Tag Archives: open house

Kentwood Department of Public Works to celebrate National Public Works Week with open house

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By City of Kentwood

A family learns about some of the work the Kentwood Department of Publics handles at a past open house. (Supplied)

Community members are invited to learn more about how local public works departments serve residents at the Kentwood Department of Public Works’ Community Open House on Wednesday, May 18.

  

The event will be hosted in partnership with the Kent County Road Commission in recognition of National Public Works Week, which is May 15-21. The open house will take place on Wednesday, May 18 4-7 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility at 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

Community members of all ages will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the DPW facility and learn more about the department. They will be able to meet the public works team, learn more about services provided and explore vehicles and other equipment used by the department.

“From snow plowing and streets to police cruisers and parks maintenance, public works supports many areas of everyday life,” Public Works Director Chad Griffin said. “This event gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that work and connect with residents to share more about our role in the community and the equipment we use.”

The event will feature giveaways, hands-on activities, live maintenance, repair demonstrations and more. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided. Free silver maple, river birch and blue spruce tree seedlings will also be available for attendees to take home.

Additionally, semifinalists and finalists of the Work Zone Safety Poster competition will be honored at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Kent County Road Commission and public works agencies throughout Kent County, the poster contest invited third-grade students from across the county to design a caution sign focused on safety tips for driving through a work zone. A gallery of entries will be displayed during the event.

The Kent County Road Commission will also have team members and equipment on site to share more about the work they do.

“Our crew members are excited to discuss different aspects of their work with the community and highlight how we can work together to maintain safer roads for everyone,” said Steven Warren, managing director of the Kent County Road Commission. ” We are dedicated to improving public infrastructure, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we serve our communities.”

The Kentwood Department of Public Works has five divisions that work together to maintain the City’s infrastructure, which includes more than 150 miles of pipes underground and more than 155 miles of streets above ground, as well as City parks and grounds, buildings and fleet of vehicles. The five divisions are building maintenance, fleet services, grounds maintenance, streets maintenance and utilities (water and wastewater) services. To learn more about Kentwood DPW, visit kentwood.us/DPW.

Prior to the open house, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley will provide a proclamation for National Public Works Week during the May 17 City Commission meeting. 

Blandford Nature Center celebrates its founder with tribute Sept. 8-11

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Many of the historic buildings at Blandford will be open during the tribute set for Sept. 8 – 11. (Supplied)

By Jess Bitting
Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center will be hosting a celebration of the life and achievements of founder Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, who passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on August 18, 2020. She was 93 at the time.

From Wednesday, Sept. 8, through Saturday Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public can view an exhibit about Dockeray’s life in the auditorium of the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center. This multiple-day exhibit will highlight her passions and accomplishments over the span of several decades. As a pioneer in environmental education, Dockeray was a local icon who had a passion for inspiring people of all ages to fall in love with and protect nature; and this exhibit documents her journey in doing so. During this four-day exhibit, Blandford’s Historic Buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Dockeray will be remembered for many things, but she is perhaps best known for her classroom visits and lectures with her ancient slide projector. With this machine in hand, she brought nature to life through vivid imagery and stories that enthralled children and adults alike. Visitors will be able to see some of her slides, as well as view a documentary about her life and a digitized version of one of her most iconic presentations, “These Things are Ours.” Visitors will be encouraged to share their personal memories of Dockeray.

Prior to Dockeray’s passing, Blandford Nature Center, in collaboration with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, purchased the Highlands Golf Club and is in the process of implementing the master plan for that property. Dockeray always called this “our last great land conquest” and was proud to be part of saving that property from future development. Now everyone can use the new barrier-free trail that connects the Visitor Center to The Highlands to experience the beauty that Dockeray always imagined could exist on that property.

COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and required masks for all attendees, will be in place to ensure a safe experience. The Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW.

