The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus assembly 2210 is the patriotic degree of the Knights of Columbus and they are working on a project to repair Veteran’s headstones that have fallen into disrepair. If you know of a veteran’s headstone that is in disrepair contact Alvin Lee Matkovich at: almco@ix.netcom.com.
The first Mentor Celebration for One Wyoming 1 on 1 not only showed appreciation to volunteers but revealed some undeniable facts about this grassroots effort – it’s actually working!
According to mentee surveys taken in the spring of this year that include students from Godfrey-Lee, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville and Wyoming schools, over 84 percent say they enjoy being a part of the Mentoring program. The majority of students went on to state that having a mentor helped them in school, helped them learn new things, and makes them feel comfortable talking about things, both good and bad.
Jack Ponstine, executive director, asked the mentors, “Do you appreciate this as a pat on the back? You should. We’re making something work here!”
The One Wyoming 1 on 1 Mentoring Initiative was launched on February 2, 2012 through a collaborative effort of city, school, church, and business leaders of Wyoming at Grace Bible College. Their goal is to train 1100 mentors to serve 10 percent of the students in the city to help them develop an affirming vision of themselves and their future. To date, the organization has approximately 492 mentors in place to finish out the 2013-2014 school year.
“I’m a ‘glass is half full’ kind of guy,” says Ponstine. “I think that’s awesome!”
Ponstine admits the group is actually glad they didn’t meet their goal this year. “It’s given us time to get more organized and work out the processes for mentoring. We have a good solid foundation now to build on and are more prepared to take on an additional 500 to 800 new mentors.”
The number of additional mentors is expected to climb before the start of school next fall as both Gordon Foods and Spartan Foods announced their participation in the program. Exciting news for the 40 or more mentors attending this first celebration as they unanimously agree that more children need their help. The one hour per week for one year commitment has some saying, it may not be enough. Many are ready to volunteer more of their time to their kids.
“Think of the loss these kids have had,” one mentor suggested. “With the school year ending, do they think they are losing us too? We need to assure them we are there for them.”
“I can already see changes in my mentee as the school year winds down. School provides him a steady routine. Without the school routine, he only has an unstable home life. I think we need to show up for these kids during the summer and show them we are their one constant,” added another volunteer.
Although the number of volunteers in attendance was roughly 10 percent of the entire group, they unanimously agreed to continue their mentoring efforts at various times throughout the summer months. The vested interest in the youth and future of Wyoming is clear.
“Of course you think the mentee is going to experience the greatest impact from this but the mentor changes too. These kids have an impact on their lives just as much as we do on theirs,” says Randy Weener, one of the organizers of the program.
“Back when we first discussed a mentoring program, we narrowed down our focus from six topics to one. Our biggest concern for the future of Wyoming is poverty, ” he explains. “We determined that a lack of employment is due to a lack of education. If we can change the course of history to get kids to feel more affirmed in elementary or middle school, they have a stronger sense and aspiration of who they can become.”
One mentor shared her story of making a Valentine’s Day card for her 8-year old mentee writing in it that she had potential. “It was the first time any one ever told her that or had given her a Valentine’s card, ” she says. It’s that kind of influence the organization hopes makes a life-changing difference in the lives of these children.
What’s also impressive is that One Wyoming 1 on 1 is not modeled after any other program in the state or in the country. Weener says that it’s a collaborative effort of volunteers representing a broad part of the community. “We’re intentionally keeping it grassroots,” he says. “It has more power as a volunteer movement rather than a hierarchical organization.”
Focused, determined and committed, the volunteers openly discuss challenges and triumphs of mentoring. The group is divided up into the four schools they serve to address concerns or offer suggestions for improvement. Once reunited as the whole group, the topics are shared. Input is welcomed and steps toward improving the experience are noted and acted on. Volunteer mentoring is work but not without its rewards. As much time that is spent on discussing obstacles or improvements, equal time is spent sharing touching and heartwarming testimonies of positive results for their efforts.
“They get you don’t they?” Ponstine says to the group after hearing several volunteers share their successes.
“It’s awesome,” answers a mentor.
Ponstine adds, “It’s proof that in some way, shape or form, you are going to have a positive impact on these kids. And keep telling these stories everywhere you go!”
To find out more about becoming a mentor or how to nominate a mentee, visit the website of One Wyoming 1 on 1.
We can transcend our life by giving an organ to someone else.
Dr. Luis Tomatis, MD, FACS, FACC, Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos Family
Rick Herlacher is a man of many triumphs – a “self-made success” some would say. At 54, he claims professional achievement that spans 29 years in the distribution industry as a highly efficient operations consultant – improving processes, building customer support, managing data, and proposing solutions. Rick is a team-player type of guy, perhaps instilled in him from his five year service in the US Air Force. His competitive nature and desire to achieve the utmost success has placed him “In the money” three years running in the World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. Last year he endured a 13 hour day of play in this tournament – an amazing accomplishment considering that at the time, his health was declining into renal failure.
Today Rick focuses his energy on maintaining a full-time job while receiving kidney dialysis four hours a day, three days a week while he waits for a kidney donor. He needs a transplant in order to live a healthy life that he shares with his wife of 30 years, Jeanine Herlacher.
Rick is one of thousands of Michigan residents waiting to live on. Their names are on lists to receive a donated organ either from a live donor or a deceased donor. Kidney, lung, heart, eye, tissue, stem cell/bone marrow – the list is long and so is the wait. In Michigan, the wait is four to five years for a kidney – Too long for many of those sustaining their lives on dialysis for several hours a day, several days each week.
“Rick’s Event came about because we wanted to increase public awareness that people are waiting to live and dying while they wait,” says Karla Huitsing, the event’s Mc. “Only 38% of Kent county citizens are signed up to be an organ donor when their life has ended. That number is the average in West Michigan overall – we want this event to start increasing those numbers. It matters to everyone.”
“I’ve only had one person come forward to be my donor since I was diagnosed. We had the same blood type and it looked hopeful. But after further testing, that donor was denied due to having high blood pressure – that donor was my wife. She was devastated,” says Rick. “And so was I. But I got on the donor list as soon as I could.”
The Herlachers were stunned to learn the wait time for a kidney donor in Michigan is up to five years. Determined to stay proactive in the process, the Herlachers learned that the waiting list for a kidney in Wisconsin is only two years as opposed to 4 or 5. The difference: more Wisconsin residents are signed up to be organ donors.
Why should it be any different in Michigan?
Huitsing, along with Rick’s wife, Jeanine, and several friends and colleagues formed the nonprofit “Give On to Live On” as a vehicle to create organ donation awareness and increase the number of donors in West Michigan. Rick’s Event, in honor of Rick Herlacher, was the first gathering for the cause.
“We had about 300 people show up,” an elated Huitsing says. “It’s amazing and it’s only or first event! It’s just proof of how organ donation touches the lives of so many people.”
The crowd gathered in a banquet room at Noto’s Restaurant on 28th Street and included transplant recipients, organ donors, waiting patients, supportive families and medical professionals from around West Michigan. Also in attendance were representatives of the Gift of Life of Michigan, the Kidney Foundation and the Eye Bank of Michigan. And while the event was not a fundraiser, but an awareness raiser, all proceeds in excess of the event production went to Gift of Life of Michigan. Perhaps more important than the proceeds was the fact that a majority of the people attending signed up to be an organ donor before the night was over.
