Tag Archives: Salvation Army

Organizations to offer some spooky family-friendly fun

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

As Halloween quickly approaches, some local organizations will be offering some Halloween fun that is designed to be spooky as well as family-friendly.

It’s the Monster Mash

The Salvation Army Kroc Center will be having a “graveyard smash” on Friday, Oct. 28, as it brings back its popular “Monster Mash” event. The program runs from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Kroc Center, located at 2500 S. Division Ave.

The free event features “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot which will include Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups distributing candy and other information along with local businesses.

“Monster Mash is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Major Carol Huffman, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment, as well as showing our support for other neighborhood businesses and organizations. I’m not sure who is more excited the kids or our staff.”

While science suggest that outdoor events are generally safe, face coverings and social distancing are recommended for all participants. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200.

It gets spooky at the Grand Rapids Ballet

With witches, mummies, and tricks and treats, the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is ready to fill the Peter Martin Wege Theatre with the special Halloween weekend performance “Spooktacular.”

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company presents “Spooktacular” Oct. 28-30. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

“Spooktacular” takes place Oct. 28-30 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Junior company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the story follows a young girl on Halloween night as her only wish is to go trick-or-treating with her older sister and friends. When they refuse to let the young girl tag along, she embarks on a mischievous plan to get their candy. Audiences will be able to follow the adventure with appearances by skeletons, martians, Frankenstein, and even the “Addams Family.”

“It is exciting to be able to bring this Junior Company production back to the stage this Halloween.” Mosolygo said. “The students have been working hard over the past two months to bring the audience’s favorite Halloween characters to life. This entertaining ballet is perfect for the whole family and everyone is encouraged to attend in costume.”

Those who do attend in costume will be entered into a special drawing to win tickets to the Junior Company production of “The Wizard of Oz” in March.

Tickets are $20 and available at grballet.com, by phone at 616-454-4771, ext. 110, or in-peson at GRB’s Box Office at 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW.

Kroc Center will offer limited spring break activities

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While it will not be as busy, the Kroc Center will host limited spring break activities. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While not the thousands of people it would normal host during Spring Break, the Salvation Army Kroc Center will be offering limited activities for the annual vacation time for families.

With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing many families from traveling during Spring Break, Kroc Center officials decided to step in and offer opportunities for families to get out of the house and have fun safely.

Families and groups are encouraged to sign up for a group session. (supplied)

“Spring Break is normally our busiest week of the year, but last year we were closed entirely as COVID was just starting to spread,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior Kroc officer. “This year, we really want to give families a chance to take part in their favorite Kroc Center activities, while making sure safety is still the top priority.”

Each day, April 5–9, Kroc Center recreation areas will be available for exclusive private experiences between 12:30 and 2:30pm, when the rest of the building is closed to members for cleaning. Families are encouraged to gather with friends and relatives they feel comfortable creating a “pod” with to take advantage of the group activities.

The available activities include:

  • The Aquatics Center, including giant waterslide, lazy river, and more, with lifeguard supervision.
    • $350 for up to 35 total guests
  • The Gymnasium (two courts available), including several options for sports equipment, plus an attendant.
    • $125 for up to 15 total guests
  • The Worship and Performing Arts Center, including bounce houses and other games, plus an attendant.
    • $100 for up to 15 total guests


All guests will be expected to follow health and safety guidelines put in place by the State of Michigan’s epidemic orders while at the Kroc Center. This includes temperature checks and health screenings upon entry, along with requirements on face coverings during all activities (except swimming).

“While we would love to be able to offer the full Spring Break experience, it’s not possible with the capacity limitations we still have from the state,” Brutto said. “We felt this would be the next best way to give families opportunities to enjoy the Kroc in a way that helps them feel safe and comfortable.”

Anyone interested in reserving one of the available recreation times should visit GrKrocCenter.org/springbreak.

