Since 2010, Blandford Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has been growing healthy, chemical-free produce. Today, Blandford Farm consists of 2.5 acres where the focus is on sustainable agriculture. Over 40 different types of vegetables and over 200 different varieties of vegetables are grown on the farm.
The CSA model builds a relationship between people who love fresh, healthy, local food and a farmer who grows the food. CSA members join a sustainable community of like-minded individuals invested in knowing their food and knowing their farmer.
Blandford Farm’s summer CSA offers a weekly share for 21 weeks. Its winter CSA offers a weekly share for 8 weeks.
Every growing season is different with the weather playing a large role into how each crop will do. CSA members have the opportunity of a close-up experience with eating seasonally and how different weather can influence crop productivity.
Summer is right around the corner. That means plenty of locally-grown produce options will be available. But why is choosing local produce good for you?
It’s fresh. Most wholesale produce is picked up to a week before it reaches a supermarket and travels an average of 1500 miles! Veggies and fruits grown by local farmers don’t spend days in transport. This means they can be harvested at peak maturity when they are the most nutritious and tasty.
It supports local farmers. The money you spend on local products stays in the community and boosts the local economy. It’s a win-win for you and the farmers.
It can cost less. When you purchase produce that is grown locally and in-season, you aren’t paying for the transportation costs of getting food from across the country.
What about families who have a limited grocery budget? Many local farmers markets participate in food assistance programs. Programs like Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project FRESH and WIC Project FRESH can make buying local an affordable option for those that qualify.
ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) also provides food assistance for qualifying families. When in-season, locally grown produce is combined with the pantry staples offered by CAA, low-income families in Kent County can put healthy meals on the table.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
The crowds that come to Meijer Gardens, shown here for a summer concert, pump money into the local economy, according to a GVSU Study. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)
By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University
The overall economic impact of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Kent County is $75.2 million, which supports 804 jobs, according to a study by Grand Valley State University researchers.
The entrance to Meijer Gardens. (Supplied)
Economics professors Paul Isely and Christian Glupker, who conducted the study, reported that the annual economic impact of Meijer Gardens came from three components: the impact of visitor spending outside of the venue, the operations of the venue (including what visitors spend inside the venue) and construction spending.
Isely said one way Meijer Gardens adds to the regional economy is by bringing visitors to Kent County.
“As these individuals come to the county to visit, they spend money on food, lodging, entertainment, transportation and other items,” Isely said. “The combined dollar value of this spending translates into greater earnings for area employers and employees, as well as greater job creation.”
Glupker said direct spending by all visitors outside of Meijer Gardens is $22.7 million, with more than 86 percent of this coming from people outside of Kent County.
“The result is a lot of new dollars into Kent County,” Glupker said. “This happens because the venue draws 445,000 visitors from outside Kent County and each of these individuals spends more as a result of a visit to Meijer Gardens than a comparable local visitor.”
David Hooker, president and CEO of Meijer Gardens, commented on the study by saying: “Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has been embraced and supported by our wonderful community. It is with the community’s support that we can further our unique mission of horticulture and sculpture and bring joy to so many people. The Grand Valley study clearly shows the importance and support of the great cultural community that we have.”
Details of the study shows The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park supports or contributes:
• 804 jobs in Kent County annually
• A $75.2 million economic output annually
• Visitors from outside the county who directly spend $19.6 million at businesses around Kent County annually
• Construction that created 39 jobs during the last year
• 86 percent of visitor spending is the result of spending by individuals who do not live in Kent County
• Nonresidents spent an average $129 per group outside the venue during their visit to Meijer Gardens while in Kent County.
Recruiters and hiring managers can receive hundreds of résumés for a single job opening. They take 10 to 15 seconds on average to scan each resume. With this kind of competition, how do you make your résumé stand out?
To get noticed, your resume must:
Quickly create interest for the reader
Entice the reader/potential employer into wanting to know more about you
Speak to the needs of the employer
How do you do this? Here are five tips to get you started!
Make it relevant. Include only the experience, training and skills that are related to the job you are applying for. Employers want to know what you can do for them.
Be honest. Don’t exaggerate your qualifications. You need to be able to back up any statements you make.
Keep it professional. Don’t include personal information or hobbies. Use a professional font that is easy to read. If you don’t have a business-like email address, create a new one. Keep it simple and use your name, if possible. Example: J.Smith@gmail.com not DogLuvr100@gmail.com
Make it easy on the eyes. Keep some white space and use a font size above 10 point so it is easy to read. Keep it uniform, using the same bullet points and structure throughout.
Proofread. Check spelling, punctuation and grammar. Then have someone else check it for you. Don’t let a typo ruin your chances of getting an interview!
Learn more about writing a résumé at one of our free workshops. Check the workshop schedule to see when the next résumé workshop is scheduled near you.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
In preparation for an upcoming Poverty Simulation, volunteer staffers Mary, Cindy, Tom and Rhoeda were busy at work compiling participant packets and organizing materials.
The Poverty Simulation is just one of many programs at Access of West Michigan to create solutions to poverty through education and collaboration. The goal in these seminars is to bring awareness of the realities of poverty and to encourage people to get involved.
The “Living on the Edge” poverty simulation provides an opportunity for participants to walk in the shoes of someone living in a low-income environment. The participant must navigate with their “family” how to provide for expenses, make ends meet and be sustainable throughout the event.
As staffers of the events, Tom and Rhoeda have been working with and learning from these simulations. What began as a way to simply get involved with the community has become a meaningful experience of inspiring participants to engage and learn.
Both Tom and Rhoeda, married, retired and living in Muskegon, volunteer to prepare for the simulations by preparing the packages of money and ensuring all participants will have what they need. At the simulation events, Rhoeda loves interacting with the “family members” working hard to stay afloat.
“I like interacting with the participants,” she said, “watching them get into their roles, with their comments, discussions — they’re deep in thought.”
Tom has also been moved by his experiences of being a part of the simulations.
“I heard a participant comment on how she really thought about it when she had to go do the different things, like leaving her child home to go work,” he said. When families are involved, things get personal.
Rhoeda gets excited about these events, because they’re so important.
“The way it changes people’s attitudes,” she said. “The way they treat people in poverty can make a big difference.”
Mary and Cindy also volunteer in the preparation for the simulation, and equally appreciate the opportunity to watch people’s attitudes change.
“I like to see the interactions with the families,” Mary said. “They cooperate with families, make a community of their own.”
After an afternoon of packing, planning and preparing, the team of volunteers was ready for the upcoming event. For them, it’s not just hours to fill their time, it’s an opportunity to create an awareness of poverty — on a personal level.
And these staffers would know. Some have lived it.
Birthed out of a vision to empower community youth, The Summit is designed to equip middle and high school youth to think critically about personal choices and future ambitions, emerging community health and wellness trends related to underage substance use/misuse, and the power community teens have individually and collectively to impact peers, family and community norms and the world by making a personal commitment to live Above the Influence.
This year’s ‘Summit: Recode‘ is all about encouraging this generation to take a stand and to drive positive change in the community, while transforming health and wellness trends and overcoming pop culture messages that suggest that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are not harmful. Ultimately, this year’s theme speaks to Summit 2017’s goal of empowering and equipping every attendee to excel individually, lead socially and revolutionize their families, schools and community by living Above the Influence.
