Tag Archives: Volunteer

Honoring those who served: Wyoming veteran provides comfort for hospice veterans

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Ryan Gadberry (pictured) is no longer on active duty, yet continues to serve (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Gadberry works to ensure veterans are recognized for their service (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

Wyoming resident Ryan Gadberry served four years (2013-2017) in the U.S. Marines. While no longer on active-duty, the local veteran continues serving by bringing comfort and recognition to hospice veterans during their end-of-life journey.

Already serving as Property Manager for Hospice of Michigan, Gadberry stepped in to help when he heard Hospice of Michigan needed veteran volunteers.

For the past eight months, Gadberry has used his military experiences to make a meaningful impact.

“I am more than happy to give back,” said Gadberry. “It’s very heartwarming; it makes you feel like you’re doing something really important.”

Camaraderie and compassion

Hospice of Michigan strives to deliver the holistic, loving care veterans deserve. Veteran volunteers make a difference in the lives of others by sitting and visiting with fellow veteran patients.

Gadberry said there is a specific connection between veterans due to shared military training and history.

Wyoming veterans gather at an annual local breakfast (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

“You can meet a total stranger and, once you find out they are a fellow service person, there is an immediate connection,” said Gadberry. “You’re no longer a stranger.”

That connection has been frequently proven, but one instance made a lasting impact on Hospice of Michigan Volunteer Program Manager, Lauren Becker-Barkman.

A lifelong Marine within hours of the end of his life journey was restless, repeatedly reaching and calling out.

“There was no peace in this man’s world at this time,” said Becker-Barkman. “He’s uncomfortable, he’s restless.”

Veterans can make a difference in each other’s lives (Courtesy photo)

The hospice team asked a veteran volunteer to sit with the veteran in hopes of making a difference in his end-of-life journey.

“By the time [the volunteer] left,” said Becker-Barkman, “he was comfortable, he was at peace. He wasn’t calling out, he wasn’t reaching out.”

The veteran passed within a few hours – and what was said during that time together remains unknown.

“We don’t know what was said or what passed between these two veterans, but whatever it was allowed this man to find peace and to be able to go on peacefully,” said Becker-Barkman. “That’s the kind of connection you can’t make up. The impact is immeasurable.”

Gadberry personally cultivates that special connection with hospice veterans through empathy and understanding.

A desire to serve

Gadberry is thankful for his time in the Marines (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

A first-generation serviceman in his family, Gadberry always knew he wanted to be a Marine.

“Even when I was a kid, that was the plan. Finish high school, join the Marines. That’s what I did.”

Gadberry served as an intelligence analyst, working with several overseas ops – and has no regrets.

“I love that I did it; it definitely turned me into the man I am today.”

And that man gets a visible bounce in his step when meeting fellow veterans.

An unexpected impact

“He gets a little pep in his step knowing that he’s going to meet a veteran,” said Becker-Barkman, adding that Gadberry is also asked to read poems or talk about the impact of veteran connections often. “He’s incredibly humble about being a veteran himself…so to know that he’s also getting some recognition and that he’s continuing to make an impact, it’s really cool.”

A local woman raises her voice in song at a vet pinning ceremony (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

Gadberry said that volunteering has impacted him in ways he didn’t expect – especially the pinning ceremonies.

“What surprised me was the impact it has on the families,” said Gadberry. “It’s overwhelming to see. It’s important to make that veteran feel remembered and seen, but they’re on their end-of-life journey, they’re going to be gone soon. But that ceremony, and those memories, are going to be passed on and kept with the family members for many years to come.”

Though many veterans are recognized for their service through their communities, American Legion or VFW, there are just as many who never see recognition of any kind. Gadberry said giving that recognition to veterans during the last steps of their end-of-life journey is memorable for all involved.

“Every ceremony, every event is completely different,” said Gadberry. “Every time I do it, I take away something different and I learn a little bit more.”

Becker-Barkman said her time with Hospice of Michigan has also been life-changing.

