WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

In this week's *program, host Allison Donahue (Program Manager for The Rapidian) welcomes Rodney Brown, the founder of GRMIFI. (*The Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator)  During the program, Allison and Rodney discussed the utilization of film and media as a means to tell the untold stories of Grand Rapids, GRMIFI's role in cultivating the next generation of local filmmakers...

In this week's episode, host Alison Donohue speaks with Pattijean McCahill, director of marketing and development, at Feeding America West Michigan. Feeding America West Michigan is at the center of a united community effort driven by the core belief that hunger is unacceptable and meals can change lives. Feeding America West Michigan works to gather and distribute food to relieve hunger and i...

On the program this week, Allison Donahue speaks with Janay Brower, Founder and CEO of Public Thread Public Thread is a West Michigan-based manufacturer and retailer that works with with upcycled textiles and materials. Public Thread moved last week into a 10,000-square-foot space at 446 Cesar Chavez Ave. SW, the start of a new chapter for the fashion accessories company following an extensive sea...

Marcial Benavidez  - Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist  Podcast descriptions:English:  In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Marcial Benavidez, Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist. The Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative is a multi-organizational group that represents over 50 organizations including local school dis...

In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Kendsie Channing, Manager of Neighbor Experience for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Downtown Neighbor Network.  The  Downtown Neighbor Network (DNN) 's purpose is to provide a forum to socialize, organize, and ultimately deepen citizen engagement in building/promoting a high-quality residential life in Downtown GR Kendsie spoke abou...

In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Roger Plaxton, treasurer of the Grand River Folk Arts Society & Roger Kohlenberger, president of the Grand River Folk Arts Society. The Grand River Folk Arts Society is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to enrich people’s lives and foster community through traditional music, dance, and song. From folk concerts to contr...

In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Marie Orttenburger, Advancement Manager,  with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. The organization's history began in 1976 when four volunteers met to lay out a plan to identify, protect, and care for West Michigan’s natural areas.  They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan (NACOWMI). Early p...

In this weeks program, host Allison Donahue welcomes Fridah Kanini, the founder and CEO of A Glimpse of Africa.   A Glimpse of Africa works in the West Michigan region to ensure that African immigrants and refugees are visible through advocacy, creating a sense of belonging,  and breaking language, cultural, and systemic barriers. A Glimpse of Africa seeks to bring people together for a stronger,...

In this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Monica Hall, the Executive Director, and crime Prevention Organizer with John Ball Area Neighbors in Grand Rapids. John Ball Area Neighbors Seeks to spread a message of hope and compassion. They believe a single action can make a difference in the community and that collective action can significantly impact the world. Through advocacy and outre...

In this week's episode, host. Allison Donahue welcomes Gregg Hampshire, the executive director of The Creston Neighborhood Association. The Creston Neighborhood Association serves the residents of Creston, the largest neighborhood in Grand Rapids. Since the Creston Neighborhood Association was incorporated in 1979, neighbors have rallied to shape their home community by preserving what is good...

In this week's episode, we welcome Jacqueline Scherer, founder and executive director, of The Playground GR. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, that is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, cultural, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play-based support, therapy and awaren...

In this week's episode, host, Allison Donahue speaks with Karen Carpenter, Manager of the first-ever Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt, happening at the Grand Rapids downtown market from November 17 through December 23. The Christkindl Markt is a Christmas Village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Markets...

In this week's program, host Allison Donahue welcomes Cindy Foley, Director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Grand Rapids Art Museum sees itself as a beacon of the arts in an art-loving city. GRAM's exhibitions, events, and educational programming span topics, mediums, and genres to connect with and invite a wide variety of audiences. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is an arts venue...

In this episode of WYCE's Community Connection, host Allison Donahue speaks with Hanna Moulds, a Bookmobile Operator with the Kent District Library.   About KDL: Kent District Library seeks to challenge the traditional concept of a library. Beyond books to check out, KDL also offers board games, video game consoles, Wi-Fi hotspots, and GoPro cameras.  KDL cardholders have access to one of the...

We spoke with Tracey McKnight, CEO of Care Resources, on independent living for older adults, In-home care,  affordable health services, rehabilitation/therapy gym, and socialization support. Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), a national healthcare program funded by Medicare/Medicaid. They are a community-based program for adults 55 years or older that promo...

We spoke with Laurel Conrad, Program Director with Lowell Arts, about supporting the arts, community arts support, and support of grassroots artists and artisans. LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. Their organization has been growing since its inception in 1977 and is made up of committed arts enthusiasts. The Lowell Area Arts Council (DBA LowellArts)...

We spoke with Cathy Holbrook, Executive and Artistic Director of St. Cecilia Music Center, about performing arts, music education, and music appreciation.  St. Cecilia Music Center was established in 1883 by nine Grand Rapids women, the organization was named for the legendary patron saint of music. During the earliest days, members met in each other’s homes and performed for one another. By 1890,...

We spoke with Allison Donahue, Program Manager of The Rapidian, about media literacy, media ownership, citizen, journalism, hyper local news operations, and news deserts. The Rapidian launched on Sept. 15, 2009 and is a department of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center with funding and support from local businesses and citizens. They are a community journalism news source intended to increase...

We spoke with Ben Swayze, Director at Kent County Parks and Recreation, about green spaces, trails and trail systems, development, community outreach, funding of county parks, and accessible recreation for all. The Kent County Parks Department enriches lives in Kent County by providing outstanding parks, natural areas and trails that are accessible and inclusive for all County residents. The Depar...

We spoke with Carla Ludwig, Founder and Executive Director of Hope For Single Moms Grand Rapids, and Taryn Taplin, Event Coordinator, about support systems for single mothers, education, aid for families in poverty, and the resources Hope For Single Moms provides mothers with. Hope for Single Moms is on a mission to ensure children in single mom families thrive. Their program is for single parents...

We spoke with Olivia J. Bailey, Development Director at Hope Unexpected, about support for single mothers, unplanned pregnancy, affordable housing and rent, poverty, and access to child care. Hope Unexpected's mission is achieved by showing mercy, love and grace through hospitality and support through multiple services offered to their clients. Their goal is to bridge the gap and offer support...

We spoke with Jessica Young, Director of the East Hills Council of Neighbors, about neighborhood crime, LGBTQ+ engagement, affordable housing, and historical homes and preservation. East Hills has always reached beyond the status quo to address the needs of their community. With the collaboration of passionate neighbors they have worked to build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly and safe...

We spoke with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling from Great Lakes music camp about performing arts, music, education, the history of stringed instruments, and bluegrass music, square dancing. Great Lakes Music Camp provides a unique opportunity to study in intimate small groups under award winning musicians and spend the weekend on Michigan’s unbeatable shoreline. Online: Great Lakes Music Camp

We spoke with Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, and Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness, at Kent County Health Department on lead poisoning in children, lead abatement in homes in Kent County, safe drinking water, and providing clean water to at risk families. The Kent County Health Department is responsible for continually assessing the health of the community and ensuri...

We spoke with Derek Reed, Co-Founder of Rockford’s Rotary Rocks for ShelterBox, about this years music festival that was held in downtown Rockford. Rotary Rocks held their 2nd annual event on August 22, 2023 at Garden Club Park. The evening featured music from Jack Droppers and the Best Intentions, Low Phase, and Roosevelt Diggs. Fan favorite Roosevelt Diggs won the band competition by garnering t...