The Summit is designed to:
Engage youth in being visible, valuable and vocal to underage substance use prevention efforts in Kent County
Champion the voices and engagement of youth in the work of underage substance use prevention
Understand the underage substance use issues and emerging trends in Kent County
Engage youth as investors in the health and wellness of Kent County
Develop adolescent leadership skills and talents
Foster relationship-building among teens across the county, state and region
Create opportunities for youth to engage community leaders and elected officials
Uses innovation, art, technology and media to deliver prevention messages
The Kent County Prevention Coalition (KCPC) is a team of 25+ member organizations who all share a genuine concern for improving the health and wellness of the community. They band together to change community conditions, norms, systems and policies in a variety of creative ways.
The organization’s purpose is to prevent and reduce substance use behaviors in Kent County with a focus on youth. They are committed to being visible, valuable and vocal in the work of substance abuse prevention.
The work of the coalition is about people, passion, partnerships and performance. These goals are achieved by taking prevention to culture. Rather urban, suburban or rural, these issues impact where people work, live, play, learn and worship.
Not all bosses are created equal. If you have a difficult supervisor, here are some ways to cope:
Know their work habits. Do they like to communicate in person or via email? Do they need coffee right away? Adjust your work style accordingly to create a more pleasant work environment.
Do your job well. Increase your value as an employee by being productive and positive, even if your boss doesn’t seem to notice.
Be professional. Are you doing anything to contribute to the issues with your boss? Are you defensive in meetings or gossip with co-workers? If you don’t know, ask someone you trust for honest feedback.
Talk to your boss. Ask them to clarify expectations and priorities. Make sure to write them down so you and your boss can refer back to it.
Try to reach a compromise. If clarifying expectations doesn’t help the situation, set up a time with your boss to discuss the issues in an honest and respectful way. Think of solutions to suggest at the meeting.
If all else fails, talk to HR. If things still don’t change after meeting with your boss, talk with Human Resources. Remember to report any bullying or harassment immediately.
If your relationship with your boss is still unhealthy, consider joining a company with a better culture. When you’re happy in your job you’re more likely to succeed and grow. Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
With colorful petals radiating from a bright orange center, the mandala Circle of Art rug represents the universe and all its connectivity.
For members of Wyoming High School’s National Art Honor Society, it’s also a way of connecting with a program right in their school that helps reduce conflict and unite people.
Sinai Salvador, Cecilia Medina and Bekah Luce created the mandala Circle of Art to symbolize restorative justice
NAHS members and juniors Sinai Salvador, Cecilia Medina and Bekah Luce created the rug at the request of Marilyn Booker, who facilitates restorative justice circles at the high school. Booker wanted a symbol that complemented her practice, and students came up with the design. They showcased the rug at the district’s recent Fine Arts Festival.
Restorative justice, an outreach of the Grand Rapids-based nonprofit Dispute Resolution Center of West Michiganthat started at the high school last school year, is a non-punitive, conflict-resolution program that helps students solve differences using trained mediators.
Connecting, Uniting, Restoring
In restorative circles, students who are having conflicts tell each other through guided conversation with Booker what’s on their minds. They hold something, like a squishy ball, to indicate their turn to speak. The goal is to reduce suspensions and address harmful behaviors in a therapeutic way. It has been successful and was expanded to the junior high this school year.
Booker lays the rug on the floor in the middle of the circles to give students a focal point if they aren’t quite ready to meet eye-to-eye.
“We made the rug to help relieve anxiety with these groups,” said Bekah. “A lot of times the kids don’t feel comfortable and don’t know where to look.”
The circle is a universal and eternal symbol seen in many aspects of life: the sun, the moon, the earth and the universe. Conflict is also a universal and eternal issue in society, Booker said: “In a circle, there is no disconnect. We are all connected in some way, shape, or form. … Part of doing circles is every voice is important.
“We are restoring kids instead of pushing them out,” she said.
Wyoming is a very diverse district, the fourth most diverse in the state, according to the website, Niche. In that context, Sinai explained the depth she sees in the piece.
“You can think of all the colors we connected in the mandala rug as all the races that are connected in our school society,” Sinai said. “That’s why it’s used in the restorative program. It gets everyone together.”
She sees the school’s diversity as a plus for understanding, noting “we all get along. It doesn’t matter where you come from, we all understand that we have different customs, but we all come together because we are all equal.
Restorative justice facilitator Marilyn Booker (far left) hosts a Restorative Circle, with the mandala rug in the center, with, from left, students Kiara Kornoelje, Ashley Elliott, Makenna Vanderstolp and Shay Sees
“It’s a way for the school environment to flourish. That’s also why we picked the flower.”
Art and Its Many Connections
Wyoming High’s National Art Honor Society, which includes 21 students, focuses on creating art that connects with the greater community, school community and with themselves, said adviser and art teacher Robin Gransow-Higley.
In 1978, the National Art Education Association began the NAHS program to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art, though it’s open to all students.
Wyoming NAHS students organized the district’s recent Fine Arts Festival, which included works from those in grades K-12, plus choir and theater performances, demonstrations by various clubs, face-painting and other activities. Students are also creating a mural representing student athletics and activities.
The club aims to encircle the community it its own way, through art, Higley said.
“They connect with the greater community, school community and with themselves,” she said.
According to a 2015 report on caregiving by the AARP, 16.6% of adults act as an unpaid caregiver of another adult age 50 or over. This may be a spouse caring for their husband/wife, a family caring for their mother/father, or even a friend caring for another who doesn’t have family available. As our aging population continues to grow, so will the number of people who find themselves in position of caring for a loved one.
Often when we begin having discussions about those we are caring for, with them or other family members, we often assume that the decisions are “Who is mom going to live with?” or “Should we start looking at nursing homes for dad?” A person caring for their spouse may be reluctant to ask for help, believing that it means they are incapable of providing for their loved one, and fear losing them as a result. Many people are unaware that there are options available for older adults that may not require a move or loss of independence at all.
The MI Choice Medicaid WaiverProgram is one of these options. Created in 1992, MI Choice is an income-eligible program providing in-home services to older adults in order to help them remain in their own homes rather than a nursing home or to move in with a relative. With assistance, many older adults are able to live independently for the remainder of their lives.
Individuals in the MI Choice program can receive help with all sorts of daily living tasks, like in-home cleaning services, bathing and dressing, nursing, and meal delivery. Individuals may qualify for services like home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and transportation. For those families who already made the choice to have a loved one move in with them, these services are available to help care for a loved one in your home, as well as respite services for those times when family caregivers need a break. In addition, MI Choice Medicaid Waiver saves Michigan tax-payers money.
Providing in-home services costs far less than a move into a nursing home. Applying for the MI Choice program begins with a phone call to Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. Applicants to the program are pre-screened for income eligibility, so it is important to have financial information on hand. Once an applicant’s income is verified, a Care Management team, comprised of a Social Worker and an R.N., is sent to the home to do an assessment. This assessment determines what supports are necessary to help an older adult remain at home.
Throughout this process, the individual and anyone else they choose to have involved has a say in what services they want and how they want them delivered. There are supports we may be qualified to have, but we do not want them, or we want less of them. The Care Management team will work to insure you have a say in decisions made about your care every step of the way.
If you are interested in learning more about the services that may be available to you or your loved ones or you would like to begin the application process, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or email at aaainfo@aaawm.org. Even if the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program isn’t for you, there are a number of other services available through Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and their partners for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Visit our website: www.aaawm.org or find us on Facebook.