“I’ve learned so much about end-of-life care and what that entails for us as human beings,” said Becker-Barkman. “I get to be surrounded by so many brilliant, loving, giving people that it’s changed my entire outlook on everything.

“It’s magical to be surrounded by people who are so willing to show up for people they don’t know at what can be the hardest time in their life; it’s rejuvenating.”

The value of serving in new ways

Hospice of Michigan is continually in need of compassionate veteran volunteers to provide that much needed support and camaraderie to hospice veterans. Regardless of how they served, the bond between veterans opens a door of trust and communication through mutual understanding.

“Veterans share a unique bond,” said Kathy Lietaert, Hospice of Michigan Statewide Volunteer Program Manager, in supplied material. “Through our veterans hospice program, every act of service by volunteer veterans brings comfort, connection and compassion to hospice veterans who need it most at the end of life.”

Volunteers can make a life-changing impact with a minimal time commitment (Courtesy photo)


Becker-Barkman said they are always looking for more volunteer support, in Grand Rapids and throughout the state – and their volunteering schedule is flexible.

“You could [visit] one patient a month, visit once a week, or whatever fits your schedule,” said Becker-Barkman. “We don’t have any rigid guidelines. We want volunteers to be able to fit this into their lives in a way that’s meaningful and not overwhelming for them.”

Volunteer orientations are hosted on an as-needed basis so prospective volunteers can learn in their own time. Training or previous volunteer experience is not needed. All veterans willing to donate their time and companionship to hospice care patients are welcome.

Gadberry believes that veterans will step in to help once they are aware of the need.

“I was more than happy to help out,” said Gadberry. “I think that will be the case for other veterans out there. If they hear that another veteran needs some form of help, they will always step up.”

Learn more!

Prospective volunteers can contact Lauren Becker-Barkman at 616-250-9110 or lbecker-barkman@hom.org.

Learn more about Hospice of Michigan and submit an online volunteer application here.

Calling all volunteers! Annual Buck Creek Clean Up will take place Aug. 24

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Recycling, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
(Courtesy, FOBC)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.

“This year’s clean up is expanding to new areas and is shaping up to be one of our best!” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).

A family-friendly, active event, volunteers will remove trash and debris from various sites in the Buck Creek Watershed. Now under the leadership of FOBC board members Grant Simons and Lizzy Rozeboom, the clean up is expanding to include the area south of M-6.

Trash pulled from previous Buck Creek Clean Up event (Courtesy, FOBC)

An environment in danger

Buck Creek is a tributary of the Grand River found in Kent and Allegan counties in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Stretching 20.3 miles long, Buck Creek consists of 37.5 acres in nature preserve and 32,392 acres in watershed. The creek is a source of abundant wildlife and a habitat for many aquatic and semi-aquatic species. It is also integral for clean water.

However, Buck Creek is a cold water resource that continues to be threatened because of its urban location.

“A clean and healthy environment is critical to the overall health of our waterways and communities,” the FOBC website states. Removing trash within the community ensures a swimmable, drinkable, and fishable future for local waters.

Volunteers at the 2021 Buck Creek Cleanup (Courtesy, FOBC)

For over a decade, Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC) and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) have partnered to remove trash from the Buck Creek watershed in Grandville by organizing the annual Buck Creek Clean Up.

Several tons of trash have been removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters.

Tires, shopping carts, microwaves and 55 gallon drums are only a few items removed from the creek. The most frequent and toxic trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.

“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen at a previous Buck Creek Clean Up event.

Clean up event details

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at 8:30 a.m. clean up check-in at Lemery Park, along with gloves and bags. Insect repellant and poison ivy wipes will also be available.

Comfortable shoes or boots (that can get wet/dirty) and layered clothing are recommended. A long shirt and pants can help protect from bug bites and poison ivy.

Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle. Work gloves, waders and grabber sticks are welcomed and encouraged.

