Meeting Update 7–23–19
Meeting Packet: https://www.miottawa.org/appImages/Calendar/1563474916174-packet.PDF
West Michigan Express: Today the board approved a resolution of support for the West Michigan Express. The West Michigan Express is the result of a baseline feasibility study and employee survey, which indicated that there was a strong level of interest and support for a concept commuter express bus or train service in the Chicago Drive corridor. The Holland City Council recently adopted a similar resolution of support.
This resolution does not commit the County in any way to financially support this initiative. Rather, it demonstrates the County’s support for the West Michigan Express Task Force to identify further partners to support this initiative and explore funding options. More info here.
OC Parks: All Art Works invites you to an event to raise money for the Ottawa County Parks Foundation! 10% of all sales will go towards developing the parks and outdoor spaces of Ottawa County. The show will feature 60 paintings from the All Art Works online platform, many of them painted in the natural surroundings of Ottawa County. Complimentary wine will be available. Join us and bring home a one of a kind work of art while helping to preserve the natural beauty of our amazing community! More info here.
OC Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: On July 31 at 10:30am, Al Vanderberg & Robyn Afrik talking about the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans at facebook.com/ottawacounty. They will take your questions live (or comment now) and address them during the chat. Mark your calendars today!
Grand River Waterway: On July 17, Dan O’Keefe from MSU Extension gave a update on the Grand River Waterway project at Connor Bayou. A lot of the discussion centered around what residents can do to prevent the project from coming about, and the main answer is ‘reach out to your State Senator and Representative’.
OC Health Department: For the first time in over twenty years, Ottawa County has experienced its first case of Typhoid Fever. The case is the result of an international mission trip, where travelers unfortunately had not received typhoid vaccinations. Currently, the Health Department is triaging the case, and hjopefully will have a positive results soon.
Just a reminder that the Health Department maintains a Travel Clinic in each of our Department of Public Health offices. The clinic staff will recommend and administer travel vaccines indicated for you, based on your medical history and the anticipated risk of exposure during your travels. You will also be provided with information and counseled on common health hazards which might be encountered on your trip, such as insect/water-borne illnesses and other non-vaccine preventable infections, recent infectious outbreaks in the area, and health care standards and health care availability at your destination. More info here.
Also, quick remionder to call now to schedule your child’s free hearing and vision screening before the back-to-school rush! 616–396–5266. In Michigan, hearing and vision screenings are REQUIRED before a kindergartner can start school. More info here.
OC Parks: Nice interview with new OC Parks Director Jason Shamblin following the recent Open House at Hemlock Crossing here.
Also, on August 1, Valerie van Heest is scheduled to give an illustrated lecture about the development of Holland Harbor and its lighthouses, including Big Red. At the Historic Ottawa Beach Pump House. No registration required.
