Veep Rogalski chaired our club meeting today in the absence of an under-the-weather President Beth Pastoor. Kate Marfia spoke to us in her capacity of sales rep for Williamson Employment Services, a Woman’s Business Enterprise with Michigan offices in Kentwood and St. Joseph. Williamson’s motto is “placing people first” and she is currently seeing businesses eager to do business. She and her firm help these companies with recruitment and employment services in many categories excluding construction, trucking and certain health occupations.

As a bonus, Marty also gave us his take on the recent Michigan Supreme Court answers to questions raised by a federal district court regarding the Constitutional and statutory limits of the Governor’s authority to issue emergency executive orders in reaction to the COVID pandemic. Those answers, based on the doctrine of governmental separation of powers, declared such authority to have ended on April 30 following an extension granted and a subsequent extension denied by the State legislature.

D & D “Light”

With the Denim & Diamonds event postponed to February 19, 2021, the Kenowa and Walker clubs held a smaller event last Friday, October 16, at Lake Michigan Sports Bar & Grill in Standale. Attendees enjoyed a cash bar and appetizers, music, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Beth can make a full report upon her return but has preliminarily estimated the clubs will receive approximately $2,000 for their mission from event proceeds.

September Board Meeting

The Board met via Zoom on September 22. Highlights included approval of an AmTryke for a cognitively impaired 14-year-old referred by a therapist at Pinegrove Learning Center. The Center allowed the student to borrow the bike over the summer and riding it became a much-loved and physically and socially beneficial daily activity. With that bike now back at the Center, this new standard AmTryke will be for the student’s permanent use at home.

Other Board action included accepting Amish Chhabra as a new member and approving three gift card prizes for a club promotion to stimulate the invitation of guests and signing up new members.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, October 27 (location or by means to be announced).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021. Meetings will resume in January.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD).  Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is December 1.

Fun Fact (Supreme Edition): According to encyclopedia.com, the Supremes (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard) were the first girl group signed by Motown Records. They scored twelve #1 hits.

Quote of the Day: “It takes a long time to be a diva. I mean, you gotta work at it.”- Diana Ross

Calendar

Oct 27: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD or Zoom.)

Nov 3: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Georgetown Update from Dan & Rod

Nov 17: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Lelea Boutwell, Indian Trails/IKUS

We met under the tent again today. Smaller turnout but perhaps this was due to the cooler outdoor temps, continued COVID impacts and/or lack of a meeting reminder. Grandville Mayor Steve Maas was our speaker. He gave us some details of the Grandville library expansion now under construction including community meeting space, drive-up materials drop box and study rooms. Completion is expected in fall 2021. Adjacent to the library expansion will be a new permanent Farm Market and event space including a trellis with adult bench swings. The Mayor also advised us on a public forum held on August 31 to talk about Policing. 55 community members attended to share comments and ask questions of Grandville PD command staff on topics ranging from traffic stops to use of force to diversity training to an officer’s duty to report questionable conduct. There were also updates on current infrastructure improvements at the Clean Water Plant and the water tank and discussion on how the Ivanrest lane conversion (4 lanes to 3) is working. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for joining us today.

Denim & Diamonds – IMPORTANT New Information

Due to the ongoing COVID assembly restrictions, the Denim & Diamonds event scheduled for Friday, October 16 at the Pinnacle Center has been postponed to February 19, 2021. Beth has announced, however, that there will be a smaller event held at 6:00p on the original October 16 date at Lake Michigan Sports Bar & Grill, 4072 Lake Michigan Drive in Standale. There will be a cash bar and appetizers, a silent auction (no live auction), 50/50 raffles and other fun games. Protocols for masks and social distancing will follow. She is still looking for donations, especially since there now will actually be two events rather than one. More information is attached. Contact information for Beth is beth@wygr.net or 616-446-7026.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, September 22 (likely location is Sunnybrook but look for a meeting notice to confirm).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021. Meetings will resume in January.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is December 1.

Fun Fact (Mayor Edition): According to the London Telegraph, the first ever recorded Mayor of London was Henry Fitz-Ailwyn in 1189. Being Mayor obviously didn’t suit him as he died the same year, but he does have the distinction of being the only Mayor of London ever to serve in office for a full-life term.

Quote of the Day: “When the burdens of the Presidency seem unusually heavy, I always remind myself it could be worse. I could be Mayor.” – Lyndon Johnson

Calendar

Sept 22: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD or Zoom.)