Following clean up, lunch at Wedgwood Park in Grandville will be provided to volunteers, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas (tax money is not used for this meal).

It is not uncommon to find discarded tires during the clean up (Courtesy, FOBC 2021)

Registration and sponsorship

Register to attend the clean up here. FOBC will email additional instructions before the event.

Sponsors of the annual clean up are welcomed and can email mibuckcreek@gmail.com for more information.

Event details and updates can also be found on the FOBC Facebook page.

Join the FOBC board!

The purpose of FOBC is to inspire, initiate, promote and engage in activities that improve the environmental quality and beauty of Buck Creek.

Volunteers are invited to take a more active role in “Friends of Buck Creek” by joining the board. Those interested can click here.

Retiring Huntington president jumps into volunteering, hopes others will follow

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

John Irwin helps a student at the Y’s Safety Around Water program. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Upon retiring as the West Michigan region president for Huntington Bank, John Irwin traded in his business suit for a different kind of suit, swimming trunks. His boardroom is now a swimming pool and instead of talking about financial security, he is now discussing water safety.

“I knew with retirement that I wanted to give back to my community,” said Irwin, who is a triathlete having completed more than 80 events in the past 20-plus years. “I knew I wanted to do something more on a one-to-one basis versus being on a board.”

Being a member at the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids, Irwin was aware of the many programs being offered at the Y, such as the water safety program.

“I basically sent an email and said ‘I don’t want to run the program. I don’t want to get paid.’ I just wanted to volunteer,” Irwin said. “I think Becky was like ‘You’re my type of person.’ That is how easy it was.”

Becky Haveman, the YMCA association aquatics and safety director, gives out a little laugh.

“John sent me an email with his story and I said we should talk,” Haveman said, adding that the Y has had volunteers in the past help with the water safety instruction. “It is not unusual for us to have 14- and 15-year-olds looking to eventually teach.”

Irwin went through training with the Y staff, watched classes and in September was set up with his own class of about a dozen six-year-olds who have never been near the water.

John Irwin. a retiring Huntington Bank executive, with his first Safety Around Water class. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Jumping in

“You see them now and you think I am their best friend,” Irwin said after just completing a short class demonstration. “It didn’t start off that way. Many of them would not even get in the water, much less near it.”

In Michigan, on average, a person is only about six miles away from natural water, Haveman said. Because of that, the YMCA offers a number of water safety and swimming classes. In fact, these classes are one of the most popular programs at the Y, with the organization teaching more than a million such classes nationwide.

“The water safety class is designed to teach the students that if they fall in the water or see someone fall in, they know what to do,” Haveman said.

There is the “jump, turn, grab” technique where students are guided on learning how to turn and grab onto the side or something if they fall into the water, Haveman said. There is also the “swim, float, swim” technique that if a student is swimming and gets tired, they roll over on their back and float for a while to rest and then resume swimming, she said.

After demonstrating a technique, Irwin asked “OK, who’s going into the water?” A few hands shot up right away and Irwin takes each child, one at a time, until he gets to a little red-headed boy who with a pouty face, shakes his head no.

“You don’t want to do it today?” Irwin asks with a smile. The boy again shakes his head no. “That’s OK. I know. You don’t like to jump in the water.”

Volunteering for the swimming program seemed like a natural fit for Irwin because of his triathlon experience. Irwin also got his level one swim coach certification.

John Irwin with the Y’s aquatics and safety director, Becky Haveman (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I am hoping that now I am retired, they plan on using me a little more,” Irwin said. Havman gives a quick head shake yes.

Irwin also is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging others to follow in his path.

“When people look at the Y, they see the buildings but they don’t think about all the great programs that they offer that are inside the buildings,” Irwin said. “I would encourage people to reach out to the Y, or any organization they want, and take what they love and see how they can use that talent to give back.”

Who knows, you might end up trading your suit for a pair of gloves and a garden or maybe some shorts and a gym, or, perhaps like Irwin,  a pair of swim trunks and a pool.

Like to join the fun? The Y will be hosting training classes for would-be lifeguards. The four-day trainings are Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Lifeguards must be at least 16, and while most are high school and college students, the ranks are made up of professionals, retirees, and stay-at-home moms. For more information, visit grymca.org/events/lifeguard-training-class. For the Safety Around Water program, visit grymca.org/news/water-safety-y.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news — the much-anticipated weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”*

Aristotle

*Aristotle probably would have said it this way: “Ποια είναι η ουσία της ζωής; Να υπηρετείς άλλους και να κάνεις καλό.” But in Ancient Greek and with waaaaay more accent marks.

Sounds like a dare

Ask Me Anything! is Nov. 2 at Kentwood Library. Learn about your community and your neighbors in a fun, relaxed environment. Visit the branch to “check out” different members of our community for a chance to learn from them and ask them anything. More info here.

In the ‘mark your
calendar’ category…

Courtesy Grand Valley State University

Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes is an itinerant installation originally organized in 2009 by artist and architect Elina Chauvet in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Comprising 33 pairs of red shoes donated by the women of Ciudad Juárez — each pair representing a woman who had disappeared in that community — the piece is designed to draw attention to the fact that women were being killed without any consequences. Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020. Get the details here.

Do some good —
here’s how

The SpartanNash Foundation invites store guests to join the fight against hunger during its companywide fundraising effort, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. The SpartanNash Foundation’s retail scan campaign supports more than 100 local food pantries and food banks, and 100 percent of dollars raised will support food pantry partners in eight states. Learn more here.

Fun fact:

Volunteering keeps you young

Volunteering not only engages your mind and body, but it can actually help you age well and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.


Volunteer registration for ArtPrize Nine kicks off

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, ,

By ArtPrize

 

ArtPrize, the independently organized art competition recognized as the world’s largest annual public art event, announced 2017 registration details for its Volunteer program, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union. ArtPrize seeks volunteers—who through their energy and commitment provide the framework essential to the visitor experience—to join the 1,000 plus individuals who collectively work nearly 4,000 shifts and upwards of 12,000 hours of service each year, while welcoming visitors from near and far to the event this fall. The ArtPrize Volunteer season will officially commence at the annual Volunteer Kick-Off Party on August 10. ArtPrize Nine is slated to take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan from September 20–October 8, 2017.

 

“Volunteers play an invaluable role on the ArtPrize team—their enthusiasm and support make ArtPrize the success it is,” said Katherine Hagman, ArtPrize Volunteer Program Manager. “They are the face of the event, interacting with visitors from near and far, helping to tell the ArtPrize story, offering practical suggestions and encouraging visitors to explore, learn and vote for art that moves them throughout the 19-day event.”

 

Volunteers help visitors to navigate through the event with ease while experiencing everything ArtPrize has to offer. Whether it be as individuals, groups, families or friends, volunteers bring the community together with their willingness to devote and share their time with ArtPrize.

 

Online self-registration opens Friday, August 11, allowing volunteers to sign up and register for shifts that will suit their interests and availability. The volunteer program has added ongoing training modules for volunteers in 2017, allowing volunteer registration to stay open throughout the 19-day event. This replaces the previous system of incorporating a cut-off date for shift sign ups.

 

Volunteer Kick-Off Party
Volunteers and community members are invited to join the ArtPrize staff in celebrating the beginning of the ArtPrize Nine season at the Volunteer Kick-Off Party, held at 200 Monroe Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. Friends and supporters of ArtPrize will enjoy music, food and activities throughout the night. Information about what is to come for ArtPrize Nine this season will be highlighted as well as the opportunity to learn about specific volunteer opportunities and sign up for an volunteer account.

 

Volunteer Training
Volunteers must take part in a training session prior to their shifts. In-person training sessions will take place the week after Labor Day, offering weekday, weekend and evening options throughout the week. In addition to in-person training, volunteers are also given the option of learning through a series of online orientation videos.

