Bob Batsell and Jen Combes earned well-deserved recognition at today’s All Campus Gathering. Read more by selecting the link below.
Employee Relations
Act Fast! Free shoes for elementary students
Elementary students who attend public school in Kalamazoo County are eligible for a free pair of athletic shoes through First Day Shoe Fund.
First Day Shoe Fund distributes brand new athletic shoes through local school districts each fall. During the first two months of each new school year, they distribute shoes to students in need at all Kalamazoo County Public Elementary Schools. First Day Shoe Fund continues to help students in urgent need throughout the school year whenever possible. They distributed 5,291 shoes in 2021. First Day Shoe Fund (FDSF) is a 501(c)(3) organization out of Portage, MI.
When does online ordering close?
Online ordering is open through September 9, 2022.
Who Is Eligible For New Shoes?
Students in Pre-K through 5th grade at any Kalamazoo County public elementary school.
Thank you… and an invitation
THANK YOU for your role in rejuvenating the community feel of our wonderful College. It is so heart-warming to see so many colleagues enjoy the presence of others. All of these moments take planning and commitment. THANK YOU!
The past few months have been a lot of fun. Let’s look back at some of our activities.
- Enjoyed delicious popcorn from Kalamazoo Kettle Corn.
- Summer hours – two weeks longer than in past years without the need to “make up” for shorter hours.
- FANTASTIC Friday food – 11 open houses hosted by 17 different units, including the final open house on Friday, August 26, and hosted by Facilities Management.
- Cooled off with ice cream and the smooth sounds of a Bluegrass band.
- Created lasting memories at the Karnival. Check out the first dunk and photos on the Karnival site.
- Various celebrations such as Juneteenth, Black Joy Week, retreats, picnics, and plenty of various gatherings.
It is so much fun to collaborate with creative colleagues. Please be invited to share your ideas for future community-building activities in the comments below or by connecting with Renee Boelcke.
while enjoying popcorn
Jenga tournament
Michigan Festivals and Fairs
Summertime is a great time in Michigan for all sort of activities, including festivals and fairs. Whether you are into food, art, music, or the obscure, there is something for you in the mitten state. Visit event links for more information.
What is missing? Add a favorite event in the comments.
June Events
| Date(s) | Location | Event |
| 11 | LocalVicksburg | FreeVicksburg Old Car Festival |
| 11-12 | LocalStatewide | FreeFishing and off-road vehicle (ORV) weekend |
| 12-18 | Marion | Marion Fair |
| 17 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeQueer the Block Presented by Drue |
| 18-19 | LocalKalamazoo | Mac & Cheese Fest |
| 20 | LocalKalamazoo College | FreeJuneteenth Celebration Picnic |
| 24 | LocalPortage | FreeMovies in the Park: Jumanji: The Next Level |
| 25 | LocalPortage | FreeSummer STEAM Day – Engineering |
| 25-26 | Charlevoix | Charlevoix Summer Art Show |
July Events
| Date(s) | Location | Event |
| 1 | LocalRichland | FreeLive Dance Performance |
| 1-2 | Bay City | FreeBay City Firework Festival |
| 2 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeJerico Maker Faire! |
| 2-9 | Traverse City | National Cherry Festival |
| 8 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeArt Hop |
| 8 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeHistoric Walks: Edison Neighborhood |
| 9-10 | Charlevoix | FreeCharlevoix Arts & Craft Festival |
| 16 | LocalHickory Corners | Symphony in the Summer: Gershwin + Dvorak’s New World |
| 21-24 | Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor Art Fair |
| 23 | LocalKalamazoo | Free3-on-3 Basketball Tournament |
| 23 | LocalPortage | FreeSummer STEAM Day – Space |
August Events
| Date(s) | Location | Event |
| 5 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeArt Hop |
| 6 | LocalHickory Corners | Red Barns Spectacular Car Show and Swap Meet |
| 9-13 | Ludington | Western Michigan Fair |
| 11-14 | South Haven | FreeNational Blueberry Festival |
| 13 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeVintage in the Zoo |
| 20-21 | LocalStatewide | FreeOff-Road Vehicle (ORV) Weekend |
| 26 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeHistoric Walks: Libraries in Kalamazoo |
| 28 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeOshtemo Music in the Park |
September Events
| Date(s) | Location | Event |
| 1-5 | Novi | Michigan State Fair |
| 5 | LocalKalamazoo | FreeArt Hop |
| 5 | Mackinaw City | FreeLabor Day Bridge Walk |
| 9-17 | LocalAllegan | Allegan County Fair |
| 16- Oct 3 | Grand Rapids | FreeArt Prize |
| 18 | LocalPortage | FreeFall Festival |
| 23-25 | Lake Orion | Made in Michigan Festival |
HR Buzz: Did you know?
Did you know that there are plenty of resources located on the Employee Relations page of the HR site? These resources are intended to support each of us as a whole person, both inside and outside of the workplace.
Examples of available resources include:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a free, confidential service available to help with life’s matters including child/elder care, financial services, wills and directives, and access to counseling services.
- Paid time off. Information about vacation, bereavement, holidays, and more. By the way, the 2021-22 holiday calendar is posted.
- Ambrose Prize. Submit a nomination for a staff colleague for this prestigious award. Nominations are accepted through Friday, April 2.
- Family and Life. Explore the region, locate childcare resources, and other items of possible interest.
If you have a resource suggestion for our colleagues, please contact Renee Boelcke at renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu.