Tag Archives: free event

WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming offers FREE self-defense class Jan. 11

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As part of their January campaign to bring awareness to human trafficking, Women At Risk, International is hosting a self-defense class for adults (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


January is Human Trafficking Prevention & Awareness Month. As part of their January campaign to bring awareness, Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) will host a free self-defense class on Saturday, Jan. 11.

(Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)

The self-defense class will be led by Luanne Shaw (DNP, RN, Certified ATA Instructor), from 2-4 p.m. at War Chest Boutique, located at 2790 44th St SW in Wyoming. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Attendance is free, however, registration is required.

Instructor qualifications

Luanne Shaw is a third degree black belt in Songham Taekwondo, black belt in Shinsei Arnis, and has taken certification in Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (SHARP). She has been involved in martial arts instruction and training, including weapons and self-defense training, over the past 20 years.

Shaw holds her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in health systems leadership and teaches for several universities in nursing and health topics. Her nursing career includes practice in Emergency, Cardiovascular, professional development (education) and home/agency staff relief.

What to expect

Class participants will receive training that covers highlights on the impact of stress/fear on how one responds to threats in their environment, practical discussion, tactics to keep one safer in society, and physical skills to defend oneself against unwanted touch, potential attack or abduction.

Class participants will be taught physical skills to defend oneself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

There will be an opportunity to practice some physical skills, though practice is not required. Many skills can be modified to meet a participant’s physical ability.

Peruse the boutique before or after the event to see products made by, or sold in support of, at-risk and rescued individuals from around the world (#shoptorescue).

Registration details

Register for this free event here. Registration will remain open until the class is full (maximum of 50 attendees).

Donations are welcome.

Questions can be directed to Joy at info@warchestboutique.com or (616) 530-1234.

Get ready for a spook-tacular time at Wyoming’s Trick-or-Treat Trail Oct. 5!

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Wyoming’s Trick-or-Treat Trail is a fun and safe fall event (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks and Rec)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Bring your little ghouls and goblins to this fun adventure filled with surprises! (Supplied)

The Wyoming community is invited to an afternoon of free Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 4-6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW!

The spooky season is almost upon us, and the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is excited to host its annual Trick-or-Treat Trail.

Little ghouls and goblins are invited to participate in this trick-or-treating adventure where local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and goodies.

Treats, bounce houses, and fun surprises can be found along the way!

(Wyoming Parks and Rec)

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Trick-or-Treat Trail,” said Krashawn Martin, Director of Wyoming Parks & Recreation. “Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for families to celebrate the season together.

“It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional Halloween festivities, and we’re excited to see the community come together to enjoy all the amenities of Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”

In previous years, the event has welcomed over 50 local businesses and organizations, and more than 4,000 attendees.

Get ready for a fang-tastic time of family fun!

Retriever Fever: PAWS to host annual competition between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever fans

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(Courtesy, PAWS)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


West Michigan families and their four-legged best friends are invited to attend Paws With A Cause’s fourth annual Retriever Fever! This free, dog-friendly gathering will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Riverside Park located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE in Grand Rapids.

What to expect

This event is centered around a friendly competition between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever fans with retriever races, raffles, and merchandise sales contributing to deciding which dog breed is named “Top Dog” and raises the most money for PAWS.

Retriever Fever will also include food trucks, games and activities, local community vendors, Dog CPR/First Aid Demonstrations by Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Pet Headshots by Tailwagger Dog Photography, and the opportunity to get your dog’s nails trimmed. Attendees will also be able to hear about the life-changing impact of a PAWS Assistance Dog from a Client Speaker and see PAWS Assistance Dogs in action through demonstrations.

Dogs enjoy the Retriever Fever Race on the day of the event (Courtesy, PAWS)

“We’re so excited to be hosting this event back to our community for a fourth year in a row,” said Kristy Blackmore, Special Events Manager at PAWS. “There are new additions this year including dog nail trims, CPR demonstrations, new community vendors, and new PAWS Dogs to meet.

“It’s going to be a fun day. We hope people bring their dogs join in on the excitement!”

Supporting the PAWS mission

Opportunities to support the PAWS non-profit in their mission to serve people with disabilities through assistance dogs are available through event sponsorships and donations.

A PAWS Assistance Dog rests at the feet of its owner (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“Thank you to our incredible event sponsors, Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Dan Vos Construction, Outfront Media, and Chrispy Media. With their support, we’re able to host events like these and continue our mission.”

More information about Retriever Fever can be found here.

EmpowerHer: Free self-defense class for women provided by Battle Ground JKD on July 26

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In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Reggie Macon of Battle Ground is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Globally, an estimated 736 million women aged 15 and older—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical violence at least once in their life, according to UN Women. This figure does not include sexual harassment.

Reggie Macon, owner and instructor of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is dedicated to ensuring women and children are able to protect themselves from these senseless acts of violence.

In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Macon is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class. The class will take place at Boston Square Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m.

Why self-defense is important

At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“As an instructor, I think it’s important to learn some type of self-defense skill,” said Macon. “I’d rather have the women know it and not need it, than need it and not know.

“With everything that goes in the world, it will also give them a sense of awareness and confidence in their everyday life.”

At the EmpowerHer event, women will learn basic strikes, situational awareness, how to read body language, and tips on maximizing verbal and nonverbal communication.

“Self-defense is important as a woman because it gives you the confidence to defend yourself against an attacker,” said Macon’s wife and co-owner of Battle Ground, Chandra Macon.

“As a mother, it’s important to make sure our daughters have the knowledge of how to get away from an attacker as we cannot be with our children all day, everyday – especially as they get older and want to hang out with friends at the mall.”

A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Chandra went on to say that class participants will gain a better understanding of the tools they can use when in uncomfortable situations, generating confidence.

“This can also help you in everyday life where you may have been struggling to speak up before, but now have the confidence to speak up for your piece,” said Chandra.

“I’ve seen firsthand at sporting events where other kids navigate toward the larger crowds to fit in. Not my child; she decided not to. Proud moment for sure, because that tells me she’s okay to stand on her own – as that’s what leaders do! Anything can happen in larger crowds, and you don’t want to be guilty by association.”

Macon encourages local women to attend this free event and gain tools and resources to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

RSVP

Register for the free EmpowerHer event here.

This event is sponsored in part by Amplify GR’s Amp the Good grant funding.

More about Battle Ground programs

Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.

Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.

Battle Ground programs and classes can be found on their website, Instagram and Facebook sites.

Salvation Army Kroc Center hosts free block party

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Back for another summer of fun, The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its popular “Kroc Block Party” event Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to both members and non-members.

Area students are invited to attend the Kroc Party event Friday. Aug. 19. (Supplied)

Kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide. Community partners also will offer activities for families, including a bounce house and cotton candy provided by National Heritage Academies, a mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition, and an appearance by the Grand Rapids Gold mascot, “Buckets.”

Other local organizations scheduled to participate with information and giveaways for families include Launch Trampoline Park, Consumers Energy, Family Futures, Kent County Head Start, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Health Net.

Families are also encouraged to learn more about Kroc Center membership, along with Kroc Church and other programs open to the public. Easy transportation is available via the Rapid’s Silver Line, which stops directly in front of the Kroc Center.

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit the Kroc Center’s Facebook page or call 616-588-7200 for more information and updates.