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

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Guillermo Cisneros, President & CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 2003, The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working with all members
of the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses and to assist the
professional growth of Hispanics in West Michigan.

Online: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In this episode we welcome Liz Nienhuis, executive director of Gracious Grounds located in Grand Haven, MI.

Gracious Grounds is a nonprofit housing community that supports successful independent living for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Gracious Grounds was established in 2013 and has been serving adults with disabilities for over 10 years.

Gracious Grounds has 3 housing locations with a total capacity of 50 residents, plus 6 Resident Assistants who live on campus.

Online: Gracious Grounds

On this week's program, we spoke with Lisa Hegenbart, the Executive Director of Girls On The Run West Michigan.

Girls on the Run® exists to enhance participants' social, emotional, and physical skills to navigate life experiences successfully.

Girls On The Run seeks to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running and interactive lessons to meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Online: Girls On The Run West Michigan

In this week's program, we speak with Sydney Baxter, marketing and communications manager at Blandford Nature Center.

Sugarbush allows visitors to experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s Sugarbush! The educational program helps visitors identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. 

The mission of Blandford is to engage and empower the community through enriching experiences in nature. Their vision is a thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.

Online: Blandford Nature Center

This episode features a conversation between WYCE Station Manager PhilTower and Lynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director at Circle Theatre Grand Rapids.

Lynne spoke about the rich history of Circle Theatre here in Grand Rapids and profiled their upcoming season.

Circle Theatre is the only community theatre in the West Michigan area that specializes in summer theatre. The Theatre was founded in order to allow community performers of all ages to continue honing their craft and to provide another opportunity for directors, choreographers, musicians, designers, and technicians to gain employment.

Online: Circle Theatre Grand Rapids

In this week's episode, we spoke with Melissa Perrin, Program Director with The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (

Melissa told us that the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) was formed in 1985 by six couples who had children with Down syndrome. Their original aim was to provide support and share knowledge with other families. Through the years, the goals of the Association have broadened to encompass advocacy, public awareness, and the distribution of information relevant to Down syndrome.

We also spoke about some of the celebrations associated with World Down Syndrome Day.

Online: Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

In this episode, station manager Phil Tower speaks with Dave Ringler, recently elected president of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to promote and protect the craft beer industry in Michigan. While most of the Guild’s activities are focused on the promotion of the industry, they also exist to protect the interests of Michigan’s brewers.

Online: The Michigan Brewers Guild

In this episode, we speak with Zack Berends, events and festival manager for Gilda’s LaughFest presented by Gildas Club Grand Rapids.

Gilda’s LaughFest, is the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for being one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and artists.

This major Midwest festival is based in Grand Rapids and includes events throughout West Michigan. Gilda’s LaughFest was created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and launched in March 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it, the festival features stand-up, improv, showcases, and a variety of seriously funny stuff.

Online: Gilda’s LaughFest

In this episode, we speak with John Vanderhagen, vice president of communications with Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

John told us that at the gardens they are constantly seeking to bring new experiences, and joy for each visitor.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exists to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

Online: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

In this episode, we speak with Josh Narramore, executive director of Mobile GR. Mobile GR is a City of Grand Rapids department that works to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and diverse transportation options to support the City's economic and quality of life goals. Mobile GR operates city-owned parking systems and maintains many aspects of transportation and safety infrastructure within the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County.

Mobile GR exists to expand mobility choices for city residents and visitors by making it easier to take transit, walk, bike, carpool, or drive alone.

Online: Mobile GR