Group Exercise Classes

The Grand Valley State University recreation center is hosting spring group exercise classes during the week of May 4. Anyone is welcome to try a class for free until May 11, when passes are required.

A variety of indoor and outdoor classes are offered in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids and local parks. The schedule of events is online at www.gvsu.edu/rec/group-exercise-class-schedules-19.htm. Passes are available at www.gvsu.edu/rec/group-exercise-pass-18.htm.

For more information, contact Lee McLaughlin at [email protected].

Laker for a Lifetime Post-Race Party

The Grand Valley State University Alumni Association is sponsoring a post-race party in the DeVos Center 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May. Those 21 and older can try Brewery Vivant Beer, and others can grab a free Monster energy drink while enjoying free food and entertainment.

For students who preregister and bring their ID, the cost is $5. Those 12 and up will pay $10, and children under 12 are free.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/alumni/rbrparty.

Active Commute Week Challenge

Starting on Monday, May 11, West Michigan residents can accept the Active Commute Week challenge. Grand Valley State University students are competing against other universities and organizations to see which group can take the bus and carpool the most times during the week.

The Rapid provides the West Michigan Rideshare tool to accomplish this goal, and prizes are awarded daily to those who track their trips. Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition is hosting Handlebar Happy Hour-Special Edition and will announce the overall winners.

For more information on the week’s events, go to www.acwgr.org/events/full-width/.

Stomp Out Stigma Walk for Mental Health

Stomp Out Stigma is an annual 5k community walk through downtown Grand Rapids that raises awareness during National Mental Health Month. It takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the Pew Campus Courtyard, located on Fulton Street.

Families are encouraged to attend the free three-mile race along the boardwalk. Teams can help raise money for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.

For more details, see www.themhf.org/events/stomp_out_stigma, or contact Kandice Sloop at (616) 389-8601.

Franchising as a Career, an investment or both

For those interested in business ownership, the Michigan Small Business Development Center is presenting a free seminar from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Bike Factory.

Brigitte Betser, a FranNet employee, will talk about common myths and offer tips for investment today. She will also discuss how individuals can enter into the world of franchising, if they feel it is the right fit for them.

To register, visit www.clients.sbdcmichigan.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=70350003, or call SBDC West Michigan at (616) 331-7370.