A panel of renowned presenters spoke of the urgent need for organ donors as well as the benefits for being a living donor.
“It’s an incredible power and God’s will to give a piece of ourselves to another in order that they may survive,” says Dr. Aly Abdel-Mageed, Division Director of Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Supporting him on the panel was Dr. Luis Tomatis, Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos family, Dr. Asghar Khaghini, Co-Director of the Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Spectrum Health, Dr. Daniel Borresson, Surgical Director of Kidney Transplant at Mercy Health, Oliver Hale (Chef O), two-time kidney transplant recipient and organ donation activist, and Bill Ryan, President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America.
Together their experience and testimonies painted a clear picture of the state-wide need for more organ donors of every ethnic background.
The event was success in more ways than one. By the end of the night, a woman came forward as a possible donor for Rick. “We’re in the process now of taking the first steps,” says Jeanine Herlacher. “She has the right blood type for starters, but there are many tests to go through from here before we’ll know of sure. But I’d say that’s awesome!”
What a difference one person can make. That one person can be you.
Here are some additional facts to know about organ donation in Michigan. Source Gift of Life of Michigan.
• On average, 17 Michigan residents have organ transplants every week.
• The supply of organs available doesn’t come close to meeting the demand. Michigan has more than 3,100 people on the waiting list. The number is about 120,000 nationwide.
• Organ donors can save up to eight lives and tissue donors can substantially improve life for up to 50 sick or injured people.
• Of the state’s 10 million residents, about 3.3 million are registered organ donors.
by Janice Limbaugh
On a typical Sunday, you won’t find Chubby’s Bar and Grill off Byron Center in Wyoming open for business. It’s the one day of the week they’re closed. On one Sunday recently, they weren’t open so much for business but for hosting a great charity – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation and their annual fundraiser for childhood cancer research.
Over 60 volunteers stepped up to have their heads shaved in solidarity with kids with cancer, 17 of them deciding on the spot that afternoon. “This feels weird,” was the common phrase heard among newly sheared participants milling throughout the crowd. “What the heck – it’ll grow back,” was the other general consensus.
According to Patrick Schrager, the foundation’s volunteer event organizer, the day’s activities “went way beyond expectations!”
“So far, we’ve raised over 35,000 dollars and the money is still coming in,” says a jubilant Schrager.
Having relocated to Byron Center with his family last fall from Indiana, this was Schrager’s first coordinated St. Balderick’s fundraiser in the greater Grand Rapids area. Although he didn’t know what type of turnout to expect, Schrager said he knew the community was supportive of the pediatric oncology program at DeVos Children’s Hospital, and hoped the two organizations together would make a positive impact. The hospital has received two grants from the St. Balderick’s Foundation in recent years to help support the Innovative Therapeutics Clinic in pediatric oncology, helping children with cancer find new therapies.
St. Balderick’s signature head-shaving fundraiser is held once a year in conjunction with a silent auction and raffle.
Cathy Wells of Zeeland said her passion for children with cancer prompted her to shave her head. “My hair grows really fast. I’ll do anything I can to help a child!”
Originally Wells set of goal of raising $1000 for childhood cancer research but exceeded that amount by over $500. It seemed that every freshly shaven head in the room had similar success stories.
Meanwhile, when they could spare a moment from serving the crowd, Chubby’s owners, Audrey Houseman and Vicki Terry, watched in amazement as the whole effort unfolded.
“We were a little bit leery at first when a customer approached us about hosting it,” says Houseman. “We don’t want the public to think that we’re open on Sunday because we aren’t!”
“But we decided ‘Let’s do it!’ and we are quite impressed and glad to be a part of it,” Terry added.
Since 2005, St. Balderick’s Foundation has committed more than $125 million to lifesaving research, $22 million in funding childhood cancer research in 2013. The foundation funds local institutions as well as cooperative research on a national scale to help doctors work together to develop the best treatments for all children with cancer. Anyone interested in becoming involved as a volunteer, can contact Pat Schrager through email: pat.schrager@kendalelectric.com
For more information about St. Baldrick’s Foundation go to: www.stbaldricks.org/
April 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007
Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.
This calendar contains program highlights. Most KDL branches offer additional programs including Book Discussions, Storytimes and a variety of computer classes. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information.
For Children and Families
Create a Gift: Kids’ Crafting
Kids, create a springtime gift for Mom, Dad or for another loved one’s special day. Add a card you made yourself and even wrap your gift! For all ages.
Saturday, April 5, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Saturday, April 19, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial Branch
Superheroes Away!
Shining a spotlight on all things super! Come dressed as your favorite caped crusader and get ready to have fun playing games and writing your own comic book. For all ages.
Monday, April 7, 2:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Eco-Friendly Garden Projects
Craft earth-friendly spring garden projects using upcycled household containers and supplies from nature’s bounty. For all ages.
Monday, April 7, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, April 10, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Saturday, April 26, 10:30 AM – Alpine Township Branch
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Spring Brings Very Hungry Caterpillars!
Enjoy stories and crafts featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other familiar characters from the works of Eric Carle. For ages 6 and younger.
Monday, April 7, 7:00 PM – Walker Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch
Thursday, April 10, 10:00 AM – Walker Branch
Tuesday, April 22, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township Branch
Wednesday, April 23, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
Tuesday, April 29, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
There’s a Mouse in the House
What could be more exciting than a mouse in your house? Celebrate all things “mousy” with stories, crafts, rhymes, fingerplays and puppets. For ages 6 and younger.
Tuesday, April 8, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 1:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Monday, April 21, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Rainbow Loom Creativity
Bring your Rainbow Loom and some friends to socialize and create. Rainbow Loom jewelry is fun, unique and great to give as gifts. The library will provide bands in a variety of colors. Don’t forget your loom! For ages 6 and older.
Tuesday, April 8, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Tuesday, April 8, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Tom Plunkard: Beyond Magic – Show and Workshop
Prepare to be astounded! Stick around after the show for a short workshop on how to perform some of his tricks. For all ages.
Wednesday, April 9, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 12:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 3:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Discover and Create Board Games
Explore a variety of simple international board games and get inspired to create your own. For ages 6 and older.
Thursday, April 10, 3:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Saturday, April 12, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Mario Kart Tournament for Kids
Many will enter, but only one will be crowned champion! Join us for a Wii gaming tournament for school-age kids featuring Mario Kart, prizes and more. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. For grades K-5.
Saturday, April 12, 12:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
For Adults
Early Childhood Essentials: A Little More Math
Learn what children are now expected to know before entering kindergarten. Please bring a paper grocery bag for a “make-and-take” math activity. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Thursday, April 3, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Family Stories and Secrets
Personal historian Deb Moore will speak about the importance of preserving your family stories — good and bad — and offer tips on writing your own life stories or family history.
Monday, April 14, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Meet the Author: Mardi Jo Link
Mardi Jo will speak about her book, Bootstrapper, as part of “Our Community Reads.” Books will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the Friends of the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library.
Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Navigating Kent County’s Mental Health System
Recent tragic news events have brought national attention to the need to know how to navigate the mental health system, which can be difficult. Learn what services are available for mental health both at Pine Rest and within Kent County, discover what insurance companies typically pay for and how to seek emergency mental health care.
Thursday, April 17, 6:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Early Childhood Essentials: Let’s Go Outside!
Learn the benefits of and tips for taking children outside from Kathie Hoffmann of Kent Regional 4C. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Thursday, April 17, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Early Childhood Essentials: Kindergarten Readiness
Kindergarten is just around the corner! Learn what you can do to support your little one as their exciting journey draws near. Session offers one and a half hours of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Saturday, April 19, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch
Game On!
Join the West Michigan Tabletop Gamers the third Saturday of each month to play some fun-filled board games. Assorted “gateway” games will be on hand, along with someone to teach them. For teens and adults. Gaming. Guys Read Approved.
Saturday, April 19, 12:30 PM – Grandville Branch
Gardening from Soil to Bloom
Love of gardening is a seed that, once sown, never dies. Jeanne Hawkins of The Secret Ingredient will teach gardening fundamentals, including the basics of soil, plants, planting, weeds and how to tell good bugs from bad.
Saturday, April 19, 1:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Monday, April 28, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Create Paper Flowers
Turn old books and papers into colorful paper flowers! Learn how with hands-on instruction and take your creations home with you. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited.
Saturday, April 19, 2:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Invasive Species in Your Neighborhood
What is the impact of alien plants in Kent County? Local naturalists will help you learn how to identify and eradicate invasive plant species.
Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch
Book Bash Giant Warehouse Book Sale
KDL’s third annual Book Bash Giant Warehouse Book Sale features more than 20,000 gently-used books and other items that will be available for just 50 cents to $1 each. Sunday is Bag Day — $5 buys as many items as you can fit in a bag. All proceeds support Summer Reading @ KDL and other branch programs. Held at the KDL Service Center, 814 West River Center Dr. NE in Comstock Park. (NOTE: Spcial teacher time from 3:00 – 5:00 PM). For all ages.
Friday, April 25, 5:00 – 8:00 PM – KDL Service Center
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – KDL Service Center
Sunday, April 27, 1:00 – 4:00 PM – KDL Service Center
Early Childhood Essentials: Teaching Science with Toys
Help children learn science on their own with fun activities for school readiness. Use storybooks, toys and other simple items to teach science concepts. Session offers 1.5 hours of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Meet the Author: Gail Marie Snow
Gail will speak about her recently published book “Remarkable Ramona Park,” sharing details of the history of the park located on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. Book is part of “Our Community Reads.” Books will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the Friends of the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library.
Saturday, April 26, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Early Childhood Essentials: Developing Phonological Awareness
Explore ways to integrate speech sound play activities throughout the day at home, in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Monday, April 28, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
by Michele Aversa
In February, we brought you Invisible Hero Rescues Invisible Population a story about local no-kill cat shelter Focus on Ferals (FOF). Due to the success of the shelter, they are bursting at the seams! Unfortunately, this success has put them at capacity and they’ve recently been forced to turn people away. There just isn’t enough space to house all the cats in need.
When Gina Marvin started FOF in 2005, she had no idea how desperate the community was for help. She began doing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR consists of the humane trapping, sterilization, and return of feral cats to their familiar habitat) and then agreed to house in her garage some friendly stray cats for possible adoption. Before long, she had to find a new facility. Marvin found what is now the shelter’s adoption center on Knapp in Grand Rapids. But the desperate requests just kept coming. Recently, she received a call from someone who witnessed a kitten being thrown from a moving car. The witness saved the kitten and contacted Marvin for medical help and shelter.
FOF is currently a multi-location facility. The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is done out of Lowell, the adoption center is in Grand Rapids, and there are foster families throughout West Michigan. Managing an organization spread throughout the community is a difficult task.
They have an chance to change that. A local businessman presented FOF with a fantastic opportunity to rent space in his building in the Byron Center area. Marvin explains, “This building is 2,600 plus square feet and would allow us to consolidate our TNR program (spay/neuter, rehab, and new intake services), along with our Adoption Center, into one amazing facility. We would have plenty of space for adoptables, a bathroom, a washer/dryer, office, heat/air, everything we need to be self-sufficient! We have long since outgrown our current Adoption Center. It only houses 25 cats comfortably. Yet we consistently have 50-100 cats in the program. And my home has served well as the TNR center.”
Trap-Neuter-Return is the “less glamorous” aspect of the program, but just as vital. Marvin states, “we do the greatest good for the greatest number of ferals by stopping the cycle of reproduction.” One example is “Clara’s Colony.” Clara, who lives in the county, constantly had cats dumped on her property. The cats eventually started breeding, many were sick. She contacted FOF for help. In time 13 cats were fixed and returned to colony and 23 kittens were pulled for adoption.
But Marvin can’t do it alone. She is asking for help from the community – the community that wants and needs the services that FOF provides. Being a no-kill shelter, the cats that are in FOF’s program stay in the program for as long as it takes to get adopted –months or years if necessary. But this means Marvin cannot continue to accept cats in need unless she can secure this new facility.
With a deadline of April 15 looming, FOF is still under 50% of the goal and the clock is ticking.
“We are asking for your help in the form of on-going monthly donations. Even a small amount such as $10-20 each month will make this possible, if we have enough people to get on board.” The agency even has donation options of $2 and $5!
For as little as the price of one gourmet coffee a month, a tank of gas or a hamburger at McDonalds, you too could become a hero by helping out a hero. If you want like to help Marvin and the hundreds of cats each year that live safer and healthier lives because of her program, please go to this link: http://www.focusonferals.org/donate/monthly-donations-focus-ferals-no-kill-shelter/
For more information, visit their website: http://www.focusonferals.org
Or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FocusOnFerals
by Erin Albanese, School News Network at Kent ISD
Kelloggsville Public Schools, MI — After an hour-long Monday afternoon session volunteering at The Family Network of Wyoming, eighth-graders Wesley Sheller and Gregory Brink got a request from food pantry staff members.
Come more often, they said. Because students from the Kelloggsville Regional Center work so efficiently, Family Network staff members hoped they could start volunteering up to three times a week.
Gregory and Wesley had just been working nonstop stocking toilet paper and bagging potatoes. The food and items will go to the approximately 120 families who use the pantry each week.
“We love them to come. We always have something for them to do and they are good workers,” said pantry coordinator Sheryl Haveman.
The Kelloggsville Regional Center, 977 44th St. SW, is located just a couple buildings away from Family Network, 1029 44th St. SW. The center houses the kindergarten through eighth-grade emotionally impaired program and serves multiple school districts,including Byron Center, Godfrey-Lee, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville and Wyoming.
Teacher Kellie Phillips said two students are chosen to volunteer each week based on good behavior. The opportunity has become an incentive for students who like to walk over from school and lend a hand. Often Wesley, Gregory and eighth-grader Raven Cowles earn the privilege, she said.
“It’s just good for them to get out in the community and helping. It’s good for their self-esteem. They love coming,” Phillips said.