Oct 6: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Casey Kuperus, David’s House.

Oct 16: Denim & Diamonds Event

Oct 20: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Jane Eppard, Family Hope Foundation.

We had a nice turnout (14) taking advantage of the good weather as the Kenowa Ambucs met Tuesday outdoors under the tent at Sunnybrook due to COVID restrictions. Nathan Perelis, a member of Scott Pastoor’s softball team was a guest. Mid-States Regional Director Rachel Nicks administered the Oath of Office to our new officers for 2020-2021: Beth Pastoor, President; Marty Rogalski, Vice-President and Ron VanSurksum, Treasurer. Rachel also updated the club on the Mid-States Regional meeting held via Zoom on Monday night and encouraged our members to join the Mid-States Facebook page. There will be a video for those who want to view that meeting after-the-fact. The virtual National Conference will be an all-day Zoom event on September 12 (see link below). Those who wish to vote at the conference will need to register in advance.

Denim & Diamonds

Denim & Diamonds remains scheduled for Friday, October 16, subject, however, to whatever assembly restrictions might be in effect at the time of the event. The committee will be meeting at Lake Michigan Sports Lounge on Lake Michigan Drive in Standale at 5:00p this Thursday, September 3 to consider our plans and options. All members are encouraged to attend and offer input. In the meantime, we are still looking for sponsorships and donations to the auction. Experiences can be priceless and memorable but, this year, many of the sporting events that haven’t been cancelled are not admitting spectators. We need to think, instead, about restaurants willing to donate meals; salons for hair, nails or massages; golf foursomes; cottages; and wine or goodie baskets. Each member is asked to find somebody s/he can approach for an auction donation to keep the flow of funds for our Ambuc mission. Who do you know that might be able to donate these? Chapter contact for this event is Beth Pastoor (beth@wygr.net).

Race Report

An update on the new 94.9 Jethro racecar with driver, Matt Postma, and Crew Chief Jason Postma: The car and team debuted on August 22 and ran again on the 29th. They didn’t take the checkered flag but finished both races in the middle of the pack and completely rebuilt the car in the week between. Most importantly, Mom Janna reports the brotherly relationship has survived two weeks of competition.  They will be racing again at Berlin Raceway on September 22. Tickets are available on-line.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, September 22 (location TBD or Zoom).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD).  Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is September 1.

Fun Fact (Tent Edition): According to an article in www.interestingreality.com, the first evidence of tent construction, carbon dated to around 40,000 BC, suggests the protective elements were made out of the thickest material available to our prehistoric ancestors – mammoth hide.

Quote of the Day: “I pass my life in preventing the storm from blowing down the tent, and I drive in the pegs as fast as they are pulled up.” – Abraham Lincoln

Bonus Quote: “It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds, for the opportunity to rain on a tent.” – Dave Barry

Calendar

Sept 12: Virtual National Conference. More info at https://ambucs.org/mc-events/2020-virtual-ambucs-national-conference/

Sept 15: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.

Sept 22: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD or Zoom.)

Oct 6: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Casey Kuperus, David’s House.

Oct 16: Denim & Diamonds Event

Oct 20: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Jane Eppard, Family Hope Foundation.

We had a nice group come together for lunch yesterday. It included a new member candidate (Anish Chopra – spelling might not be accurate), a guest (Janna Postma) and reunited us with a member who hasn’t been able to attend for a while (Tom Etcher). Welcome (back) to all.

Our speaker was Lisa Carter, one of the founders of the 12 acre H.U.G.S. Ranch near Byron Center that uses donated, unwanted or rescued horses as the centerpiece of therapy and programming that mentor and assist children and young adults facing a multitude of physical and emotional obstacles. HUGS programs build student self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth; teaches them how to reduce or overcome their fear and anxiety; and helps them to relearn how to trust after experiencing trauma. Members may recall our Chapter made a donation to HUGS previously when they were rebuilding from tornado damage.

For 2020, HUGS has selected the theme: “Put on the Full Armor of God” and they are gradually reviving programming in the wake of a temporary COVID shutdown. Their programs include 1-on-1 sessions with a horse and a work study to challenge and prepare students for employment. There is a card ministry to encourage participants that need it and even a ministry geared toward the parents and siblings of students. Volunteers are needed in many areas (mentors, wranglers, grounds maintenance, hay) and, of course, there is an ongoing need for business partnerships and financial support – 2020 donations are down 67% as major fundraising events have been canceled. Their website is www.hugsranch.org.