Sunshine and warm weather provide plenty of opportunity to get outside and be active. Don’t let an emergency get in the way of your summertime fun. Here are five tips to keep your family safe this summer.
Window Safety. Opening up windows and letting in a cool breeze is a welcome change in spring but can also increase the risk of falls, especially for small children and pets. Move furniture that kids and pets might climb on away from windows. If you have double-hung windows, open the top and keep the bottom closed. Remember, screens don’t make windows safe; even a small child can fall through a screen.
Injuries. Summer provides all kinds of opportunities to get outside and be active. Be sure to wear protective gear like helmets when biking, skating or riding a scooter and appropriate pads and guards for sports activities. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
Severe Storms. As tornado season begins, be sure to identify a safe place to go when there’s a tornado risk. The best options are in the basement or a storm cellar. If you don’t have one of these options, identify an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
Water. Swimming and enjoying Michigan’s many natural waterways is a great way to cool off in the summer. Stay safe this summer by swimming with a buddy; don’t allow someone to swim alone. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water.
Heat Waves. Never leave children or pets alone in an enclosed vehicle. In just a few minutes, temperatures can become life threatening!
Unfortunately, no matter how prepared we are, emergencies can happen. Now, a new service, available to Kent County residents, can get you help faster.
Smart911 allows you to create a free online safety profile to assist 911 dispatch. For example, dispatch technology used by 911 systems can sometimes pin cell phone calls to inaccurate locations. However, with a Smart911 profile you can register your cell phone to a specific address. Call-takers will have a precise location for your home along with other key information like home layout, family make-up, pet descriptions, medical information and gas and electrical shutoff locations.
ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is dedicated to providing resources to members of our community. We hope you will visit Smart911 to learn more and sign up for this potentially life-saving service!
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
The April 19, discussion, “The New Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities”, will be led by Dr. George Lopez, Hesburgh.
WKTV Contributor
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan and the Kent District Library is holding a series of discussions titled “Give Peace a Chance” at the KDL Cascade Township Branch with the second of three discussions being Wednesday, April 19.
The Cascade library is located at 2870 Jack Smith Ave SE, Grand Rapids. The lectures, scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each day, are free, open to the public and free parking is provided.
The April 19, discussion, “The New Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities”, will be led by Dr. George Lopez, Hesburgh Professor of Peace Studies, Emeritus, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Description: “Many pundits and professional politicians suggest that our era of global violence, and especially terrorism, makes peace a fantasy. This presentation will challenge that claim and will illustrate the new pathways to building peace, particularly on ways in which individual citizens and larger civil society groups can play important roles in building peace in their local communities and especially in outreach to the wider world.”
The Thursday, April 27, discussion, “Perspectives on Peace in the New Administration”, will be led by Dr. Frederic Pearson, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Wayne State University. Description: “With the presidential elections so recent, it is unclear what direction the new administration will take. Dr. Pearson will outline President Trump’s first 100 days in office. Given the trends in his presidential policy thus far, he’ll assess what that means for the prospects of peace worldwide.”
Think about West Michigan. What do you love about it? What about it could improve?
The first question should (hopefully) be an easy one. The second one is probably more challenging. Change is often scary and almost always involves a long, complicated process. How can one person change anything? Here’s the thing: It takes a community to change a community.
Over the past year, a diverse group of community members has been forming with a shared goal: to better address LGBTQ youth homelessness in our community. Led by Arbor Circle, the group includes folks working in shelters, local businesses, libraries, schools, child welfare, juvenile justice groups and more.
Arbor Circle and the Safe Impact Community Group have announced a partnership with the True Colors Fund to create a strategic plan to better address LGBTQ youth homelessness in West Michigan.
What does that mean, exactly? Think of it this way: the Safe Impact Community Group is a football team, out on the field every day running plays, making moves, and training to accomplish their goal. The True Colors Fund acts as a coach, helping the team develop strategies, facilitate meetings and utilize new technologies to stay organized and focused.
Over the coming months, the partnership will develop a community-wide plan together to bring the number of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness in West Michigan down to none.
Who is a part of the Safe Impact Community Group?
The group consists of concerned community members, as well as representatives from partner organizations who are working to address LGBTQ youth homelessness. This includes the Coalition to End Homelessness, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Grand Rapids Public Schools, HQ, Kent ISD, Our LGBT Fund, and Wellhouse. If you or your community group is interested in getting involved, please reach out at the contact provided below.
What can you do?
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Julie Cnossen at Arbor Circle. Go here for more information.
Earth Day 2017 will be a special day of celebration for Blandford Nature Center. On Saturday, April 22, Blandford will host the grand opening of the new Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center. All are welcome and the event is free.
Blandford Nature Center’s founder, Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a small party in the new auditorium.
“It’s just amazing how far we’ve come. I would have never imagined,” said Dockeray. “Blandford has always been an important part of Grand Rapids, but now we’re really blossoming! I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
The 11,000-square-foot, LEED-certified visitor center provides an open and welcoming lobby complete with stone fireplace, a large auditorium, an outdoor amphitheater, and an upgraded Wildlife Education Center that houses Blandford’s “Wildlife Ambassadors.” Many of the wood decorative features came from trees that were harvested as part of the construction process.
“When people see our new building, some are surprised that there aren’t more displays like you would typically see at a museum or old-style nature center,” stated Jennifer Brown, Blandford’s Director of Programs and Services. “That’s intentional. As a nature center that looks forward, we recognize that our visitors spend enough time indoors. We encourage our visitors to find more exciting things outdoors.”
The Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center
Dockeray and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss are scheduled to give remarks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m., and the grand opening itself will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Tours of the new facility will be available.
Along with Blandford, representatives from 13 other local environmental organizations that together make the Grand Rapids Conservation Collective are scheduled to attend the grand opening celebration. The Collective, which is a semi-annual gathering of like-minded organizations, showcases the work being done across the community on behalf of the environment. Organizations will have materials and activities that demonstrate the role they play in the larger conservation movement in West Michigan.
“We appreciate the support of everyone who has made this project possible. From our volunteers to our donors to our community partners, their help has made this a dream come true,” said Jason Meyer, President and CEO of Blandford.
Meyer said Blandford is continuing work on the original visitor center that is slated to be named the Peter M. Wege Environmental Education Center.
Supporters of the project include the Wege Foundation, the Meijer Foundation, Mary Jane Dockeray, and over 450 other donors from around the world.
About Blandford Nature Center:
Blandford Nature Center’s mission is to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. We envision a thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world. This is accomplished through: an active outdoor environmental lab, a team of passionate, knowledgeable people, and a strong link from past to future promoting sustainability. Blandford offers a wide variety of educational and community programs to support this mission. For more information, please visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Blandford Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
There are many different kinds of job interviews, from traditional one-on-one interviews to informal group interviews. Employers often use the competency-based, or behavioral interview. If you’re searching for a job, it’s a good idea for prepare for this type of interview.
Employers use the behavioral interview to learn more about your qualifications based on past behavior. The questions tend to start with “Tell me about a time when…” If you’re nervous or unprepared, you may ramble on, forgot important details or be at a loss for words.
Fortunately, there is a simple way to help you answer these types of questions—the STAR method.
First, think of an example that highlights the quality that the interviewer is looking for, such as excellent customer service or problem-solving skills. It can be from an internship, school activity or project, community service, hobby or work experience. Then answer the question using the following four steps:
Situation: Set the scene. “A customer called complaining about…”
Task: What did you need to do? What was your responsibility in this situation? Highlight any challenges, such as deadlines, costs, etc. “I needed to address the customer’s complaint quickly and respectfully.”
