Campus Activities Board hosts Family Appreciation Week

This year, Grand Valley State University’s traditional Family Weekend has been re-created as Family Appreciation Week, reflecting the Campus Activities Board’s development of socially distanced and virtual events for the GVSU community to enjoy. The idea is for families and supporters to be able to join in the fun wherever they are — whether that’s on campus or not.

Among the week’s many events are an all-day Chalk Art Competition Sept. 16, a stress relieving plate smash Sept. 17, an asynchronous weekend 5k, and a week-long DIY poster making workshop celebrating People’s History. Registration on LakerLink and a full schedule of events can be found at gvsu.edu/familyweekend.

University Counseling offers QPR training

Mental health is always important, but it’s not a secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated many people’s pre-existing stressors and difficulties. In the hope of equipping everyone in the Grand Valley State University community with the knowledge and ability to protect each other, the University Counseling Center is hosting a virtual session of Suicide Prevention Training on Blackboard.

The event, which will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 12-1 p.m., will teach the QPR method — Question, Persuade and Refer — which is a nationally recognized procedure for suicide prevention. The training is designed to dispel common misconceptions about suicide, help recognize warning signs and overall examine the issue from both a social and multicultural perspective. Links to the event, and a schedule for other such sessions during the fall semester, can be found at gvsu.edu/counsel.

Take a toured hike on GV’s nature trails

If you’re interested in getting the most out of the natural expanses of the Allendale campus but are unfamiliar with the territory — or you hike it regularly, but would prefer doing so with company — then you might enjoy Laker Village’s upcoming group traversal of the local trails around campus.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, hikers can meet at 6 p.m. outside the Laker Village South Community Center, located in Allendale at 10440 Laker Village Drive. The nature walk will last until 8 p.m., when those attending will have a chance to watch the sunset. Those who are interested can RSVP for the free event on LakerLink by visiting gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage.

Grand Rapids collaborates on Breonna Taylor mural 

At the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Oakdale Street, local artists and organizations collaborated to create a mural dedicated to Breonna Taylor’s life. Taylor was a Grand Rapids native who’s wrongful death took place in Louisville, Kentucky on March 13. 

Taylor’s family, along with local organizations such as, Black Lives Matter of Greater Grand Rapids, Justice for Black Lives, Latinx for Black Lives and White Allies of Black Lives Matter Greater Grand Rapids helped organize the creation of this mural. The mural is meant to bring hope to all victims of police brutality and bring attention to Taylor’s life and wrongful death.

Patrons invited to laugh from a distance at Studio Park event 

The Michigan Man of the Year will be taking place this year at Studio Park Sept. 20. The event will be socially distanced and will provide live entertainment to the Grand Rapids community.  The event was originally scheduled for Sept. 12 but was postponed. 

Game show trivia, live music, improv and awards will take place at the event. The Michigan Man of the Year is self defined as “the state’s fakest/realest award.” Any man, women, child or pet can be nominated or nominate themselves for the award. The event is free but they are accepting donations.