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Monthly e-Newsletter | July 2018 Edition
Hello from the Mayor
Greetings,

I hope your summer is going well! It certainly has been a warm and sunny summer so far! I hope you can get out and enjoy our city – whether it be on bike on a trail or in one of our many parks playing softball, tennis, soccer or attending the summer concert series. 

I am pleased to report that our budget was approved in June, here are a few highlights:

  • Our millage rate of 1.336 remains the same – no chance since 2000
  • General fund budget expenditures are projected to decrease by $111,000
  • We are funding local roads by a proposed $900,000
  • No additional staff increases
  • Gypsy moth spraying was paid by general funds to maintain tree health
  • Leonard street construction (between Kinney and Wilson) will be paid for with cash
  • We are updating the breathing equipment for the fire department ($500,000 paid over two years)
  • We have been planning on replacement of a fire truck – this year we have added $100,000 for that equipment with plans to configure the new vehicle this year.

Thank you to our commission and staff who work very hard every year to make sure your tax dollars are used most efficiently!

Enjoy your Summer, be safe and spend some time getting to know your neighbors!

Mark E. Huizenga
Mayor
Walker Standale Summer Concert Series is back!
Location: Walker Community Park (700 Cummings Ave NW)
Thursday Evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
FREE Event for ALL ages

View the lineup on our website.
Upcoming Events:
July 11: Walker Ice & Fitness Center 20th Anniversary Celebration at 5 pm
July 12: Walker Standale Summer Concert Series: Straight Shot at 6:30 pm
July 17: Human Trafficking Seminar with the Walker Police Department at 5:30 pm
July 26: Walker Standale Summer Concert Series: Kari Lynch Band at 6:30 pm
August 7 : National Night Out with Feyen Zylstra and the Walker Police Department at 6 pm
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR EVENT DETAILS AND UPDATES!
Clerk's Office: Updates
City Hall Drop Box
Did you know you can drop off ANY document for ANY department to the gray City Hall Drop Box?! The Drop Box is located outside City Hall by the USPS mailboxes.

Absentee ballot applications or ballots can be placed in the drop box or dropped in the designated ballot box inside the Clerk's Office.

Tuesday, August 7th is Election Day!
Register to vote in-person at the Clerk's Office or complete the online form found here. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, July 9!

Please call (616) 791-6865 for more information.
Walker Fire Department:
Disposing of Ashes from Grills, Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Many residents are spending time outdoors, enjoying the summer weather, and having barbecues. It’s very important that you take the time to allow the ashes from their grills – as well as any fireplaces or fire pits – to cool down completely before you properly dispose of them.

Hot ashes that are not correctly cooled and disposed are extremely significant fire hazards-- especially during the hot, dry weather conditions in the summertime. They are capable of starting fires when disposed of into a trash container. Improper disposal of ashes or hot coals from fireplaces, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for decks or patios has become a common cause of many recent fires.

Embers often concealed in what appears to be cold ashes, can remain hot enough to rekindle a fire for several days. We want residents to enjoy their fireplaces and grills but to always dispose of the ashes wisely.

Fire Department officials remind residents to:

  • Allow ashes and coals to cool in place for several days.
  • When it’s time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight fitting metal lid.
  • Store the metal container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials
  • Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.
  • Never dump ashes into a plastic container, cardboard box, bag, or anything or in any place where combustible fluids or fumes are present.
  • Don’t dump ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot and sending them traveling to ignite nearby combustibles.
  • Always have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

This article was edited from an article written by a staff writer with the MYMC Media in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Walker Police Department: Department News
Summer is now in full swing, and with that comes rising temperatures. We remind you that the temperature in a parked car rises rapidly on a hot day.  NEVER leave your pet or child in a car unattended.  A “quick errand” can turn into a tragedy in less than 30 minutes. We have already responded to several calls regarding pets and children left alone in a locked car on a hot day. Our suggestion to you is JUST DON’T DO IT!