 

Image from Google Creative Commons

Through training, volunteers will hear from ArtPrize staff and partners on the event’s history, how it works, and specifics about shifts and what to expect during the event. This will provide new and returning volunteers with a strong foundation so they are fully equipped to provide assistance throughout the course of ArtPrize Nine.

 

Volunteer Opportunities
There are an array of volunteer opportunities available during ArtPrize Nine to fit everyone’s interests and schedules. Wayfinders, stationed around the ArtPrize district, serve as ArtPrize tour guides and ambassadors of downtown Grand Rapids. Equipped with guides and resources to welcome visitors, they provide directions, answer questions and promote activities and Venues in the surrounding area. Education volunteers assist with family events, activities and school programs – with positions ranging from lead docents to facilitators in our drop-in art studio spaces and STEAM Village. Some volunteer opportunities may require additional training. A full listing of volunteer opportunities can be found at artprize.org/for-volunteers.

 

Volunteer Artist Hosting Program
Volunteering to host an artist in your home can be an equally rewarding opportunity. With nearly 30% of artists coming to ArtPrize from locations outside of Michigan, the Artist Hosting Program has become a crucial aspect of the ArtPrize experience for artists visiting from out of state or another country.  Whether it’s just for a few days or for a longer stay, by hosting an artist volunteers make it possible for artists to experience ArtPrize. Previous award winners who took advantage of the temporary housing arrangements include Stacey Kirby, Beili Liu, Mia Tavonatti, Adonna Khare, Young Kim and Anila Quayyum Agha. Interested volunteers are encouraged to email the ArtPrize team at exhibitions@artprize.org for more information.

 

Volunteer Rewards
Volunteers will enjoy a variety of benefits for dedicating their time to the event including: a free event guide, a Metro Pass—good for 10 free rides on The Rapid’s fixed routes and unlimited use of the Silver Line during the event—access to the Volunteer Lounge at the ArtPrize HUB/HQ, access to volunteer-only events and weekly raffle entry for prizes. Volunteers will enjoy discounted ArtPrize merchandise for every three shifts completed and a special “fifth shift” gift for completing five shifts throughout the 19 days.

 

Additionally, ArtPrize Nine volunteers will be offered a discount on pre-sale tickets to the Ninth Annual ArtPrize Awards—including the Ceremony, powered by the DTE Energy Foundation, and the official after party, details to be announced soon. Volunteers will also be given an exclusive ArtPrize Nine word poetry magnet set.

 

For more details on the ArtPrize Volunteer Program and how to register, visit artprize.org/volunteer. ArtPrize Nine is slated to take place September 20-October 8 in downtown Grand Rapids, transforming three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids into an open playing field where 1,346 entries at 175 venues will vie for a combination of public vote and juried awards totaling $500,000 in prizes.

WKTV hosts annual volunteer picnic

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As a thanks to its volunteers, WKTV will be hosting a picnic Saturday, aug. 5 at Palmer Park, 1275 52nd St. SW. The event starts at noon.

 

The event will feature a selection of food from a Moveable Feast food truck. Items include the Grand Rapids Cheesesteak that has grass-fed beef with grilled peppers and onions, Founders beer cheese sauce all on a pretzel bun; the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap with grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing in a flour tortilla; the Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich with braised pork shoulder, Hula BBQ Sauce, bread and butter pickles on a Hawaiian sandwich bun; and the truck’s newest offering Grilled Citrus Chicken Taco with grilled chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla.

 

Pinkie’s Ice Cream will be serving up dessert in its vintage ice cream truck. An assortment of flavors from Sherman’s Ice Cream, based out of South Haven, will be part of the sundae bar that will include a variety of toppings.

 

There will be games, prizes, and volunteer recognition awards.

 

The cost is $10 per person, which includes the cost of food, and $5 for children 10 & under. To attend, all you need to do is RSVP to wktv.org by Friday, July 28.