It also helps them learn how to work in a real volunteer job, she said.
The Family Network gets some of its produce from the Kelloggsville Community Garden, located outside of the Regional Center. The garden will be planted this spring for another year’s harvest. Students work to maintain the vegetables, planting, sowing and weeding the raised garden beds.
Gregory and Wesley said they like the opportunity to spend time at the pantry. Their favorite task is stocking the produce.
“I can help people and help things get done around here,” Gregory said.
By Patricia Riley
People live paycheck to paycheck these days. It is safe to say that some individuals are one paycheck away from being homeless. This is sad, but true and can be backed by
national statistics.
The Los Angeles Times reveals in a Dec 11, 2013 article that homelessness and hunger are climbing in U.S. cities according to the latest U.S. Conference of Mayors survey of 25 large and midsized metro areas. The article stated that according to U.S. Census figures, “last year’s national poverty rate of 15% is still near the Great Depression’s high of 15.1 percent.”
The 25 cities surveyed for the Annual Hunger & Homelessness report of the U.S. Conference of Mayors revealed a 3% increase in overall homelessness, and half of those cities expected the number of homeless families to increase this year. Cities that participated in the survey stretched across the country, including such Midwestern cities as Chicago, Cleveland, Louisville, Philadelphia, St. Paul, and Nashville.
In the greater Grand Rapids area, several ministries are dedicated to addressing the issues of the homeless. Besides being homeless, issues include hunger, child care, personal hygiene, short-term housing, and employment programs to name a few. Among the many ministries in our community that are helping to fight homelessness, this article will highlight two: South End Community Outreach Ministries and Guiding Light Mission. Although these ministries offer different types of programs, each one has dynamically empowered the community with their outstanding service.
Started in 1971, the ministry began when four Methodist churches gathered together to address the needs of the community. Once affiliated with the Methodist Church, SECOM is now a non-profit organization serving many Grand Rapidians, according to Katherine Brower, executive director of SECOM.
”The number of people we serve has increased tremendously over the past years,” Brower says. Today the ministry serves a little over 10,000 people. Brower relies on past and present reports of South End Community Outreach Ministries(SECOM) as a means of determining the services they now offer the community.
Stefanie Hosford, development director of SECOM believes that downtown Grand Rapids has a higher homeless population. “A lot of SECOM clients are people struggling to make ends meet. They struggle to pay rent or purchase food,” she says.
South End offers such services as:
• Food Distribution on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. They are closed on Thursday.
• Infant and Child Pantry open the first and third Monday each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Free Pre-school Childcare
• Health Program
• Pride for Parents Program where clients can earn $75 in credit for Christmas gifts by volunteering 10 hours per child.
South End Ministry is open for donations whether it’s food, money, household goods or clothing. By making a donation, anyone can play a part in helping the homeless and hungry in their area. SECOM is located at 1545 Buchanan Ave, SW, Grand Rapids, MI. Contact number is (616) 452-7684. Office hours are from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Closer to the heart of downtown is Guiding Light Mission on South Division. The organization was started in 1929 by John Vande Water, a man who had compassion for the hungry in the community. Originally it was called West Fulton Mission that assisted people in urgent need of food. Years later, the mission extended services to help treat people with drug and alcohol addiction. That led to offering transitional housing and a substance recovery program called The New Life in Christ. Today the mission is more determined than ever to be that guiding light to the homeless in the area.
“We believe that God gave everyone talents,” says Stuart Ray, the mission’s executive director for the last five years. “We want people to use those gifts. The people housed here must be alcohol and drug free. In the last two years, we have put over 310 men back to work. We hold people accountable for what they say they are going to do. Here at Guiding Light, you must work and save your money.”
Ray explains that the mission manages two transitional houses and does not use money from HUD. It is a faith-based 501C organization that is privately funded. The staff consists of two care managers who create action plans, licensed counselors, social workers, mentors, fund development specialists, a pastor and many volunteers. The ministry is open 24/7 and works with males over the age of 18.
“Men come in all day long. We serve three meals a day, hold chapel every night and Bible study every afternoon. We also provide training for GED completion,” Ray says.
Keeping the hungry fed is the responsibility of Food Service Manager Josh VanOveren. “We work with other agencies to get food out into the community. We have a special relationship with Gordon Food Service, our largest donor, and Feeding America of West Michigan. We also receive individual donations,” Van Overin explains. Between July of 2012 and June of 2013, 46,850 free meals were served.
Other mission accomplishments for that year included providing 312 chapel services, 600 Bible Study classes, 18 thousand overnight stays, and 1300 small group and individual counseling sessions. The New Live for Christ program served 51 individuals who benefited from the rigorous drug and alcohol rehab and workforce readiness programs. Guiding Light also helped 78% of the men in rescue to obtain full-time jobs, establish savings accounts and move into independent housing.
To support and further these accomplishments, monetary and clothing donations are welcomed between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To Guiding Light Mission, SEMCO and other organizations helping the homeless and hungry in our community, our gratitude is with you.
by Tyler Lecceadone
The nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, Gilda’s LaughFest, has announced its line up of talent and shows for the festival’s fourth year to be held March 6 to 16, 2014. The headliners announced include: Lily Tomlin, making a special appearance in partnership with Broadway Grand Rapids; Chris Tucker; and LaughFest veterans, Mike Birbiglia, Jim Gaffigan and Sinbad. This year’s Signature Event will feature Emmy award winning comedian, longtime TV personality and late-night talk show host Jay Leno. Several other acts were also announced for LaughFest, along with a “$50,000 Challenge” by five local companies to raise funds specifically for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Children’s cancer, grief and emotional health programs. 
“As we enter our fourth year, we are thrilled to continue building upon such a great community festival,” said Joanne Roehm, festival director of LaughFest. “The first three years have given us a solid foundation and we’re continuing this tradition of laughter by featuring stand-up comedy, improv, music, dance, speakers, pets, children’s shows, free professional and amateur showcases and a variety of other acts to give everyone the opportunity to laugh together.” Roehm also noted that more announcements of talent and details will be made as the festival draws closer.
In addition to the headliners, who were announced, other acts coming to LaughFest 2014 include Netflix’s Arrested Development actress, Maria Bamford; YouTube sensation Miranda Sings with special guest Colleen Ballinger; comedy trio Todd Barry, Rory Scovel and Nick Thune; and stars of TruTV’s Impractical Jokers, The Tenderloins, made up of Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James Murray and Brian Quinn.
Officials also detailed the Gun Lake Casino Presents National Stand-Up Comedy Showcase, which features two showcases with 10 seriously funny comics: Cameron Esposito, Aparna Nancherla, Johnny Pemberton, Baron Vaughn, Joe Zimmerman, Tone Bell, Kurt Braunohler, Carmen Lynch, Barry Rothbart, and Hampton Yount.
The Best of the Midwest Competition, underwritten by Wolverine Worldwide, will feature 10 Midwestern comics duking it out for the $2,500 cash prize. Competitors are Johnny Beehner, Kevin Bozeman, John Conroy, Maggie Faris, AJ Finney, Drew Frees, Mike Lebovitz, Matt McClowry, Bryan Morris and Ms. Pat.