Wyoming Gives Back goes virtual with Santa visits, prize drawings

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Mayor Jack Poll near the truck during a previous Wyoming Gives Back event. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With restrictions on gatherings still in place due to COVID-19, many annual holiday events have had to be reimagined. This holds true for the popular Wyoming Gives Back.

The charitable event in which the City of Wyoming partners with local business and the community to celebrate the holiday season and collects toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree has traditionally taken place at Rogers Plaza Mall. This year, the event will be a LIVE broadcast on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Mayor Jack Poll and Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV8 will emcee the program. The WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org will be live streaming the event as well. 

“Although we won’t be able to gather in the way we typically do, Wyoming Gives Back is more important than ever,” said City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “With such a difficult year, our community’s children need a bit of holiday cheer and that’s what this event is all about. We support this toy drive for the Salvation Army Angel Tree to spread joy to children in need.”

WKTV General Manager Tom Norton said the station is excited to be able to bring this time honored Wyoming tradition to the community with the station arranging to have Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting with area children through a live call-in. To have your child participate in the call-in, email santa@wktv.org.

Last year, Wyoming Gives Back received more than 800 donated toys. (WKTV)

Residents will have the month of November to visit one of several local businesses to drop off unwrapped toys and receive their raffle tickets. Businesses will be handing out raffle tickets one per new toy just like at past events. On Dec. 3, the raffle drawing will take place with winning raffle numbers being announced. Winners will pick up their items from Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. 

“We’re thankful for our community members who donate toys and for our local businesses that have stepped up to host toy donation sites and donate prizes,” Poll said. “We have some great prizes this year so make sure to tune-in for the live holiday celebration!”

Wyoming Gives Back drop-off locations are:

Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Monday – Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pizza Hut, 132 28th St. SW., Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, 3703 S. Division Ave., Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 3 – 10 p.m.

Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for donation, and with the support of the participating busi­nesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes.

Also as part of the activities, Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pages or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be picked up at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW; the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW; or downloaded from the event webpage. Santa will announce the winners during the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center to reopen on Sept. 17

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Jon Shaner
The Salvation Army

After six months of complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army Kroc Center will reopen to members on Thursday, Sept. 17, in accordance with the pre-Labor Day executive order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“We’ve spent the last few months making sure the Kroc Center is as safe as possible for our members,” said Senior Kroc Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “The Kroc is an important place for the physical and mental health of our members, and we are glad to be able to welcome them back.”

The Kroc Center will continue to follow all state and local guidelines and has developed its own “Road to Reopening” plan that will phase in services and programs over the coming weeks and months. Details on the plan are available at GrKrocCenter.org.

In the first “Orange” phase, only the fitness center will be available to Kroc Center members. No day passes will be sold. Services like the aquatics center, gymnasium, group exercise classes, and child watch will return during the “Yellow” phase. Day passes, programs, and all other services will wait until the “Green” phase. The progression of phases will be based on customer feedback, staffing, and, most importantly, the state of the coronavirus in the Grand Rapids area.

“Even as we reopen, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, and we can’t ignore its impact on the people we serve,” said Captain Brutto. “Every step we take is rooted in the health and safety of our members and guests.”

During its closure, the Kroc Center has continued to provide services to members and guests by offering free sack lunches and grocery boxes, check-in calls for seniors, and virtual fitness classes and other activities. Kroc Church has also continued meeting, both via online channels and outdoor worship services.

Residents, business owners ‘give back’ at annual City of Wyoming event

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At last year’s Wyoming Gives Back, more than 700 toys were collected. (Photo by WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was a record breaking year for  Wyoming Gives Back in 2018 with the annual fundraising collecting more than 700 toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.

“It was awesome,” said City of Wyoming Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stowell, who helps to organize the annual event which this year will be Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. “Because its our eighth year and people are aware of the event, attendees will go the day after Christmas to purchase the toys that are on sale and then they bring in garbage bags of toys to the event.”