Denim & Diamonds

Denim & Diamonds remains scheduled for Friday, October 16, subject to whatever restrictions might affect the event, but the committee is hopeful a postponement can be avoided. The committee will be meeting again in two weeks and is still looking for sponsorships and donations. Reach out to Beth Pastoor (beth@wygr.net) to see how you can help and save that date to participate in the fun of one of our Chapter’s major fundraisers. Off to The Races The new 94.9 Jethro race car driven by Matt Postma and crew chiefed by brother, Jason, debuts this Saturday at the Berlin Raceway as it opens for a shortened 4-week season (seating is socially distanced). Come on out and support Doug & Janna’s boys.

Chapter Miscellaneous

New Chapter Officers: Thank you to Beth Pastoor and Marty Rogalski who have stepped up to serve as President and Vice-President, effective September 1.

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, August 25 (location TBD or Zoom).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD).  Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is September 1.

Fun Fact (Equine Edition): According to an article in pennysaviour.com, equine therapy initiates communication with the horse and therapist, building an interactive environment for the patient and
pushing them out of their boundaries.

Quote of the Day: “The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable, and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back”.  – Amber Senti

Calendar

Aug 25: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD or Zoom.)

Sept 1: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBA.

Sept 12: Virtual National Conference. For more info go to: https://ambucs.org/mc-events/2020-virtual-ambucs-national-conference/

Sept 15: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook).

Oct 16: Denim & Diamonds Event

This is a Surprise Edition of the Courier as you wouldn’t normally expect to receive it PRIOR to a Chapter meeting but I will be out all next week and wanted to keep everyone updated. We do expect there to be an in-person Chapter lunch next Tuesday, August 4 at noon at Sunnybrook. It will be socially distanced and within the State’s capacity/maximum assembly restrictions. I’m sure Dawn will be going over the latest information relevant to our members, some of which follows below.

Chapter Honchos

A big THANK YOU to those who have stepped up to lead. After a COVID delay, our new officers will take the reins on September 1. These include President Beth Pastoor, VP Marty Rogalski, continuing Treasurer Ron VanSurksum and continuing Secretary Andrea Spagnuolo. Your work is imperative to us fulfilling our mission and your willingness to contribute your effort is inspiring.

Dues News

Look for a communication with your annual dues invoice coming soon. You will notice the Board has taken action to waive two quarters of the annual dues reflecting the fact that we have not been holding regular lunch meetings since March. For those feeling generous, you can pay the full amount with the difference becoming a donation to our Chapter’s charity fund as we continue to field requests to meet needs related to our mission.

Denim & Diamonds

Denim & Diamonds remains scheduled for Friday, October 16 subject to whatever restrictions might affect the event. The sponsorship package and request for donations letter are under final review and should go out soon. Please continue reaching out to Beth Pastoor (beth@wygr.net) to see how you can help and save that date to participate in the fun of one of our Chapter’s major fundraisers.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, August 25 (location TBD or Zoom).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919  www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is September 1.

Fun Fact (Surprise Edition): According to learntolivefully.com, here are practical steps to dealing with unexpected events in your life: (1) Accept that unexpected things can happen (2) make a plan to tackle the unexpected events under your control (3) prepare yourself for the possible unexpected events and be ready to handle them (4) never react immediately and, when you respond, use logic and reasoning over emotion (5) acknowledge your emotions and (6) stay positive and remember that “this, also, will pass”.

Quote of the Day: Life is like a roller coaster; live it, be happy, enjoy life”. – Avril Lavigne

Calendar

Aug 4: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook).

Aug 18: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBA.

Aug 25: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD or Zoom.)

Sept 12: Virtual National Conference. For more info go to:  https://ambucs.org/mc-events/2020-virtual-ambucs-national-conference/

Oct 16: Denim & Diamonds Event

Seven Ambucs met today at Sunnybrook in a socially-distanced manner. Kurt VanderLoon of Embroidery House (EH) was sworn in as the newest Kenowa Ambucs member and did double duty as our meeting speaker. EH has nine employees and all are back working utilizing the Work Share Program although the pandemic has dropped sales by roughly 50%. EH is a full-service advertising specialty provider of all kinds of promotional items — pens, golf balls, printing and more. They carry many brands of clothing with a variety of price points and currently are working toward digital printing that would allow customers to do multiple colors without a color change fee. EH, notably, has done stitched seats for many college and professional stadiums and recently provided embroidered seats for the billiard room in the residence portion of the Henry Ford Museum.

