September 2019 Newsletter

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Forward Share Tweet Share In this Issue What's New?: MyGRCityPoints Member & Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Dorman, AdviseMI Resource of the Month: New City Urban Farm Service Opportunity: Mayors' Grand River Cleanup What's Happening: September Events Calendar Get Inspired: 7 Tips to Survive the End-of-Summer Blues What's New? MyGRCityPoints aims to create a more sustainable Grand Rapids by encouraging its community members to participate in the city's free curbside recycling program and to volunteer at events throughout the area. While earning rewards for recycling is an exclusive opportunity for Grand Rapids residents, earning rewards for volunteering is available to anyone in West Michigan who wants to participate.   MyGRCityPoints is now offering points to AmeriCorps members just for serving! Each month you will need to collect the code from our newsletter, log into your account and start saving. Points can be redeemed for discounts and freebies around the city, such as bus passes, yoga classes, brewery tours, and more! Member & Alumni Spotlight Jamie Dorman AdviseMI College Adviser at Fennville & Saugatuck High Schools What you enjoy about your position:  I love working with my students and having their plans for the future work out! It's an amazing feeling to work with a student and have them realize that going to college IS a reality for them.    What or who inspired you to join AmeriCorps:   I've always loved education and I wanted to help and give back to West Michigan so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me! Something you love to do and or most people don't know about you: I love going to petting zoos and hanging out with my favorite animal, goats!   If you could travel anywhere, where would you go: If I could travel anywhere, I would choose Italy. It looks beautiful there and the food sounds amazing!   Want to recognize a fellow AmeriCorps member or alum? Have them answer the above questions, then send their answers and photo to wmacollaborative@gmail.com! Resource of the Month: New City Urban Farm Are you struggling to get your recommended serving of veggies on an AmeriCorps budget? A farm share could be a great option for you!  New City Urban Farm offers full, half, and quarter shares depending on your family size. Their organic, non-GMO produce can be picked up weekly or semi-weekly from their location just northeast of Leonard and Union. A farm share is a great value for anyone, but EBT Cardholders get an additional 50% off! For only $8 per week, a family of 2 can get several pounds of fresh produce. Their fall season starts October 3rd. Service Opportunity: Mayors' Grand River Cleanup WMEAC (West Michigan Environmental Action Council) is proud to host the 16th Annual Mayors' Grand River Cleanup on September 14, 2019 from 8:30am-1:00pm at 6th Street Park in Grand Rapids, MI. There will be a light refreshments before the event and a light lunch after with a refreshments area (must be 21+, ID required) supplied by Founders Brewery and Cascade Blonde.   Want to volunteer with us? Join the West Michigan AmeriCorps team here! We will meet at the small pavillion on the edge of the river. What's Happening in West Michigan & Beyond *all events are free unless otherwise noted 46th Annual Eastown Street Fair • September 7 • Wealthy St., Grand Rapids Antiques on Ionia • September 8 • Downtown Market, Grand Rapids Grand Valley American Indian Lodge Pow Wow • September 7 & 8 • Riverside Park, Grand Rapids Michigan Irish Music Festival • September 12-15 • Heritage Landing, Muskegon • Prices vary; admission is FREE on Friday between 5 & 6 pm Fiesta Mexicana • September 13-15 • Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids End of Summer Food Truck Festival • September 14 • Behind Kentwood City Hall African-American Arts & Music Festival • September 21 • MLK Park, Grand Rapids Michigan Renaissance Festival • $20.95 for adults; various   discounts available. including free admission with blood donation for the first 3 weekends • Weekends from August 17   through September 29 • Holly, MI Get Inspired: 7 Tips to Survive the End-of-Summer Blues Reframe it: Focus on the positive. Look forward: Did somebody say Pumpkin Spice?? Must-see TV: Cooling weather means it's time to get cozy. Plan a trip: Anticipation makes us happier. Embrace the opportunity: Change up old habits. Take the best of summer into fall: Just because the days are getting shorter doesn't mean you can't have fun. Reset priorities: Take the time to re-evaluate your goals. See the full article on HuffPost.com If you're not on our social media - It's never too late! Find resources, ask us questions, invite friends! We're here to help you on your AmeriCorps journey. Let's Ameri-Do This! Copyright © 2019 West Michigan AmeriCorps Collaborative, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list wmacollaborative@gmail.com

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