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03/19/25 7:00 AM 03/19/25 3:00 PM America/New_York Registration Desk Opens View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30477 <br/> Registration is located in the Kalamazoo Foyer on the lower leve. Kalamazoo Foyer, Lower Level New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Kalamazoo Foyer, Lower Level
Registration Desk Opens
Registration is located in the Kalamazoo Foyer on the lower leve.
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03/19/25 7:30 AM 03/19/25 8:30 AM America/New_York Breakfast & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30468 <br/> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">Sunrise Breakfast Buffet</span></strong></p> <ul><li>Bacon (FG, FN, FD)</li><li>Freshly Cut Fruit Salad FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Whipped Butter and Fruit Preserves</li><li>Vanilla Yogurt with Fresh Berries and Granola VG</li><li>Cheddar and Chive Egg Bake FG, FN, VG</li><li>Seasoned Breakfast Potatoes FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li><em>Tickets for plated Oatmeal or Tofu Chive Scramble for Vegans, Chef’s choice</em>... Kalamazoo I New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
7:30 - 8:30 AM Kalamazoo I
Breakfast & Networking

Sunrise Breakfast Buffet

  • Bacon (FG, FN, FD)
  • Freshly Cut Fruit Salad FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Whipped Butter and Fruit Preserves
  • Vanilla Yogurt with Fresh Berries and Granola VG
  • Cheddar and Chive Egg Bake FG, FN, VG
  • Seasoned Breakfast Potatoes FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Tickets for plated Oatmeal or Tofu Chive Scramble for Vegans, Chef’s choice

Drinks

Regular & decaffeinated coffee, selection of hot teas, apple and orange juice


Key

  • Gluten Free (FG)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Dairy Free (FD)
  • Vegan and Dairy Free (VV)
  • Nut Free (FN)


All meals will be presented buffet style. Green salad ingredients and cheeses will be presented individually and items will have all garnishes and sauces on the side. We have selected a variety of options at each meal that are gluten free (G), vegetarian (V), and vegan (VGN) which are labeled as such here on Connect Space. The Radisson Plaza Hotel will also label food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.
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03/19/25 8:30 AM 03/19/25 9:00 AM America/New_York Welcome, Opening Remarks and SNAPPY Awards View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30469 <br/> Welcome to Choices Day Two!<br> <p><strong>SNAPPY Awards</strong><br> </p> <p>From community gardens to cooking classes, SNAP-Ed improves lives across the nation…and Michigan has firmly established itself as a leader in the field by delivering SNAP-Ed in ways that are meaningful and innovative. Join us to recognize and cheer the good work that was accomplished by local SNAP-Ed programs in FY 2024.</p> Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
8:30 - 9:00 AM Arcadia Ballroom
Welcome, Opening Remarks and SNAPPY Awards
Speaker
Mary McGuire · Michigan Fitness Foundation
Welcome to Choices Day Two!

SNAPPY Awards

From community gardens to cooking classes, SNAP-Ed improves lives across the nation…and Michigan has firmly established itself as a leader in the field by delivering SNAP-Ed in ways that are meaningful and innovative. Join us to recognize and cheer the good work that was accomplished by local SNAP-Ed programs in FY 2024.

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03/19/25 9:00 AM 03/19/25 10:00 AM America/New_York Opening Keynote: Unearthing Youth Brilliance View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30470 <br/> When youth learn to love themselves more, it opens up doorways to their potential. In this keynote session, Dr.&nbsp;Renee Mitchell will facilitate a moving discussion about the internally transformational process she uses with youth that increases their self-confidence, internal joy, and sense of purpose. Dr. Renee will also share examples for how to best tap into the potential of youth in your programming to increase their self-motivation, participation, and deepen their connection to progr... Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
9:00 - 10:00 AM Arcadia Ballroom
Opening Keynote: Unearthing Youth Brilliance
Speaker
S. Renee Mitchell, DEd, MBA · I Am M.O.R.E. (Making Ourselves Resilient Everyday)
When youth learn to love themselves more, it opens up doorways to their potential. In this keynote session, Dr. Renee Mitchell will facilitate a moving discussion about the internally transformational process she uses with youth that increases their self-confidence, internal joy, and sense of purpose. Dr. Renee will also share examples for how to best tap into the potential of youth in your programming to increase their self-motivation, participation, and deepen their connection to programming, and to each other. 
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03/19/25 10:00 AM 03/19/25 10:30 AM America/New_York Beverage Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30475 <br/> Beverage break with time for hotel check out.<br> <br> <strong>Beverages</strong><ul><li>Freshly Brewed Coffee</li><li>Decaffeinated Coffee</li><li>Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas</li><li>Bottled Water</li><li>Assorted Soft Drinks</li></ul> Outside Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:00 - 10:30 AM Outside Arcadia Ballroom
Beverage Break
Beverage break with time for hotel check out.

