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Monthly e-Newsletter|October 2018 Edition
Hello from the Mayor
Dear Residents,

Summer is officially done, but I think that there are a few days of mild weather ahead of us. To start the fall out right the City hosted the fourth annual Pumpkin Bash on Saturday, October 6. So many wonderful families came out to celebrate the Fall. Young and old enjoyed decorating pumpkins, drinking cider and petting the animals. The event was free and open to the public, if you were not able to attend, make sure you look for it again next year.

Many roads have been resurfaced throughout the city, there are just a few projects that remain before the snow flies. We are looking forward to wrapping up the road reconstruction of Leonard Street and anticipate the completion of this project to be early-November.

Save the Date for our Walker Annual Winter Fest on Thursday, December 6 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. Enjoy free ice skating, pictures with Santa, winter crafts, live reindeer, hot cocoa and cookies, live music and more at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center. Follow our Facebook Page for updates!

Kind Regards,

Mark E. Huizenga
Mayor
Thanks for coming out to Walker Pumpkin Bash!
We had an awesome turnout for our 4th Annual Pumpkin Bash! Thanks to all who came out and braved the rain. We gave out 1,000 donuts, 30+ gallons of cider, 1000 mini pumpkins and more to many happy residents! All this fun wouldn't be possible without the help of our wonderful sponsors. A full list of sponsors can be found on our website: www.walker.city
Upcoming Events:
October 22-November 17: Leaf Recycling at City of Walker, more information on our website
October 26 : Skary Skate at Walker Ice & Fitness at 8:00 pm
November 6: Election Day; Polls open from 7:00 am-8:00 pm
December 6: Walker Winter Fest at 5:00 pm
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR EVENT DETAILS AND UPDATES!
Clerk's Office: Updates
Are you over 60?
If you are 60 years or older, you can be added to our permanent absentee voter list. This means you can skip the lines, avoid crowds and vote from home! We will mail you your absentee voter application automatically two months prior to each election. Contact your City Clerk, Sarah Bydalek, to be added to this list.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TO LATE! Apply for your Absentee Ballot to be mailed to you now if you are not available to vote in person on November 6th. You can get an absentee ballot now until the day before the election.

Please call (616) 791-6865 for more information.
City Hall Drop Box
Did you know you can drop off ANY document for ANY department to the gray City Hall Drop Box?! The Drop Box is located outside City Hall by the USPS mailboxes.

Absentee ballot applications or ballots can be placed in the drop box or dropped in the designated ballot box inside the Clerk's Office.


Reminder: Election Day is November 6, 2018!
Walker Fire Department: Rules for Open Burning Permits
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances for the City of Walker, Chapter 34 (Environment), Section 34-55
(Open Burning), listed below are the rules and regulations for the City’s Open Burning Policy:

Residential burning is allowed twice a year. The burning season begins on April 15th through May 15th and October 15th through November 15th. Burning permits are free and can be obtained at the main reception area at Walker City Hall or on line at www.walker.city . You will be required to show your valid Michigan driver’s license when applying for your burning permit. If you do obtain a permit, the following rules will apply:

  • You may only burn on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during the burning season..
  • The burning of leaves and grass clippings is prohibited.
  • You are only allowed to burn small twigs.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO COMMERCIAL BURNING (Contractors, businesses, clearing land, etc.)
  • Burning of garbage, rubbish or any other solid waste is also prohibited.
  • Open burning shall be supervised and kept under control by an adult who shall be present at the site of the fire at all times and until the fire is completely extinguished without smoldering.
  • Fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available at the site of the fire. A supply of water must be available in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
  • Open burning is not permitted within 50 feet of any building or overhead wires.
  • Open burning is not permitted in any public street.
  • Open burning is not permitted in ditches or drainage courses other than the burning of natural vegetation growing therein (with permission from the Fire Dept.)
  • No burning in trash barrels or other containers.
  • Burning is not allowed until sunrise and must be extinguished by sunset.
  • Materials to be burned must be dry and readily combustible. The fire must be small and no black smoke is permitted.
  • Burning is not allowed when the wind is over 20 mph.
  • You must renew your burning permit every spring.

Lastly, if the Fire Department is called to your address because of a complaint from smoke or odor from your fire, and if our responding fire officer determines that your burning is causing a health hazard or nuisance to your neighbors, you will be asked to extinguish your fire.  
Walker Police Department: Department News
During early fall, we often see an uptick in larcenies. This serves as a great reminder to keep doors and windows locked, and valuables out of sight. Don’t become a victim of a crime opportunity!

Our Detective’s Unit has been very busy. Below are a few cases they have been working on:

Detectives were assigned to assist Adult Protective Services with an investigation into an embezzlement from a vulnerable adult. During the investigation, admissions were made by the suspect that they inappropriately spent a large amount of the victim’s money for their own benefit. A charge was authorized for the suspect for Embezzlement-Vulnerable Adult $1,000 or more, but less than $20,000.

Patrol then took a report of a B&E to a vehicle and storage container at the same location. Evidence located on scene by patrol assisted detectives with identifying the two responsible suspects. Several hours of investigation by detectives, to include executing a search warrant at a house in Wyoming and interviews with the suspects, resulted in the authorization of arrest warrants for both suspects. A large amount of stolen property was recovered because of the search warrant.

Detectives and road patrol personnel responded to a possible shooting in the 2300 block of Wilson Ave SW. The shooting was reported to have occurred at the victim’s mailbox. The victim was struck in the leg and sustained minor injuries. Kent County Sheriff’s Department Scientific Support Unit responded to the scene to assist with evidence. The evidence collected by Kent County SSU is still pending. The investigation is still ongoing.

