  • JCPenney at Rivertown Mall in Grandville will host their annual National Hiring Day on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 2 to 8pm.

Open the door to future employment

Seasonal work has the potential to turn into full-time regular employment for high-performing staff. Over the last three years 35% of people hired as seasonal UPS package handlers were given a permanent position after the holidays. “Seasonal hires will work through the end of the year,” explained a representative from Kohl’s, “with the potential to stay on pending performance and the store’s needs.”

 

Companies are hiring NOW for seasonal positions so don’t wait to apply. You can find out who is hiring locally and learn more about their opportunities here: westmiworks.org/seasonal.

 

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

Cat of the week: Hamish

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

On Friday the 13th of July 2018, a kind-hearted, cat-trappin’ citizen contacted Dr. Jen about a pair of friendly brothers that she had on a waiting list for another local shelter. Back in June the duo was brought in to Focus on Ferals after having been taken from a large population of stray cats roaming around on the Northeast side of town; they were neutered, tested and started on vaccines in hopes of eventually going into their adoption program.

 

But one of the boys (born in early 2016) had evidently suffered a trauma so severe to his side that his body wall ruptured, leaving him with a huge herniation that continued to grow over time; in fact it had been present for so long (probably over two years) that the repair attempt by his initial vet was ineffective. So when Dr. Jen was asked to give a second opinion on the case, she offered to take the brothers in to our program and set out to fix that humongous hernia (in the words of his rescuer).

 

As it turns out, not only was Hamish’s intra-abdominal fat pooching out underneath the skin through the tear in his body wall, but his poor spleen had become adherent to the opening, so it had to be surgically removed in order to close the defect. However, we are thrilled to report that with layers of sutures, cage rest and many crossed fingers, Hamish’s hernia is a thing of the past.

 

Hamish was nicknamed ‘The Handful’ as he can be as bratty as he is cute. He is a door diver, likes to rile the other cats up by picking fights or causing them to go after him due to his over-exuberance—he is constantly in motion. We can imagine that it feels downright awesome to be able to move around without having an internal organ squish out your side, so we do give the guy a bit of a break on this.

 

He LOVES people, but when he has had enough, he will swipe or swat to let you know that your services are no longer needed. He could live with other cats as long as he can be the dominant one, but small kids we feel are out of the picture; we do however suspect a dog might be right up his alley.

 

For safety measures, his owner will need a two-door entry and exit system as he is constantly darting out into our lobby (we have a triple door system. We have had quite a bit of success with taming the wild beast running wild by squirting him with a short burst of water from our ‘naughty kitty’ bottle; slowly but surely he IS learning to play nice with the others.

 

Overall we feel he is somewhat of an overgrown kitten and is just now getting to live the life he had always wanted: crazy, carefree and with reckless abandon (versus abandonment).

 

And he is STINKIN’ CUTE!

More about Hamish:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair — Tabby (Tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; older children

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

 

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

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

 

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

Cat of the week: Rockette

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

This summer (2018) has brought us an overabundance of kitties with injured legs, so when a Kentwood resident called the clinic asking for help with a cat whom she thought had a bone sticking out of its leg, Dr. Jen had them bring the kitty right down. As it turns out, this darling little girl (born in early 2017) had suffered a traumatic injury to her right rear leg, but the amputation had occurred some time ago, leaving behind a stump just above where her hock (ankle) should have been.

 

She did come with heavy fleas, a horrendous case of ear mites, a puncture wound on her neck that wasn’t healing well, and sadly in the early stages of pregnancy which Dr. Jen discovered during spay surgery. We can’t imagine what this poor cat went through, but thankfully her skin and bones healed, and even though she is a tripod without a foot, she is fearless in her fight and fabulous with her ferocity for fun!

 

From the get go NOTHING has slowed her down: she runs, leaps, bounds, twirls, kicks and literally jumps for joy, so giving her the name Rockette seemed to fit her perfectly. The observations of our shelter and cat care managers mirrored Dr. Jen’s impression of exuberant Rockette:

“Our girl so super sweet! She has made herself at home since the minute she arrived at the shelter. Her injury doesn’t hold her back at all; she climbs, runs, and jumps just fine. She can be very sassy with the other cats so she might enjoy being an only cat. She would do very well with kids though!”

“Despite her missing part of a leg, she is purr-petually on the move. She has a very sweet personality and craves attention. While she’s not one to be held for long, she will hop up on your lap and soak up whatever attention are willing to give. I love how she holds her own against the 4-legged cats, occasionally swatting, but yet playing nicely with them MOST of the time. Loves the laser show, and sprawling out on the toddler beds. Would do well in a home with another cat or two, but I think dogs may be a bit too much.”

We’re making it our mission to find our goofy girl a home that has children that can match her energy and enthusiasm for life, yet a kid or two who also wants a cuddly companion when playtime is over; we don’t think this will be a difficult task at all. Rockette is going to be kicking up her heels (er, heel) once we find her a family of her own, and we simply can’t wait!

More about Rockette:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair (Gray/Blue/Silver/White)
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; children

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

Jack, the therapy cat puts a spark in the spirit

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By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

 

“You just brighten up everybody’s eyes, because everybody loves you,” said Vista Springs Community member, Marilyn Scholten as she stroked the orange tabby cat’s fur. “He loves me. I can tell.”

 

Jack the Cat is on a mission. Every Thursday morning, the therapy cat strolls into Vista Springs Community to visit with the people living there. Well, more accurately, he sits in a stroller as his caretaker, Lynn Hopkins, wheels him from room to room. He has trained Hopkins well.

 

“I met Jack at Crash’s Landing in 2009,” said Hopkins. “He was transferred there from an animal shelter. He’d been surrendered there, we don’t know why. We don’t know his history.”

 

Jack has deformed front legs, but that doesn’t stop him, hence his proper name, Jack B. Nimble.

 

“They thought he might be kind of hard to adopt out, and so they were afraid that he would be euthanized,” Hopkins said. “They didn’t want to risk it, so they transferred him to Crash’s Landing (a local cat rescue and placement center).”

 

Hopkins remembers her first memory of Jack, running down the hall. Because of his front legs, he has a gimpy gait, but that doesn’t stop him. He still runs and plays with toys. But it was Jack’s engaging personality that made a huge impression on Hopkins.

 

“He’s just the happiest cat I’ve ever known,” she said. “He just loves everybody, he loves other cats. He was at Crash’s just a few weeks, and I took him home.”

 

Hopkins started taking Jack to volunteer picnics. She pushed him around in his stroller and people would pick him up or set him on a picnic table. And he would just sit there and let people pet him.

 

“And so a few years before I retired, I came across some information on Facebook about a therapy cat. I had never heard of a therapy cat,” said Hopkins. “I had heard of therapy dogs, but not therapy cats. I knew Jack would be perfect. One of the first things to do when I retired in January 2017 was to get him certified by Love on a Leash. He had to be checked out by a vet and undergo 10 hours of observation on how he behaved.”

 

Lynn Hopkins and her charge, Jack

Both Hopkins and Jack were evaluated by the Love on a Leash program because they work as a team. Certification typically includes consistent visit and behavior guidelines, animal health assurances and cleanliness standards. The animal must be able to tolerate a wide range of environments and people.

 

Jack now visits two retirement communities a week and an area hospice when someone requests a visit from a therapy cat.