Beverages
  • Freshly Brewed Coffee
  • Decaffeinated Coffee
  • Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas
  • Bottled Water
  • Assorted Soft Drinks
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03/19/25 10:30 AM 03/19/25 11:30 AM America/New_York Concurrent Breakouts C: Select the breakout session you plan to attend View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30478 <br/> New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Concurrent Breakouts C: Select the breakout session you plan to attend
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03/19/25 10:30 AM 03/19/25 11:30 AM America/New_York Cafeterias are Classrooms View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30481 <br/> <p>New foods can be scary! This session will share ideas to help people get comfortable with trying&nbsp;(and liking!) new foods. Join a live food demonstration to see how to engage people in meaningful food experiences through taste testing. Hear about successes and unpack potential obstacles to learn how to navigate introducing new food experiences.&nbsp;</p> Glens New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:30 - 11:30 AM Glens
Cafeterias are Classrooms
Speaker
Nathan Bates · Boyne Falls Public School

New foods can be scary! This session will share ideas to help people get comfortable with trying (and liking!) new foods. Join a live food demonstration to see how to engage people in meaningful food experiences through taste testing. Hear about successes and unpack potential obstacles to learn how to navigate introducing new food experiences. 

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03/19/25 10:30 AM 03/19/25 11:30 AM America/New_York Tools, Updates, and Actions for a Welcoming, Resilient Food System View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30662 <br/> This dynamic and informative session will focus on the progress and action steps of developing and operationalizing a comprehensive food system plan in Kent County. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools for engagement across a variety of stakeholders, including youth, people with lived experience, farmers, businesses, and more. Hear about key milestones and success stories, demonstrating how collaboration has led to tangible improvements.&nbsp; Meadows New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:30 - 11:30 AM Meadows
Tools, Updates, and Actions for a Welcoming, Resilient Food System
Speakers
Ken Miguel-Cipriano · West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
Eleanor Moreno · Kent Food Policy Council
This dynamic and informative session will focus on the progress and action steps of developing and operationalizing a comprehensive food system plan in Kent County. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools for engagement across a variety of stakeholders, including youth, people with lived experience, farmers, businesses, and more. Hear about key milestones and success stories, demonstrating how collaboration has led to tangible improvements. 
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03/19/25 10:30 AM 03/19/25 11:30 AM America/New_York You Heal, We Heal, YOU(th) Heal View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30482 <br/> <p>When working in community spaces, self-care can often take a backseat. In this hands-on workshop, explore how and why we must resolve our own personal lived experience to best serve and authentically support youth and community members in our programming. Through writing, processing, and small group discussion, learn to look within to become a better supporter for youth and yourself.&nbsp;</p> Prairies New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:30 - 11:30 AM Prairies
You Heal, We Heal, YOU(th) Heal
Speaker
S. Renee Mitchell, DEd, MBA · I Am M.O.R.E. (Making Ourselves Resilient Everyday)

When working in community spaces, self-care can often take a backseat. In this hands-on workshop, explore how and why we must resolve our own personal lived experience to best serve and authentically support youth and community members in our programming. Through writing, processing, and small group discussion, learn to look within to become a better supporter for youth and yourself. 

