GRCC In The News, 02-25-19

Business owner Michael B. Johnson honored as 2019 Giant Among Giants
2/24/19 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michael B. Johnson Sr., a philanthropist and business owner whose wide-ranging interests range from sponsoring youth sports to interior design, a cappella singing and nature photography, has been named this year’s Giant Among Giants in the annual Grand Rapids Community College awards program.

News 8 Daybreak
2/24/19 WOOD TV
Grand Rapids’ 37th annual Giants Awards was a big success. … Some of them may have thought their work has gone unnoticed, including one of last night’s special winners, known for his decades of business in West Michigan as well as providing scholarships and learning opportunities for Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Rapids Public School students.

Change Ups: River City Improv marks 25th year
2/22/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
Noorthoek Academy announced the addition of the following board members: Paul Dymowski, director of center programs for Kent Intermediate School District; Jan Ver Merris, retired special education teacher and high school guidance counselor; Victoria Smalley, estate planning attorney at Bolhouse, Hofstee, & McLean in Grandville; Ric Underhile, associate vice president for the Office of Advancement at Aquinas College; and Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College.

Denuncian que activista pro inmigrante, protegido por DACA fue arrestado por ICE en Grand Rapids
2/23/19 El Vocero
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH) .-Un movimiento pro inmigrante dio a conocer que en una redada hecha por ICE al comienzo de esta semana, uno de sus activistas, protegido bajo DACA, fue arrestado junto a su madre y recluido en Battle Creek.
… Familiares de Reyes, quienes también concurrieron a la rueda de prensa, dijeron que Brandon se mudó a Estados Unidos con su madre de México a los 6 años y ha vivido en Michigan desde el 2003. El activista estudió diseño gráfico en Grand Rapids Community College antes de trabajar con HealthNet West Michigan, una organización de acceso a la salud.
(A pro-immigrant movement reported that in a raid by ICE earlier this week, one of its activists, protected under DACA, ws arrested along with his mother and held in Battle Creek.
… Relatives of (Brandon) Reyes, who also attended the press conference, said that Brandon moved to the United States with his mother from Mexico at age 6 and has lived in Michigan since 2003. The activist studied graphic design at Grand Rapids Community College before working with HealthNet West Michigan, an access health organization.)

‘Special delivery:’ Letter arrives 45 years later
2/21/19 WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids man found a decades-old letter in his mailbox Thursday that had been sent to the address well before he lived there.
… She (Mary Vaughan Brady) told 24 Hour News 8 that she was 19 years old when she wrote the letter. In June 1974, she had just graduated from community college in Grand Rapids. Her wedding was set for later that year, so she a friend decided to take a trip through Europe beforehand.

Local theatre performing ‘Bad Jews’ by Joshua Harmon in Grand Rapids
2/23/19 WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids has been around since 1992, and has been performing shows with Jewish themes ever since. This year is no different. From February 27- March 10, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is performing Bad Jews.
… All performances will take place at Spectrum Theatre, 160 Fountain Street NE, on campus at Grand Rapids Community College.

IIPD Grant Applications: Due on Friday, March 22 at 4:30 pm

The deadline for the submission of grant applications for the Instructional Improvement & Professional Development (IIPD) Grant program is 4:30 pm, Friday, March 22, 2019.

Information about how to apply for an IIPD grant can be found at this website: IIPD Application and Guidelines.

Please note that applications must include a Dean’s and Department Head Approval forms, a budget form and budget documentation.

If you have any questions about IIPD grants, please contact Lisa Dopke, Director of Grant Development (234-3340, ldopke@grcc.edu) or Kim Squiers, Grant Specialist (234-2577, kimsquiers@grcc.edu). Good luck!

2018 Tax Year Form 1095-C Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage

Certain employers must provide federal form (referred to as a Form 1095-C) to the IRS and employees concerning the health insurance coverage that was offered by the employer to all full-time employees, individuals entitled to an offer of coverage, and to anyone else who is covered by the employer’s health plan.

Initially, employers were required to distribute the Form 1095-C to employees/former employees by January 31, 2019, however; the IRS extended the distribution deadline to March 4, 2019. We have collaborated with Plansource to manage the process; Plansource will mail Form 1095-C no later than March 4, 2019.

Taxpayers can prepare and file their returns as they normally would. You do not have to wait for Form 1095-C to file your tax return.

While you do not need to attach form your tax filing, once you receive Form 1095-C, please review your form for accuracy and retain this form with your other important tax records.