 

After visiting Scholten, Jack and Lynn stopped off to see Donna Terpstra, who recently moved to Vista Springs and is still adjusting to her new living situation. She had a cat before her move.

 

“[Jack] makes me feel like a human being, and human beings need to have contact with pets, with animals,” Terpstra said. “I used to say that coming home to an empty house is not good. But when there’s a pet, there’s another heartbeat in the house, and you don’t feel so lonely.”

 

Susan Lamos, Life Engagement Director at Vista Springs, said that animals are important in nearly everybody’s life.

 

“I think the majority of people who moved here have had animals at one point in their life, had pets in their past, whether they lived on a farm or had a pet at home,” said Lamos. “When you come to a living setting such as Vista Springs, you give up a few things, which can take away some of your dignity.

 

“The therapy piece brings a wholeness to people. I think it’s like a breath of fresh air. A person can be sitting there in their chair just reflecting or watching television and when the animal comes in to the room, the eyes light up, the body lifts up and there’s a real connection with them. They’re fulfilled.”

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day
In honor of ArtPrize: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”  — Pablo Picasso

 

ArtPrize venues you
might not think about 

ArtPrize 10 is here which means for the next two and half weeks much of the community will be focused on and discussing art. A few of the venues which you might automatically think about reached out to us with information about who will be at their venue. To get the details, click here.

 

Picking time in local orchards,
and who’s doing the work

 

The Grand Rapids based Migrant Legal Aid organization visited WKTV Journal: In Focus recently to discuss the continuing and confusing mess that is current federal immigration policies, including the separation of families and sometimes separate deportation of suspected illegal immigrants — many of them seeking work as part of America’s migrant labor force. For more information, click here.

 

 

Stories from the road
with Kentwood bicyclist

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, last week, took a wrong road in Canada but ended up with an unexpected meal and a donation for his cause — his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. For more information, click here.

 

 

And today’s fun fact
(bicyclist history):

268.8 km/h
Fred Rompelberg from Maastricht, Netherlands, was the holder of the motor-paced speed world record cycling with 268.831 km/h (166.9 mph) from 1995 to 2018. He used a special bicycle behind a dragster of the Strasburg Drag Racing Team at the Bonneville Salt Flats. (Wikipedia)

 

Cat of the week: Dove

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

Dr. Jen wrote this biography in a bit of reverse order, because she felt that the astute observations of the cat care team paints a pretty accurate picture of darling Dove, a 4-year-old (born in the spring of 2014) who came to us quite suddenly in mid-July, 2018.

 

“Dove has been a complete surprise, as we all expected her to be a complete challenge after how she first acted at the clinic with Dr. Jen; she settled in almost immediately and is loving (free-roaming) shelter life. She has a soft coo that she elicits when she purrs, so Dove is the purr-fect name for her. She will swat occasionally when she gets overwhelmed, so I think it’s best that she is adopted into a home without small kids. She gets along great with the other cats so a feline roomie would be to her liking.”

 

“Dove has finally become more social and is tolerant when we pet her, although she does set the tone of the interaction. As a matter of fact, recently when I was petting her, even though I THINK she realized she liked it, she still slapped me. To me she acts like she may have lost some trust in humans. If I remember right, didn‘t her previous owner pass away, and then she was taken in by someone else who also had to leave her? If so, I guess it’s no wonder she’s not fully able to trust right now, but deep down I know there is a good girl in there looking for a new person to give her a home of her very own again. It would be nice to see her placed in a quiet one that will take the time (and be patient) to help her build up her confidence again, and knock down the wall she’s put up. I am a softie for dilute calicos and she is no exception, even though she may be a bit of a diva.”

 

It’s totally true: Dove HATED the mere sight of Dr. Jen that first day after our cat care director came to kitty’s aid and retrieved her, even though she literally walked right into the travel carrier. Although Dr. Jen took it very slow and easy with her, losing one owner, then being shuffled off to another only to lose that one within two months, had to have turned Dove’s delicate world completely upside-down. Dr. Jen was concerned that all of the TLC in the world wasn’t going to right what Dove perceived as wrongs, but once out of that clinical setting and into a laid-back space that allowed her room to adjust and acclimate, she showed us her sweet side — and hasn’t stopped since, even though she spices it up a bit.

 

Dr. Jen would love to see Dove in a home with a mature couple who have homebody tendencies as Dove would love nothing more than a lap to claim and a human who would stroke her fur and tell her how beautiful she is, eliciting that soft coo we have all come to know and love.

More about Dove:

  • Extra Large
  • Dilute Calico & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; no children

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Employment Expertise: Helping young adults find a successful, long-term career

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Meet Nate: Nate had no work experience and a disability that made getting a job difficult. Through the Youth Employment Services program, Nate got an apprenticeship with a local electrical company after graduating from high school, attended community college and is on his way to a career in electrical engineering.

 

If you are out of school, having a hard time finding or keeping a job and wondering how to start a career, the West Michigan Works! Youth Employment Services program can help you, just like it did Nate.

 

How can Youth Employment Services help me?

The program offers free services to young adults, ages 16-24, who are experiencing challenges to finding employment. Participants can get on the path to a successful, long-term career through individualized employment and training activities.

  • Obtain your GED or high school diploma.
  • Use assessments and career exploration to develop a career pathway.
  • Participate in work experience to build your resume.
  • Get help removing barriers to employment/training like assistance with transportation, professional clothing, credit recovery and more!

Scholarships may be available for additional job training.

 

Do I qualify?

If you are a young adult, age 16-24, who is experiencing circumstances that make finding and keeping employment challenging, you may qualify. Eligibility is based on income in addition to many other factors.

 

How do I get started?

Certain documentation, like specific forms of ID and proof of income, will be required to enroll. Contact your local program provider to learn more and find out if you are eligible:

 

Bethany Christian Services

1530 Madison Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
616-254-7739

 

Kent Intermediate School District

2930 Knapp NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
616-365-2241

 

Steepletown Neighborhood Services

671 Davis NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-451-4251

 

Find other program providers in West Michigan at http://jobs.westmiworks.org/program-providers/.

 

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

New ACLU program, threats to Michigan’s migrant labor on WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Local Faces, Non-Profits, ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is two topics greatly impacting West Michigan and the entire nation: criminal rehabilitation and the blurry world of migrant labor in a time of immigration reform battles.

 

First up is Richard Griffin, the newly hired Grand Rapids Field Organizer for the ACLU of Michigan’s Smart Justice campaign, which is committed to reducing the number of people in prison by 50 percent and eliminating racial disparities in our criminal justice system. Griffin was incarcerated at the age of 16 for a drug-related homicide and spent 23 years behind bars, but that is only the beginning of his story. We will talk with him about the rest of his life’s story, about the work of the ACLU’s Smart Justice effort, and about why he has an almost spiritual connection to jazz.

 

Also on the episode, and on YouTube, is the Grand Rapids based Migrant Legal Aid organization, from the group we will talk with director and attorney Teresa Hendricks and attorney Ben O’Hearn. The group works to protect migrant agricultural workers legal rights and work with local farmers and agribusiness to resolve legal disputes. The group has visited In Focus before, but with the continuing and confusing mess that is current federal immigration policies, including the separation of families and sometimes separate deportation of suspected illegal immigrants — many of them seeking work as part of America’s migrant labor force — we wanted to talk to people in the know.