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03/19/25 11:30 AM 03/19/25 12:30 PM America/New_York Lunch & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30472 <br/> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(79, 129, 189);">Pure Michigan Buffet</span></strong></p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <ul><li>Baby Spinach, Red Onions, Kiln Dried Cherries, Goat’s Cheese, and Maple Cider Vinaigrette FG, FN, VG</li><li>Rosemary and Thyme Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes FG, FN, VG</li><li>Roasted Asparagus with Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Seared Chicken Breast Finished with Lemon Sage Glaze</li><li>Pasta Baked with Asparagus, Bell Peppers... Kalamazoo I New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Kalamazoo I
Lunch & Networking

Pure Michigan Buffet








  • Baby Spinach, Red Onions, Kiln Dried Cherries, Goat’s Cheese, and Maple Cider Vinaigrette FG, FN, VG
  • Rosemary and Thyme Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes FG, FN, VG
  • Roasted Asparagus with Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Seared Chicken Breast Finished with Lemon Sage Glaze
  • Pasta Baked with Asparagus, Bell Peppers and Onions, Parmesan Cream Sauce FN, VG
  • Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon Sage Glaze FN, FD
  • Tickets for plated Vegan Meatless Stuffed Bell Pepper FG, FN, FD, VG, VV


Dessert

  • Pound Cake with Seasonal Macerated Berries and Sweet Cream


Drinks

Regular & decaffeinated coffee, selection of hot teas, brewed iced tea, assorted juices, and ice water


Key

  • Gluten Free (FG)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Dairy Free (FD)
  • Vegan and Dairy Free (VV)
  • Nut Free (FN)

This year at Choices, all food will be presented buffet style. We do our best to ensure green salad ingredients and cheeses are presented individually and all garnishes and sauces on the side. We have selected a variety of options at each meal that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan and labeled them here on Connect Space. The Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel will also label the food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.

Less Info
03/19/25 12:30 PM 03/19/25 1:30 PM America/New_York General Session: KSSN: A Community School Initiative in Kent County, MI View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30473 <br/> <p>During this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the Kent School Services Network (KSSN), as a non-school entity, collaborates with local school districts to implement the Community School Strategy. We will highlight how KSSN coordinators foster strong community partnership that enhance whole school approaches, supporting the well-being of students and families.&nbsp;</p> Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
12:30 - 1:30 PM Arcadia Ballroom
General Session: KSSN: A Community School Initiative in Kent County, MI
Speakers
Jackee Thompson · Kent School Services Network
KJ Tucker, MEd · Kent School Services Network

During this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the Kent School Services Network (KSSN), as a non-school entity, collaborates with local school districts to implement the Community School Strategy. We will highlight how KSSN coordinators foster strong community partnership that enhance whole school approaches, supporting the well-being of students and families. 

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03/19/25 1:30 PM 03/19/25 2:30 PM America/New_York Closing Keynote: Lateral Kindness View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30612 <br/> This engaging keynote will explore the transformative power of strength-based and resilience-informed approaches to team development and coalition building. Attendees will gain insights into fostering healthy partnership by promoting collaboration, empathy, and mutual support among peers. This session will emphasize the importance of recognizing individual strengths within teams and leveraging those strengths to cultivate a welcoming and supportive space, ultimately leading to more effective ... Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
1:30 - 2:30 PM Arcadia Ballroom
Closing Keynote: Lateral Kindness
Speaker
Don Lyons, MSW · Indigenise LLC
This engaging keynote will explore the transformative power of strength-based and resilience-informed approaches to team development and coalition building. Attendees will gain insights into fostering healthy partnership by promoting collaboration, empathy, and mutual support among peers. This session will emphasize the importance of recognizing individual strengths within teams and leveraging those strengths to cultivate a welcoming and supportive space, ultimately leading to more effective and resilient organizations. Learn how to redefine the way we build connections and support one another within our communities. 
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03/19/25 2:30 PM 03/19/25 2:45 PM America/New_York Closing Remarks and Adjourn View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-19#session_row_30474 <br/> Thank you for joining us for Choices 2025! Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
2:30 - 2:45 PM Arcadia Ballroom
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Thank you for joining us for Choices 2025!
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