Activity: What did you actually do? Keep the focus on you, even if the example involves a team. “I apologized, asked them to explain the problem and reported the details to my supervisor.”
Result: How did the situation end? “The customer posted a positive comment on our Facebook page and continued to order from us.”
To prepare for your next interview, think of five or six examples and tell the story using the STAR method. Remember to keep them short (one to three minutes), use numbers whenever possible to show results and end with a statement that highlights your ability. For example, “I’d never talked to such an angry customer before, but by staying calm, I was able to resolve the problem and the customer left happy.”
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Tie up those shoe laces and grab your friends, the Access of West Michigan 40th Annual Hunger Walk is coming to downtown Grand Rapids on Sunday, May 7. Registration and food festival — including live music, a food truck, activities for kids and more — begins at 1:30 p.m. at Park Church, 10 E Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids. The walk begins in stride at 2:15 p.m.
Since 1977, the Hunger Walk has raised over $6 million for local and international organizations promoting a thriving food system through the support of thousands of individuals, businesses and congregations.
This year, the goal is to extend that support by raising $110,000 and have over 1,000 walkers. Participants, whether individual or in teams, collect financial pledges for walking the 5K to celebrate and generate awareness for the mission of organizations working to reduce poverty and food insecurity. The focus is on the dual themes of celebration and solidarity.
“We walk to celebrate the good that we have done in the last 40 years, we also stand in solidarity with those still facing issues of systemic poverty, inequity, and disparity,” said Access of West Michigan Co-Director, Emma Garcia. “The Hunger Walk is a way that our community members can show public support for economic justice, health equity, and the need for a food system that provides good food to all people.”
Join the legacy of promoting a thriving food system through donating, sponsoring, volunteering or walking. Learn more here.
For more information on this exciting community event, please contact: Savion Sanford,
Hunger Walk Coordinator at 616.774.2175 x 2 or email savion@accessofwestmichigan.org
Access of West Michigan is located at 1700 28th Street in Grand Rapids.
Households in the U.S. reported spending about 12% of total income on food in 2015. That’s nearly $600/month spent on groceries and eating out. For the many Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck, saving on their monthly grocery bill could make a big difference. The extra cash could be used to start an emergency fund or pay off debt. Here are five ways to get started:
Eat at home. Sitting down for a meal can be difficult for busy families. Eating out is much more convenient, but it comes at a price. Try to plan and prep meals ahead of time to make eating at home easier. You’ll save money and probably make healthier choices, too.
Plan your shopping trips. Avoid multiple, small trips to the grocery store. They can add up quickly! Instead, do all your shopping for the week at one time. Make a list based on your meal plan and stick to the list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Check out the weekly ads. When you plan your grocery trip, check your weekly ads before you go. See if any of the items you need are on sale. If you have more than one store near you, compare prices to see where you can save the most money.
Look for the best deal. Grocery stores tend to put the most expensive items at eye-level, where you will see them first. Look to the top and bottom of the shelves to find less expensive options. Taking a few extra seconds to compare prices at the shelf can save you a lot at checkout.
Consider generic brands. Many generic brands are nearly identical to their brand-name counterparts but cost much less. Check the ingredient labels to ensure you are getting the same product and save a lot when you switch to generic brands.
If you or someone you know is having trouble putting enough healthy food on the table, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) can help. ACSET CAA works with community partners around Kent County to provide food assistance to low-income households. To learn more about qualifications, distribution dates and locations, visit CAA’s website.
Upcoming distribution locations and dates:
SECOM Resource Center
1545 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or while supplies last
North Kent Community Services
1075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI
Thursday, April 13, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last
Kent County Human Service Complex
121 Franklin St SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids, MI
Thursday, April 13, 2017
1:00 to 7:00 p.m. or while supplies last
The Children’s Assessment Center of Kent County is designated as a Darkness to Light ‘Partner in Prevention’.
Staff members are trained in award-winning Stewards of Children® Program for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention.
By Misti DeVries, Children’s Assessment Center
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is estimated that one in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18. That means here in Kent County thousands of children are victimized every year —but national statistics tell us that only 14% of those cases are ever reported to law enforcement.
Committed to “Hearing the Story and Healing the Pain” of child sexual abuse and also “Halting the Cycle”, the Children’s Assessment Center of Kent Countyhas been designated as a Partner in Prevention which is awarded by the international Darkness to Light organization whose mission is educate responsible adults to reduce child sexual abuse. The Partner in Prevention program was created as a national standard to help communities take child protection seriously by parents and caregivers to prevent child sexual abuse.
The recent sexual abuse allegations by numerous MSU and Team USA gymnasts, that went unheeded for years against Dr. Larry Nassar, makes it clear that every adult in the community needs to take a strong stand against the routine behavior of silencing and shaming victims and allowing perpetrators of status in our communities to escape accountability.
The CAC now offers the highly recognized program, “Stewards of Children”, to parents, community youth groups, sports organizations, medical personnel, faith-based communities as well as others which would benefit from this award-winning training. Stewards of Children will guide adults in understanding the issue of child sexual abuse, identifying unsafe situations and practices, and reacting responsibly in the best interest of the children they serve and care for.
This evidence-informed program is scientifically proven to help participants prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. To learn more about child sexual abuse prevention training in Kent County or to enroll your organization in a Darkness to Light training through the CAC, please email Community Advocate, Misti, at mdevries@cac-kent.org .
About The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC)
The only agency in Kent County providing child-centered comprehensive services to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse all under one roof: forensic interview, investigative reporting, medical examination and therapy, the agency sees 800 children annually.
In addition to CAC staff, GRPD and the Kent County Sheriff’s department each have three detectives stationed full time at the Center to investigate suspected child sexual abuse cases. Four Child Protective Services investigators also work out of the CAC.
To learn more about CAC’s services, community events and trainings, or information on how to report, please visit the website.
About Darkness to Light
Darkness to Light (D2L) has championed the movement to end child sexual abuse since its founding in 2000. With affiliates in all 50 U.S. states and 16 additional countries, D2L provides individuals, organizations, and communities with the tools to protect children from sexual abuse. To date, the D2L network of 7,000 authorized facilitators has trained over 900,000 parents, youth serving professionals, and organization volunteers in D2L’s award-winning Stewards of Children® child sexual abuse prevention program.
What better way to support the community than through listening to local artists, enjoying delicious food and drink and having the opportunity to win prizes.
On Sunday, April 9 from 4-10 p.m., Access of West Michigan is hosting the annual Feedback Concert, held at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
The evening will feature three great local artists who also call Grand Rapids home. The Legal Immigrants, Conrad Shock and The Noise and the Honeytones will light up the stage with their unique sound and high energy.
Founders Brewing Co. offers a venue full of atmosphere and fun.
Access of West Michigan will be there with a 50/50 raffle for prizes to win. A silent auction, featuring cool merchandise from some great area organizations, will also raise support for Access of West Michigan.
Access of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization serving Grand Rapids in developing holistic solutions to poverty by cultivating equitable systems through education and collaboration. Since 1981, Access has been committed to serving those in need and promoting opportunities for access to good food.
Tickets for Feedback 2017 are $5, with all proceeds going to Access.
Come join Access and the community in celebrating and supporting holistic solutions to poverty!