Public, with RSVP, invited to Michigan Veterans Homes GR open house July 22

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A memorial and a new building at West Michigan’s veteran-care facility. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, a local facility previously called the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, will hold an open house of the new new facility on July 22 from 3-7 p.m., and the public is invited.

The Michigan Veteran Homes GR is located at 2950 Monroe Avenue, NE, Grand Rapids. (For a WKTV Journal story, video and photographs on the new facility, visit here.)

The event is hosted by the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Michigan Veteran Homes and the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority Board of Directors.

Paying respects to veterans: a Scout places a flag at a graveyard near the new Michigan Veterans Homes GR. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community members, veteran service organizations, and other stakeholders to take a 30-minute tour of the new Home,” Tiffany Carr, Michigan Veteran Homes, said in supplied material.  “Although our current members and their families have had the opportunity to tour the new home, we felt that it was also important to provide our community partners with the opportunity to see what we’ve been working on.

“We’re looking forward to the chance to meet with those curious about the new Home, as well as provide information about admissions, volunteer opportunities and other ways the community can help support our Heroes.”

Those interested in touring the home should RSVP by July 19 at this link or to email her at CarrT1@michigan.gov.

Construction on the new home began in April 2019. Funding for the project came from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program, which contributed $40.9 million, and the state of Michigan, which covered the remaining $22 million for a total project cost of $62.9 million, according to supplied material.

The facility, which will serve 128 veterans and dependents in need of skilled nursing care, occupies 153,000 square feet and consists of four unique neighborhood buildings and a community center.

The new building is designed to provide care in a more “home-like” environment rather than the older more institutional setting that used to exist. The neighborhood buildings contain private-resident rooms with ensuite baths and feature shared living and dining spaces.

The adjacent 33,000 square foot community center is the centerpiece of the home and features therapeutic facilities for behavioral, occupational, physical and group therapy, an exam room, chapel, barbershop and salon, café bistro and gift shop. Residents will also have access to outdoor courtyards which will allow them to observe the natural surroundings the campus has to offer.

West Michigan’s veteran-care facility held a small ceremony early this year to raise a 30- by 50-foot flag just off Monroe Avenue NE across from Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH), according to supplied material, is the entity that provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes on behalf of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority and is a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The MVH operates the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette and the new Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township.

For more information on the MVH visit: michigan.gov/mvh.

Consumers Energy seeks public input in developing long-term energy plan

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An upcoming public session set for Monday, Feb. 12, in Grand Rapids will give community members an opportunity to learn about Consumers Energy and to provide thoughts on how to meet Michigan’s future energy needs.

 

The open house is scheduled for 4 – 7 p.m. at Consumers Energy’s Russell Leadership Center, 120 Front Ave. SW .

 

The input from the public will help Consumers Energy develop an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a valuable long-range tool the company will use to continue to powering Michigan with affordable, reliable and clean energy.

 

The energy provider expects to submit the plan to the Michigan Public Service Commission by mid-year, as part of the energy law that Michigan lawmakers approved in late 2016. The commission will have about a year to review the plan.

 

“This process will help set the foundation for serving Michigan, its customers and guiding key decisions for our company in the coming years,” said Brandon Hofmeister, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of governmental, regulatory and public affairs. “We’re committed to aligning our focus on people, planet and prosperity with this future energy plan. Our goal is a strategic vision that makes sense for our company, our customers and Michigan.

 

The Feb. 12 event is the second of two public forums. The first was held Jan. 29 in East Lansing.

 

Consumers Energy serves about two thirds of Michigan’s residents, providing electricity and/or natural gas to homes and businesses in every Lower Peninsula county.

 

Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

 

To see more information about Consumers Energy’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability.

Local Friesian horse farm hosts open house featuring unique breed

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By Bill Rinderknecht

WKTV Community Writer

 

The Friesian Connection will host its Annual Open House and Ice Cream Social Saturday, May 6 from 1 – 4 p.m. on its beautiful acreage just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids at 2685 144th Ave., Dorr.