City of Kentwood is looking for a few good volunteers

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https://youtu.be/TkNeoE2apj0

The City of Kentwood is hosting a volunteer signup party for its community event “Celebrate Kentwood” Tuesday, July 18, at Railtown Brewing Company, 3555 68th St. SE, Caledonia.

 

The “Celebrate Kentwood” event takes places on Aug. 11 and 12. Volunteers are needed to help with everything such as set up, manning the information booth, and helping with merchandise sales.

 

Activities for the two-day event include a classic car show from 5 – 8 p.m. and Kentwood’s Got Talent for 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, and on Saturday, Aug 12, there will be a farmers market and Breton Street Fair from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., various cultural acts performing from 1 – 3 p.m., various activities from noon – 7 p.m.;  the Mega 80s fro 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.

 

Those who attend Tuesday’s event will receive a t-shirt and pizza for signing up on the spot.

 

If you can make Tuesday’s event, you can still sign up up to help in August. For more information, click here.

Blandford Nature Center kicks off summer activities with Farm Day Open House May 27

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, , ,

By Blandford Nature Center

 

Summer is knocking on our door, and Blandford Nature Center seems as busy as ever. As we close out the end of the school year, prepare for Summer Day Camps, and develop our Community Programs for the upcoming months, we have many openings for volunteers to come out during this busy, sunny season. Check out the Volunteer Opportunities below to get a sneak peek of all the things happening around Blandford!

Farm Day Open House

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 27

 

Don’t miss this family friendly event down on the farm! Meet the goats, chickens, and pigs; say ‘hi’ to your local farmers; check out our plant sale; listen to a story; and play some games. This is a great option for a Memorial Day ‘stay-cation’.

 

Volunteer for this Event

Longest Day 5K

2017 marks the 6th year of Blandford Nature Center’s fundraising trail run/walk! Join us for an evening of fitness, food, and fun. Run or walk the trails through Blandford’s property. Afterwards, celebrate the summer solstice with us at our Summer Celebration!

  • Where: Blandford Farm
  • When: 4-9 p.m. on Friday, June 23

Volunteer for this Event

Spring Planting Days

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, Blandford is preparing to take on a few landscaping projects in the various gardens and green spaces around BNC. We need help planting.

We’ll be making several trips to buy/collect native plants from local nurseries so there will be a variety of days available for planting. Please specify a time frame during that day’s open hours so we can plan accordingly.

  • Where: Blandford Nature Center
  • When: Various dates

Volunteer for this Event

Eco-Stewardship Work Days

Eco-Stewardship work focuses on habitat restoration, trail restoration, stream clean-up and removal of invasive species on several sections of our 264-acre site.

  • Where: Blandford Nature Center
  • When: Various dates

Volunteer for this Event

Farm Work Days

NEW THIS YEAR! Perfect for volunteers who want to get their veggies on and hands dirty. Currently offered once a month with the potential to add more days as the season becomes busier.

  • Where: Blandford Farm
  • When: Various dates

Volunteer for this Event

 

Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. For more info, call 616.735.6240.

 

All registration fees and donations will be used to further Blandford Nature Center’s mission to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.

Cat of the week: Maury Pawvich

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, Volunteers, , , , , , ,

By Sharon Wylie

Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable cat from Crash’s Landing or Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Both cat rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Petrovich, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Here’s what Dr. Jen had to say about Maury Pawvich:

 

Sometimes you cross paths with a cat so flipping adorable and outgoing that you cannot fathom why on earth he was wandering around town, aimless and abandoned. Seriously, this guy right here? Totally AWESOME! You all know my affinity for the fat-heads, but it just isn’t my penchant for pinchable cheeks that drew me in, but rather magnificent Maury’s alluring aura and his gentlemanly nature. Born in late 2010, the marvelous specimen of all things feline somehow ended up homeless and in search of a place to call his own, when a Wyoming resident took it upon herself to take him in temporarily until we were able to.