Bissell Presents the Clean Comedy Showcase, underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield, features two showcases with eight comedians who specialize in bringing serious laughs without vulgarity. Performers include James P. Connolly, Tony Deyo, Robert Mac, Pat McGann, Andy Hendrickson, Michael Palascak, Louis Ramey, and Rik Roberts.
The Family Friendly Series, presented by Meijer, includes performances by Milkshake, a band on a mission to create great rock music for kids; Super Saturday Kids Zone, a themed carnival for all ages; and Saturday Nite Teen Zone, a 13 and up hangout for teens.
The Bud Light Presents Blue & Late Night Comedy Series features two great performers, 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander, and author and Chelsea Lately writer and round table guest, Jen Kirkman.
LaughFest’s Best will feature late night shows with little sampling of comedians from across the festival. And local comedy troupe River City Improv, representing Calvin College, will put on a show that weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions to create a unique entertainment experience.
Blackout Diaries is an interactive show featuring standup comedians and regular people telling true drinking stories, while the audience asks questions.
Carly Aquilino, Chris Distefano, and Andrew Schulz, of MTV’s hit reality comedy series, Guy Code, will focus in on the different codes that exist between girls and guys in a snappy and entertaining fashion.
New and returning activities include FUNderwear 5K presented by Universal Forest Products, Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge, and People and Pets.
Additionally LaughFest is expanding its presence in the West Michigan community, by bringing shows to Holland and Lowell, Mich. Holland shows will include Christian comic Jeff Allen, Kids Joke Night, Holland Chorale, Klompen Comedy, Laughter Yoga and community showcases. Shows in Lowell include PJ Walsh, Kids Joke Night, Laughter Yoga and community showcases.
As a way to raise funds specifically to support programs at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, five community sponsors have come forward to match funds raised through the “High Five” campaign. This year the campaign aims to raise $100,000 for children living with cancer or grief, and for in-school emotional health programs. Local companies Terryberry, Feyen Zylstra, Pioneer Construction, Eenhoorn, and American International Foods will match each $5 donation, up to $50,000. Individuals interested in donating to the “High Five” campaign may do so by purchasing a button at a participating restaurant or business in West Michigan, or by donating at www.laughfestgr.org.
“Last year we saw phenomenal success with our ‘High Five’ campaign,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “This year a stellar group of local companies has generously given us another matching grant for this campaign. Our goal is to secure $50,000 worth of five dollar gifts from the community and then these companies will match each gift, up to $50,000 worth of matching funds. The money generated from this campaign will directly benefit our children’s programs.
LaughFest 2014 will include 200 plus free and ticketed shows that feature over 60 artists at 40-plus venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell, and Holland during the 10 days of the festival. Festival ticket packages range from $60 to $175 and will be available to the public beginning Friday, November 15, 2013 at 9 a.m. online at www.laughfestgr.org or by phone at (616) 735-HAHA (4242).
Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $60, excluding the Signature Event. These will be available beginning Friday, January 10, 2014 at the VanAndel Arena Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets through closing day of the Festival.
We’re fortunate enough to live in the nation’s first ever community-wide festival of laughter with Gilda’s LaughFest. As in years past, you – the community – are invited to help kick off this year’s festival by attempting to set another Guinness World Record for the most people wearing sunglasses in the dark at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. All whacky world-record participants will receive official LaughFest sunglasses supplied by Baudville. The hysterical record-setting event will also include giveaways and a photo booth for individual fun. The Guinness World Record attempt will be followed by opening night events at downtown restaurants and a free comedy preview show at the Pyramid Scheme (68 Commerce Ave.) at 10 p.m. The show includes a sneak peak of local, regional, and national comedians who will be featured during the 10-day festival. Meanwhile, back to the community contest…
The current Guinness World Record for largest number of people wearing sunglasses in the dark was achieved in July 2012 by 1,642 participants at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill. C’mon West Michigan – WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!
“This is going to be seriously fun,” says Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s LaughFest and Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “This free event will help set the stage for ten days of laughter for the health of it. And what better way to shun the winter blues than with the optimistic donning of bright yellow sunglasses!”
During last year’s kick off, 1,532 individuals put on false mustaches to set the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people wearing fake mustaches at a single venue. In 2012, 607 people wore chicken beaks and performed the chicken dance to set the record for the greatest number of people wearing animal noses. In 2011, 925 rubber chickens were tossed in downtown Grand Rapids, shattering the previous record of 265 set near Boston, Mass.
For the preview show, a suggested $5 donation to Gilda’s Club will be collected at the door. Fast passes are available for these shows at LaughFest Central, which will guarantee the holder a seat at the show as long as they are seated 15 minutes prior to start time. Tickets are also available for the Clean Comedy Showcase at The BOB at 8pm that night – tickets are $17.50 and $32.50 (includes dinner.)
LaughFest 2014 will be held in Grand Rapids, Lowell, and Holland from March 6 through March 16. LaughFest headliners include: Jay Leno, Jim Gaffigan, Lily Tomlin, Sinbad, Mike Birbiglia, and Chris Tucker. Other acts announced include: Maria Bamford, Miranda Sings, Todd Barry, Rory Scovel, and Nick Thune, The Tenderloins, Judah Friedlander, Jen Kirkman, Blackout Diaries, and the stars of MTV’s Guy Code. New and returning activities include FUNderwear 5K, Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge, and People and Pets. Showcases and competitions include: Best of the Midwest, National Stand-up Comedy Showcase, and Clean Comedy Showcase.
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Since inception, LaughFest has averaged 55,000 attendees per year. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief, and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit www.laughfestgr.org, or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. The comprehensive program, delivered by licensed healthcare professionals includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit www.gildasclubgr.org.
By Samantha Vanderberg
Local First is sponsoring Forum 2014, an event held by the Partners for a Racism-Free Community.
Dr. Maggie Anderson will be the morning keynote speaker. In her recent book Our Black Year, she delves into racial equity issues in her community by chronicling her family’s year-long effort to shop at only black-owned businesses.
Dr. Anderson’s work is values-aligned with Local First’s mission in that both consider the role locally-owned businesses (and individual purchasing devisions) play in creating jobs, building a vibrant community, and maintaining a high quality of life. Dr. Anderson’s thesis shows that spending money at black-owned businesses allows money to circulate in black neighborhoods, which would in turn strengthen the community and create jobs. Local First similarly knows that when people in Kent County spend their money at locally-owned businesses, that money stays in our community at a rate of 73% and directly impacts job growth.
In her book, Dr. Anderson reveals shocking statistics about black buying power. On average, black businesses receive only 2% of the $1 trillion of black buying power, which is two cents of every dollar. A dollar circulates among banks, shopkeepers, and other businesses for nearly a month in some ethnic groups, whereas in the black community: six hours. Black businesses are also the greatest private employer of black people, thus the lack of support impacts unemployment in the black community. Dr. Anderson frames these issues as opportunity for change: small shifts in purchasing habits toward black businesses can improve the current situation.