You can use the following documents to help you prepare your taxes and as proof of your insurance coverage:

• Insurance Cards
• Explaination of Benefits
• Statement of Benefits
• W-2 or payroll statements reflecting health insurance deductions.
• Other statements indicating that you or a member of your family had health care coverage.

• You won’t need to send the IRS proof of your health coverage; however, you should keep it with your other tax records. For more information, visit the IRS website at irs.gov.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact: Maria Belmares Herrera at (616) 234-4052 or Debra Davis at (616) 234-4175.

Retirement Party for Bob and Nanci Guigue on Feb. 28

Bob and Nanci Guigue’s Retirement Party

Please join us for a Retirement party for Bob and Nanci Guigue:

• When:  This Thursday, February 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Where: Atrium of the ATC Building (ground floor)

Come and celebrate Bob and Nanci’s retirement and thank them for their years of service!

There will be cake!

GRAHEN adult learner award nominations due Thursday

Do you know of an outstanding adult learner at GRCC?

Last year, GRCC celebrated it’s 2018 The Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) Outstanding Adult Learner award recipient, Drewyn Talley:

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This year, GRAHEN is again looking for outstanding adult learners whose accomplishments in higher education and contributions in the community merit recognition. GRAHEN defines an adult learner as a college age student in their mid to late 20’s and older. The student should be currently enrolled. The winner will be invited to an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, held to honor and recognize the student with a Certificate of Achievement and cash award.

Please send your nominations, no later than February 28, to Lori Cook (lcook@grcc.edu) and Francisco Ramirez (framirez@grcc.edu). They will follow up with the nominee on the application process, which consists of submitting an application, writing and essay, and two letters of recommendation.

Please contact Lori or Francisco with any questions. Thank you!

SLT Profile: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Oversight Team

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention oversight team monitors, evaluates, and makes recommendations for improvement for the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP).

The DAAPP supports student and employee awareness, education, and coordinated programming for drug and alcohol prevention. This covers training, compliance notification, policy review, and programming based on an established timeline.

Over the last year we have:

• Completed and presented the DAAPP Biennial Review Report.
• Conducted the prevention program evaluation, including recommendations for changes.
• Offered programming at the fall and winter Welcome Week, and during the winter semester.
• Emailed compliance notification to students, faculty and staff.
• In the coming year we plan to:
• Use feedback to improve awareness and training for employees.
• Improve the notification open rate for students.
• Explore how to increase the program awareness offerings for students through an online solution.
• Leverage existing programs.

The team is comprised of Campus Police, I.T., Human Resources, Counseling and Career Development, Financial Aid, CRM Coordinator, IRP, Dean of Student Affairs Office, Student Life and Conduct, Office of General Counsel, and Faculty representatives.

Reminder: Student Leadership Banquet award nominations due next week

The Student Leadership Banquet is an annual event where students are recognized for their contributions as a student leader at GRCC. The event is planned by Student Alliance and Campus Activities Board and is funded by the Campus Activities Fee. All student organizations, advisors, faculty, staff, and award nominees are encouraged to attend. Registration is now open and people can RSVP online.

• Theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted”
• Event Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019
• Location: Goei Center (818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504)
• Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
• Caterers: San Chez
• Evening Activities: Photo Booth and DJ following the awards ceremony
• Deadline to RSVP: March 14, 5 p.m.

Student leadership award nominations are now available through Raider Connect. Students, staff, and faculty can submit nominations. All nominations are due by March 8 at 5 p.m. Most of these awards are associated with a scholarship, so please consider nominating a student that you feel deserves recognition for their leadership and involvement.

Financial Aid ‘Learn to Earn’ event workshop tomorrow in Cook

Saving for the Future: Learn to Earn

February 25-March 2, 2019, is America Saves Week at GRCC!

GRCC is partnering with America Saves in ‘America Saves Week!’ Follow us on Twitter for more information about the #ImSavingFor sweepstakes and for your chance to win cash prizes toward your savings goal.

Special Event: Budgeting and Savings Workshop

• TUESDAY, February 26, 1-2 p.m. in Cook Hall, Room 208

At this budgeting workshop learn tips on how to:

• Track expenses,
• Effectively manage money, and
• Monitor credit history through budgeting activities.

For a chance to win prizes after the event, use the hashtag #RaidersAreSaving on Twitter.

Road Closure today: Lyon St NW

From 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. today, Lyon St. NW will be closed from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHERE: Lyon St. NW, from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHEN: Monday, February 25, 2019, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CLOSURE TYPE: Full closure.

DETOUR ROUTE:

• Eastbound: Ottawa to Pearl to Ionia.
• Westbound: Ionia to Michigan to Ottawa.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Building exterior work with a crane.