The CVS Health Foundation has awarded Catherine’s Health Center $35,000 to support chronic disease management and prevention for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and asthma, improved care coordination and increased access to care programs.
As the need for access to affordable care and improved health outcomes continue to weigh on the U.S. health care system, the CVS Health Foundation is providing grants, ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 this year.
In all, 33 free and charitable clinics nationwide are receiving more than $1 million in grants from the CVS Health Foundation as part of a multi-year grant program with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC). Over the past four years, the Foundation has donated nearly $5 million to NAFC to increase access to quality care and support the management of chronic disease.
For more information on how the Free and Charitable Clinics will be utilizing their grants to improve community health, please go here.
About Catherine’s Health Center
Established in 1996, Catherine’s Health Center is a 501(c)(3) safety net medical clinic serving more than 6,000 patients annually. Using a small core of paid staff and many dedicated volunteers, Catherine’s mission is to provide free or low-cost medical services to low-income, uninsured, underinsured and newly insured residents of Kent County. Support for the mission is provided by generous friends who share our belief that access to health care should be provided for all people, businesses, foundations, religious groups and others. Catherine’s Health Center does not discriminate; services are available to the broader community. Learn more at www.catherineshc.org.
About the CVS Health Foundation
The CVS Health Foundation is a private charitable organization created by CVS Health that works to build healthier communities, enabling people of all ages to lead healthy, productive lives. The Foundation provides strategic investments to nonprofit partners throughout the U.S. who help increase community-based access to health care for underserved populations, create innovative approaches to chronic disease management and provide tobacco cessation and youth prevention programming. To learn more about the CVS Health Foundation and its giving, go here.
Each year, ACSET Community Action holds it Walk for Warmth to raise funds for emergency heating assistance for low-income families in Kent County. And each year, students at Sibley Elementary participate in activities to support the walk and help their neighbors in need.
For more than 10 years, second graders engaged in the social studies unit Learning About Communities, have worked together to make positive changes in their community. The students, known as the “Sibley Warmth Force,” write letters to local businesses to ask for donations for the annual Walk for Warmth.
“Our studies focus on citizenship and building community,” explained Bernice Wisnieski, a second grade teacher at Sibley. “This service project is an awesome way to bring the lesson to life.”
This year the second grade students wanted a way to get the entire school involved. They worked with the principal and scheduled the first Sibley Walk-a-thon for Warmth. Along with the Walk for Warmth on February 11th, all students at Sibley Elementary took turns walking on March 14, holding signs with the names of businesses that helped support the cause. Many of the older students remembered this project from past years and were excited to participate again.
In addition to the walk-a-thon, the students made and sold fleece blankets and brought in pennies for a total of almost $2,000 in donations. ACSET Community Action is grateful to the students for their hard work and warm hearts; to the businesses for their generous donations; and to the Sibley teachers for creating a community that cares for those less fortunate.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
Health professionals gather in “families” in preparation to experience a “month” in poverty. Photo by Ellie Walburg
By Ellie Walburg, Access of West Michigan
Reading a news article about someone living in poverty is one thing.
Actually experiencing it is another.
Metro Health Hospital Servicesrecently hosted a poverty simulation workshop with Access of West Michigan. The goal of the poverty education program is to create awareness of the realities of poverty and bring inspiration for change in an experiential way.
Participants in the ‘Living on the Edge’ poverty simulation at Metro Health were assigned profiles detailing their name, age, family, income level and other related details. Each “family” then completed four weeks, made up of 15-minute increments, in providing groceries, paying bills, attending doctor’s appointments and other requirements as outlined on their profiles.
Afterwards, participants engaged in small group discussions to debrief and learn from one another’s insights.
Linda Bos is a registered nurse with Metro Health and attended the workshop. She, along with Heather Rayman, were given the roles of a 75- and 72-year-old couple struggling to make ends meet. Bos, playing the role of Anthony Xanthos, and Rayman playing his wife, Zelda, spent each “week” trying to keep up on their mortgage payments, provide $50 for food and make it to expensive doctor appointments.
At one point during the four weeks, they couldn’t buy groceries. Towards the end of the month, they were evicted from their home as they couldn’t provide proof of their mortgage payment.
Mobility was also a major issue for them.
‘We were struck that we were always concerned about traveling places,” Bos said. “We were never together — it split us up. We never did things together.”
Conversations about how they were doing or if they wanted to plan a vacation never arose during their time of balancing their meager budget and keep all their bills afloat “We sure didn’t talk about anything fun,” Bos added.
To accompany the small social assistance check they received for the month, Bos sought out other options.
“I also tried to get a job, but there was age discrimination,” she said. “There were forms to fill out that were difficult.”
Access of West Michigan Staffers share their own story of poverty during group discussions. Photo by Ellie Walburg
Not having an opportunity for additional income made balancing finances even more troublesome.
“There was no way out for us,” Bos said. “Neither one of us could get a job.”
Rayman was reminded, “Don’t forget we have to eat at some point in our life,” as she recalled the struggle of purchasing weekly groceries.
For both Bos and Rayman, living life as an elderly couple with little money was an eye-opening experience.
“Everything was tension-producing rather than pleasurable,” Bos noted.
That tension is something Bos knows first-hand. While currently employed and doing well, she has felt that same stress.
“There was a time when I didn’t have money to buy diapers, when we didn’t have money to pay the mortgage,” she said
Bos and Rayman agreed that this simulation could change the way they work with their patients and others they encounter.
“I think for me, I’ll be much more cognizant of transportation needs,” Bos said. “I’ll think, ‘What can I do to relieve some of those transportation issues.’”
Bos’s work as a nurse involves serving moms and newborns.
“I try to be very intentional with younger moms,” she said. “I’ll ask, ‘Do you need anything else for your child?’ ‘Do you have diapers?’ ‘Do you have formula?’”
She said she anticipates building upon that intention with those she sees.
“I think so often we don’t want to offend people,” she added. “But it’s really just about asking, ‘I want to help, what is it that you need?’” That intention, she said, can come through her following up with her clients through phone calls or other additional conversations.
Staffers Candice and Cindy are ready at their “health clinic” table to help participants. Photo by Ellie Walburg
Rayman added, “I feel like this makes me much more aware of things like transportation, medication, samples, getting them to a care manager or something like that — things I didn’t really think of before.”
As the simulation event drew to a close, attendees were reminded that while they stopped playing a role in a fictitious family, there are so many in the community who must continue with that difficult reality everyday. And now that the participants had experienced the frustration and stress of living in poverty, they, and all, are left with the question Bos wondered, “What might you do differently?”
It is infuriating when so-called ‘pet-owners’ move out and leave their cat (or dog behind), but when winter is in full force and they toss their pet outside to fend for themselves, well we find that selfish act unforgiveable. Luckily a rescuer was hot on the trail of a homeless tail attached to a very striking and saucy girl who wanted back indoors in the worst kinda way. She scooped her up, creating a cozy bed for her in the garage for the night (she has over a dozen kitties of her own so it wasn’t feasible to bring her into her actual home) until she could bring her to the clinic on Dec. 6, 2016.
At first the red patch tabby (born in the summer of 2013) was none too pleased being temporarily caged at the clinic, so Dr. Jen let her acclimate overnight, which helped adjust her cattitude immensely. Canned food proved to be the gateway to her soul, and by the next morning Dr. Jen was able to work her up to get her program-ready. With the exception of fleas, Kate Spayed, as Dr. Jen dubbed her, was a pretty healthy girl—thank goodness!
