West Michigan ASSP members tour the capital expansion project at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park during a monthly meeting.

Currently under construction, this $115 million capital expansion project includes several new buildings, totaling over 100,000 sf, and extensive renovations and reconfigurations to the 158-acre campus. O-A-K has overseen all work at the Frederik Meijer Gardens since their inception in 1995. This capital expansion began in September 2017. All facilities will be ready by early 2023. Recently completed: • A new 20,000 sf, LEED-certified Covenant Learning Center, connected to the current facility, featuring six classrooms and an interactive education area (recipient of 2019 ABC Excellence in Construction award) • A new Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden on the roof of the Covenant Learning Center • A new Peter C. and Emajean (Pat) Cook Transportation Center to transport people within the 158-acre park • Expanded and upgraded Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, to increase seating capacity Under construction: • A new 69,000 sf, LEED-certified Welcome Center, featuring a new plaza that will bridge the space between the main entrance and outdoor amphitheater. Upcoming: • A reimagined and expanded BISSELL Inc. Scenic Corridor • A new Meijer-Shedleski Picnic Pavilion • Expanded and accessible parking and urban gardens

John Viana, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021.  John was born in Syracuse, New York on August 12, 1936.  

He was a member of the New York Air National Guard for ten years and completed the Air Force Cadet Program.  He served in a Fighter Squadron and a Radar Unit.  John flew in fighters as a radar observer and worked in the Radar Unit as a weapons controller.  In 1961 his Radar Unit was called to active duty during the Berlin Wall Crisis and his unit was sent to Germany to operate a radar site controlling aircraft.

He worked for Aetna Casualty and Surety Insurance Company for thirty-six years and for Hastings Mutual for five years.  His assignments included Loss Control, Commercial Underwriting and Commercial Marketing. Prior to insurance experience, he worked for Allied Chemical tending boilers in the power house.

Involved with the American Society of Safety Engineers/Professionals – West Michigan Chapter, Region VII/North Area, John was active member for 41 years and an emeritus member for 16 years totaling nearly six decades of dedicated membership supporting the association’s mission in America’s workplace: “Working together for a safer, stronger future.”

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Beverly; son: David (Shelly) Viana and their children, Kyle, Justin, Torie and great grandson, Silas; daughter, Deborah (Paul) Mabin and their daughters, Kaleah and Jayde; sister in Camillus, New York, Maria (Robert) Maraio and their children, Sharon and Sandra; several cousins, nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Marie and parents, Peter and Irma Viana.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be sent online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Well done long and faithful servant, we bid you farewell.

Presenter: Jonathan Zimmerman

Jonathan will take attendees through tips on safety leadership he has accumulated over the years and will lead a discussion of future trends and thoughts on where fresh and new safety culture and leadership ideas may be coming from. Severe Injury and Fatality (SIF) Prevention, Human Performance, visual literacy, research from Campbell Institute, Lessons from History, and JZ’s (what’s up with that) trademark color Orange?

Topic: Training with Q/R Code Tracking

Presenter: Chris Brennan, Safety Manager with Premiere Property Services

We have all seen and probably used a QR Code when we have had to enter a building to submit a Covid-19 health screen questionnaire. Or have you ever wondered how a restaurant uses QR Codes to allow you view their menu while sitting at a table? This virtual chapter meeting will show you how to utilize this technology and how it can enhance your safety program. Think about getting rid of paper copies of PIT Daily Checklists or how to link up a toolbox talk to a mobile workforce as two examples.

Chris Kamp, GSP, Safety Coordinator for John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomed WMASSP members to discuss emergency response and safety at the zoo. The Zoo’s mission is “To help all individuals gain information about, respect for, and an understanding of the animal kingdom by providing quality zoological facility that promotes good animal husbandry, provides diverse educational opportunities, actively participates in local, state, and national conservation and research programs and achieves a significant breeding and reproductive record.” The urban Zoo is governed by Kent County. It is the first zoo in the State to receive accreditation by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.