 

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin College #1 in the Midwest

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

By Matt Kucinski, Calvin College

 

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin College #1 overall among Midwest regional colleges in its 2019 Best Colleges Guidebook. This marks the third consecutive year Calvin has topped its category.

 

Released online today, the report helps prospective students and their families evaluate colleges and universities based on 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence, such as first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and the strength of faculty. The report also takes into account qualitative assessments by administrators at peer institutions.

 

“Calvin’s mission to equip students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world remains our constant source of motivation,” said Michael K. Le Roy, Calvin College president. “It is encouraging when independent sources like U.S. News & World Report recognize the exemplary work of our faculty, staff, and students.”

 

In addition to sharing the top overall ranking among its peers with Taylor University in 2019, Calvin also garnered U.S. News’ #1 ranking among Midwest regional colleges on its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” list, and appeared in the top five of its lists of “Most Innovative Schools” and “Schools with the Most International Students.”

 

Calvin was also listed as a “Best Value School” by U.S. News & World Report, and the college’s engineering program received special recognition as one of the best undergraduate engineering program in the country. The college tied for 71st among schools whose terminal engineering degree is a bachelors or masters.

 

For more information on Calvin College’s profile, including the lists the institution is included on, visit: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/calvin-college-2241. For more information on the rankings in general, visit usnews.com or contact Education-PR@usnews.com.

 

About Calvin College
Founded in 1876, Calvin College is a top-ranked, liberal arts college that equips its more than 3,700 students from 45 U.S. states, 65 countries and five Canadian provinces to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Calvin is proud to offer 100+ majors and programs, including graduate-level offerings in accounting, education, and speech pathology and audiology. Calvin students engage in intensive internships, community-based service learning, and significant research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty.

 

And the college’s 400-acre campus, located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves as a launching pad for students who, in any given year, participate in 40 faculty-led off-campus programs on six different continents. Discover more at www.calvin.edu.

 

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is celebrating its 85th year as a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. USNews.com focuses on education, health, money, travel, cars, and civic, providing consumer advice, rankings, and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and advice. U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

 

See full Midwest regional rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-colleges.

Being a tech-savvy senior: Don’t be tricked by malware

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Crime Prevention, Education, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, Tech Trends, , , ,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

 

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message and several phone calls from a friend frantically trying to reach me, “I got a strange notice on my computer saying I had to call or they would disable me!”

 

When I contacted her later, I was relieved to hear she refused to give them her credit card number and they hung up on her. Too often, people who receive these pop-up notices on their computers, tablets or phones fall prey to these scare tactics, losing hundreds of dollars and sometimes their identity as a result. Tossing your computer out the window or smashing your phone with a hammer are not the answer. You can take steps to avoid falling victim to malware.

 

What is malware? When most people call for help, they say “A virus got into my computer!”. The mess that malware creates can certainly make us feel sick, but it is not a computer virus in the traditional sense. Malware, also referred to as Adware or Spyware, is a type of software that is usually embedded in something else. Whether it is a ‘free’ app you downloaded to your tablet, a ‘free’ software you downloaded to your computer, or a ‘free’ game you play through your internet browser, most likely you clicked ‘OK’ and, buried in the fine print you agreed to having the malware files downloaded to your device. When it comes to apps and software, nothing is free.

 

When these files get downloaded to our devices, strange things begin to occur. Like my friend, a message window might randomly open up saying we have a virus or claim that our computer has been hacked and requires immediate attention. We open our internet browser and without touching a key, it will begin bringing us to websites we don’t want to go to or the screen suddenly fills with 100s of popup windows advertising everything under the sun. We could even find our inbox filling up with messages to buy things that normally require a prescription or even our phone begins to ring with telemarketers.

 

What can we do to protect our devices from these types of software?

  • First, don’t download anything unless it comes through an official app store like Google Play or Apple and even then, use caution if it says are there advertisements in the app.
  • When advertisements pop up in your browser, be careful where you click. Many of these are designed to fool you by including a ‘No Thanks’ button or even a fake X button usually on the opposite side of the window. Close the pop up using the X in the upper corner.
  • If you make a mistake and download some malware to your computer, stay calm and know that any threatening messages you receive are not real. Microsoft, Apple or Google will not send a warning message to your screen demanding you call them ‘or else…’. If you’re getting these messages, it’s most definitely fake.
  • Do not call the 800 numbers that appear on your screen, give out any personal information, or allow anyone remote access to your computer.
  • You can often get free assistance by going to the manufacturer of the device. For a Microsoft device you can get virtual assistance at support.microsoft.com, an Apple device support.apple.com or a Google/Android device go to support.google.com.
  • Sometimes we need more than help articles; there are services you can pay for help. Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers support in-home, in-store, 24/7 online and phone support at (800) 433-5778. HelloTech also offers in-home tech support, online support at hellotech.com and help over the phone (888) 485-9455. These companies are reputable, established companies unlike the 800 numbers offered in the popup windows. You may have local tech support companies in your community.
  • Stay in charge of your devices! While your son, daughter or grandchild may seem tech savvy and well meaning, unless they are a certified technology support specialist, they should not be trying to fix your computer, tablet or phone. People of every age fall victim to malware and internet scams and our well-intentioned relatives might make matters worse.

When we run into problems like these, our inclination may be to give up on technology all together, especially if we’re new to it. Technology is engrained in every part of our society though and can actually go a long way in helping us remain independent as we age. Today we can order our groceries and have them delivered to our home, call for a ride, see our doctor through a video call, pay all of our bills and connect with friends and family using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

 

It’s worth sticking with it and to learn more. Local libraries offer technology classes for adults, as well as many community and senior centers. If you’re a member of a group who would like a class on learning about how technology like tablets and smart phones can enhance your life, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will bring a class to your organization. You can contact us at (616) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org for more information.

Cat of the week: Chanel No.2

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , ,

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

When a Belding resident (and a rescuer herself) contacted us in early July 2018 about this injured little lady, Dr. Jen knew she had to make quick work of getting this kitty into our care; Kathy and the kitty’s caretaker noted this dainty girl’s wounded neck, called around for help and received no assistance locally. Upon arrival at the vet clinic, the cutie-pie (born in early 2016) proved to Dr. Jen that the quite nasty neck wound wasn’t about to dampen her spirit—she purred and trilled the entire exam! However Dr. Jen had to sedate kitty to take a closer look at what the heck was going on (a proliferative lesion known as an eosinophilic granuloma), debride the wound site of the exuberant tissue that was delaying skin healing, and treat it topically as well as systemically with antibiotics.
At that time Dr. Jen had noted a small upper lip ulcer, which can be common for this type of inflammatory condition, but it wasn’t until a few weeks later when Chanel No.2 developed another one (they are commonly called rodent ulcers) that Dr. Jen chose to treat the condition with injectable steroids. This seemed to do the trick in expediting skin repair, as did another gentle debriding at that time.

We also had to come up with creative ways to keep her neck covered so she wouldn’t excessively lick the tender skin as it slowly healed, but that proved to be quite the challenge. After trying (and failing spectacularly) with a sweater and stockinette, our cat care manager brought in a doll bib from home—and it foiled Chanel’s efforts to over-groom. Plus, she look absolutely adorable in it, though it was only needed for a few days.

The leaps and bounds of improvement Chanel made over the next few weeks were absolutely remarkable!
From the get-go, charming lil’ Chanel was a heart-stealer. Not one to ever grumble or hiss at another cat (or human, for that matter, as her lesion was tended to), this perfect little purr-machine lives for belly rubs, and absolutely craves attention. She acts as if she has always been around other kitties and received tons of attention from whomever had her at one point, so it would be to our extreme liking if we could place her in a home that would continue to treat her like a princess, as she really thrives on the pampering she has been receiving. We all have no doubt that once her bio hits the internet, we are going to be receiving inquires and applications almost immediately for our lovely, kittenish girl.

We are known for thinking outside of the box when necessary—and we certainly have a crew of creative folks working with our fur-kids! We will do whatever it takes to get our feline companions up to par so that we can ultimately send them off into loving, long-lasting homes of their own!

More about Chanel No.2:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair; Black & White/Tuxedo
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Chanel No.2? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

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

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

 

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

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Tech Trends, ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it."

                                                  ~Chinese Proverb

Good things come in threes

Three well-deserving organizations recently received grants from the GM Foundation: the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Read all about it here.

 

 

 

The dude abides (er, rides)

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. More here.

 

.

Beam me up, Scotty

Well, maybe healthcare technology isn’t quite that advanced, but still…

 

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required. Read all about it here.

 

Fun Fact:

A sneeze travels about
100 miles per hour.

We're not sure who clocked it or why. Maybe some things are best left unknown.

‘Bark in the Dark’ is just around the corner!

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, ,
We’re only one month away from Bark in the Dark 2018!
This family and dog-friendly glow-in-the-dark 5k and 1 mile fun run/walk is bound to be a blast! Before the race, attendees will enjoy family activities including balloon animals, face painting, and a pup-a-razzi photobooth! Afterwards, enjoy local beer, wine, hard cider, treats, and music with your fellow animal lovers.
All proceeds from the event benefit Humane Society of West Michigan, a 100% donor funded 501(c)3 non-profit that promotes humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement, and protection. Be sure to register for the event, enter your pup in the costume contest, and start fundraising for great prizes!
Humane Society of West Michigan is 100% donor funded so participants are encouraged to help our animals by asking friends and family to make donations which help to provide the daily care our furry friends need until we find their forever homes. When you sign up for the event a fundraising page is created for you which makes it super simple for friends to make a donation online on your behalf!
Your donations at work:
  • $10 provides a behavioral evaluation for 1 animal
  • $20 provides microchips for 5 animals ensure proper identification and help unite owners with lost pets post-adoption
  • $30 provides 1 day of care for 1 animal at HSWM
  • $50 provides for the spay or neuter of 1 animal
Event Details:
  • Saturday, Oct. 6
  • Riverside Park
  • 5:00-6:30pm: Registration/Check-In and Family Fun Activities (including: balloon animals, face painting, live canvas painting of pets, the Independent Bank dog costume contest, and a pup-a-razzi photobooth)!
  • 6:30pm: Run/Walk Begins
  • 6:30-9:00pm : A celebration complete with a beer tent sponsored by Alliance Beverage featuring beer, wines, and hard ciders, complimentary snacks from Herb & Fire Pizzeria, Yesterdog, Flo’s Sports Bar, and more, plus doggy approved music by DJ Shannon Williams!
Registration Fees:
  • Adults 18+: $35
  • Youth Ages 5-17: $10
  • Children under 5: FREE with registered adult

Register here.

Cat of the week: Bunsen Honeydew

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , ,

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Beguiling, handsome Bunsen Honeydew is the coolest boy—we kid you not! Even if you ignore his twisty half-tail that curves to the right and those gorgeous ocean blue-green eyes of his, you can’t overlook his charm and the super-chill, surfer-dude vibe he gives off.

 

This fabulous four-year-old (born in the summer of 2014) came to us from the west side of Grand Rapids in late July 2018, after he was wrangled and whisked to Focus on Ferals to be tested for FELV and FIV (both negative, thank goodness) and neutered. He was initially thought to be a bit of a wild child; he appeared a bit rough around the edges (just look at his tattered and torn ears) from living on the streets for so long, had an upper respiratory infection and was terribly flea-ridden.

 

Once rescued, the boy gobbled down two entire cans of food in a flash — proof-positive that the way to a wayward boy is through his stomach.

 

At our free-roaming facility, Mr. Honeydew here instantly meshed with his new surroundings; in fact he is so laid back that he literally hangs out on top of our intake cages (doors are always open) and simply waits for a volunteer to approach him, make eye contact and wander on over to receive kisses! He is oblivious to the presence of the other cats as it is human companionship that he craves with every ounce of his beautiful being.

 

We would LOVE to be able to place him in a home where he can be the center of attention; though he won’t demand it, he will reciprocate with the sweetest gestures of gratitude and affection. If you are looking for a people-pleasing, sweet and stunning cat to be your cuddle buddy, Bunsen Honeydew is exactly whom you need to take home with you!

More about Bunsen Honeydew:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

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

 

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

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

 

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

Employment Expertise: Three West Michiganders who make a difference every day

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, , , , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time.

 

In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen Joseph, Dave Janes and Chris Testillo interact with many people every day. They’re on their feet all day, working long hours, yet they serve their patients or customers with care, respect and a smile. Their service has been so impactful to others that they have been recognized for it!

 

These three outstanding employees are Essential Service Awards winners. Here is some of what their employers/customers have shared about them:

 

Jen Joseph, nurse aide, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, 2017 winner

For almost 30 years, Jen has worked tirelessly with our staff and patients to ensure the best care possible. She approaches every situation knowing exactly how to help or what to say. For example, there was a family whose mother was not making a lot of progress. The family was upset. Once Jen walked in, the patient lit up and the family’s mood shifted.

 

Dave Janes, post office clerk, US Postal Service, 2016 winner

Dave makes going to the post office a delightful experience. He provides true customer service to each individual waiting in line, regardless of their attitude. I’ve seen Dave diffuse tense situations with angry customers through humor. He genuinely cares about his customers and attempts to connect with each one personally.

 

Chris Testillo, CNA, Sunset Retirement Communities & Services, 2015 winner

Chris will pick up shifts on the schedule even when she doesn’t want to, to ensure her team is always staffed. She is often helping others once she knows her assigned residents are well taken care of. Our follow-up satisfaction surveys always mention Chris by name as someone who went ‘above and beyond’ for them for their stay.

 

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their service industry job? Nominate them for a 2018 Essential Service Award: westmiworks.org/esa.

 

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

 

Ford Airport travelers can donate spare coins, ‘For GRReat Change’ to help the homeless

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, , ,
(L-R) Gordon Oosting from Mel Trotter Ministries joins Airport Board Members Floyd Wilson, Jr., Dan Koorndyk, GFIAA CEO Jim Gill, Airport Board Members Roger Morgan and Birgit Klohs, and Lake Michigan Credit Union’s Don Bratt in donating coins for the ‘For GRReat Change’ program. (Photo supplied)

By Tara Hernandez, Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Loose change in your pockets now has a home, thanks to new donation coin containers at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA). The coin containers are in place at both the standard screening line and the TSA Pre-Check line, and airport board members were among the first to drop in coins this morning as a part of the airport’s new program, “For GRReat Change”.