Once at Crash’s the diva that is Kate surfaced — she grumped, grumbled and groaned when any other inquisitive feline got too close to her personal space. One-on-one with the humans is another story — she is delightful, possessing the charm and manners of a sophisticated lady, but in the presence of those of her own kind, Kate tends to show her less than purrsonable side, getting overwhelmed quite easily and issuing warning bites so everyone knows to leave her alone. For that reason, we feel that our gorgeous gal should go into a home without any other cats or small children who may not understand her cues when she has simply had enough.
Don’t get me wrong, as she is a lovely cat who wants nothing more than to be loved—and to love on her person once again; she doesn’t understand why she was tossed out like trash, she doesn’t understand why her people chose not to love her anymore. What Kate DOES understand is that she is currently bunking with over 40 other cats who want to tickle her whiskers, snuggle up beside her and make friends, but she simply doesn’t have that desire in her. Plain and simple, she just wants a person to cherish her and make her feel comfortable and secure again—and we feel that is not too much to ask for at all; after all, Kate deserves to be a valued furry family member!
Want to adopt Kate Spayed? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy will be holding introductory events this month and in April. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
Wyoming’s Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy recently announced several youth basketball programs, including a March 11 trial event of its Travel Ball League Play and the Saturday afternoon Biddy Ball program starting in April.
Hoop Heaven events are held at the Elevation Church, 2141B Porter St. SW. The program’s mission, according to supplied material, is “Pursuing gospel transformation and leadership development in Wyoming area youth through the game of basketball.”
The Travel Ball League Play event on March 11 will start at 1 p.m. and is for both boys and girls grades 3-12. The cost of tryout is $5 per players and you must pre-register. For registration and more information on this event contact Phyllis Harder at 616-498-1128, email her at phyllis@elevationhoopheaven.org or visit their website at elevationhoopheaven.org or visit them on Facebook at /hoopheavenbasketballacademy
The Biddy Ball program will run April 15 through May 13 and is open to both boys and girls K-2nd grade. Both friend (of teams) and entire team requests will be considered. The cost if $55 per child, with partial scholarships available, which includes a t-shirt. For more information contact Eric Vandyke at 616-272-6244, email him at ericvandyke15@gmail.com or visit elevationhoopheaven.com .
Each week WKTV features adoptable pets from area shelters. This week, we focus on Carrot, a bunny available for adoption at West Michigan Critter Haven.
Carrot is a Dutch rabbit with a beautiful gray and white coat. But she’s more than looks. She’s a smart, sassy girl and knows what she likes. She adores shoulder rubs and bum scratches. Like most rabbits, she takes pride in her personal space and doesn’t approve of any rearranging that she hasn’t done herself. She loves fresh leafy greens and grass hay. She will grunt her disapproval if you don’t feed her quickly enough, too. Her foster person adores her and Carrot has wiggled her way into the hearts of many that have followed her story and generously donated to cover her medical costs.
Like many of our surrendered critters, Carrot the rabbit was relinquished to us by a family who had outgrown her. She was a pet shop purchase for their daughter. Several years later when the daughter left for college, the parents decided they no longer had the time to care for Carrot. They reached out to us and we took Carrot as soon as we had an opening in our foster network, in October 2016.
As soon as Carrot came into our care, we had a suspicion something wasn’t quite right. While doing a careful physical check and nail trim for Carrot, we noticed her belly was quite enlarged and as tight as a drum. Our minds immediately went to reproductive organ cancer since Carrot was an unspayed female. Unfortunately, unspayed female rabbits have an 80 percent chance of developing uterine cancer. Spaying and neutering rabbits is absolutely crucial to their health and wellbeing. This is something that many rabbit owners are not aware of.
As with all of our unaltered foster rabbits, Carrot went in for her spay surgery just a few days after coming into our care. Our worst fears became reality when our veterinarian informed us that while the surgery went well, Carrot had been suffering from uterine cancer. The mass that was removed from her was nearly one-third of her body mass. And to make matters worse, less than 24 hours after her surgery, Carrot promptly demolished her sutures and ate the staples that were required for the size of the incision.
Carrot is a fighter with a huge personality. Her x-rays showed no signs of cancer anywhere else in her body. She also successfully passed her staples. We’re happy to say she’s in wonderful health. So aside from scaring the heck out of us with a rollercoaster of medical issues, the only thing she has left to do in our care is find her forever home.
Carrot is roughly six years old. In rabbit years, this is about middle age. Rabbits routinely live to be 12 years and older. She’s litter trained and spends her unsupervised time in a large dog exercise pen where she can stretch out and romp around freely. We do not advocate the use of cages, as they are quite restrictive. When supervised, she loves exploring her bedroom and other bunny-proofed parts of her foster home.
Carrot is a sweet, independent rabbit that will require a patient, loving adopter. She would do best in a home with adults or a family with mature children who will respect her and give her the space she needs to adjust. Since rabbits are prey animals, most do not like to be held. She is the type of rabbit that enjoys human company on her level. She enjoys flopping down near you while you watch TV or enjoy a book on the floor with her. She will also beg sweetly for treats by standing on her tippy toes against you to do her best to reach the treats in your hand!
Wearing the ‘cone of shame’ after eating her staples
Rabbits are not easy, starter pets. Carrot’s story is the perfect example of this. They are extremely intelligent and trainable. They require attention, love and a life indoors with their families. West Michigan Critter Haven is a chapter of the House Rabbit Society. To learn more about caring for rabbits, please visit http://rabbit.org/.
More About Carrot
Litter trained
Spayed
No small children
Want to adopt Carrot? Her adoption fee is $75. You can learn more about Carrot and other West Michigan Critter Haven adoptables at http://wmicritterhaven.org. All adopters must be at least 18 years old.
Interested in fostering small animals for West Michigan Critter Haven? Email info@wmicritterhaven.org.
Does your child continue to struggle in class specialized instruction and additional support? Are you overwhelmed with the choices of assistive technology? Have you ever had a bright student with unexpectedly poor reading, spelling and writing skills? Even though you thought your instruction was carefully planned, you somehow couldn’t reach that student.
For the past dozen years, educational technology has been the rage of schools across North America and abroad. It held great promise for students with reading and writing challenges, including dyslexia. However, too often this technology is nothing more than word-processing assignments, spell check, email and web searches — all of which require competent literacy skills to access.
Here’s the conundrum: no student can access these traditional technologies without competent reading, spelling and writing skills. Throughout this presentation, Elaine Cheesman will demonstrate instructional technology that is intuitive, research-based and focused on specific literacy skills. Dr. Cheesman offers solutions that can take students, teachers, tutors and clinicians beyond the conventional technologies to give them the technological keys to literacy success.
Dr. Elaine Chessman
Dr. Cheesman is an associate professor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and credentials as a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University, under the direction of Judith Birsh. Her primary research, teaching and service interests are teacher-preparation in scientifically based reading instruction and the use of technology in literacy education.
Dr. Cheesman received the Excellence in Teacher Educator Award from the Teacher Education Division of the Colorado Council for Exceptional Children, the Teacher of the Year and the Outstanding Researcher awards from the University of Colorado College Of Education. The reading courses she developed are among the first teacher preparation programs accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Where: Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Kent County is home to many organizations dedicated to helping residents meet their basic needs: food/nutrition, energy efficiency, transportation, housing and employment.
ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) assists many low-income individuals with emergency food, energy, transportation and housing needs. They also have direct contact with individuals who want and need meaningful employment. Seeking to create self-sufficiency amongst its clients, CAA refers these job seekers to organizations that focus on workforce development, like West Michigan Works!
With three service centers in Kent County, West Michigan Works! welcomes anyone looking to advance their career or find a new job. Visitors can take advantage of no-cost services, such as:
Office resources to job search: internet, phone, fax and copier
Weekly Job Blast email with immediate job openings in West Michigan
Workshops to help you get your next job: resumes, interviewing, career exploration, etc.
Onsite hiring events with employers looking to fill current job openings
Specialized services for youth, veterans and migrant workers
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
Editor’s Note: This is the final in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.
The interview is a time for you to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions during the interview can set you apart just as much, if not more, than how you answer questions. Questions are the best way to show your interest in the company, demonstrate confidence and highlight your qualifications.
The key to asking good questions is the same as answering them. Do your homework before the interview. Practice and be prepared. Here are some recommendations to get you started.
Ask a question that shows you have done your research. Address one of the company’s core values or goals and ask how the position you are interviewing for connects to it. For example, “Your core value of sustainability and reducing environmental impact is something I believe strongly in. How does this position contribute to this value, especially in day-to-day work?”
Ask questions to learn more about the company culture. A question like, “What do you enjoy most about working here?” is an opportunity to see a more personal aspect of the company. If the interviewer struggles to find an answer, it may be a red flag.
“What skills and experience does the ideal candidate for this position need?” If the interviewer mentions a skill that you haven’t addressed yet, here’s your chance to provide an example.
Finally, the following questions can help you determine is the job is a good fit for you:
“Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?”
“What are the top challenges this position faces?”
“How do you define success for this position?”
Come prepared with at least four questions to ensure you have something to ask at the end of the interview.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Elegant Ellie first arrived at Crash’s via the Veteran’s Home back in the fall of 2005. Because she was so alluring and outgoing, she was quickly adopted by a wonderful gal, who took her home and doted on her for almost nine years. Dr. Jen was fortunate enough to have been her veterinarian for seven of those years, so she got to see her on a regular basis and offer advice when her mom moved, got married and acquired a dog as a house mate.
When the furry and human family moved to Allendale in 2012, Dr. Jen lost contact with her, until an email came to us in August of 2014, asking us to take her back into our program. Seems that for some reason that summer, Ellie took to urinating inappropriately, first on the carpet and then on the couch. Her mom mentioned that the basement did flood due to a leaky pipe, and that is where her litter box was located, and they had a person stay in their finished basement which was previously Ellie’s territory.
As we all know, sometimes things WE think aren’t significant enough to warrant a behavior change can indeed be terribly upsetting to a cat, who will then act out by urinating where she shouldn’t. As pet owners, it is up to us to dive deeper into the issue at hand, not blame the cat for being ‘bad’ and figure out what can be done to rectify the problem. But, all members of the household have to be on board with this game plan, and sadly, this wasn’t the case with Ellie.
It was extremely difficult for her mom to have to make that tearful trip to the vet’s office to relinquish custody of her little girl, one she had been through so much with over the years, but decisions were made and that was that.
Ellie, born in early 2005, was as darling and adorable as Dr. Jen recalled, talking up a storm and purring and head-butting her like the long-lost furry friend she was! Dr. Jen promptly collected a urine sample, which did prove to be completely normal. Knowing that stress is a HUGE factor in feline house soiling issues, she gave Ellie a pep talk, told her to mind her manners, and prepped her for her return to Crash’s. She was in need of dental work, as she hadn’t seen a vet since she left our practice, so I took her to surgery and removed a bad tooth. She woke up ready and raring to go, excited for the next chapter in her life, eager and willing to make new friends.
In fact, within a day of arriving back at Crash’s, where she spent no more than a few weeks so long ago, this ebullient girl wanted OUT of the intake suite in a major way! She is extremely affectionate to all who cross her path, seems to really enjoy the company of other cats and is far more outgoing and accepting of her surroundings than Dr. Jen anticipated of a senior citizen new on the scene.
If Ellie continues to behave and beguile everyone with her winning ways, Dr. Jen has no doubt that she will be able to place her in a home again. She is simply too sweet and stunning to not afford her another chance!
Our policy has always been one of acceptance in spite of imperfections, and we are thrilled to be able to offer her that. Plus, it is very easy to become enamored by her beauty and energy, so we are quite happy to be hosting her once again!
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.
Data from 2012 indicates that 60% of Michigan residents don’t have an emergency fund. What happens when their car breaks down or a family member gets sick? How do they find the money for these unplanned expenses?
Living pay check to pay check is stressful; it can feel like you will never catch up. Many people find money management training helps. With the right tools and dedication, it is possible to save up for that rainy day!
January is a great time to set goals for the upcoming year. If financial health is one of your New Year’s resolutions, there are many programs in Kent County that can help. For example, MSU Extension offers the Money Management Series. Money Management is a Personal Financial Education Program that gives participants information and tools to manage their finances, achieve goals and increase their financial stability. In this series, you will learn the following skills:
Making Money Decisions
Creating & Managing Spending Plans
The Importance of Saving & Investing
Credit Card Use & Paying Off Debt
After taking financial classes through MSU Extension, 84% of participants reported keeping track of spending and income as well as saving money regularly. Are you ready to meet that New Year’s resolution of better financial health? The next series begins on February 8 in Grand Rapids!
Pre-registration is required. Learn more about the program and how to register online here. .
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.
After the interviewer asks you a couple questions to get to know you a little better (see our first article for tips), they might move to questions about why you are a good fit for the job.
Here are a few common questions and strong answers to help you prepare for your next interview:
Why should we hire you?
Be concise and confident.
Focus on telling them why your experience will benefit their organization.
Avoid talking about what you’ll get out of the job.
Tell them what you will do in the first 30, 60 or 90 days.
Why do you want this job?
Be specific. What are the aspects of the job that excite you?
Do your research. What is it about their company that makes you want to work for them over their competitors?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Give an example of a professional situation when you handled the stress well.
Don’t tell them you never feel stressed. Everyone does!
Talk about ways you manage stress or pressure. Ex: to-do lists, going on a walk at lunch, morning meetings with your team.
Tell us on Facebook: how are your interviews going? What questions are employers asking you?
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
For 20 years, a group of compassionate individuals has bundled up on a cold Saturday morning in the middle of winter to walk. Why? The walkers brave the cold so less-fortunate families don’t have to. They walk for warmth!
The Walk for Warmth is a statewide effort to help low-income households avoid utility shut-offs and keep their homes warm. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will host the 21st annual walk in Kent County on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Grand Rapids.
Energy costs take up a greater portion of the household budgets of lower-income families than those of higher-income families. The increased burden on lower-income households reduces the amount of income left for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Last year, ACSET CAA provided over $1 million in utility payment assistance for homes in Kent County.
Hundreds of residents in our community struggle to pay their utility bills, and the need for assistance outweighs ACSET CAA’s ability to help. Every dollar raised through Walk for Warmth directly helps local families in need.
Want to help? Walk for Warmth offers a variety of ways to get involved:
Become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive recognition of their support in marketing materials and the day of the event. Businesses can connect their brand with a truly heart-warming event. Learn more about sponsor opportunities here.