“We are so glad to be sponsoring this event. We are a community that understands the significance of ownership. Maggie’s work spotlights an issue that is important for us to understand and address in order to achieve racial and economic equity in our community. Her personal examination of the role of local ownership within the black community will expand our perspective,” said Emily Loeks, Vice-Chair of both the Local First Board and the Local First Educational Board, and Director of Education & Community Partnerships at Celebration! Cinema. Loeks will be introducing Dr. Maggie Anderson at Forum 2014.
Forum 2014 will be held on Friday, February 21 at the Eberhard Center at GVSU Downtown Campus. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:00am. Tickets cost $55 and are available at localfirst.com/events/forum-2014 or prfc-gr.org.
By Colleen Pierson
Parents are concerned about what their children watch. Whether it is a movie, video, or DVD, there seems to be a lack of family-friendly films and programming elements.
Enter Dick Rolfe, cofounder and CEO of the Dove Foundation. He first started the Dove List in 1990 which had parents review and assign their own ratings to films. Family-friendly is the name of the game.
“We wanted to find clean, pure wholesome entertainment. We started the Dove List and circulated it. Before we knew it an AP reporter got a copy of the list. The Wire service picked it up and our beginnings were written about in 165 newspapers nationwide. We had over 2,00 phone calls,” he explained. 
And from there, the project exploded.
The list was such a hit that they decided to expand the idea and created the non-profit Dove Foundation dedicated to advocating for families and moving Hollywood in a more family-friendly direction. The Dove reviews, posted online at www.dove.org, are based on traditional Judeo-Christian values. There is a content chart and descriptions that gauge six criteria: Sex, Language, Violence, Drug and Alcohol use, Nudity and Other.
The Dove Seal is what the non-profit is probably best known for. Motion picture studios strive to be endorsed by the Foundation as it leads to bottom line improvements in video rentals and movie tickets.
The non-profit runs with three people on staff. Rolfe said that people are constantly asking them where their national corporate offices are. “We are right here in West Michigan–Wyoming to be exact. We have grown through a series of divine mistakes,” he laughingly said.
Dick said that they review about 40 films and DVD’s a month.
The Dove website is visited by parents like Vickie Vermeer. She logs on to www.dove.org for guidance when it comes to choosing which movies her kids can see. Ten times out of ten she says she’ll trust Dove’s scorecard review over one written by a film critic in the general media.
“When we read a review in our local paper or in the NY Times, the reviewers are coming from a different perspective,” says Vermeer. “They’re looking more at the quality or artistic value of the film. They have more tolerance for the violence or language or sexual content for the movie; whereas The Dove Foundation’s guidelines are more in line with our own family’s values and that makes us feel comfortable when choosing our entertainment.”
Plans for the future, according to Rolfe, are to have the general public become more aware of the Dove Seal and what it means.
WAR Chest Boutique Wyoming
(616) 530-1234
info@warinternational.org
2790 44th St
Wyoming, MI 49519
WAR Chest Boutique Rockford
(616) 863-0100
info@warinternational.org
25 Squires St. Square NE
Rockford, MI 49341
Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) is a U.S.-based, non-profit organization. We currently work in over 31 countries creating havens of safety and healing for at-risk women and children. Our purpose and passion is to give voice to the silenced cries of the oppressed, wrap arms of love around them, and whisper messages of purpose and dignity into their brokenness.
Through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and programs, WAR, Int’l offers these women and children an opportunity to live life with dignity. Although specifically known for our fight against human trafficking and rehabilitating work with trafficking victims, WAR, Int’l addresses 14 different risk issues facing women and children today.
This is what we would like to tell you about how your shopping helps us:
Dear Precious Fellow Soldier (really shopper):
Each time you buy a gift (for another or yourself) made by a rescued or at-risk woman or even a WAR, Int’l book where the sales go to helping a woman, you are a fellow soldier. You just jumped in the trenches with me and grabbed a baby, a woman, a child who is hiding there waiting for us to sneak with them to a safe place.
I have been at this battle long enough to know that if we do not give a woman a way to make a living, she will crawl out of the trench looking for food for her family. If she doesn’t, her family or some trafficker will come find her, pull her out, and demand she make them a living. Rescue is not enough. Please hear this clearly. Those who rescue and do no more, do nothing. Ninety percent of those rescued in a police raid in Cambodia and sent home without job training get resold. Rescue is ONLY the start.
So every time you buy a piece of jewelry, know with certainty that you just made the process work! You just helped not only rescue but restore and empower a woman or child to survive with dignity. It is that simple. One safe house grew 500% when we started carrying their jewelry and product.
Buying the work of their hands gives life and freedom and dignity. They are not asking for a handout, only that you enjoy the beautiful works of art they are making. There is dignity for you. You did not give them something for nothing. There is greater dignity for them. They earned the fruit of that beautiful necklace around your neck. This brings two women together in a very powerful, primal way. I have seen women stand and cry as they try on our jewelry. It is not because the jewelry is high end, excellent quality, and low priced. It is because of the woman who made it and what the purchase will mean in her life.
When you buy a WAR, Int’l product, you are truly a fellow soldier in the battle of a lifetime to set women and children free from the chains of bondage and slavery. This Christmas when you buy a gift, you just gave the gift of freedom. Imagine that you are handing back to God one of his own who is crying for dignity and worth that he created them to enjoy.
We are giving the gift of life, hope, and dignity to wounded women with the promise of a future that we will walk beside them in their journey to recovery. Thank you for being that army! Shop with joy and purpose!
By Laura Kuperus
One Wyoming 1 on 1 is an initiative in the City of Wyoming. The goal is to place 1,100 mentors in the 4 public school districts in Wyoming (Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Wyoming). We are currently about halfway to our goal, with 558 mentors meeting with their mentees.
Our mentors include local business leaders and employees, school staff and administrators, church members, and community leaders. All mentors complete an application, receive a background check and attend a training session before meeting with their mentees. We ask mentors to commit to meeting with their mentees for one hour each week.
More information and a mentor application is available on our website: www.onewyoming1on1.org
Email: info@onewyoming1on1.org 
Phone: 616-528-0706
Our Next Event:
Thursday
January 16
6:30-8:30 pm
Godwin Heights High School
50 – 35th St. SW
Celebrating National Mentor Month and the exciting progress of One Wyoming 1 on 1
Opportunities for current mentors to share stories about their mentoring experiences
Training for new mentors and additional tools/ideas for current mentors 
Opportunities for current mentors to share stories about their mentoring experiences
Training for new mentors and additional tools/ideas for current mentors
The third annual Eclipse Awards are calling for entries now until March 14, 2014. The Eclipse Awards showcase the best in West Michigan’s film, video, and television community. Sponsored by WKTV with the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, an Eclipse is awarded to locally produced media for outstanding work in the crafts and several primary categories. The mission of the Eclipse event is to inspire and enhance the West Michigan “voice” in mediums of television, film, sound, and web, and to be recognized for excellence among international, national, and regional judges.
An Eclipse in a particular category is awarded after nominees for that category have been chosen. To reach nomination level in the first round, judges in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles and London screen each submission and decide by a process of scores, which work receives a nomination for the 2014 Eclipse.
In Categories, judges nominate based on the overall excellence of the work submitted, such as the technical excellence, but also on the treatment of the content. In other words, if the subject matter presented in a manner that is above the ordinary.