Each year the City of Wyoming partners with local businesses to celebrate the holiday season and collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Event attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.

Last year, local businesses donated about $4,000 in gift certificates and/or items to be raffled off as prize packages.

The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will once again close out the Wyoming Gives Back event. (Photo by WKTV)

“The businesses are extremely generous,” Stowell said. About 1,800 letters are sent out to Wyoming businesses in July and once again the businesses have put together some amazing prize packages for this year’s event, such as a tool chest full of tools donated by Rogers Plaza and a 40-inch TV donated Car City.

About 20 local businesses and organizations will be at the event. WKTV will be providing an opportunity for residents to record a free Holiday Greeting that will be available on the station’s YouTube channel, WKTV Videos.

 

Hosting this year’s event is Mayor Jack Poll who will be joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt and WOOD TV’s Eva Aguirre Cooper and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping in for a visit. Also on hand will be firefighters and police officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety along with other city officials and staff.

Several school choirs and bands will be performing during the event. The Salvation Army Band will kick things off followed by the San Juan Academy. The Godwin Heights High School Choir will take the stage next, followed by the Kelloggsville High School Choir and then the Lee High School Varsity Voices Choir. Wrapping up the evening will be the Wyoming High School Jazz Band.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided by the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

The Dec. 5 event is free and open to the public. Rogers Plaza is located at 972 28th St. SW, along 28th Street between DeHoop and Clyde Park avenues.

Wyoming hosts annual ‘give back’ event on Thursday, Dec. 6

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , , ,

City staff help to fill a truck with donated toys from residents at the 2017 Wyoming Gives Back.

By Joann Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The City of Wyoming will be encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by hosting its 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back event Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m. 

 

“We look forward to a great night as we celebrate the Christmas season with this Christmas kick off here in the City of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

 

“It’s exciting for The Salvation Army Kroc Center to be part of great collaborative efforts like Wyoming Gives Back,” said Senior Krox Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “It’s one of the reasons we were also proud to help launch the Wyoming Winterfest event a couple of years ago. I think that, as a community, we understand that no one person or group can create positive change on their own — but that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Seeing local government, businesses, school districts, and other organizations all working together to fight for good says so much about the city of Wyoming.”

 

The annual event encourages residents to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Tree. Every person who donates receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses. 

 

“We have a city truck here where local people from our community can fill that truck up,” Wyoming City Council member Dan Burrill said. “It is a great time to support our community.”

 

The City of Wyoming partners with a number of local businesses who provide the prizes. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected for donation with nearly $5,000 in prizes raffled.

 

“I think it is important for businesses to say thank you to all the people who have supported us all year long,” said Marge Wilson, of Marge’s Donut Den, a longtime sponsor of the event.

 

With Lillian VanderVeen from Lenger Travel Center, Inc, stating that “It’s a nice start to the holiday season.”

 

More than 20 businesses are hosting tables this year. WKTV will be there again this year to record Christmas greetings for the community to air on channels 25 and 26 and on WKTV’s YouTube channel, WKTVVideos.

 

 

The Salvation Army will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to event attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring their children to meet and visit with the Wyoming Police Department, the Wyoming Fire Department and, of course, Santa Claus!

 

A lineup of local choirs and bands is scheduled to share the sounds of the season. The lineup includes the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call  616-530-7272 or check out the Wyoming Gives Back event page on Facebook.

Free Family Fun and Fitness Nights at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding a series of “Family Fun & Fitness Nights” during the month of July, on Wednesdays (July 11, 18, 25). All events are free to both members and non-members.

 

This event will feature an all-ages fitness class in the Kroc’s outdoor amphitheater at 5:45 p.m. Classes will include elements of Zumba, Family Fit, and Family Boot Camp.

 

Once the class is over, kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide from roughly 6:30to 8:30pm.

 

Kroc staff and volunteers will also offer face painting and concessions; local organizations will also have tables with information and activities for families.