Sell mittens. Contact a Walk for Warmth representative (give a phone number or email) and ask for a supply of “mittens.” The mittens are $1 each; write the name of the person purchasing the mitten and display at your office or business.
Get competitive. Hold a chili cook-off or cookie bake-off at your work, school or church. For a small donation ($5), tasters can vote on their favorite.
Give an in-kind donation. Consider making a donation of coffee, hot chocolate, juice, water, bagels, donuts or other refreshments for walkers on the day of the event.
Join the walk! Ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to join you or support you with a pledge. You can find a pledge form on ACSET CAA’s website by clicking here.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Time: 8 am Registration; 9 am Walk Kick Off
Where: ACSET Westside Complex
215 Straight Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Walk for Warmth is an annual event, hosted by Community Action Agencies across the country, to raise funds for heating assistance for low-income households. Learn more: http://communityactionkent.org/walk-for-warmth-2017/
Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Here’s what Dr. Jen had to say about Maury Pawvich:
Sometimes you cross paths with a cat so flipping adorable and outgoing that you cannot fathom why on earth he was wandering around town, aimless and abandoned. Seriously, this guy right here? Totally AWESOME! You all know my affinity for the fat-heads, but it just isn’t my penchant for pinchable cheeks that drew me in, but rather magnificent Maury’s alluring aura and his gentlemanly nature. Born in late 2010, the marvelous specimen of all things feline somehow ended up homeless and in search of a place to call his own, when a Wyoming resident took it upon herself to take him in temporarily until we were able to.
Although upsetting, it was really no big surprise when this studmuffin tested a very strong FIV+, considering he was ‘all boy’ and had been roaming the mean streets for who knows how long. I don’t think Maury was the aggressor in any skirmishes he was involved in, but he did suffer a nasty injury to his left rear foot that tore one of his claws completely off, leaving him with a nasty, smelly infection that needed immediate treatment, lest he lose that toe. After antibiotics, neutering, flea treatment, vaccines and deworming, my handsome tuxedo (former) tomcat was ready, willing and able to head on down to our sanctuary and become an official Big Sid’s Kid.
Again, not astonishing that he made fast friends with anyone he came into contact with, charming the other cats and the volunteers alike with his come hither gaze, affability and eagerness to be best buds — forever! Of all of the newbies we had taken in in December of 2014, Maury adapted the easiest, settling in like a champ and quickly learning and engaging in the daily routines and rituals with great enthusiasm.
He is SUCH a gracious, gorgeous guy that you can’t help but fall for him, hook, line and sinker, within mere minutes of making his acquaintance. Maury is absolutely delightful and I speak for all of us when I say how thrilled we are to have him as one of our own, that is until we to find him the kind of purr-fect home he deserves!
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.
Dr. Jen happens to think that ALL Crash Cats are good looking, but this guy right here is one hot commodity—and so flipping handsome she could hardly contain herself when she gazed upon his gorgeousness!
Hunky Heyward (born in late 2011) ended up homeless and helpless in mid-October 2016, when a cat-lovin’ rescuer provided him with the safety and comfort of a really awesome outdoor coop she has set up for the strays she often comes across out in her northeast Grand Rapids neighborhood. When Dr. Jen had the extreme pleasure of welcoming him into the program on November 14, he was extremely shy and suffering from severe dental disease; in fact, the neutered male had pockets of pus present in his mouth and was missing many teeth that had literally rotted and fallen out sometime before his rescue.
Heyward was pretty scruffy and matted, probably from not being willing to groom himself scrupulously due to profound oral pain, so Dr. Jen spruced and fluffed him up while he was under anesthesia for his surgery. He looked and smelled SO much better once he woke up and was able to enthusiastically dive headfirst into bowl after bowl of yummy, soft food!
Once at the shelter, Heyward hunkered down in his two-story cat condo and refused any and all human contact for two whole weeks, though he delighted in the endless supply of meals and didn’t mind people speaking softly to him. Then, all of a sudden, at exactly the two-week mark, he waltzed on out of his cage and demanded affection—and he hasn’t stopped since!
He prefers to stay tucked away out of the limelight but will seek out attention when all is quiet in the shelter. He is especially fond of belly rubs and lap snuggles; it could be that once he feels comfy and cozy in his new, mellow home, he will offer his tummy up for major pets and warm the laps of those who have chosen to take a chance on him, take him home and love him up one side and down the other.
Heyward deserves to be doted on and adored, and he will most certainly reciprocate your kindness with unconditional love.
Want to adopt Heyward? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
By Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET)
The New Year is here! It’s also the beginning of tax season. For many, income tax preparation can be an overwhelming process.
What tax credits am I eligible for? What if I make a mistake?
There are plenty of services that can prepare your taxes for you, but if you’re on a limited budget, that might not be an option. Did you know that ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides free income tax preparation and filing for qualifying residents of Kent County?
According to the IRS, last year in the State of Michigan, $2 billion dollars was received by low-income workers in the form of the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. This averaged out to $2,488 in tax refunds per qualifying household. However, it is estimated that 20% of eligible workers in the United States do not claim the EITC. Are you one of those missing out on a larger tax refund?
To benefit from the EITC, you must file a tax return for 2016. If you are not sure where to begin, the CAA Tax Preparation Assistance program can help. The program was developed to increase the number of low-income families receiving the EITC.
Want to know if you qualify for a larger refund in 2017?
Find out if you meet the EITC basic qualifications. Visit the EITC website to learn more.
See if your income meets the limits required by the program. Visit the IRS website to find out the 2016 tax year limits.
Contact ACSET CAA’s Tax Preparation Assistance program at 616-336-4000 for additional assistance.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
Rowdy’s rescuer has a way with cats — even the most timid of tom cats can’t resist her gentleness and this guy was no exception, although it did take quite a bit of sweet talking to reel him in, after which the rescuer and her cousin carted him off to Focus on Ferals for evaluation and neutering in mid-March 2016.
Although he was none too pleased, in time he did manage to forgive her and allowed her to once again pet him. She bestowed upon him the name of ‘Rowdy’ (born in the fall of 2011), not because he was a hellion at heart but simply because he gave her such a hard time when it came to corralling him into a travel carrier. She chose the name Rowdy after the character Rowdy Yates from the classic Rawhide television show back in the day of Clint Eastwood’s prime.
Rugged and ragged are two words that aptly described this handsome hunk when he arrived at the clinic on March 28 as he was sporting a previously broken tail tip, missing a canine tooth, was filthy and grimy with a stud tail present (from being intact for so long), in dire need of dental cleaning and sporting a nasty bite wound on his chest.
As you can imagine, this guy probably had some harrowing tales to tell, but instead he chose to keep quiet, hunker down in the safety and confines of the cushy cage Dr. Jen set up for him, and rest and recover. Wary and battle-weary, the poor guy needed spiffing up before going down to the sanctuary to be spoiled; he tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Once at Big Sid’s, Rowdy settled in, though at times it appeared as though he was afraid of his own shadow. With not a mean bone in his handsome, hunky bod, it does take him time to warm up, relax under a gentle touch and get to know you. The volunteers are patiently guiding him through daily life at the free-roaming facility, where he is making furry friends and reveling in the fact that he doesn’t have anything to be frightened of; his fighting days are over and his life of luxury has begun.
The dozens of doting caretakers are professionals when it comes to reassuring the shy guys, so in time, Dr. Jen has no doubt that Rowdy will be rolling on the floor, showing off his belly and relishing the attention showered on him.
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.
By C. Davis