After the Nominees announcement on April 14, all nominated works are eligible for the Eclipse People’s Choice Award. These will be available on the Facebook site for viewing and voting by the General Public. The Eclipse People’s Choice Award is new this year and will have one winner.
In the second round, the nominees in each category are selected by the judges for the final award. The results of the tabulation from all judges are kept secret until the night of the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2014. The “Excellence in Craft” Awards Ceremony will be televised live by WKTV from City Flats Ballroom on Monroe Center in Grand Rapids.
Visit www.theeclipseaward.com for categories, entry forms, rules, FAQs, payment, and additional information.
Home page photo by Dan Irving
Join the Western Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan for a discussion on privacy rights. From drones to NSA hacking, the ACLU is dedicated to ensuring that civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by new advances in science and technology. The ACLU’s mission is to expand the right to privacy and increase the control that individuals have over their personal information.
Don’t miss Eyes in the Sky on Monday, January 13 at 7:00p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts– 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids, MI. 49503.
Joe Marogil, coordinator of the event, stresses the importance of the public’s right to know. “Specifically, we hope that people will come away more informed on what their privacy rights are, and what is being done to undermine those rights. We want people to learn what options they have available to protect their rights, and we want to provide a forum for them to learn. We want them to know that the ACLU is working on a local and national level to protect the right to privacy, he explained.”
Panelists Include:
Mary Wheeler, a journalist specializing in national security and civil liberties who regularly contributes to The Guardian, Daily Kos, The Huffington Post and Michigan Liberal as well as her own website Empty Wheel.
Ronald G. DeWaard, an attorney with vast experience in civil liberties. DeWaard is a partner at the law firm Varnum, LLP and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami as well as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Shelli Weisberg, the legislative director of the ACLU of Michigan. Weisberg has worked to persuade policy makers to enact or amend legislation consistent with civil liberties principles and educate the public on the importance of legislative processes in the protection of our rights and liberties.
“We chose the panelists because they are all specialists in different aspects of privacy rights. Marcy Wheeler has extensive experience following the national security aspects of privacy rights. Ron DeWaard worked as a prosecutor and can speak to the local level, and police protection issues. Additionally, he can speak to the question of whether corporations like google and facebook are too invasive in their collection of data, and where the line is draw. Shelli Weisberg is one of our resident experts on all aspects of ACLU policy, and we are hoping she can help formally address the ACLU position on the issues, while also explaining how to best help create change through legislative and other means to help protect our privacy interests,” Marogil concluded.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, check: www.aclumich.org/westernspeakers
At this time of year, it is vital to reflect on the importance of family. Did you know that healthy relationships with family leads to better health? Most Doctors will advise that blood pressure has been decreased when fences have been mended.
It is considerably easier for children to develop and learn with the support of families. Educational statistics prove that school performance is linked to involvement from home. Family is very important part of our everyday life. It helps us in improving our personality and shaping our life. It teaches us the value of love, affection, care, truthfulness and self-confidence and provides us tools and suggestions which are necessary to get success in life. 
This New Year consider giving TIME to others by Volunteering. So many non-profits are in need. I had the opportunity to volunteer with the American Red Cross after a tornado hit Jackson Mississippi. What I got from this experience is that without our volunteer help that community would not be around.
I also mentor young athletes to serve as a role model in teaching them life traits such as teamwork or as I call it the TEAM approach—Together Everyone Achieves More. It’s important for these young men to learn integrity and purpose for elements of success.
Sometimes Mentoring can be as simple as volunteering for any time you can lend. Even lending a smile can help out a person in need.
Non profits that need help are American Red Cross, One Wyoming One on One, YMCA, Hospice, DeVosChildren’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, ELE’s Place, and Homeless organizations—just to name a few.
Consider lending your time. It is a gift to someone that really needs a helping hand.
Thanks to Santa, Catholic Charities of West Michigan and the Patriot Guard Riders, West Michigan , soldiers returning home for the holidays were greeted with warmth and generosity. While the event was free to the public, airport officials requested the public to bring two non-perishable items for the Loaves and Fishes food bank operated by Catholic Charities of West Michigan. It was a win/win situation all around!
Ele’s Place is a healing center for grieving children & teens with facilities in Lansing, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Executive Director Gerilyn May provides some helpful hints on how to cope with grief during the holidays:
Light a candle to remember the person
During family gatherings, talk about memories of the person who died
Know that it’s okay to have fun
Make an ornament or decoration for the person who died–or one that reminds you of that person.
For more ideas, please visit www.elesplace.org.
By Janice Limbaugh
If you’re hoping to optimize your holiday spirit by saving time, money and doing good deeds, then you’ll want to be at the Goodwill grand opening on 28th Street this Saturday! A 9 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce will officially open the doors to Wyoming’s newest store.
According to Jill Wallace, chief marketing officer for the Grand Rapids area stores, the spacious 14,600 square foot facility is a major upgrade over the old Wyoming Goodwill store located just down the street.
“We’re proud to say that this store is LEED certified. Since we are all about reusing, recycling and repurposing, this effort shows that we can ‘walk our talk’,” says Wallace.
The new store offers more natural lighting, an open floorplan, large fitting rooms and a covered drive-thru donation drop off on the side of the building. “We want to make shopping here as enjoyable an experience as possible,” she says, adding that it has more of a boutique feel to it than the former location. The store’s layout, colors and graphic wall designs work comfortably together to attract bargain shoppers.
“When people shop Goodwill they feel good about getting great deals, but they’re really doing something good for the community. And that’s a great feeling to walk away with too,” Wallace says.
If you’re coming to Saturday’s grand opening, you can expect free refreshments and snacks along with donated new goods at Goodwill prices as a special purchase incentive. And wouldn’t you know that the hottest items right now at most Goodwill stores are holiday decorations – and this store has its share to offer.
Wallace says the new Wyoming location on 28th Street (between Rogers Plaza and Duthler Foods) will ultimately employ 20 people. Goodwill is not only hiring at this location, but at all other locations as well. Pay starts at $8 per hour. Wallace encourages anyone looking for a job to check them out!
As the crisp lake effect cascades throughout Kent county, the toasty sanctuary of a home numbs the mind into a place of reflection. A time to reflect on the good and bad times of the past year. A time to remember the sorrow of death and the gift of new life. A time to reconcile all that weight heavy on the heart.
Last year the Grand Rapids community lost many members, but two in particular will forever be embedded in the cracked concrete of the city through the builds of Habitat For Humanity Kent County.
Habitat For Humanity sets to announce two new homes to the community, said member Philip Zoutendam. The homes are “tribute builds from families who lost loved ones and wanted to sponsor houses.”
Although the charity is working on many projects this holiday season, these two homes are the only ones to reach completion for the month of December.
Almost a year since the tragic loss of James D. Kirkwood family, friends and community members unite to unveil the Jim Kirkwood Tribute Build. The celebration for this home, located at 953 Kensington SW in Grand Rapids, commences on Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Andy Angelo lost his life this past summer, but his 25 years of printed word at The Grand Rapids Press will not be his only legacy. A home in Angelo’s Grandville neighborhood now sits as a reminder of all his work and charity. The family, loved ones and members of Habitat for Humanity turn the key to this holiday gift on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity and the family of the deceased invite everyone to the events not just to remember those who have passed, but also to welcome two new families into their forever homes. Those unable to attend are encouraged to donate or volunteer, for tis the season good tidings.
