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A Note From the Administrator
With Election Day just around the corner, November 5, I wanted to take a moment to encourage each of you to get out and vote. I know all the ads are overwhelming, but don’t let them stop you from making your voice heard in our community’s future. Our Elections team has posted the official candidate and proposal list and you can view your sample ballot, polling location and drop box location here.
Last week, Board Chair Stan Stek, several administrative staff, and I had the opportunity to speak to Commissioner Katie DeBoer's American Government class at Cornerstone University about the workings of local government. Chair Stek and I provided an overview of county government, followed by a simulated county commission meeting. It was an engaging and enjoyable experience to interact with the students and discuss the essential role local government plays in our community. To wrap things up, the students put their newfound knowledge into action, making a successful motion to extend the deadline for their upcoming paper!
Also, I was honored to attend the Floyd Skinner Bar Association Scholarship Reception, where scholarships are awarded annually to deserving law students of color. Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington served as a mentor for Julian Sanders who received a scholarship. Julian is pursuing a dual major at Michigan State University, where he is enrolled in both the JD and MBA programs. It was a wonderful event, celebrating the students’ achievements and promising futures.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Join us in participating in Operation Green Light from November 4 through November 11 to show support for our local veterans!
Our Veterans Services Department is encouraging residents and community partners to light their home or building green as part of this awareness campaign. We are excited to know that a variety of West Michigan landmarks have already committed to showing their support, including the Blue Bridge, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local sheriff and police buildings, fire stations, and more! By shining a green light, businesses, governmental entities, and our residents let veterans know that they are appreciated and supported.
Click here to learn more about the campaign. Also, Veterans Services has a limited supply of light bulbs and yard signs available. Stop by during normal business hours to pick yours up!
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Animal Shelter Wins "Better Together Removing Barriers" Award
We’re thrilled to announce that our Animal Shelter was honored with the "Better Together Removing Barriers Award" at the 2024 Michigan Pet Alliance Conference. This $3,000 cash award recognizes organizations that reduce animal shelter stays and help pets find loving homes faster.
The shelter's innovative Stray to Foster program was celebrated for breaking down adoption barriers and making a lasting impact. With the award funds, our team is excited to stock up on tasty treats and fun toys for our shelter pets.
To learn more about how you can support the Animal Shelter by donating or adopting a pet, visit here.
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Kent County Mobility Study
Do you live, work, or travel around Kent County? We want to hear from you! We're conducting a transportation mobility study to find ways to make travel throughout Kent County safer, more convenient, and reliable—while maintaining our quality of life.
Share your thoughts in our survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoKentCo
Learn more about our work or provide additional feedback here: http://www.gokentco.org
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Judge Holz's Investiture As Newest 63rd District Court Judge
We recently had the honor of celebrating the investiture of Kirsten Holz as the newest judge in our 63rd District Court.
An investiture is a formal ceremony in which a judge is sworn into office, marking the beginning of their judicial service. It’s a time-honored tradition that recognizes the judge’s role in upholding justice and serving the community. The event was inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of Judge Holz’s dedication to justice and her commitment to our community. Congratulations Judge Holz!
October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month!
This month is a nationally recognized time to raise awareness around infant deaths that occur due to being placed in an unsafe sleep environment.
Our Health Department team works to reduce these deaths within our community by providing training on safe sleep recommendations, offering a safe space to discuss your infant’s sleep environment and how to reduce the risk to your child, and providing resources to families, caregivers, and community agencies.
Always remember the ABCs of safe sleep:
- ALONE- without pillows, blankets, toys, people, or pets
- BACK- placed to sleep on their back for every sleep
- CRIB- in a crib, bassinet, or pack and play
For more information regarding infant safe sleep and our Health Department's Infant Safe Sleep Program, visit our website at www.accesskent.com/safesleep.
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WZZM13 Highlights Health Department Jobs
Thank you to our friends at 13 On Your Side for talking to us about the great job opportunities we have at Kent County and upcoming opportunities at our Health Department. Alex Velasquez, a food sanitarian, and Johanna Emmanuel, a public health nurse, joined WZZM's Catherine Behrendt to talk about the many benefits of working for the Health Department and Kent County. To view the Health Department's segment, visit here.
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K-9 Unit Visits Senior Meal Program
Look who stopped by Community Action's senior meal program – K-9 Chiko! Chiko, a proud member of the Kent County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, brightened our seniors' day with his tricks, alongside his handler and best friend, Deputy Shelby Humphries. Chiko, who loves getting pet/snuggled, was a hit with our seniors, and everyone enjoyed his friendly visit.
Community Action's senior meal program offers meals in a congregate setting or delivered right to residents' homes. Guests can join for daily meals served Monday through Friday at noon at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St., where they can enjoy flavorful Latin American food and great conversation with fellow seniors. For homebound seniors, meals are delivered directly to their doorstep. These services are funded by the Kent County Senior Millage.
Eligibility:
- Must be 60 years or older (or have a spouse who is 60+)
- Must reside in Kent County
- Must complete an application (Bilingual staff are available to assist)
For more information, email KCCAinfo@kentcountymi.gov or call (616) 632-7950.
100 in 100 Campaign Impacting Homelessness
We are proud to be working with community leaders, service providers and businesses to tackle chronic homelessness as part of the #100in100KentCounty campaign, an effort to house 100 individuals in Kent County who are experiencing homelessness in 100 days.
Our goal is to secure one thousand $50 donations. Your support can change lives. Visit 100in100kent.org to donate today, and challenge your friends, family members, or coworkers to join us.
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It's Yard Waste Season
With the Fall leaves starting to come down, our Public Works department wants to remind residents that yard waste doesn't belong in the trash.
Check in with your local city, township, or hauler to find out what options you have for yard waste. You can also check out these yard waste resources on our website here.
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All County Offices and Health Department Clinics Will Be Closed In Observance of Veterans Day
All County offices and clinics will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, November 12.
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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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