 

GFIA installed the new coin containers in an effort to support a local West Michigan charity, while at the same time expediting the security screening process. All donations will go to Mel Trotter Ministries with donations being matched by Lake Michigan Credit Union.

 

“We know many travelers come to the security checkpoint with change in their pockets. Normally, they would empty their pockets and place it in a bowl before going through security, but now they can drop it before they go through security and donate to a good cause,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “This not only expedites the security lines because it is one less item to screen, but it goes toward helping to end homelessness in West Michigan. We are proud to partner with Mel Trotter Ministries and Lake Michigan Credit Union to give back to our community.”

 

GFIA is unveiling the new containers before a busy fall schedule for the airport when seasonal flights gear up, which is also a crucial time for Mel Trotter Ministries prior to the holidays.

 

“We are always exploring unique ways to partner with individuals and organizations in West Michigan and this coin container project is another example of how together we can make a greater impact,” said Abbey Sladick, VP of Communication at Mel Trotter Ministries.

 

“We are grateful to the generous passengers, to the airport and to LMCU for their commitment to solving a serious community issue that affects thousands of our neighbors every year.”

 

“Lake Michigan Credit Union is thrilled to be a part of this creative way to make a difference benefitting Mel Trotter Ministries at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Lake Michigan Credit Union SVP of Marketing Don Bratt. “We are excited to double the impact that passengers can make through the donation of their change.”

Cat of the week: Cerys

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Naming this cute-as-a-button calico was challenging in a fun sort of way, as Dr. Jen wanted something that embodied her personality and was as unique as her arrival to the shelter.

 

On the evening of July 30th, 2018, a nice guy by the name of Kyle found this kitty wandering around on Turner NW too close to the highway off ramp. He had briefly seen her in the neighborhood a time or two before, assumed she belonged to someone, but he was certain she did NOT belong in the middle of the busy road dodging traffic. He scooped her up, popped her in his car and actually drove over to our facility with her riding in the back seat.

 

Now we aren’t actually equipped to take strays in directly off the streets like this, but he was so sweet with her and had nowhere else for her to go, so we made an exception and set her up in the lobby away from the other cats, treated her external and internal parasites, let her fill her belly and then sleep off the events of the day.

 

Cerys (pronounced ‘care-iss’) had a nasty bilateral ear infection secondary to ear mites. This caused quite a bit of trauma at her ear bases as she scratched and rubbed them—and who could blame her—so at her workup the next day at the clinic, comfort was first priority. Dr. Jen also spayed Cerys a few days later, even though it appeared that she had had a litter earlier in the spring. Dr. Jen guestimates Cerwys was born in January of 2016, so who knows how many kittens she had actually birthed prior to her rescue.

 

Everybody fell in love with this darling cat, so we settled happily on the name Cerys, whose Welsh meaning is simply ‘love’.

 

Dr. Jen likes to ask shelter and cat care managers to give the scoopdidoo on our residents when it comes time to write their bios, as she usually only spends time with them at intake and again at their one month recheck. The gals had this to say about our lovely little lady:

 

“Cerys definitely has a calico disposition at times; she is getting along better with the other residents but did have a tough time at first. She absolutely loves human attention, and will let you hold her for some one-on-one time. She is also very playful, gives great head bumps, and enjoys the windows and bird feeders. She would do best in a home with another cat and where she will receive lots of attention. She loves to follow us around, and will jump up on any surface to make sure you see her. “

 

“Cerys is so sweet with people but is overwhelmed with all the other cats at the shelter. I think she would be fine with another cat, just not 20. She definitely makes sure she gets her fair share of attention, she follows everybody around asking for pets!”

 

So the consensus is in: Cerys is ready to be loved AND she’s a lover! We think this is exactly the type of cat most folks are looking for, so we suspect that once her story goes public, we aren’t going to have her with us for very long.

More about Cerys:

  • Medium
  • Calico & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Two WMHCC board members recognized as GRBJ’s ’40 Under 40′

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Luis Avila (photo supplied)

By West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC)

 

WMHCC’s Luis Avila, Board President, and Amy Marshall, Board Secretary have been recognized as two of this year’s Grand Rapids Business Journal’s ’40 Under 40′ for their professional acumen, servant leadership, and community advocacy.
Since 2002 the GRBJ has recognized over 300 progressive young professionals who have achieved personal success and made noteworthy civic contributions to the community. This year’s honorees will be feted at GRBJ’s 2018 40 Under 40 Party on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 20 Monroe Live.
After working in Geneva, Switzerland for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Avila joined Varnum in 2011. Avila focuses his practice on labor, employment and immigration matters.
In addition to his work as an attorney, Avila currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member at the Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Art Museum. In 2014, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Avila to serve on the Board of Medicine for the State of Michigan.
Avila has been named to the GRBJ’s ’40 under 40′ on four separate occasions. In addition, he has been named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers and to the Lawyers of Color ‘Hot List’.
Amy Marshall (photo supplied)

Marshall is a Managing Partner at Management Business Solutions (MBS). Marshall started her journey at MBS in February 2009. As of February 2014, she achieved her goal of officially becoming a part-owner of MBS.

She is also currently serving on three Executive Boards of Directors in Grand Rapids: The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Secretary), the YMCA Spartan Stores (Board Chair) and The Maria Lida Foundation (Secretary). She also volunteers with many local organizations including our Communities Children to help develop youth for employment opportunities.
In 2010 and 2012, Marshall received the ​GRBJ’s ​’40 Under 40′ Award and was a nominee for the ATHENA Young Professional Award. Amy has also received the ’50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan’ Award through the ​GRBJ.

Cat of the week: Abner

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Most of our favorite kitties are (or have been) Sid’s Kids, those cats that probably wouldn’t have had a real chance at a long life and adoption due to their FIV or FELV status. The majority of them are male, as the viruses tend to be transmitted through fighting, which is a common problem with intact tom cats roaming the streets; however once neutered the boys typically simmer down as the hormones vacate their macho bodies, and super mellow former studs remain.

 

Just when we don’t think we could possibly (yeah, right) have room for one more fine fella on our Top 10 List, along comes adorable Abner, (born in the summer of 2012) a sweet-as-pie FIV guy from the Kent County Animal Shelter. He came in as a stray just two days before he transferred to us mid-July 2018 and you sure could tell he had spent a lot of time outdoors, as he was filthy, his paw pads were hard and calloused, his ears had been chronically infected, his skin was inflamed and scabby, and he needed a dental cleaning.

 

However, he spiffed up nicely and was ready to go woo the ladies at Big Sid’s just a day after his arrival, which was great for them, but Dr. Jen had already become instantly enamored by him and would have loved to have been able to spend some more one-on-one with him at the clinic.

 

Our cat care director says that if every cat was THIS easygoing and accepting of his new life with us we wouldn’t have to worry an ounce about acclimation and adjustment periods—it was as if Abner had always lived with us! From the minute he arrived, Abner was extremely comfortable in his surroundings, adventurously outgoing and beyond friendly. One of his favorite pastimes is to follow you around the shelter as you go about your chores, or else to perch up high on a cat walk or in a cubby above you so he can monitor your actions, being sure not to miss a thing.