The charity is just looking for individuals “always happy to help and looking to give back.”
Better for the Soul than Chicken SoupFor Bart Sumner, October 9th turned out to be a double-edged sword. Not only was it the inaugural meeting of his recent labor of love called Healing Improv, a potential non-profit for grieving individuals, it was also the fourth anniversary of the death of his 10 year old son, David. Sumner created Healing Improv to help himself and others learn how to channel grieving energy into healing fun by doing improvisational comedy. Perhaps the aligning of the dates were not a coincidence after all. .
“Our goal is not to forget those we lost; our goal is to learn to move on and still find joy in life,” explains Sumner. “It’s been a long journey up to this point.”
In addition to Sumner, 14 other people came to the session; more than he expected. The workshop started out quietly. Attendees were apprehensive, yet open-minded, and treated their fellow patrons warmly. Sumner began the evening by simply asking the group: “So, why are we all here tonight?”
For the next 45 minutes, individuals bared their souls talking about their spouses, children, parents, and dearest friends who they had lost. As the group of strangers poured out their pent-up grief,a heaviness settled in the room. But just when the timing was right, Sumner smartly redirected the morose ice with the perky suggestion of, “Let’s have some fun, now!”
What pursued was the group’s engagement in five improvisational games, starting with Superhero Circle. It went like this: First, players presented the name of their unlikely super-powered alter-ego, such as, The Lone Ranger, Barbra Streisand, Burger-Eating Guy, and The Jelly! Next, attendees were encouraged to memorize everyone else’s super-names and modify it into a game of Hot Potato, tossing names and gestures back and forth to one another at a ridiculous pace. Soon, much needed laughter and smiles filled the room and the atmosphere began to lighten up.
The second game played was called “One Word FairyTale,” with participants retelling the story of the “Three Little Pigs,” one word per person at a time. As the rest of the games were explained and played out, so did the laughter and the smiles. Sumner couldn’t have been more pleased with how the first session turned out. Joy was experienced and shared out loud. It was one mission accomplished for Sumner.
In the meantime, he awaits his second mission to be accomplished: getting Healing Improv qualified by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit charity. If approved, all donations to this cause would be considered tax-deductible. So far Sumner has raised over $6600 to get the program started. The next session of Healing Improv will be Tuesday, December, 17 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater.
by Dani McDonald
The U.S. government estimates 300,000 American children are currently at risk of being sold into sexual slavery, and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that Michigan ranks 13th in the U.S. for the number of sex trafficking victims. On November 6th Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced an “agenda for action” to combat human trafficking in the state of Michigan, calling for harsher penalties for “johns,” safe harbor provisions for underage victims, and a greater crackdown on internet sites facilitating trafficking.
In order to support local anti-trafficking efforts, 150 Michigan businesses are partnering with Women At Risk, International, a Michigan-based non-profit dedicated to ending trafficking in our neighborhoods and around the world. These businesses are hosting Christmas trees adorned with one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass ornaments from the Middle East. Proceeds from ornament sales go toward providing scholarships to at-risk women in the Middle East, as well as providing safe havens, counseling, education, and vocational training for survivors of sexual slavery in America and abroad.
WAR’s annual ornament campaign began in 2009 and has since reached over 500 local businesses in the West Michigan and Chicago area. Last year, over $40,000 was raised through the ornament sales. The ornaments are available for purchase at the participating businesses for $15.00 each.
WAR, Int’l is a non-profit organization that works in nearly 40 countries creating circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. Their purpose and passion is to give voice to the silenced cries of the oppressed, wrap arms of love around them, and whisper messages of purpose and dignity into their brokenness.
For a complete list of participating businesses, further information on Women At Risk, International’s Ornament Campaign, or how to get involved, please contact Women At Risk, International
This is why Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) works in nearly 40 countries, creating circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children. Headquartered in Wyoming, MI, WAR, Int’l exists to give voice to the silenced cries of the oppressed, wrap arms of love around them, and speak messages of purpose and dignity into their brokenness.
Through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and programs, WAR, Int’l offers these women and children an opportunity to live life with dignity. Although specifically known for our fight against human trafficking and rehabilitating work with trafficking victims, WAR, Int’l addresses 14 different risk issues facing women and children today.
This holiday season our WAR Chest Boutique on 44th St. brings opportunities to get involved right to your own neighborhood. This is the perfect time of year to “shop for a purpose,” and our boutique carries beautiful products handmade by at-risk or rescued women in America and abroad. Know that your purchase for yourself or a loved one empowers a woman to live in safety and work with dignity.
Stories of rescue are powerful, yet simply raiding brothels or removing women from risk is never enough. Like a trampled rose, rescued women require tender, loving care in order to heal and blossom. When WAR, Int’l first met Rhoda, she had experienced “rescue,” but no safe place or people to help her recover from her past trauma and abuse. As WAR, Int’l wrapped arms of love around her and created a safe haven of healing, Rhoda and her ministry began to thrive. Now, Rhoda sings of healing and wholeness and crochets these beautiful roses to support other women at risk. Each handmade rose tells her story—how beauty can be knit from brokenness, how hope exists for those rescued yet longing for restoration.
Ever since she was a little girl, Rhoda Kershaw wanted to sing. After much local success, Rhoda thought she caught her big break when a talent agent promised a vocal tour in Japan. Though her first visit proved successful, on her second trip, traffickers took her papers and forced her to serve drinks at a bar. One night a co-worker lured Rhoda to a “dance club” filled with the Japanese mafia. After drugging and abducting her, mafia members repeatedly brutalized and raped Rhoda for three days. She eventually escaped, but the Japanese police blamed her, and a counselor even advised suicide as the only way to preserve her dignity. Even after returning home to America, help was nowhere to be found. Finally, Rhoda discovered a community of healing and support at WAR, Int’l. Now she no longer numbs her pain with substance abuse and self-mutilation. Instead, she has transformed her suffering into a story of survival and hope. Rhoda uses her passionate voice to share this story, singing at benefit concerts, speaking out against human trafficking, and whispering words of hope and encouragement to vulnerable teens and wounded women.
e in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the Society for helpDid you know that an estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. in 2013 – including 8,140 Michigan women or 28 women in the state every day?
The American Cancer Society offers help and support to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, one out of every two women turns to the Society for help and support following their breast cancer diagnosis.
“The American Cancer Society encourages all women to put their health first. We want women to understand the benefits of eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and the effect those healthy habits can have on lowering their cancer risk,” said Jenni Beamer, American Cancer Society senior manager, community events for Greater Michigan.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. The Society reminds women 40 and older to have a yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam. Women ages 20 to 39 should receive a clinical breast exam at least once every three years. The American Cancer Society offers a Michigan Mammography Facility Guide that compares services, price and other information to help women choose the mammography facility best suited for them. The Michigan Mammography Facility Guide is available for free online at cancer.org/michiganmammogram. Continue reading Breast Cancer Awareness