Denim & Diamonds

Denim & Diamonds is scheduled for Friday, October 16 in partnership with the Walker Ambucs. COVID has set the planning and preparations back so your help with donations (especially since sporting packages may not be possible) would be greatly appreciated. Please reach out to Beth Pastoor (beth@wygr.net) to see how you can help and save that date to participate in the fun of one of our Chapter’s major fundraisers.

Next Meeting

Plan on the next Chapter meeting (July 21) happening again at noon at Sunnybrook. Due to the COVID pandemic shutdown, the first evening chapter meeting didn’t occur as planned in March. The Chapter will be revisiting the plans to experiment with a monthly evening meeting soon. More info to follow.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, July 28 (location TBD).

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Next year’s event date is Monday, May 24, 2021.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is September 1.

Fun Fact (Embroidery Edition): According to Absolutedigitizing.com, the renowned Bayeux Tapestry is the world’s largest embroidery, measuring 50 centimeters in height and over 230 feet in length. Completed in the 1070’s, it depicts on linen cloth the tale of William the Conquerer’s acquisition of Britain in the Battle of Hastings. Travelers from all over the world venture to the Bretagne Museum in France to see this impressive work of art.

Quote of the Day: It is . . . “the work of amateurs; very feeble amateurs at the beginning and very heedless some of them, too”. – Charles Dickens (unimpressed with the quality of the needlework in the Bayeux Tapestry)

Calendar

July 21: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBA.

July 28: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon. Location TBD.)

Aug 4: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBA.

Sept 12: Virtual National Conference. For more info go to: https://ambucs.org/mc-events/2020-virtual-ambucs-national-conference/

Oct 16: Denim & Diamonds Event

The members present at today’s meeting focused on the first draft of a Chapter Giving Policy. This is something the Board is looking at as a more permanent guide to club philanthropy as we wrestle with the desire to fulfill worthy requests while also staying true to our mission and being good stewards of our resources. The draft policy predicates all giving on furthering our mission and benefitting persons and organizations within our Chapter’s primary footprint of southwestern Kent and southeastern Ottawa County. The initial draft then creates three categories of giving: (1) Primary Giving & Regular Support (2) Additional Giving to Other Entities and (3) Giving to Individuals.

The group discussed various wording and structural changes that will be incorporated into a subsequent draft prior to final consideration by the board. The desire is to produce a final policy that will reinforce the Chapter’s typical giving and create a framework for decision making while remaining as nonbureaucratic and user-friendly as possible. The general sense of those present today was that we are on the right track to accomplish this. Thanks to those who offered thoughts and suggestions today and, for those who couldn’t be there, see the President’s email from yesterday with a copy of Draft 1 and send any comments you have to Ken Krombeen.

Reminder: Meeting Schedule Change – April 21

April 21 is the date of our first evening chapter meeting. We will meet on that date at Michigan Moonshine in Grandville from 4:30 to 6:00p with the business meeting starting approximately 5:15. The evening hours experiment is hoped to be helpful for those who find it difficult to attend a lunch meeting and a way to mix in a little more social/networking activity in a casual environment. We are still working on a new sandwich board sign to put up at our meeting sites.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Board: Board meetings are now being held at various local restaurants (supporting our community). The next Board meeting will be at noon on Tuesday, March 24 at Florentine – Grandville.

Memorial Day Parade/Race Committee: Committee meetings are at noon on the second Tuesday of the month at Kelli William’s office. Please RSVP to Kelli (kwilliams@financeofamerica.com) if you can attend.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is June 2.

Fun Fact (Giving Edition): According to the National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $427.71 billion in 2018, an increase of a little under 1% from 2017.

Quote of the Day: “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.’” – Kathy Calvin

Calendar

March 10: Race/Parade Committee (Noon at Kelli Williams’ office).

March 17: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Karin of Karin’s Horse Connection

March 24: Chapter Board Meeting. (Noon @at Florentine’s Restaurant).

April 7: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBA.

