The Kalamazoo Conservation District is taking orders for tree seedlings. It’s offering seven species of conifers, 12 species of shade and small trees, and four species of shrubs for sale. These seedlings are Michigan grown and most are species native to our area. Additional products such as Deer Out Repellent, tree shelters, and Kalamazoo County Plat Books are also available for purchase. Information and order forms are available at www.kalamazoo conservation.org. Seedling pick up will be Friday April 21 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday April 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the district office at 5950 Portage Rd. in Portage. There may be extra seedlings available for purchase on the pickup days, but varieties and quantities may be limited.
The early childhood education staff of Michigan State University Extension is offering an online training opportunity for early childhood professionals called “Building Early Emotional Skills” (BEES) for early childhood professionals.
The Extension calls it an opportunity to learn more about how children develop important social emotional skills, and how to help them learn to understand and express their emotions appropriately. The class will focus on dealing with caregiver stress and handling tantrums, biting and other challenging behaviors of young children. Caregivers will learn about the important role they play in helping young children feel safe and secure as they learn to navigate their strong emotions.
The series is free and entirely online. It is an approved MiRegistry training for eight training hours upon successful completion of the series. There is no cost for the training and all materials are provided digitally.
Vicksburg VFW Post 5189 is seeking new members. The post’s emphasis has always been service to veterans and community. Post membership has been too small to establish a canteen or club, so meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Kline’s Resort Clubhouse. Chartered in 1946, the post was named for Captain Charles Osborne, a medical doctor who served in the South Pacific in WWII.
James Schippers, who served in Vietnam as an infantry soldier, is the new post commander. Senior Vice Commander is Mel Kuis, who also served in Vietnam. Commander Schippers oversees business and organizes post meetings and Honor Guard services. Senior Vice Commander Kuis and Commander Schippers organize Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day activities. Senior Vice Commander Kuis also commands the Honor Guard that provides military honors and rifle salutes for deceased veterans at the request of family.
Significant dates for veterans and activities include: Buddy Poppy donations during the month of May; Memorial Day Ceremony at Vicksburg Cemetery; June 14 Flag Day; July 4, Independence Day; and November 11. Veteran’s Day. The Post’s biggest challenge today is an aging and declining membership.
The VFW Post 5189 is seeking eligible veterans who would like to serve other veterans and the community. The post will pay an individual’s first year membership dues and will share the cost of an official VFW jacket. We want to continue building our VFW membership to help veterans get the Veteran’s Administration benefits that they deserve. Anyone interested in joining our post can contact Commander Schippers at 269-760-7391 or email at bjschippers@comcast.net.
