CHANGES TO FACILITY HOURS: As of today, our new weekday building hours are 6 AM-8PM, without a midday closure. The new drop-in recreation guide is available in print and online, which includes the return of the hot tub (on a limited schedule, by reservation only), and new Lunch Express virtual fitness classes at noon on weekdays. In addition, all virtual drop-in classes are moving back upstairs to Studio B, with a limited capacity of 4 people each.
NEW EMPLOYEE “HUDDLE” TIME: Last week’s First Five incorrectly listed the new time for the afternoon ‘huddle’ meeting with the updated facility hours in place. The huddle will now take place at 3:50 PM weekdays in the area near the climbing wall. Please try to make sure at least one representative from each department is present to receive any updates on daily schedules and other important information.
KROC BLOCK PARTY: While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented us from holding most of our large public events, we are looking forward to bringing back the Kroc Block Party as our end-of-summer celebration, hopefully in an environment that allows for more activities and people to offer a sense of ‘normalcy’ on our outdoor campus. The date for this event will be Friday, August 20 (also the final day of Camp Kroc for the summer) — watch for more information coming soon!
COVID-19 REMINDERS: Due to the still high (but finally declining) number of COVID cases around the state, we all need to be especially cautious at this time, both at the Kroc Center and in our personal choices. Please continue be diligent about wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large indoor gatherings. Even though it is also allergy season, we still encourage everyone to STAY HOME if you feel sick at all. It is better to play it safe and cover for one person than to risk having to quarantine multiple Kroc Krew members and significantly impact operations! We continue to pray for the health and safety of all our employees and members.
REMINDERS OF THE WEEK:
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SAFETY: As we enter the month of May, we start to get into the heart of Michigan’s severe weather season. Please review the emergency procedures for severe weather this week to make sure you can act quickly in the event of a potentially damaging storm. For example… do you know the difference between a Watch and a Warning? Or, what’s the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a Tornado Warning?
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CUSTOMER SERVICE: While all of our four keys are important, safety of our team and guests is the most important. We strive to provide emotional, mental, physical and spiritual safety for members/staff. This week’s focus: Speak up to ensure the safety of others.
NEW(ISH) TO THE KREW: Welcome back our newly (re-)hired Kroc Center colleague… Rachel Tuit, Lifeguard
SUMMER VACATION REQUESTS: In order to allow us to plan appropriately with limited staffing, all employees who plan to take a full week off at any point during the summer (June-August) need to submit those requests before Friday, May 28. This requirement does not apply to shorter PTO requests. Thanks for your understanding.
CAMP KROC EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS: Kids of Kroc Center employees may register for Camp Kroc summer day camps at a special employee rate of $82 per week (discount does not apply to before/after care). Use the coupon code STAFF2021 in the CampDoc registration system to receive this discount. Please see Kayla Welch or Patrice Franks with any camp-specific questions.
CORE VALUE OF THE WEEK: We value a thriving community. The Kroc Center cultivates a sense of place that bonds people together and makes our whole neighborhood stronger.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” – Matthew 14: 25-31 (NLT)
Send an email to RJ Kroc if you see someone going above and beyond for our guests! Here are some recent examples:
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The Aquatics staff went out of their way to check in on a regular member and convinced her to come back to the Kroc.
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Albert and other Kroc Krew members have received numerous compliments from our partners in the Kentwood AYSO program.
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Chris Reinsma threw a heartwarming ‘graduation party’ for the first senior to complete the grant-supported “Restoring Health” program.
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Amy Seif was observant and helped remind a member that he had entered the building wearing a jacket and left it upstairs by mistake!
Here are some of the upcoming events and groups at the Kroc Center:
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Lifeguard Training – Friday evening / Saturday / Sunday
Be sure to wish a Happy Birthday to our Kroc Krew colleagues:
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May 3: Kevin Chilton, Child Watch lead
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May 5: Dominick Butler, Lifeguard
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May 6: Joe Bylsma, Lifeguard
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May 6: Amy Seif, Welcome Desk Lead