April 21: First Evening Chapter Meeting (4:30-6p @ Michigan Moonshine – GDVL)

Sept 30-Oct 3: National Conference, Louisville, KY

The club yesterday hosted and thanked some of our much-appreciated sponsors of the Memorial Day and Denim & Diamonds events. David Hodge served as emcee and shared a Kenowa Ambuc Powerpoint slide presentation that shared the fact that 19% of the U.S. population has a disability and what we, as a club, do to assist that population. Highlights included club provision of AmTrykes, educational scholarships, adaptive playground improvements, individual therapies in conjunction with FHF and the new beach mobi mat at 8th Avenue Park in Georgetown Township. It also covered our events such as the annual adaptive golf outing, Denim & Diamonds and the Memorial Day race/parade. Following the presentation, David and Ambucs Midwest Regional Director and National Ambility Board member Rachel Nix recognized our sponsors with a photo plaque and t-shirt.

Among those recognized were Wells Fargo Advisors, Martin Rogalski PC, Embroidery House, Advanced Asset Management, Engels Jewelry, Hartman Family Chiropractic and more (hoping for a complete list to include in a future newsletter).

Rachel furthered shared news that AmTryke production, currently overseas, will move to a U.S. company and that a new AmTryke model is in development capable of being modified to accommodate a growing rider over time. She commended the Kenowa club for accomplishing big things with a small group. Thanks to all our sponsors and to every member that helped with these big accomplishments in any way.

Event Worth Noting

Kurt Vanderloon is one of the Memorial Day sponsors (t-shirts) who was honored today. Kurt picked up, via David’s presentation, that our club has provided funding for the equestrian therapy program at Hugs Ranch and shared with us that his gospel vocal group will be performing Friday night at a fundraiser for the Ranch. If you would like to attend, it will be held at Fellowship Reformed Church in Hudsonville on Friday at 7:00p. Free admission with a free will offering to benefit the Ranch.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Chapter Christmas Social Event: The Kenowa Ambuc Christmas event will be held the evening of Tuesday, December 17. Please note there will be no regular lunch meeting that day.

Ambucs Radio PSA: Ron VanSurksum is the latest to record a radio spot for broadcast on “the new Jethro” with the help of Scott Pastoor. If you are interested in participating in this combined business spotlight/Ambuc plug, contact Scott (scott@wygr.net) and he will make it very easy for you.

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting is at noon on Tuesday, November 26 at Grandville City Hall.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is December 3.

Fun Fact (Sponsor Edition): According to fundbox.com, sponsoring a local or industry event allows small business brands to stand out against competitors and generates goodwill among business clients. Sponsorships have been shown to be effective in increasing sales, driving traffic, launching a new product and attracting new talent.

Quote of the Day: “Sponsorship is about putting your name and reputation on the line for someone else.” – Lynne Doughtie

Calendar

Nov 19: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBD.

Nov 26: Chapter Board Meeting. Noon @ Grandville City Hall

Dec 3: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBD. (BHD)

Dec 17: Chapter Christmas Party. No noon meeting.

GVSU Senior Recreational Therapy student Raina Rodriquez was our speaker today. Our club provided a scholarship to Raina for her field experience this summer at the Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, CO. where she staffed 6 weeks of kids camp and 2 weeks of family camp all focused on children with disabilities. There was a disability theme each week: cranial-facial week, blood disorder week, kidney week, G.I. week, oncology week, etc. All campers attend this camp at no cost as Roundup River Ranch and other such camps across the country are part of a string established by actor Paul Newman and funded from the profits of his “Newman’s Own” food brand.

It was clear Raina had a very impactful experience that reached far beyond the s’mores, hiking, bean bag boating, archery, fishing, no hands spaghetti dinners and stage nights at the Ranch. She formed deep connections with her campers and her fellow staff members and learned to apply rec therapy to patients in a real world setting that will help her as she completes her internship next summer and looks forward to taking the exam required to obtain her therapist license. Raina, who also attended Denim & Diamonds with her fiancé on Friday and shared her experience via video at that event, was extremely appreciative of our club’s assistance in making this experience possible for her. GVSU Recreational Therapy Professor Susan Sunden attended with Raina and took a great deal of interest in how our club might be a resource for other students in that program that graduates 40 new therapists each year. Thanks to Raina for sharing her story and pictures with us.