 

Spiffy Abner will steal your heart

No matter where he is hanging out, the second you approach him he materializes directly in front of you, begging for well-deserved pets, attention and treats! He also has a very playful side, especially with plastic toy springs that he can flip and toss around with glee, and he delights in clamoring and chumming around with the other cats. We do feel he is a bit timid at times so a rambunctious dog may be too much for him, but other cats may just be a must.

 

Besides his cool markings, Abner has the prettiest sea-glass colored eyes. Overall, Abner is an absolute doll, one of THE nicest cats around, and one who should rightfully claim a home of his own in short order. Even though we would all miss him terribly, we will be thrilled when we can send him off to live in the lap of luxury with a family who has fallen head- (and heart-) first for fabulous fella!

More about Abner:

  • Extra-large
  • Orange & White, Tabby (Orange/Red)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • FIV-positive
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

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

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

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

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

 

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

 

Cat of the week: Kev

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Inquisitive Kev loooooves to talk

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Chatterbox Kev (born in November of 2013) came to us from Focus on Ferals in May of 2018 since he was feline leukemia positive.

 

Kev originated from Greenville and ended up at Focus On Ferals in January of 2018. He came in with ringworm and had to be quarantined right off the bat, so he was chomping at the bit (as you can imagine) to be released. He has proven to be quite the motor mouth, going so far as to bend your ear and almost talk it off at times! He is full of kitten-like playfulness and spunk and yet also has a softer side that he displayed while sharing close quarters with two of our other residents.

 

He would do remarkably well in a home with another fully vaccinated cat (to decrease the risk of virus transmission) and perhaps even a mellow dog to keep him company. But more than ANYTHING we think Kev is absolutely jonesing for a kid (or 2 or 10) in his life, as he has SO much energy and enthusiasm it is hard to contain it inside of his body that appears at times to be bursting at the seams!

 

Lest I forget, he also enjoys bird-watching and catnip cocktails. He is a peach for his weekly nail trims and brushing, pretty much any manhandling that is required on a regular basis—as long as he is getting attention, Kev is in 7th heaven!

More about Kev:

  • Large
  • Tabby & Domestic Short Hair Mix (Tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • FIV-positive
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

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

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

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

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

 

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

 

Summer is not over! Free Labor Day weekend events await in downtown St. Joseph

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Courtesy St. Joseph Today

By Amy Zapal, St. Joseph Today

 

Downtown St. Joseph, Mich., is doing everything it can to keep the summer vacation spirit alive right up through Labor Day. The Lake Michigan resort community has planned a series of fun activities for all ages Aug. 31–Sept. 3.

 

It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph. Come back and visit for one more weekend of summer fun! Whether you enjoy the beaches, St. Joseph’s beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, local wineries, and breweries, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, or the downtown Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph Public Art exhibit, there is something for everyone.

 

The weekend’s activities kick off with a free, outdoor concert on Aug. 31, 7:30pm at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell overlooking the St. Joseph River. Concert sponsor The Boulevard Inn & Bistro will bring Summer Reunion to wow concertgoers with their classic rock.

 

On Saturday, visitors can get an up-close look at the sailboats that have raced from Chicago in the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta. They can then go to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park to bring home fresh-picked apples, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, cheeses, bottles of wine, late summer fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, made-from-scratch pies, fresh cut flowers and much more. The market is open from 9am to 2pm.

 

From 10am to 5pm along the bluff, regional artisans and crafters will share their talent at the Lake Bluff Artisan Faire. Visitors can also shop and dine in downtown St. Joseph or play on several family friendly beaches.

 

On Sunday, early risers can send off the sailboats as they race to Indiana. Then from 10am to 5pm, more than 50 vendors will showcase their treasures at Antiques on the Bluff. Music enthusiasts can also enjoy the season’s last Municipal Band concerts at 3:30 and 7:30pm on Sunday and Monday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Free, horse-drawn trolley rides sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation will entertain all ages from 11am to 2pm (weather permitting).

 

The fun doesn’t stop after Labor Day weekend. Later in September, St. Joseph will host a Fall Festival weekend to celebrate autumn, which includes family fun activities in the daytime followed by a 21 and over event, Roots & Brews, in the evening. In addition to the many spring and summer events, fall and winter are also jammed packed with fun for all ages.

 

St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center or call 269-985-1111.

Get your Greek on at Yassou! Greek Festival Aug. 17-19

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Food, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events,

 

By Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

 

Yassou! celebrates the culture and traditions of the Greek Orthodox people. There’s something for everyone — from a great, live band and dance demonstrations, to wine tastings and cooking classes. The food is to die for — appetizers, full meals, sandwiches and side items — and you won’t want to miss the baklava. Trinkets beckon from vendors’ stalls.

 

Be sure to join hands with members of the dancing circle and dance! Beginners are always welcome. Traditional Greek dancing brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.

 

Yassou! will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 330 Lakeside Dr. NE between Fulton and Michigan. Limited numbers of handicapped spots will be provided within steps of the main admission. Beyond that, nearly 1,000 parking spaces have been reserved within the immediate vicinity of the event. An air-conditioned shuttle is available to transport festival-goers to the event.

 

For bus riders, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is conveniently located within steps of a Grand Rapids ‘Rapid’ bus stop– bus Route 14 to be exact.

 

This year, Yassou! will be supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County (CAC) as its charity sponsor. The CAC is a nonprofit, community-based organization that is dedicated to the awareness and reduction of child sexual abuse. For more information, go here.

Libertarian candidate for State Senate, legal assistance advocate on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV talks with Dr. Erwin Haas, a Kentwood resident and retired local medical internist. Haas is the Libertarian Party candidate for the Michigan State Senate’s 26th District seat. This November, Haas will face off with Republican primary winner Aric Nesbitt and Democrat Garnet Lewis. Haas ran campaigns for U.S. Congress in 2016 and 2014, as well as for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

 

We will talk with him about what the Libertarian party is all about and why he continues to seek elected office.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Thomas Sinas, a partner in West Michigan’s Sinas Dramis Law Firm and an advocate for the Kent County Legal Assistance Center. Sinas has tried both civil and criminal cases, and has also lectured and authored numerous articles on trial practice and substantive law. We talk with him about the Legal Assistance Center, and misconceptions about legal services available in civil and criminal cases.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and aired again on Thursday, Aug. 7, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of Aug. 13. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Cat of the week: Lina

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Lovely little Lina (born in June of 2015) came to our sanctuary as a FIV+ outdoor kitty that one of our volunteers had been looking after since kittenhood. Having multiple cats of her own she wasn’t in a position to take this darling in, so she did the next best thing by setting up a cozy shelter in her garage; Lina and two other strays could come and go as they pleased (after they were fixed, of course).

 

The living situation worked well enough for all of them, or so it was thought, until Lina arrived at the house with a nasty injury on her back, similar to one she had sustained previously. Knowing that our primary focus at our facilities is sick or injured outdoor cats, the volunteer contacted Dr. Jen for help.

 

As it turned out, the large lesion on her back was more of an abrasion with a secondary infection (which healed nicely with antibiotics), but Lina was also afflicted with a bilateral ear infection (chronic from the looks of her ears, though her left one was tipped way too short when she was spayed), swollen lymph nodes and a previous tail injury (dislocation/fracture) that stops her from swishing it fully.