Fireworks are always popular in the summer. Our city ordinances allow residential fireworks to be launched the day before, day of, and day after certain holidays. For a list of those holidays, check the ordinances online at www.walker.city. Keep in mind that fireworks disrupt neighbors, some who may have skittish pets, scared children, or suffer from PTSD. Be a good neighbor and observe Walker’s quiet time hours of 10 PM- 7 AM. Also, fireworks, bonfires, and sky lanterns can lead to unwanted brush fires, so be aware of dry conditions and always have a fire extinguishing source nearby. 

With school being out for several more weeks, remind your children about summer safety.  Our department has partnered with McDonald’s to offer “Free Ice Cream” certificates to kids who are caught being safe.  Crossing at crosswalks, wearing a bike helmet while riding, and swimming with life jackets are a few reasons a certificate may be awarded!

Don’t forget we are hosting a Human Trafficking Seminar on July 17 at 5:30 PM in the community room of Fire Station #3. MSP Trooper Marty Miller will be presenting, and will be answering questions about this often misunderstood topic. RSVP to mharkema@walker.city to reserve your seat!  Walker’s National Night Out is August 7, at the corner of Alpine/Hillside on the Feyen Zylstra property. The fun starts at 6 PM! If you or your business are interested in being a part of the festivities, contact Bailey Kershaw at baileyk@fzcorp.com

Keep up on all things related to the Police Department by following us on Facebook at “City of Walker Police Department".
National Night Out - August 7th
For the 11th year, Feyen Zylstra and Living Hope Community Church are teaming up with the Walker City Police Department to host National Night Out here in the City of Walker. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live.

This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, August 7th, from 6:00-9:00pm at Feyen Zylstra, 2396 Hillside Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.

The free event includes: prize giveaways, bounce houses, games, crafts, music, hot dogs, and even snow cones. Last year we were joined by our local police officers, fire department, local US Army Officers, and Griff!
Income Tax Dept.
Due dates
Third quarter estimated payments for calendar year 2018 are due October 1, 2018. Forms are available on our website at:  http://www.walker.city/income_tax_forms.php

Where’s my refund?
We are currently processing 2017 returns that were missing required information. If we did not receive the information upon request from the taxpayer, deductions and credits will be disallowed resulting in a lower refund or assessment. If you were expecting a refund, but have received a proposed assessment, please provide the missing information within 30 days.

If you are not sure if you need to file Walker Income Tax returns, the most common questions are answered on our website at: http://www.walker.city/government/departments/income_tax/income_tax_faqs.php
You can also call us at 616-791-6880.
KDL Walker Branch
Summer reading is in full swing and runs through  August 11.

Sign up online at  READsquared  or pick up a paper form at  your nearest KDL branch . Log your summer reading activity and earn prizes!

Prizes are now available for pickup at your  nearest KDL branch  once you have completed the summer reading challenge. In addition,  everyone who completes summer reading will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 10 iPad minis! Or a gift basket sponsored by the Friends of the Walker Library. 
Special Events at the Walker Branch
A Bird's Eye View
Wednesday, July 11, 1 - 2 PM
Meet the birds of prey from the Outdoor Discovery Center! Learn unique features, habitat preferences, preferred prey aA Bird’s Eye Viewnd how these amazing predators fit into the natural world. See live birds and cool artifacts .
Ruff Readers
July 9 & 16, 6:30 PM
Ruff Readers is a unique read-aloud program in partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. that pairs kids with a trained therapy dog and their handler. Kids read their favorite book and the pooches curl up, listen and enjoy. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and secure a time slot.  First come, first served. Sponsored by Bissell.
Bangarang Circus
Wednesday, July 18, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Bangarang Circus will wow with circus style entertainment ranging from aerial arts to hula hooping, acrobatics and more!
Touch a Truck
Wednesday, July 25, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
A close up look at big trucks! There will be an assortment of awesome vehicles on hand to explore, plus the pros who operate them. Decorate your own hard hat.
Pet Rock Art
Monday, July 30, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Turn an ordinary rock into a one-of-a-kind pet! Rocks are the perfect pet. They don’t eat, shed, or move! You can also decorate a carrier for them to live in and pick out a cozy rock-sized blanket.
A Magic Show with Tom Plunkard
Wednesday, August 1, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Tom Plunkard's entertaining and hilarious show includes animals, audience involvement and amazing magic.
Super Party Wonder Day
Sunday, August 5, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Events for Teens at the Walker Branch

