On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Leah Voigt, CEO of Grand Rapids Ballet, for a conversation about her new leadership role and the future of Michigan’s only professional ballet company.

Voigt previews the 2026–2027 season, including Broken Wings, The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Jumpstart, and Fancy Free, while also discussing the Ballet’s work beyond the stage through its school, Junior Company, adult dance classes, community outreach, and Moving with Parkinson’s program.

Our conversation also explores her priorities for growing audiences, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Learn more about Grand Rapids Ballet, the upcoming season, tickets, classes, and community programs at grballet.com.

In this episode of WYCE's Community Close-Up, we welcome Alli Benedict, Fund Development Director for Our Hope Association, a nonprofit providing residential treatment and support for women recovering from addiction for over 50 years. 

The conversation explores Our Hope’s unique 90-day clinical programming, which holistically addresses substance use alongside co-occurring mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. 

A major focus of this episode centers on Our Hope Association's crucial upcoming fundraiser, An Evening of Hope Annual Fundraising Gala, taking place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Gilmore in Comstock Park.

This special semi-formal dinner and program directly supports the expanding needs of women across Kent County and 37 surrounding Michigan referral counties.

For tickets and more information on the organization, you are encouraged to visit the official Our Hope Association Website to purchase event tickets, donate, or explore their vital residential services.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Steve Staggs, Executive Director of the Eastown Community Association, and Justen Bowden, Chair of the Youth and Family Connection Committee, for a conversation about the people, programs, and traditions helping keep Eastown connected — and “weird” — since 1973.

Staggs and Bowden discuss the new Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians commemorative sign and native plantings, and the Michigan Historical Marker at Lake Drive and Robinson Road.

They also share updates on the Eastown Community Garden, monthly Community Bike Rides, the Block Captain Program, the returning Snow Angel Project, and other neighborhood resources and volunteer opportunities.

The conversation also previews the Eastown Streetfair and Fun-Filled Fairgrounds, happening Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Wealthy Street and Ethel Avenue SE, featuring food and artist vendors, beverages, live music, and a full day of community celebration.

Learn more about the Eastown Community Association, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, neighborhood resources, and its monthly eNewsletter through the Eastown Community Association website and social media channels.

Fulton Street Market has been a Grand Rapids gathering place for more than a century, connecting the community with local farmers, growers, food producers, artisans, and small businesses.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, Executive Director, and Anissa Mathiasz, Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Fulton Street Market, for a conversation about the Market’s mission, its year-round presence in the community, and the importance of supporting local agriculture and small businesses.

Dana and Anissa also preview a busy lineup of fall events, including the Market’s biggest annual fundraiser, A Night at the Market on September 17, along with ART! at the Market on September 13 and October 11 and the Fall Rummage Sale on September 27.

They also discuss what’s ahead as Fulton Street Market moves into the fall and winter seasons and why there’s always a reason to visit this historic Grand Rapids destination.

Learn more, plan a visit, explore upcoming events, and find information about A Night at the Market on September 17.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower talks with Salvador López, President & CEO of KConnect, a Kent County network bringing together community leaders, experts, and system change-makers to improve prosperity for children and families.

Salvador explains KConnect’s collaborative, systems-based approach and its work across the “cradle-to-career” continuum—from kindergarten readiness to thriving family income.

He also discusses how KConnect measures progress, the importance of organizations working together to address complex community challenges, and how residents can become involved in creating positive change across Kent County.

Learn more about KConnect and its work at k-connect.org.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Tyler Loftis, Director of ArtPrize, and Coleman Brook, Co-Director of ArtPrize, for a preview of ArtPrize 2026 and a look at what’s new for one of Grand Rapids’ signature events.

Tyler and Coleman discuss ArtPrize’s new four-weekend format, the more than 1,100 participating artists, the importance of the public vote, and efforts to make ArtPrize welcoming and accessible for families, first-time visitors, and longtime art lovers. They also explore ArtPrize’s broader impact on downtown Grand Rapids, local businesses, tourism, and community pride.

ArtPrize 2026 runs September 12 through October 3 in downtown Grand Rapids, and admission is free!

Find event schedules, artist information, volunteer opportunities, and more at artprize.org.

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities—but what does it take to help families truly thrive?

On this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, Phil Tower talks with Dr. Anissa L. Eddie, Director of Foundation-Led Initiatives at the Steelcase Foundation, and Shirley Arill, a Family Leader in the Foundation's Investment in Families Initiative and recovery counselor.

Together, they discuss how listening to families, building community partnerships with organizations like ICCF Community Homes, and investing in long-term stability can create lasting change across West Michigan.

Learn more at steelcasefoundation.org.

On this episode, we welcome Steve Tibbe, Director of Operations for Fans of Valley Field.

Steve joins us to discuss the monumental $5.75 million revitalization of Grand Rapids' historic Sullivan Field.

Episode Highlights:

• Fundraising Milestone: Celebrating over $5.75 million raised from 1,600+ donors, including the Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation, the Versluis family, and the City of Grand Rapids.
• Ballpark Transformations: A deep dive into the major structural updates happening from the grandstands down to the playing field before reopening in 2027.
• Transitioning to Operations: Moving from "fundraising mode" to "operations mode" and why community support matters after construction wraps up.
• Special Event Announcement: The upcoming Ballpark Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, September 26, 2026, will take over the street as an old-fashioned block party.

Community Closeup is WYCE’s weekly public affairs program, produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, bringing you diverse perspectives from community leaders throughout West Michigan.

The program is hosted by WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower.

In this episode of Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower sits down with Lynn Goldberg, a branch librarian and member of the Summer Wonder Workgroup.

Lynn shares all the exciting details about KDL’s Summer Wonder program—a seasonal journey designed to keep West Michigan families engaged, inspired, and learning all summer long through outdoor discovery, reading challenges, and STEAM activities.

Lynn also shares how your family can participate, track progress using the Beanstack app, and attend incredible free community events, including live cultural performances and a foam party!

• What is Summer Wonder? A free program packed with scavenger hunts, reading goals, and STEAM activities for all ages.

• How to Participate: Download and log your activities through the Beanstack app through August 7.

• Native American Dancers: Monday, July 20 at 1:00 PM (Comstock Park Branch) – Featuring champion powwow dancer Reg Pettibone & Family.

• Foam Party @ the KDL Bookmobile: Monday, July 27 at 6:00 PM (Caledonia Lakeside Park) – Bubbly fun and kid-friendly tunes (swimwear and towels recommended!).

• Summer Wonder Bash: Monday, August 3 (Caledonia Branch).

• Special Partnerships & Perks: Learn about Find Curi and Read For the Trees (in partnership with Kent County Parks), the KDL Perk Pass, and year-round youth reading programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Legendary Readers.

• Website: kdl.org

• Track Your Progress: Sign up on the Beanstack app to register for Summer Wonder and start earning rewards!

Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, bringing you diverse perspectives from community leaders throughout West Michigan.

On this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Victor Williams, founder and president of the Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator (GR-MiFi) and CEO of Grandstand Pictures. Victor shares how GR-MiFi is empowering the next generation of filmmakers while preserving and amplifying the stories that have shaped Grand Rapids.

The conversation explores the organization's innovative film incubator model, its commitment to hands-on education and media literacy, and its first major documentary project inspired by Dr. Todd E. Robinson's A City Within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Victor also reflects on his own creative journey—from performing with his pioneering Grand Rapids hip-hop group, New Concept, to producing films that spotlight the community's rich and often untold history.

Learn more about the Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator at grmifi.org.