Though the original plan was to have the summer free meals program end Friday, Aug. 28, the United Church of Wayland is offering free lunches from Monday through Friday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.
The Wayland Union schools “Funtastic” summer meals program will conclude this week, but through sponsorship from Nauta, Steensma Accounting Services of Grandville, the program is being extended for one more week to fill in the gap between Aug. 28 and the official start of school Tuesday, Sept. 8. Aaron Steensma and his wife, Bonnie, and family are members of the United Church.
The biggest feature of the summer program, however, will be a visit at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Pine Street Elementary from Mary Wykstra, conservationist and animal activist from Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, and a live cheetah from the Columbus Zoo.
Wykstra was born just a few miles down the road in Martin, but found her calling in life to save this species from the brink of extinction. She will make a special visit to her hometown area this year before travel across the U.S. to speak at several zoos and private facilities on behalf of cheetah conservation in Kenya.
For the Wayland activity, the Columbus Zoo will provide the audience with a unique opportunity to meet a cheetah and her handlers and companion.
There is no cost to attend the special program, but a there is a $2 suggested donation. The first 100 kids will receive a free cheetah book. Crafts from Kenya will also be for sale, with proceeds used to purchase shoes and school uniforms for children in Kenya.
A free lunch will be provided prior to the event at Pine Street Elementary at 12:30 p.m. Monday for kids ages 18 and under. Adults can purchase a lunch for $4.
The free meals schedule for the upcoming week and the extended week is as follows:
- Monday, Aug. 24 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 11:30 to noon. Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively.
- Tuesday, Aug. 25 — Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.
- Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 a.m. 9 and from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
- Thursday, Aug. 27 — Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.
- Friday, Aug. 28 — Lunch (11:30 to noon) at United Church. Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.
- Monday, Aug. 31, through Friday, Sept. 4 — Lunch at the United Church of Wayland, 11:30 a.m. noon.
For more information, call Wayland Union Schools Food Service Director Sarah Parr at (269) 792-3150.
PHOTO: Mary Wykstra, a native of Martin, and her cheetah friend, special guests at 1 p.m. Monday at Pine Street Elementary.