Teens: Gears of Nerf
Tuesday, July 24, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Let loose the Gears of Nerf. You and your team are given 30 minutes to build a free standing structure that will protect your medic. Nerf blasters are provided, please do not bring your own.

Teen: Food Fun!
Tuesday, July 17, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Pre-registration is required .   Food enthusiast Mandy Thompson is back to lead you on a fun, food filled kitchen adventure.

Teen: Candy Sushi Creations
Tuesday, July 31, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Pre-registration is required. Get your chopsticks out! Make and eat some delicious candy sushi!
S.T.E.A.M. Activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)

 KDL Lab Experience: Straw Building Bonanza
Tuesday, July 10 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Drop-in with your friends for this unstructured building time, kids can build 2D and 3D geometric creations, vehicles, forts, or whatever! We'll provide all the materials, kids bring their imagination and curiosity.

KDL Lab Experience: Magna-Tiles Mania
Tuesday, July 17, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Drop-in and build. Create cubes, pyramids or other geometric shapes and patterns from two-dimensional or three-dimensional systems.

KDL Lab Experience: Keva Planks
Tuesday, July 24, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Drop-in. Channel your inner architect, and get ready to stack, build and balance. Then knock the planks down and start over -- the creative possibilities are endless!

KDL LAB Experience: Mobile Manufacturing Lab
Wednesday, July 25, 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Experience real manufacturing equipment, watch this great technology in action and try welding in virtual reality. This will all take place in the Mobile Manufacturing Lab from GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC. For all ages.
Regular Events at the Walker Branch

Toddler Time
9:45 AM to 10:15 AM & 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Monday, July 9
Monday, July 16
Monday, July 23
Monday, July 30
Nurture your toddler's love of books through music, movement and stories while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills.

Babytime
9:30 am to 10:15 AM
Thursday, July 12
Thursday, July 19
Thursday, July 26
Thursday, August 2
Delight and stimulate your baby with songs, a story and playtime. Get to know other families and help your baby develop listening and language skills.

Family Storytime
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Thursday, July 12
Thursday, July 19
Thursday, July 26
Thursday, August 2
Read and sing together. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop early literacy skills and encourage everyone in the family to share their love of reading.

Adult Book Discussion:
Tuesday, July 10
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us for an informal and lively discussion of Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult.
Walker Ice & Fitness Center: 20 Years Strong at WIFC

WIFC 20th Anniversary Summer Celebration

Join us as we Celebrate 20 Years Strong in the Walker Community!

Wednesday, July 11, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
              
FREE Family event including:
  • Figure Skating exhibition
  • Presentation from Mayor Huizenga
  • Free Ice Skating
  • Hockey Slap Shot Game
  • Ring a Flamingo Game
  • Bean Bag Toss Game
  • Tattoo Hut
  • Photo Booth with ‘Mr. Strong’
  • Make a Lei Craft Table
  • “Copsicles” with the Walker Police Department
  • Dance party
  • Raffles for adults and kids. 
  • Our Recreation Department will also be on hand to help you sign your child up for Fall

For more detail visit our Facebook page or www.WalkerIceAndFitness.com
Register Now: Co-ed Fall Youth Soccer
Boys & Girls: Ages 5-13
Cost: 5 & 6 year old age group
Walker Resident-$30  Non-Resident-$40

Cost: 7-8, 9-10 & 11-12-13 year old age groups
Walker Resident-$40  Non-Resident-$50
*$5.00 discount for each additional family member

Register: www.walkericeandfitness.com or call (616) 735-6286
Deadline: July 31, 2018 ( $10.00 late fee charged after July 31 deadline)
July is National Parks & Recreation Month!
I t’s time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining quality of life within our community for all ages. 
                       