 

Come for an afternoon of fun and fellowship and visit the Friesian Connection Stallion Station. Here, the public will see these majestic creatures up close and personal. The afternoon will include the presentation of stallions under saddle and driving, horses at liberty, a petting barn, and all the ice cream you can eat.

 

This year the Open House will feature Hessel 480, a majestic stallion direct from the Netherlands, with special guest Petra Zeelen who is a renowned trainer and clinician from the Netherlands. Also, Spring is foaling season for local Friesians, so visitors will be able to witness these beautiful colts, llies, and mares up close.

 

The Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland in the Netherlands. The conformation of the breed resembles that of a light draught house with the animal being graceful and noble for its size. IT is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horse through continental Europe because their size enabled them to carry a fully dressed knight.

 

In 1984, Robert and Arlene DeBoer imported three Friesian Star mares from the Netherlands. From there, the Friesian Connection expanded into a well-established breeding program, training, selling and importing horses from the Netherlands. Today, the Friesian Connection has more than 50 Friesian horses on its 400-arce farm with the entire family involved in the business.

 

 

The Friesian Connection has a history of hosting Friesians owners to market Friesian horses and services. This tradition began back in the 1980s when the DeBoers and other early Friesian import partners began to market their stock for sale and stud services. It has since grown to be a huge event that attracts enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Remember to bring your horse loving friends and family to this special, free event.

March of Dimes Western Michigan hosts open house Feb. 28

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By Ginger Feldman

 

Local Grand Rapids community members will have the opportunity to learn about the work, mission and events of the March of Dimes Western Michigan Market. A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 3:30-7 pm at their new office location, 3001 Orchard Vista Suite 250 in Grand Rapids. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the March of Dimes and their fight to end premature birth.

 

The March of Dimes Western Michigan’s former office space flooded in 2014 causing extensive damage structurally as well as to office furnishings and supplies. The building was eventually sold and the March of Dimes had to leave the space. Thanks to an enormous amount of support from partners in the community the March of Dimes Western Michigan is now settled into their new office space. Northstar Commercial and Steve Millman donated the 1,000 square foot office space, while over $7,000 of office furnishings were donated by UBU. The Fox and the Owl designed and donated building plans, layout, and colors while FASTSIGNS donated all the signage for the new office.

 

The March of Dimes is incredibly grateful for all the support they have received and want a chance to share with the community not only their new space but all the amazing work that’s being done there. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about locally funded programs as well as receive information on the March of Dimes premier fundraising event, March for Babies.

 

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP via email to Executive Director Ginger Feldman or by calling the office at 616.247.6861.

 

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and information, go here.

Grand Rapids Public Museum seeks new education volunteers

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Grand Rapids Public Museum opens a new exhibit tomorrow.
Grand Rapids Public Museum is looking for 18 new educator volunteers.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is looking for 18 new educator volunteers to join the team. These volunteers will be helping to enhance its exciting programs offered to visiting schools and the public.

 

Educators will engage both students and the general public in guided learning experiences that enhance the Museum’s core and temporary exhibits, special events and learning lab initiatives.

 

The GRPM offers three floors of interactive exhibits telling the stories of Kent County and beyond. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids, and West Michigan Habitats, that showcases the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.

 

Interested volunteers are encouraged to attend one of two open houses to learn more about the Museum’s education program opportunities and volunteer roles. After the recruitment open houses, interested volunteers will attend a training session, at a later date, for hands-on, in depth learning of programs offered at the GRPM. This training will prepare volunteers to lead small groups through curriculum based programming, group leadership and teaching methods, while gaining extensive knowledge of the Museum.

 

Recruitment Open Houses:

 

Dates: Tuesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Sept. 1

 

Open houses will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. both days. Light refreshments and volunteer educator materials and information will be provided at each session.

 

To learn more about volunteering at the GRPM visit www.grpm.org/volunteer. For more information on volunteer open houses visit grpm.org/Calendar or call 616-929-1737.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW.