Please be sure to welcome our newest member of the program department… Recreation & Sports Manager Katie Deatherage!
Katie has a vast experience in recreation including Festival and Events Director for the city of Howell, Michigan; Athletic Facilities Assistant for Western Michigan University; Volunteer Coordinator for Kalamazoo County Parks; and Recreation Program Coordinator for the city of Schererville, Indiana. Katie has a MA in Sports Management and BS in Recreation Management from Western Michigan University where she was also lettered in both cross country and track and field. Katie is also a member of both the NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) and MRPA (Michigan Recreation and Parks Association).
However, some sad news to share as well from Lt. Bill:
“I wanted to inform you that Megan Lougheed will be stepping down from the Education Manager position. While an exact date has not been finalized, this will take place sometime after the new year. As many of you know, Megan and her husband Casey are expecting their second child in February and Megan intends to spend more time with her growing family as well as take over a family business.
This was Megan’s second stint with the Kroc Center having first worked as a Recreation Supervisor in 2012 – 2014. Megan returned to the Kroc Center as Education Manager in the Fall of 2016.
We are sad to see Megan leave (again!), but certainly wish God’s richest blessings as she makes this transition. We are grateful for her leadership of the after school, summer learning, senior, day camp and education programs as well as her leadership and championing of the Kids Hope mentoring program.
Thanks in advance for your support and prayers of Megan and the education department during this transition. If you have any questions please let me know. God Bless.”
There are numerous changes to recreation schedules during Christmas Break. Please familiarize yourself with these in the Drop-in Recreation Guide in order to provide correct information to guests during this time.
Speaking of Christmas Break… this note from Day Camp Manager Jessica Pollins:
“Kroc Krew Members will receive special pricing for Christmas Break Camp!
Christmas Break Camp Dates:
December 26-29 from 9am to 4pm (with extended care availble from 7:30am to 9am & 4pm to 6pm)
January 2-5 from 9am to 4pm (with extended care availble from 7:30am to 9am & 4pm to 6pm)
Pricing for camp is $15 dollars a day for Camp Kroc with Extended Care. To register, please contact me with the dates that you plan to register for and if you would like to enroll in Extended Care. Once you are registered for camp, payment must be made prior to the first date of your camp. No spots can be held for staff children if payment has not been made. This special offer is only eligible for immediate family members only.
Campers can expect to participate in fun & interactive Bible lessons, play holiday-themed games, swim, sled, and so much more! Please let me know if you have any questions!”
Parking reminder: With the snow beginning to fly, it’s a good time to remind all employees of our parking guidelines. As shared in late October, employees are now allowed to park in the side (south) parking lot in addition to the back (east) parking lot. That being said, all staff should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Employees should enter the building from the employee entrance in the rear of the building.
- In the event that the side (south) lot is filled, employees must park in the back (east) parking lot.
- Driving on the walking path that connects the side and back parking lot is strictly prohibited by both employees, members, renters and guests. This is a safety concern as this path is commonly used by people walking around the campus.
- Throughout the year, there will be events and rentals that will take up a large number of parking spots. During these events and rentals, employees will be asked to use the back (east) parking lot. We will do our best to inform our employees well in advance of any parking changes.
Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe!
Send an email to RJ Kroc if you see someone going above and beyond for our guests! Here’s an example from this week:
- “You can’t beat the Welcome Desk Team. One of the main entry doors was not working. Soon, Stephanie and Jacki were already doing what needed to be done to fix the door. WOW! A real picture of the team members pulling together to get it done!”
- “Bernard calmed an aggressive guest down during basketball and prevented the situation from escalating during his shift.”
- Thanks to the Facilities team for finishing the upgrades to our locker room showers – hopefully, everyone will appreciate their new adjustable faucets!
Here are some of the upcoming events at the Kroc Center:
- South Division Ave. Development Meeting: Fireside Hall, Tuesday 5:30-8:00pm
- Over the Top Dance Academy: WPAC, Tuesday & Thursday 5:30-7:30pm
- GR Fire Department: Fireside A/B, Wednesday 6:00am-6:00pm
- Housing Coalition: Fireside C, Thursday 9-11am
- AARP: Fireside A/B, Thursday 12:30-2:30pm
- GRAB/Women’s Auxiliary Christmas Party: Fireside Hall, Friday 9:30am-2:00pm
- DST Youth Group: Fireside B, Saturday 12-3pm
Managers on Duty:
- AM (Open to 10am): Paul Wood
- Midday (10am-3pm): Crystal Truong
- PM (3pm to close): Albert Montiel
- Saturday, December 16 (12-7pm): Jon Shaner
- Sunday, December 17 (1-5pm): Crystal Truong
Job Openings: Apply online through The Salvation Army Central Territory’s Career Portal. Also, remember you will be rewarded with a free cookie coupon for everyone you refer for a job at the Kroc Center!
- Education Manager (FT)
- Archery Instructor
- Evening Fitness Supervisor
- Fitness Attendant
- Gym Attendant
- Climbing Wall Attendant
- Swim Instructor
- Welcome Desk Attendant
- Water Fitness Instructor
- Group Exercise Instructor
- 16: Melissa Hartley, Child Watch Attendant
- 17: Pope Francis
