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

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 about the importance of building community when living in urban areas, like the downtown neighborhood, Building community to combat isolation and loneliness post-pandemic, and ways to get involved with community events through the DNN.

Online: Downtown Neighbor Network.

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 contra dances, several options of musical entertainment are available through the organization.

Online: The Grand River Folk Arts Society  ⁠

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 projects included several conservation easements, Saul Lake Bog, Lake Breeze natural area, and an addition to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. In 1997, the organization’s name was changed to The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and the projects have continued to grow. 

Today, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan is an accredited land trust with an office in Grand Rapids, governed by a board of directors and operated by a professional staff. The mission of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan is to help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan.

Online:  The Land Conservancy of West Michigan

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, united community with shared interests and showcase Africa and her people in a brighter, positive light to educate and change the negative media narratives and also to place African immigrants and Refugees on the map in West Michigan through promoting their culture, businesses, and talents.

You can learn more about their organization here:

A Glimpse of Africa

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 outreach activities, their team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.

 Online: John Ball Area Neighbors

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 and changing what needs improvement.

Through CNA, Creston neighbors helped to keep a Grand Rapids Public Library branch in the heart of Creston, Supported strong neighborhood schools by organizing parents and safe routes to school, Collaborated with partners to create Catherine’s Health Center, Organized business owners to revive Creston’s business district, Collaborated with artists & students on public art projects, building bioretention islands along Plainfield Ave-– the first of their kind in Grand Rapids.

Online: Creston Neighborhood Association

In this week's episode, we welcome Jacqueline Scherer, founder and executive director, of The Playground GR.

The mission of Playground GR is to raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play.

Online: THE PLAYGROUNDgr

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, Christkindl Markt is Best described as a winter wonderland filled with unique Christmas experiences with an international flair.

Online: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt

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, resource, and educational institution for the entire Grand Rapids community, the State of Michigan, and beyond.

he Grand Rapids Art Museum.

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 largest digital collections in the country, featuring eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming or downloadable movies, music, games, and even a digital comic book collection.

Online: Kent District Library