 

As you can see, this gorgeous girl had seen her fair share of injuries and ailments, so it was about time she found the safety and comfort of an indoor environment. Her rescuer noted how outgoing and unafraid Lina was and surmised that is how she kept ending up on the wrong end of trouble; she expected everyone else to be as friendly as she was.

 

Lina loves to snuggle

Sadly, by the time we took her in, the poor thing had finally gotten exasperated by the treatment she had been receiving and put her guard up. Given the fact that Lina needed repeated ear flushes and medication infused, along with lots of vaccines, it is no wonder we have only witnessed her meek and timid side at the writing of her bio (July 21, 2018) one month after her arrival).

 

Although seriously shy and very reserved, she is extremely sweet and would literally spend 24 hours a day nestled in the arms of a willing human. When she isn’t being held close, she prefers to perch high up on one of our walkways out of arms’ reach until you gently retrieve her and allow her to do one of her favorite things — bury her head into your neck and nuzzle. She does have a fear of having her ears touched, so if you approach her head-on too quickly, she will hiss and retreat, but if you approach her slowly and assure her snuggle time will ensue she will melt into your embrace.

 

Lina is mostly ambivalent towards the other cats, as long as they leave her be and allow her to have her own space — which is totally out of the spotlight. Since she herself doesn’t have an ounce of ornery in her, placing her in a home with a mellow feline companion would be fine, but honestly, our Lina needs a home where she can be treated with patience, kindness and the understanding that her love will come to her human over time, once trust has been gained and she feels safe and secure.

 

If we could find a retiree or someone who works from their home to take this sweetheart in, we would be absolutely thrilled, as she has been through so much in her life thus far that she deserves nothing but calming comfort to surround her for the rest of her days.

More about Lina:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Tabby (Gray/Blue/Silver)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, no children

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

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

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

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

 

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

The 55th annual Marshall Historic Home Tour features 19 sites this year

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The Honolulu House Museum again will be the center of home-tour activities. The eight private homes on tour will be announced soon. (Photo courtesy Marshall Historical Society)

By Bill Mabin, Marshall Historical Society

 

The 55th Annual Marshall Historic Home Tour on September 8th & 9th will feature 19 homes, with one home having ties to a major motion picture being released later in September.

 

On tour for the second consecutive year is the 1873 Italianate-style home that inspired the 1973 novel The House with a Clock in Its Walls by Marshall author John Bellairs. The movie version starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett will be released September 20th, 2018.

 

Marshall’s railroad center, an octagon-shaped building that once stored luggage at the city’s railroad depot, has been reconstructed just north of the city. Marshall had been a regular stop for trains running between Detroit and Chicago in the late 1800s.

 

The 2018 home tour will have 19 sites, including eight private homes and seven museums. Tour hours are 9am-5pm on Saturday, Sept. 8th and 10am-5pm on Sunday, Sept. 9th. The Honolulu House Museum, 107 N. Kalamazoo Ave., again will be the central hub for home tour activities.

 

The other buildings on tour represent a range of architectural styles and were built between 1850 and 1911. Related events will include an arts and crafts fair and a Civil War Ball.

 

“The home tour committee is thrilled to have more private homes on tour this year and a wonderful cross-section of homeowners,” said Jennifer Conley Darling, chair of the Marshall Historic Home Tour. “A younger generation is purchasing these historic homes and renovating them by honoring the original architecture with modern décor.”

 

Advance tickets cost $20 and are available through September 3rd at www.marshallhometour.org or by calling (269) 781-8544. Tickets will be $25 after September 3rd. Tickets are good for both tour days. Parking is free and free shuttle buses will run to the tour sites.

 

The Marshall Historic Home Tour began in 1964, and it has grown into the longest-running home tour in the Midwest. The Marshall Historical Society uses the home tour proceeds to maintain and enhance its three museums and to support community efforts to preserve, protect, and promote Marshall’s historic heritage.

Cat of the week: Craig

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Volunteer and Wyoming resident Leanne F. is no stranger to the strays in her area, but unfortunately there was one particular cat that was causing quite the commotion this spring (2018) when he kept harassing her newest porch resident who had been hanging around for about 3 months. It had taken about that long for her to gain this fine gray and buff tabby fella’s trust, as he would only appear to eat at her feral cat house when she wasn’t around.

 

Slowly, over time, he began to put on weight and build up his confidence and allow her to win him over. Although she has a heart of gold and will feed whomever is in need, she couldn’t allow this docile, gentle guy whom she nicknamed ‘Gray the Stray’ get the tar beaten out of him, so she enlisted Dr. Jen’s help when he appeared with an infected puncture wound on his head.

 

By the time schedules aligned, the topical medication she’d been applying had allowed the bite to heal and he was happily on the mend, having bonded with Leanne as she lovingly tended to him. However, it didn’t surprise anyone that Craig tested positive for FIV, which is transmitted solely by bite wounds. Even though you can’t find a nicer, more even-tempered cat that Craig here (who was born in the fall of 2016), ya can’t blame a guy for trying to defend himself, even if he failed. Now, he won’t have to worry about that ever again!

 

That. Face.

Once at the clinic Dr. Jen set to work neutering him and getting him program-ready, so this sweetheart could make his way down to our sanctuary in short order. His acclimation period was insignificant, as Craig obviously had been an indoor cat at some point and clearly remembered just how awesome that was. He made friends instantaneously, feline and human alike, and in no time at all had proven himself as one of the most easygoing guys we have. In fact, our cat care director stated that if all of our cats were like Craig, their jobs would be so much easier.

 

Craig is the perfect mix of playful and mellow, relishing time spent napping on the toddler beds as much as he does delighting the volunteers with his enthusiastic lust for life. He could really give or take another cat as a companion when he lands a home of his own, because as long as he has people to please, he is absolutely golden. One-on-one attention is what revs Craig’s engines, and when his rescuer came on shift the first Monday after his arrival, he literally galloped like gangbusters over to see her in response to her voice—how cool is that?

 

He is going to hands down (er, paws down) make the absolute BEST PET for a family who is looking for a fun, fine fella with lots of energy and eagerness to shower his human with affection!

More about Craig:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Tabby (Gray/Blue/Silver)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

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

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

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

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

 

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

Cat of the week: Edison

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Edison, in his wilder days

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

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).

 

Once upon a time, Edison was a feral cat fed and sheltered by one of our volunteers. It took three years for Edison to trust her and be petted, and in April of 2017, our awesome volunteer was able to live-trap him to have him fixed through a TNR program. It was then she realized that Edison just couldn’t get enough love and attention. Were it not for a house full of kittens, Edison would have had a home right then and there.

 

We believe this FIV+, handsome boy was born in December of 2013 and know for a fact that he is as happy as can be with his new-found indoor life. We have observed the following since he joined us at our sanctuary on May 10, 2018:

 

“Edison is so incredibly sweet,” says another volunteer. “Once he figured out that the other cats were pretty cool he picked a couple favorite buddies and curled right up with them and went to sleep. He hangs with Gertie and Billy. He likes people, bird watching, and sleeping on the windowsill. He would do well with another cat in the home. He tends to be shy and a buddy would help him be more confident.”

 

He uses his litter box like a champ, and like most cats, he’s afraid of the vacuum.