 

Although upsetting, it was really no big surprise when this studmuffin tested a very strong FIV+, considering he was ‘all boy’ and had been roaming the mean streets for who knows how long. I don’t think Maury was the aggressor in any skirmishes he was involved in, but he did suffer a nasty injury to his left rear foot that tore one of his claws completely off, leaving him with a nasty, smelly infection that needed immediate treatment, lest he lose that toe. After antibiotics, neutering, flea treatment, vaccines and deworming, my handsome tuxedo (former) tomcat was ready, willing and able to head on down to our sanctuary and become an official Big Sid’s Kid.

 

Again, not astonishing that he made fast friends with anyone he came into contact with, charming the other cats and the volunteers alike with his come hither gaze, affability and eagerness to be best buds — forever! Of all of the newbies we had taken in in December of 2014, Maury adapted the easiest, settling in like a champ and quickly learning and engaging in the daily routines and rituals with great enthusiasm.

 

He is SUCH a gracious, gorgeous guy that you can’t help but fall for him, hook, line and sinker, within mere minutes of making his acquaintance. Maury is absolutely delightful and I speak for all of us when I say how thrilled we are to have him as one of our own, that is until we to find him the kind of purr-fect home he deserves!

MORE ABOUT MAURY PAWVICH

  • FIV+
  • House trained
  • Spayed/Neutered
  • Current on vaccinations

Want to adopt Maury Pawvich? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Get info about Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Senior Living: Thanks and Giving: Volunteer opportunities for older adults

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Senior Living, , , , , , , ,

11219609266_eefc176691_b

By Amanda Haberlein

Public Relations/Communications Coordinator

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

This time of year many may reflect on what they have to be thankful for and for some, this includes a desire to volunteer their time to help others. While older adults are able and welcome to volunteer anywhere, some find it more appealing to volunteer with organizations that cater specifically to older adults. The following agencies either utilize senior volunteers throughout the community or use volunteers to serve older adults specifically.

 

Friendly Visitor Program – This program pairs volunteers with older adults who feel extremely isolated, lonely or are homebound. Volunteers make weekly social visits with the goal of providing companionship and helping seniors remain mentally and physically active and connected to their community. The Friendly Visitor program accepts volunteers of all ages who want to make a positive impact on the life of a senior. They are partnered with an older adult for flexible one hour weekly visits and are encouraged to commit to at least one year with the program, although many build lasting relationships

 

To find out more, contact Spectrum Health Visiting Nurse Association Volunteer Services at 616-486-3956.

 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – This organization pairs older adult volunteers with non-profit agencies within Kent County.  Senior volunteers can work in a number of ways including transporting older adults to medical appointments, providing other older adults with companionship, serving in food pantries and tutoring early elementary grade students to increase literacy, and much more. RSVP staff can help volunteers identifying opportunities within these focus areas that best match with their interests and/or skills.

 

For more information, contact Senior Neighbors’ RSVP program at 616-459-9509

 

congregate_20meal_20high_20res-2Senior Companion Program –The program trains and provides a stipend for low-income seniors to care for older adults who are homebound, frail or who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Volunteers may come to the home to provide companionship for the senior, a break for a family caregiver, or companionship and support at a congregate meal site where seniors eat together. These visits often help older adults overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation some older adults experience.

 

For more information on this program, contact Senior Neighbors at 616-459-6019.

 

Meal Drivers and Packers – Meals on Wheels Western Michigan is always looking for volunteers to either help package or deliver home delivered meals. Volunteers can be any age and ability who are interested in helping provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

 

For more information on this program, contact Meals on Wheels West Michigan at 616-459-3111.

 

Still want to volunteer, but none of the above opportunities seem like a good fit for you? Check out Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Volunteer Center for opportunities organized by topic, location and keywords. For more information, visit http://connect.hwmuw.org/

 

For more details on Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan or services specific to older adults, visit www.aaawm.org or call at 616-456-5664.

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.

Sign up now for the 3rd Annual Buck Creek Cleanup on Aug. 13

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 buck creek trashTime to give the creek some love!

Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Buck Creek Cleanup, which will be held this year on Saturday, August 13 from 8 am to noon and includes a free lunch. Check in at Lemery Park (4212 Byron Center Ave. SW in Wyoming) at 8 am.

 

Spend the morning cleaning up trash along and in Buck Creek while meeting new friends. Start with a Biggby coffee and Marge’s Donut Den breakfast, meet your team leader to get directions and a super cool t-shirt, then head out to various sites along the creek.

 

Car pool with your neighbors and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, comfortable shoes, waders, or boots are great. (Flip-flops are poison ivy-friendly.) Bring bug spray and a reusable water bottle (stainless steel is eco-friendly.) Gloves will be provided unless you have a favorite pair. Supervised children are welcome.

 

buck creek cleanup

All volunteers are invited to an Osgood Brewing lunch, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.

 

Contact Pete Miller 517.420.4003 for more information or to sign up, or go here to register. For more info, go here.

 

This event is being organized by Schrems Trout Unlimited and the newly formed Friends of Buck Creek. Friends of Buck Creek is a group of concerned residents, businesses and governmental units that are interested in improving Buck Creek. Buck Creek is more than 20 miles long,and has an approximate watershed area of 50 square miles. Currently Buck Creek is a cold water resource that is highly threatened because of its urban nature.

 

Volunteer Month: Mike Moll and a Love for Sports

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Mike Moll and Paul Kabelmanmike_dewittApril is National Volunteer Month and along with Michele Smith-Aversa and Kathy Gray, we would like to take the time to honor Mike Moll with his contributions to the sports department on-air and on the web at WKTV.

Mike is a man who loves sports and put that love to work by volunteering at the station. He started his volunteering stint six years ago when he was asked by Paul Kabelman – one of the Sports Directors at WKTV – to announce a high school football game. Mike was thrown into the fire as part of a three-man crew and he had a blast!

“My first game I did color with two other guys in the booth,” describes Mike, “I didn’t do a whole lot of talking, I wanted to soak it in and figure out what I was doing, but I did it once and loved it!”

As a part of the sports department, Mike does a lot more than just show up and announce at kickoff. On top of commentating, he writes stories for now.wktv.org, puts the full sports schedules together for the station, and works with athletic directors to get stats and set up communications with players and coaches.

Mike Moll has found a passion in announcing for WKTV
Mike Moll has found a passion in announcing for WKTV

Mike, a self proclaimed stat nut, doesn’t mind doing the work necessary to get the information he needs, “It’s hard because there’s not a lot of info and stats available for high school sports. You have to do your own digging by making phone calls to coaches and athletic directors.”

The inside of WKTV's Mobile Unit
The inside of WKTV’s Mobile Unit

Being a volunteer for the past six years, Mike has seen changes within the sports department and the technology offered by the station. He mentioned the truck and it’s massive changes. It’s now all digital and allows for beautiful broadcasts, and it’s all run by volunteers! He’s also very impressed with the new graphics and the focus they have on individual players and coaches.

“Kids and coaches have commented on the individual focus and how it helps get their stories out there. The players like to share information about themselves,” explains Mike.

Producing a game takes a lot of volunteers and their time. Not only do you need the announcers, but you also need camera operators, a director, people to run cables, and graphics and replay operators. They’re all needed for only one game!

It takes a whole team and a lot of hard work, but Mike sees the bigger picture for his volunteer work, “There are an awful lot of amazing student-athletes to cover and we get to give them attention. It’s an opportunity to give back. Could you imagine if no one volunteered?”

No, Mike, I couldn’t! Volunteering is important and also extremely rewarding. Plus, Mike sees another outlet for his volunteering, “It gives me the opportunity to put my work life away for a little while. If I could do my career all over again, I would be an announcer. I’m going to do this for as long as they’ll let me!”