Abby's Lemonade Stand Inspires Donations to Animal Shelter
A huge thank you to Abby, a young girl who took the initiative and sold lemonade to raise funds for our Animal Shelter! Her heartfelt effort quickly gained attention, and her parents matched the money she raised. But the kindness didn’t stop there - after her story was shared across social media and by various news outlets, we received an incredible outpouring of support.
A large Amazon shipment filled with supplies for the shelter came in, accompanied by notes saying they were "paying it forward" after hearing Abby’s story. In total, Abby’s lemonade stand has inspired over $3,000 in donations from generous community members, all eager to make a difference for our animals.
We are beyond grateful to Abby, her family, and everyone who has donated, shared the story, or shown their support.
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Apply to Kent County Boards, Commissions, and Committees!
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment on our boards, commissions and committees! There are over 40 opportunities to choose from, listed here: www.accesskent/boardappointments.
To apply, please visit here. Qualified residents may complete an online account and submit an application. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2024 and interviews will begin later in the month.
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Quality Service Award Recipients
Congratulations to Heather Hughesian, from our Animal Shelter, Deputy Ryan Guernsey, from our Sheriff's Office, Elizabeth (Liz) Bartlett, from our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Tyler Schwerin from our Health Department, for being awarded the Quality Service Recognition Award. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to serving our residents well.
You can read the nominations for each employee here.
Appointment of Public Defender
We are excited to announce the appointment of Julia Kelly as the Public Defender for our newly established Office of the Public Defender. With over 17 years of criminal defense experience, Julia is set to lead this new office at Kent County and ensure we provide top-notch legal representation to indigent adults facing criminal charges.
“We are thrilled to welcome Julia to our team,” said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. “Her extensive experience and deep commitment to serving indigent communities make her the perfect choice to lead our new Office of the Public Defender. We are confident that her leadership will establish a high-quality defense and advocacy department that will impact our community significantly.”
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Human Case of West Nile Virus
Our Health Department team has confirmed the first neuroinvasive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season. A local resident was hospitalized, and the virus is believed to have been contracted locally.
On August 21, 2024, our Mosquito Surveillance team detected a positive mosquito pool on the northwest side of Grand Rapids as part of our annual summer tracking and testing. This location aligns with the general area where the affected resident lives.
Prevention Tips:
- Use mosquito repellent with 10-35% DEET.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Stay indoors during dawn and dusk.
- Remove standing water around your home.
To read our full press release, please visit here.
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New Leadership in Veterans Services
We are proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Grams as our new Director of Veterans Services.
A disabled Army Veteran, Ryan has served the past 14 years in a supervisory position within the department, where he played a crucial role in enhancing services for Kent County veterans. His previous roles include serving as a Veterans Affairs Education Representative at Northwestern Michigan College and a Veterans Affairs Vocational Representative for Michigan Works.
“Ryan’s extensive knowledge and commitment make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our Veterans Services,” said Al Vanderberg, Kent County Administrator/Controller.
To read the full press release, visit here. Join us in congratulating Ryan and supporting our mission to enhance services for our veterans!
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'Art For Honor' ArtPrize Exhibit
On Saturday, Sept. 14 we celebrated the creativity and stories of 27 veteran artists in the "Art For Honor" ArtPrize exhibition at Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids! Guests explored powerful art pieces, enjoyed live music, and brought family and friends down for fun activities like face painting and crafts.
The exhibition will be on view through September 28. Read our full press release about the exhibition here.
Last Week to Vote the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as Best Small Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is in the running for the title of Best Small Airport by USA TODAY, and they need your help bringing home the honor of first place for the second year in a row.
This is the last week for public vote so make your voice heard for our airport by September 23! Their achievements are a testament to the support from our community for the airport. To place your vote, visit here.
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Nature Programs at Townsend Park
Do you live near Cannonsburg? Get ready for an adventure at Townsend Park with Blandford Nature Center’s fun-filled programs this September. Whether it’s creating unique nature crafts or cracking a nature mystery with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don't miss out on these FREE events - there's so much to discover! Check out the full schedule here: http://bit.ly/KCP_Townsend_Park
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Welcoming Week Celebrations
Welcoming Week is an annual event from September 13-22 that highlights the vital work being done across communities to create welcoming spaces for all, including immigrants.
Our Welcome Plan team is extending Welcoming Week celebrations on September 28 at Garfield Park for our Annual Global Gathering. The event will offer a day full of amazing food, music, and fun as we celebrate the international cultures in our community.
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Community Schools Coordinators Appreciation Week
Today marks the start of national Coordinators Appreciation Week, hosted by the Coalition for Community Schools. This week highlights the essential work of Community School Coordinators in supporting students, families, and schools.
Here in Kent County, the Kent School Services Network (KSSN) plays a vital role. Initially launched by the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council, KSSN now partners with 47 schools across six districts. Their dedicated coordinators connect students and families with resources like mental and physical health support, basic needs, and more.
Visit KSSN’s website for more information, and join the appreciation on Facebook with #CoordinatorsRock!
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, visit accesskent.com/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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