 

“We are excited to bring back Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to get active and enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment.”

 

Family Fun & Fitness Nights are made possible through financial support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.

 

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.

Wyoming cleans up with another successful community clean-up day

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Almost 400 cars made their way through the City of Wyoming’s third annual Community Clean-Up Day site this past Saturday.

 

Hosted at the Grand Rapids First church, organizers said about 25,289 pounds of household hazardous waste and more than 41 tons of refuse was removed along with about 40 mattresses collected. Organizers are waiting for the numbers on recycling.

 

The Salvation Army was there as well and several items were donated.

 

The Community Clean-Up Day was established three years ago by one of the three strategic planning committees made up of city employees. When staff first came up with the plan for the community clean ups, they looked at areas of the city that had a particular amount of complaints regarding the improper disposal of refuse, according to organizers, with three specific areas identified. It was decided the event would be hosted in a different part of the city every year. The first year, 2016, it was at Godfrey-Lee Early Education Center. In 2017, it was at North Godwin Elementary School.

 

Every year the event has grown with the first year having around 332 cars to this year having almost 400 cars.

 

For those still cleaning, the city does have a Yard Waste Drop-Off site, located at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. There are no limits to the size of branches or shrubs, however, residents must unload the yard waste themselves and all containers must be removed from the facility.

 

Also Kent Recycling offers a number of options for a variety of items to be recycled such as metal, plastic, and paper. For more information, visit reimaginetrash.org.

 

Salvation Army Kroc Center offers free family fun and fitness nights

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding a series of “Family Fun & Fitness Nights” during the month of July, on Wednesdays (July 5, 12, 19, 26). All events are free to both members and non-members.

 

This event will feature an all-ages fitness class in the Kroc’s outdoor amphitheater at 5:45pm. Classes will include Zumba, Urban Kick, Family Fit, and Family Boot Camp.

 

Once the class is over, kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide from roughly 6:30 to 8:30pm.

 

Kroc staff and volunteers will also offer face painting and concessions; local organizations will also have tables with information and activities for families.

 

“We are excited to bring back Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer,” said Lieutenant Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to get active and enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment.”

 

Family Fun & Fitness Nights are made possible through financial support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.

 

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit www.grkroccenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.Free

OK Kentwood residents, now it’s your turn to purge

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Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

As spring ushers in warmer weather, it’s a great time to think about cleaning and decluttering your home. The City of Kentwood will help get rid of some of that unwanted junk with its annual Community Cleanup Day this Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Kentwood residents are encouraged to bring hazardous household materials for disposals, gently used items for donation and electronic devices to be recycled. The drop-off location is the Kentwood Recycling Center at 5068 Breton Rd SE., Kentwood.

 

“Kentwood Cleanup Day is a great service and opportunity for our residents to join their neighbors in keeping our community in great condition,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “It also gives residents the chance to donate to the Salvation Army and responsibly dispose of unwanted items like old computers or hazardous household waste.”

 

The City has partnered with the Salvation Army to collect gently used items for donations (for a list of accepted items, visit the Salvation Army website). Kent County will be collecting household hazardous waste and recycling. (For what is accepted in hazardous waste and recycling, visit the Recycle Kent website.) Comprenew will be onsite to collect electronic devices for recycling. Examples of accepted electronics include mobile phones, computers and fax machines. The large CRT monitors will not be accepted but can be taken directly to any Comprenew location. In Grand Rapids, there is one at 1454 28th St. SE and one at 629 Ionia Ave. SW.

 

Yard waste, mattresses, construction materials and tires will not be accepted. Appliances must have all Freon removed. If you are looking to get rid of a working refrigerator or an air conditioner, you might want to consider contacting DTE Energy or Consumer Powers as both offer incentive programs for removal of such items.