 

It only took a few days for Edison to stop hiding under beds and now he never hides. He is so sweet! Since Edison doesn’t have a mean bone in his beautiful buff and white body, the risk of FIV transmission is minimal, with maximum affection towards his new owners guaranteed. Help this little guy’s light shine by taking him home and letting him make your life brighter! I almost forgot to mention that he has two orange polka dot ’angel wings’ on the top of his shoulders, making him even more handsome and unique-looking!

More about Edison:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Buff & White
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats

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

 

Employment Expertise: Health care career pathways

3-bottom, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, Tech Trends, , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in West Michigan. There are more jobs than people to fill them. In fact, 32 of the 100 jobs on the HOT JOBS list are in health care! This is a great time for you to begin a new career.

 

The health care industry has many different kinds of jobs. Some need short-term training such as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Sterile Processing Technician, where others need additional training or certification like Dental Hygienist and Licensed Practical Nurse.

 

There is opportunity for advancement in the health care industry too. You’ll need additional training to move to the next position, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing advancement. Health care employers want their employees to learn and grow so they will support you every step of the way.

 

Sample health care career pathways are:

  • Sterile Processing Tech > Surgical Tech > Clinical Lab Tech > Radiologic Tech
  • Nurse Aide >Patient Care Tech > Licensed Practical Nurse > Registered Nurse
  • Medical Secretary > Medical Records > Medical Transcriptionist > Billing and Coding
  • Environmental or Dietary Aide > Patient Transport > Tech Position > Supervisor

Not interested in working in a hospital or health care facility? There are health care jobs for you too! Consider working in a school, university, government organization or health care research facility.

 

Your next steps

 

Are you ready to begin a successful career in health care? Check out PathFinder which helps you create your own career path, or visit a service center to talk with our staff about your future health care career path.

 

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

Cat of the week: Elphaba

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , ,
Lovely Elphaba

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

Energetic, enthusiastic Elphaba came to us as a shelter transfer (from Harbor Humane Society in West Olive) on May 31st, 2018. Seems that this darling, adorable little lady (she weighs a whole 6 lbs and was born in the spring of 2016) was all set to be adopted when she tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Since she was being housed in a cage in their lobby she received lots of attention, and the staff was heartbroken as they knew they would no longer be able to keep her as part of their adoption program; they reached out to Dr. Jen and she told them we would be able to accommodate her.

 

As far as her history goes, we know that they took her in on April 23rd, and that she was an OGU (owner give up) who was to have been spayed prior and sported the tattoo to prove it. However, within about 10 days of her arrival at our sanctuary, guess who started exhibiting sings of heat, sticking her derriere up in the air in a very non-ladylike fashion, teasing all of the (neutered) boys with her feminine wiles? So Dr. Jen took her back to surgery to recover a complete ovary, not a remnant of it, that had been left behind when she was spayed. Surgery was a success this time around and she recovered without a hitch.

 

Prior to that retrieval, Elphaba was quite anxious and ornery, terrified in her new surroundings. Given the fact that she had spent the past month caged, we can see why our free-roaming facility was a bit daunting to her. However after her hormones settled down and she settled in, she became an outgoing, sassy little diva with very big opinions. She is not afraid in the least to smack a cat twice her size right across the face if they get too close for comfort. She also isn’t too keen on being picked up although she loves her humans who dote on her, fulfilling her every whim and desire.

 

Elphaba would really like to be the only kitty for a family who is looking for a petite little princess who is playful and precious. And—great news—even though she tested NEGATIVE FOR FELINE LEUKEMIA (TWICE) at her recheck exam a month after her arrival, adopting her in to a home of her own in her opinion is the ideal situation, so we are going to do our best to find that place for her and grant her every wish.

More about Elphaba:

  • Medium
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Not good with other cats

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

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

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

 

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

We Have Teeth and We Vote!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Election, Health, Non-Profits, Politics, Senior Living, , , ,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare provides health care coverage to seniors and individuals with disabilities. For most older adults, it is a benefit they have been paying for their entire working lives. Medicare insures older adults have basic healthcare coverage. Many older adults are surprised to discover though, that dental care is not a benefit included in Medicare coverage. There is a campaign underfoot to change this.

 

The original version of Medicare included oral health, but like all bills, in order to become law Medicare went through several revisions. The thought at the time was that a majority of Americans lost all of their teeth by age 65, so dental care was unimportant. Today, thanks to better oral health and fluoridated water, many of us are holding onto our teeth for our entire lives. The ability to care for our teeth is integral to healthy aging.

 

Our mouths have a direct impact on our health. Tooth decay or loss directly affects our ability to take in proper nutrition. The ability to eat and swallow are imperative to maintaining good health as we age. Maintaining adequate nutrition is often key to remaining independent. A decline in oral health also affects our self-esteem and willingness to communicate, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Poor oral health can also have a negative impact on our general physical health. Periodontal disease has been shown to affect blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and has recently been associated with cardiovascular disease. Receiving basic oral health services helps prevent these outcomes.

 

Led by Oral Health America, Demand Medicare Dental is a national campaign to improve oral health (and overall health) for older adults by adding a dental care benefit to Medicare. Right now, they are working in several states and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage legislators to begin having the conversation about including dental benefits in Medicare. Demand Dental Care has recently partnered with Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and the Tri-County AAA in Lansing to bring their Brush Brigade to local events, asking people interested in this issue to sign their name on a toothbrush, which will be delivered to legislators this fall. It is important for lawmakers to know this issue is important to their constituents.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about their efforts or volunteering for the campaign, you can visit their website at www.DemandMedicareDental.org. On the website, you can also choose to send your legislator a toothbrush to let them know – “I Have Teeth and I Vote!”

Cat of the week: Charly

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,
Meet charismatic Charly!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

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).

 

Charismatic Charly (born in May of 2015) came to us from Focus on Ferals (FOF) in May of 2018 since he was feline leukemia-positive. However, it is part of Dr. Jen’s intake process, even with shelter transfers, to retest any cat coming in prior to placement at our sanctuary, so she was pleasantly surprised that Charly tested negative for the virus (twice, with two separate samples submitted).

 

Charly came into FOF in February of 2017, a Cedar Springs stray with a gimpy left front leg and a variety of gashes and wounds on his face from fighting (he was intact). Although his skin lesions healed well, he never lost that limp and diagnostics weren’t performed until Dr. Jen took him in; physical exam and x-rays showed that he had suffered significant trauma to his left carpus (wrist) to the point that the ligaments were damaged and his paw hyperextends. Charly therefore has a bit of hitch in his giddy-up, but it doesn’t stop him from enjoying his life to the fullest by any means!

 

Most of the time he has manners and behaves, but since we welcomed several recently neutered tom cats to Sid’s around the same time, he sometimes acts like the sheriff in town—which doesn’t always go over too well. He isn’t the aggressor in these situations but mainly appears to be trying to keep the peace by inserting himself into the mix. When he isn’t involved in patrolling the perimeter you can find him curled up snoozing away in a kitty teepee or open cage, proving that even busy guys need their down time.

 

Once he is well rested he is extremely energetic, so we feel placing him into a home with kids to wrestle and play with would be ideal. He has also shown us his sweeter side by sidling up next to and snuggling close to some of our shy females, so a home with another cat to chum around with would make him a very happy partner! And just look at that face! It is so stinkin’ adorable—how can you resist?!

More about Charly:

  • Large
  • Tabby and Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Tabby (Brown/Chocolate)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats and kids

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

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

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

 

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