Community Updates: Friday, November 11

Kent County Encourages Residents to Ensure Their Pets' Safety as Cold Weather Approaches

As autumn begins to wind down and the weather grows increasingly colder, the KCSO Animal Control Division and the Kent County Animal Shelter are encouraging residents to ensure that their outdoor pets have everything they need to be safe and comfortable during the upcoming winter season. Angela Hollinshead, the Director of the Kent County Animal Shelter, made the following statement in a press release that was sent out on Thursday, November 10:

"The best place for our pets is in our home but we know that is not always possible. We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long stretches of time. Many pets are not equipped to handle the effects of cold temperatures so we want to remind pet owners of their responsibilities to care for them during the winter."

Per Michigan law, dogs must be supplied with fresh water, adequate amounts of dry bedding (straw is recommended), and a sufficient form of insulated/ventilated shelter if they will be outside for an extended period of time. Outdoor cats, while not specifically covered legally, could also use dry bedding and shelter to protect themselves from extreme temperatures.

The KSCO and KCAS are also encouraging residents to report any suspected cases of neglect directly to Animal Control by calling (616) 632-7310. According to Lt. John DeGroot of the Kent County Sheriff's Office:

"If someone suspects an animal is being neglected or is in danger due to cold weather, we encourage them to contact Animal Control. The KCSO is prepared to investigate all reports of animal neglect throughout the winter."

Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries to Become Part of GRPM's Regular Chaffee Planetarium Programming Schedule

On Thursday, November 10, the Grand Rapids Public Museum sent out a press release to announce that the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will soon be adding a new show to its regular programming schedule. Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries, narrated by Chilean astronomer Barbara Rojas-Ayala, is a show that focuses on the significant amounts of manpower and expertise needed to maintain operations at three of Chile's most remote observatories:

• Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)
• Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO)
• Gemini South Observatory

Jack Daleske, the Planetarium and Theater Manager at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, expressed excitement about the addition of this film to the Chaffee Planetarium's regular schedule:  

"What I love about Big Astronomy is that it shows visitors, especially students and children, the real people who work on these world-class observatories. We get to meet not just the astronomers, but the engineers, technicians, and teachers who contribute to the work of astronomy. We want audiences to see themselves in the people they see in our shows, and Big Astronomy will help make that connection for viewers." 

Big Astronomy: Peoples, Places, Discoveries will officially be added to the Chaffee Planetarium's regular programming schedule on Friday, November 25. To learn more about the show or to get ticketing information, visit the GRPM's website here.

Also in the News:

• Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids have announced that most of their offices will be closed in observance of Veteran's Day on Friday, November 11. 

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