 

Community Cleanup Day is free and open to residents of Kentwood. Residents will be asked to show their photo ID for proof of residency and are asked to enter the drive off Breton Road. Those who own rental or other properties in Kentwood need only show proof of property ownership with a water bill or tax statement.

 

If you have any further questions, or are seeking more information, please call the City switchboard during business hours at 554-0817.

Be prepared by attending Kent County’s ‘Operation: Safe and Secure’ expo

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , ,

The 2014 tornado left serve damage in Wyoming’s Ideal Park.

Do you have a plan if you had to leave your home for days – even weeks – due to a disaster? The Kent County Preparedness Collaborative is offering a free fun and educational expo focused on keeping homes and families safe. The event will be held Thursday, April 20, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at The DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW in Walker.

 

Presentations include hands-on safety activities, the Fire Safety Trailer from the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Walker Fire Department with their ladder truck, American Red Cross presenting Disney’s Pillowcase Project, safety for people with disabilities, a Shelter Simulation, free refreshments, giveaways and much more. WOTV’s Maranda will hold a safety demonstration with Operation Save a Life.

 

“Kent County has experienced many emergency situations and severe weather over the past few years,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “We saw tornadoes in Grandville, Wyoming and Grand Rapids last year, in Kentwood and Grand Rapids in 2014, and massive flooding in 2013. House fires and accidents are regular occurrences. How you respond in those initial moments and having a plan for what you would do next will make a difference, help you avoid serious injury and recover more quickly from an emergency or disaster.”

 

The Kent County Preparedness Collaborative is made of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kent County/Grand Rapids Emergency Management, Kent County’s Sheriff Department and Health Department, Grand Rapids’ Police and Fire Departments, Walker Fire Department, Kent ISD, Consumers Energy, Operation Save a Life and others.

 

“We hope that those who attend the event will gain information and learn ideas on how to be more prepared for emergencies and disasters that they may face at home or in their communities,” said Leslie Montgomery-Bean of American Red Cross.

 

“Operation: Safe and Secure is an ideal way for families to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Karla Black Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of the Kent County Health Department. “Our involvement is just another way we collaborate with the many wonderful community partners who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our families across the County.”

Get to know your neighbor at the first-ever Wyoming Winterfest

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The group behind Wyoming’s one-on-one mentoring program is branching out with the first ever Wyoming Winterfest this Saturday, which is designed to get people out and talking to their neighbors.

 

Put together by the One Wyoming Community Collaborative – made up of a collaboration of schools, businesses, government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community – the Wyoming Winterfest is the next step in working to bring residents, community leaders and business owners together to start the dialog of what they can do to improve their neighborhood, said Jon Shaner, the marketing director for the Salvation Army Kroc Center, one of the sponsors for the event.

 

“With the success of the one-on-one mentoring program, we began to look at what would be the next best thing we could do to help unite people together who might be interested in working within their own neighborhood to improve the quality of life,” Shaner said.

 

February was selected because “in the spring, people tend to be out and about and that is when the festivals start,” Shaner said. “But in January and February, this is a time when we tend to holed up with Netflix and hang out at home. We thought this would be a good way to get people out and talking to each other.”

 

The Wyoming Winterfest is similar to National Night Out, which takes place in August. This Saturday’s event will have seven different locations in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Each location has activities that have been planned by churches, residents and businesses of that neighborhood. Shaner said for example, the Kroc Center, which is located in the north end of the city, has partnered with groups in the Godwin Heights area such as the North Godwin Heights Business Association and Community Church. Each site will have its own slate of events, but all will feature free food, family-friendly activities and giveaways from businesses and other local organizations.

 

The DOCK/The PIER, located near Kelloggsville High School at 4669 S. Division Ave., will kick things off with free breakfast from 9 – 11:30 a.m. The morning program will include games and prizes and high school students reading various speeches from African American leaders from past and present. There also will be a reading corner for children.

