KROC BLOCK PARTY: The Kroc Block Party is this Friday, August 19 from 5:30-8:30pm! Help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook event. In addition to our giant slip & slide, this free event will include:
- Bounce house and cotton candy from National Heritage Academies
- Mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition
- Free jump passes from Launch Grand Rapids
- Giveaways and Buckets the mascot from the Grand Rapids Gold
- Giveaways from Consumers Energy, Health Net of West Michigan, Family Futures, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Head Start for Kent County.
Please contact Jon Shaner if you have any questions. See you there!
BACKYARD BBQ: The last Backyard BBQ of the summer will be this Thursday, August 18th from 12-1pm. We’ll also save food for those working in the evening as well. Thanks to our friends on the EAT Committee for organizing these summer events.
RED SHIELD CONCERT: The Salvation Army of Kent County is hosting their last summer concert at the Kroc this Wednesday, August 17. This free event runs from 6–8:30pm and will be held in our outdoor amphitheater. Dinner is also free for the first 200 people! Entertainment will include performances from local dance troupes and ventriloquist Barbara Jean.
NEW FITNESS GUIDELINES: In the interest of making our fitness areas more accessible and useful for our members, we are changing our guidelines regarding fitness studio usage, effective immediately. Please speak with Margarita or Luke if you have any questions.
- Members/guests age 16+ (or 12-15 with a Teen Fit Permit) may exercise individually in a fitness studio when it is not in use for a Kroc group exercise class (including virtual classes), program, personal training, or professional development. Usage is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are available.
- Please do not touch the screen, projector, or tablet used for Les Mills Virtual classes. You may use your own device to work out with, as long as the volume does not disrupt other guests or activities.
- Equipment may be checked out from the Fitness Desk, or small weights may be brought from the free weight area (heavy weights may damage the studio flooring). Items in the equipment room (between Studio A & B) are for Kroc group exercise classes only.
- All guests are expected to return their equipment and clean up after themselves before leaving the studio.
- Members/guests may not organize their own fitness classes, personal training, or other activities that may conflict with services offered by the Kroc Center.
NEW REC MANAGER: Please welcome our newest Kroc Krew staff member, Sammie Ryans, who will be filling the Recreation Manager role starting this Monday, Aug. 15th.
Sam has shared that he is excited to help preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination! He recently graduated from Aquinas College with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Sports Management and was a two-year captain on the men’s basketball team. Prior to attending Aquinas, he attended Grand Rapids Community College, where he also served as captain of the men’s basketball team. Beyond Basketball, his greatest passion is to impact the local youth by working to provide a path to success. We’re thrilled to add Sam to our team and eager to see how he’s able to help further our impact on the community. To start his onboarding on day one, we will take a full building tour for individual introductions. If we miss you Monday morning, please try to introduce yourself sometime within the week.
OPEN POSITIONS: Visit the Central Territory’s ADP Recruitment system for all job postings and to submit applications online. We appreciate you sharing opportunities with friends and family! Current openings include: Accountant; Group Exercise Instructor; Fitness Attendant; Personal Trainer; Music Instructor; Drama Instructor; Swim Instructor; Lifeguard; Swim Instructor.
Send an email to RJ Kroc if you see someone going above and beyond for our guests! Here are some examples observed recently:
- This is the last week of Camp Kroc! Be sure to thank our amazing camp staff for their hard work this summer!
- Nicole Wheelock found swim trunks for three teens that were tired of playing basketball and wanted to take advantage of the no reservation family swim. Their remark, “COOL!”
- Damon Lemons building relationships with members quickly despite being new at the Welcome Desk
- Bram Roberts & Melissa Roemer keeping up their lifeguard certification ‘just in case’ they are needed for staffing purposes
- Bob Morales spending time on his break to connect with a senior member in the lobby
Here are some of the upcoming events and groups at the Kroc Center:
- FitKids On the Move: Tuesday/Wednesday, 6-8pm, WPAC
- Red Shield Summer Concert: Wednesday, 3:00-8:00pm, Amphitheater, Fireside, WPAC [see note above]
- Kroc Block Party: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm, Outdoor Campus [see note above]
- Lobos Soccer: Tuesday/Friday, 6-8pm; Saturday 3-8pm; Sunday 11am-7pm; Outdoor Soccer Fields
Be sure to wish a Happy Birthday to our Kroc Krew colleagues:
- Megan Rosalez, Fitness Instructor: 8/14
- Allison Dyke, Program Assistant: 8/17