Denim & Diamonds A Success

One of our club’s two major fundraisers, the 6th annual Denim & Diamonds, was held last Friday at the Pinnacle Center and was hugely successful in raising awareness of the Ambuc mission and raising funds for it in a very fun environment. Chair Beth Pastoor (great job to you and your committee, Beth) reported $29,000 in gross receipts that will translate to $9,000-$10,000 net to each of the Kenowa and Walker Ambuc clubs. Participant reviews were extremely positive and will help launch us toward the 2020 event. Thanks to everyone who worked on the event, sponsored it, provided auction items, attended, etc. I’m sure we will see photos on our website and Facebook page (if they are not already there).

Chapter Miscellaneous

Congratulations: To Brad Cook on the birth last weekend of granddaughter, Olivia. 6 pounds 8 oz.

Condolences: On the passing of former member and retired Jenison teacher Brenda Clark who succumbed to cancer early this week.

Chapter Christmas Social Event: The Kenowa Ambuc Christmas event will be held the evening of Tuesday, December 17. Please note there will be no regular lunch meeting that day.

Ambucs Radio PSA: Ron VanSurksum is the latest to record a radio spot for broadcast on “the new Jethro” with the help of Scott Pastoor. If you are interested in participating in this combined business spotlight/Ambuc plug, contact Scott (scott@wygr.net) and he will make it very easy for you.

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting is at noon next Tuesday, October 22 at Grandville City Hall.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is December 3.

Fun Fact (Summer Camp Edition): According to weequahic.com, “bug juice”, a popular camp term referring to the flavored drink served by many camps at mealtimes, has military origins. American soldiers were provided with fruit flavored powdered drink mix they combined with water. The sugary drink attracted insects so the soldiers dubbed it “bug juice”.

Quote of the Day: “Camp is where I learned about me; facing fears, trying new things, pushing my boundaries and accepting myself.” – Anon

Calendar

October 22: Chapter Board Meeting. Noon @ Grandville City Hall

Nov 5: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Sponsor Recognition Lunch.

Nov 19: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBD.

Dec 17: Chapter Christmas Party. No noon meeting.

[Through the courtesy of Marty Rogalski’s note taking, here is your semi-monthly Courier for October 1.]

The 13 Kenowa Ambuc members who attended this week’s meeting were met with fine food and conversation, as well as two (2) excellent speakers. The speakers were Ms. Linda Jones and Nancy Jenner. Ms. Jones is the President and Founder of the Grand Rapids Food Co-Op. Ms. Jenner is the coop’s Marketing Director. They have been involved with many others in the Grand Rapids area and its suburbs to bring a food co-op to the core of inner city of Grand Rapids. The food co-op is still in its development stages with a proposed location at Wealthy and Division.

Co-ops are not charity — they are a business entity owned by the members of the community who share the profits of the business. The entity will be managed by a board to meet the needs of the community and will be run by well-compensated management and employees. According to Ms. Jones, a co-op brings people together to build community and foster leadership. Additional memberships at $250.00 each are being pursued to complete the initial funding phase for this project. See the Grand Rapids Food Co-Op Facebook page for more information.

Denim & Diamonds Countdown

The 6th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser is NEXT FRIDAY, October 11 from 6-11p at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. Please participate and invite others to a night of fun, food, drink and charity toward creating independence for those with disabilities. Contact Beth (446-7026 or sarahbeth3900@gmail.com) or go to our chapter website for more details, to sign up as an event sponsor or to donate auction items.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Ambucs Radio PSA: Andy T has shown us how easy it is to do a very nice radio spot combining a business spotlight with a plug for the Ambucs. We would like to have more. Contact Scott Pastoor at scott@wygr.net and he will make it very easy for you, too.

Chapter Board: The next Board meeting is at noon on Tuesday, October 22.

Medical Equipment Loans: Refer any medical equipment loan contacts to the Family Network of Wyoming, 1029 44th Street SW, Wyoming (616) 885-9919 www.familynow.us

Big Hat Days: The first club meeting of September, December, March and June are Big Hat Days (BHD). Big Hatters, please wear your Stetsons to the club meeting on those dates. Next BHD is December 3.

Fun Fact (Food Edition): According to buzzfeed.com, “chimichanga” literally means “thingamajig” in Spanish.

Quote of the Day: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Calendar

Oct 2-5: Ambucs National Convention in Pittsburgh

Oct 15: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Speaker TBD.

Oct 22: Chapter Board Meeting. Noon @ Grandville City Hall

Nov 5: Chapter Meeting (Noon @ Sunnybrook). Sponsor Recognition