Thank you to those who stopped by our fundraiser at Freddy’s in Standale. Over $200 was raised, which will be used to support a family in need during the upcoming holiday season. Look for upcoming events to be announced soon!
As always, keep up on all things related to the Police Department by following us on Facebook at “City of Walker Police Department,” or check out the monthly reports that are posted on the city website. 
KDL Walker Branch
We're not an ArtPrize location, but we're delighted to be hosting art from the  Rivertown Artists' Guild . We just received a new display by painter Conni Schaftenaar. Stop in the library to see these lovely paintings!  
Our seventh annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest runs through November 30. Authors of all ages are welcome. It is presented by  Kent District Library  and  Schuler Books & Music . Writers of all ages can enter in English or Spanish, with cash prizes awarded for Readers' Choice and Judges' Choice. Winning entries will also be
published   by  Chapbook Press .


2019 Contest Timeline
Entries Accepted: September 1 – November 30, 2018
Review Process: December 1, 2017 – January 2, 2019
Semi-Finalists Announced: January 11, 2019
Public Voting Online / Judges' Review: January 11-31, 2019
Winners Announced: February 5, 2019
Anthology Layout and Production: February 5 – March 15, 2019
Awards Ceremony, Anthology Sale & Book Signing: March 16, 2019
Regular Events at the Walker Branch
Toddler Time
Mondays, October 8 – November 26
9:45 AM to 10:15 AM & 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Nurture your toddler's love of books through music, movement and stories while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills.

Baby Play Group
Thursdays, October 11 – November 29
No program November 22
9:30 am to 10:15 AM
Get to know other families and help your baby develop listening skills while you gather and play. We provide the space and variety of sensory and play activities. Each play group also includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. For babies from birth to 18 months with a caregiver, older sibling welcome.

Family Storytime
Mondays, October 8 – November 26
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Read and sing together. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop early literacy skills and encourage everyone in the family to share their love of reading.

Fall Fest – Crafts for kids
Friday, October 19,
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Celebrate the season with Autumn crafts, games and process art activities that focus more on the process and less on the final product.

Adult Book Discussion
Tuesday, October 9
10:00 am to 11:00 am
J oin us for an informal and lively discussion, this month we will discuss  Orphan Train  by Christina Baker Kline.

KDaLe Book Club: Osgood Brewing
Thursday, October 18, 2018
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Combine your love of books and brews at the KDaLe Book Club. Enjoy a drink from Osgood Brewing while we talk about what we've been reading. Expert book recommendations from KDL librarians included. The book club will be held at Osgood Brewing, 4051 Chicago Dr. SW in Grandville. For adults 21 and older.
Walker Ice & Fitness Center
Our NEW Spin Bikes are here!

Our new spin bikes have carbon belts for a smoother ride. They weigh just 88lbs, making them easier to move. Come join us for one of our spin-focused classes this fall – there’s classic spin; a spin and abs class, CSI (Cardio Strength Intervals) and our new Spin Interval 101.

For our class schedule, visit: http://www.walkericeandfitness.com/fitness_center/classes.php
Sign Up for Cross Ice at Walker Ice & Fitness!
The 2018-19 season of Cross Ice begins on October 12 and runs until March 9, 2019. Cross Ice is the next stage after Learn to Play Hockey. After Cross Ice, players will be ready for the HAWK Hockey Program. Participants will develop their love of the game through individual skill based station practices and small area games. Full equipment is required for Cross Ice (and can be purchased at the WIFC Pro Shop). Participants must be registered with USA hockey ( www.usahockey.com ). All questions should be sent to Ice Director Mike Fountain by email at mfountain@walkericeandfitness.com or by phone (616) 735-6286.
Starting October 1, 2018, the City of Walker Parks & Recreation Department will be collecting items to donate to the Grand Rapids Home for Veteran’s again. Last year we donated an entire truck full of items thanks to all the help from our Walker community and beyond! This year help us honor our Veteran’s by doubling last year’s donations!

Drop off location is in the lobby at Walker Ice & Fitness. Please see the list of items in need below. Remember no expired items will be accepted.
Clothing:
Women's Clothing (all sizes)
Men's Short Sleeves (M-5XL)
Men's white t shirts
NEW Boxer briefs
NEW baseball caps
Velcro tennis Shoes
NEW Diabetic socks
Entertainment:
NEW DVDs
NEW DVD Players
Current Magazines
Cordless Headphones (NO earbuds)
NEW Board Games
Misc. Items:
Postage Stamps
New batteries
Sunglasses
Coffee K-Cups

Individually packaged:
Candy Bars
Potato Chips
Cookies
Toiletries:
Dandruff Shampoo
Shaving Cream
Denture Adhesive (Polident & Fixodent)
Body Wash
Body/hand lotion
Mouthwash
Electric 3 head razors
Disposable razors
Walker Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
Quarterly Meetings are held at:
Walker City Hall
4243 Remembrance Rd.
Walker, MI 49534
Held quarterly the second Tuesday of the month

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Noon ­ 1:30 pm
The Travel & Tourism Industry
Th e travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries with a global economic contribution of about $8 TRILLION!
Among our Speakers you will hear;
Jim Gill, CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Gentle Fur in Action
Margie Lenau, Owner, Wonderland Family Vacations, LLC

If your business would like to host an Walker After Work Event, please let us know!
Follow our Facebook Page for announcements on our upcoming Walker Winter Fest!
Created by the Walker Youth Commission and adopted by the City Commissioners, this exciting video highlights the main attractions of the City of Walker, from Millennium Park to beautiful neighborhoods. This video was presented to the Walker community and soon-to-be citizens on how Walker is such a great place to live, work, and grow.