What is National Park and Recreation month?
Since 1985 Americans have been celebrating National Park and Recreation month in July. As our Walker Recreation Department recognizes and celebrates this month, we also are encouraging you to get outside, explore local parks and enjoy outdoor activities!

Why celebrate parks?
  • To find connections across communities: Access to parks is equally important as ensuring the presence of parks and has the power to connect several communities.
  • To support the environment: Parks play an important role in the environmental health by cleaning water, preserving wildlife, and offering a refuge to humans and animals throughout the seasons.
  • To explore local ecosystems: Did you know that parks are not just plots of grass? Sports fields, beaches, trails and many other spaces can be parks offering a host of recreation opportunities!

Why get active outside?
  • To increase children’s chances of success in school: Kids with access to safe parks and playgrounds are more likely to engage in physical activities - kids who are physically active do better in school.
  • To contribute to the maintenance of a healthy weight: Local parks and recreation departments help promote physical activity.
  • To have a more positive outlook: Spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mental health. Exposure to nature improves creativity, decreases stress hormones and calms aggression.

Contact our Parks & Recreation Department for locations of our parks or for information on our recreation programs at 616.735.6286 or at www.walkericeandfitness.com . Help us celebrate National Parks & Recreation month!
Fred Meijer Standale Trail Update
The Fred Meijer Standale Trail started some 20 years ago as a ¾ mile ‘trail to nowhere’ linking Lake Michigan Drive and Harmon Park. It’s since expanded to the 7 mile trail we have today connecting the Walker Ice and Fitness Center to Millennium Park complete with an award winning .1 mile tunnel under M45 providing safe passage to pedestrian and bike traffic. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Friends of the Fred Meijer Standale Trail group.

Who are the Friends? They’re you! Commuters, casual riders, walkers, families, friends, seniors, singles, and even a dog or two! Together, we’re the helping hand that advocates for all things trail, from dog poo bags and trash cans, to maintenance and expansion.

We’re currently working with the City and the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition on a couple of proposals related to trail expansion. We’re in line for some very exciting growth of the trail in the next 3-5 years.

Want to learn more? Want to get involved? Come to the next Friends of the Fred Meijer Standale Trail meeting Tuesday, July 10 6:30-7:30pm at Walker Ice & Fitness Center, located on the north end of the trail at 4151 Remembrance Rd. NW Walker, MI 49534.

Questions? Email standaletrails@gmail.com and/or look for us on Facebook for regular updates.
Walker Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
Quarterly Meetings are held at:
Walker City Hall
4243 Remembrance Rd.
Walker, MI 49534
Held quarterly the second Tuesday of the month

Tuesday August 14, 2018
Noon ­ 1:30 pm
Personal Development Panel
Join our Experts and learn how to set goals and to realize and maximize your potential!
Presenter is Lorraine A. Medici from Express Employment Professionals

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Noon ­ 1:30 pm
The Travel & Tourism Industry
Th e travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries with a global economic contribution of about $8 TRILLION!
Among our Speakers you will hear;
Jim Gill, CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Gentle Fur in Action
Margie Lenau, Owner, Wonderland Family Vacations, LLC

If your business would like to host an Walker After Work Event, please let us know!
Follow our Facebook Page for announcements on our upcoming Walker Standale Summer Concert Series and Family Fun Movie in the Park Night!
Created by the Walker Youth Commission and adopted by the City Commissioners, this exciting video highlights the main attractions of the City of Walker, from Millennium Park to beautiful neighborhoods. This video was presented to the Walker community and soon-to-be citizens on how Walker is such a great place to live, work, and grow.