 

Also taking place from 9 a.m. to noon, will be a variety of activities including a bounce house, basketball contests, games, blood pressure checks, snow sculpture contest (weather permitting) and more at the Wyoming Jr. High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. Food will be available as well as vendor and informational booths. Activities will be accessible from the main parking lot on the east side of the building off of Wrenwood.

 

Activities at Vanguard Charter Academy, 1620 52nd St. SW, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include outdoor ice skating (weather permiting) and inflatables indoors. There also will be a coffee bar, hot chocolate and pizza as well as a snow dough snowman making contest.

 

Starting at noon, Calvary Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave., will be offering lunch, kids games, bingo, and tax consultation. The Calvary Church program runs from noon to 3 p.m.

 

Also starting at noon will be outdoor and indoor games including Zumba and a bounce house at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW. There will be raffle prizes as well. The program at Godfrey-Lee runs until 4 p.m.

 

Community Church (Godwin Heights), 150 Burt Ave. SE, – the program the Kroc Center has partnered with – will be offering indoor games, Zumba classes and art from 1 to 4 p.m. Food also will be available.

 

Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW, will have activities from 1 to 4 p.m. as well. Those activities include sledding and snow scupting (weather permitting) broom ball, ice skating, games, races and crafts.

 

The entire event is supported by several community organizations including The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Family Fare, Metro Health: University of Michigan Health, Wyoming Community Foundation, Roosevelt Park Ministries, and UCOM.

 

For more information about the event or about One Wyoming, visit onewyoming.com.

Wyoming business hosts leadership seminar that is open to all

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Between 150 to 200 business professional have attended the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast in the past.
Between 150 to 200 business professional have attended the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast in the past.

One thing David Robb would like to make clear is that the upcoming Refresh Leadership Simulcast on April 13 hosted by his company Express Employment is not a “pitch” or money-making event for the company, but rather an opportunity to focus on leadership development and training.

 

“We put it on as a way to give back to the business community,” said Robb, a senior digital marketing specialist with Express Employment Professionals now located in the Chateau Centre Plaza at 1760 44th St. SW. In fact, the $25 admission fee goes straight to the Salvation Army, which will be hosting this year’s event at the Salvation Army KROC Center, 2500 S. Division Ave.

 

“This is a great partnership, because the event helps to build awareness in the community for the KROC Center and then the funds also support their mission,” said Robb who noted that other past partnering charities have been the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Women’s Resource Center. “[The KROC Center has] a full fitness facility geared towards families and they offer extensive scholarships for those who can’t afford membership. They also have many different local outreach programs, and other efforts to impact their local neighborhood.”

 

Express Employment Professionals, an international franchise, launched the annual Refresh Leadership Simulcast event seven years ago. The goal being to bring nationally recognized speakers together to talk about the power of great leadership and how to refresh, energize and motivate a workforce. This year’s speakers are author and executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, television sports analysts and 15-time NBA all-star Shaquille O’Neal, and author, motivational speaker, and career consultant Kaplan Mobray.

 

The locally-owned and operated office of Express Employment Professionals also features three local experts, who before the simulcast, discuss the best practices in engaging, developing and retaining your workforce. The local program features Laura Elsner, a workforce development manager at DeWys Manufacturing, Inc., Bonnie J. Mroczek, chief talent officer at Butterball Farms, Inc., and John Keuning, director of manufacturing at Tiara Yachts.

 

“We hope that everyone who leaves this event walks away with some practical knowledge on how they can be a leader and they walk away feeling inspired and they are empowered to go back to their business and inspire their team,” Robb said. “We also hope they can take away some very practical local knowledge and best practices that they can implement at their company from our local experts that our starting off the morning.”

 

The program runs from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Robb recommends attendees plan to stay the entire morning. Between 150 – 200 local business professionals and leaders have attended the event annually, Robb said, so getting tickets early is advisable. The event does include breakfast for attendees.

 

For tickets or for more information about the April 13 Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast, click here.