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.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Janet Zahn sits down with Heather Obrien (Program Manager) and Victor Sultana (Board Member) from Renew Mobility to discuss how their organization transforms lives by providing essential mobility equipment to those who need it most.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• A Personal Story: Board Member Victor Sultana shares a moving personal experience of how Renew Mobility provided a wheelchair for his son, enabling him to attend school for the very first time.

• Connecting with Care: How clients in need can reach out and connect with their services.

• The Funding Challenge: An honest look at the current financial struggles the organization is facing and why community backing is more vital than ever.

• How You Can Help: Beyond financial donations, discover the various ways the community can step up and support Renew Mobility's local programming.

• Website: Visit renewmobility.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.

  
  

  Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program produced by WYCE Community Radio and The Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In this episode of Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower dives into the highlights of the 2026 National Civics Bee.

On April 15th, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce hosted the prestigious regional competition at the Ford Presidential Museum, bringing together 20 talented middle school finalists from across the area to showcase their civic knowledge.

We are joined by Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, along with two inspiring regional contestants from Riley Street Middle School in Hudsonville: Hadley Baer and Siddhi Pandey.

We spoke with both Hadley and Siddhi about their experience competing on the big stage, what it takes to prepare for a civics bee, and how this unique initiative is building essential skills for the next generation of leadership.

• Inside the Competition: A recap of the April 15th regional event at the Ford Presidential Museum and what the competition looked like for the 20 local finalists.

• The Stakes: How top state winners earn prizes of up to $1,000, and how Michigan’s first-place winner advances to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., this fall to compete for a $100,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan.

• The Mission: Why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched this annual, nonpartisan competition to increase civic literacy, skills, and community disposition among young Americans.

• Learn more about local business advocacy and initiatives: Grand Rapids Chamber

• Learn more about the competition: National Civics Bee / U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

WYCE’s 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.

In this episode of Community Closeup, host Phil Tower sits down with Max Gilles, Strategic Initiatives Manager for Mobile GR, to discuss the future of urban transit in West Michigan. 

Max joins the program for a discussion about the city's upcoming long-range framework, major changes to the downtown shuttle system, and transit solutions for the city’s newest entertainment hubs.

Key Topics Covered In This Episode:

• The City’s New Mobility Blueprint: Max gave us an inside look at the development of Grand Rapids' new long-range multimodal framework prioritizing safety, equity, and sustainability.
• The Reimagined DASH Route: Why the city of Grand Rapids chose to roll out a tighter, one-direction loop that slashes wait times down to 8 minutes while addressing rising transit costs.
• Downtown Grand Rapids Venue Transportation: How Mobile GR plans to efficiently move crowds to and from the new Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Soccer Stadium.

Learn More at Mobile GR.

In this episode, host Phil Tower sits down with Jazz McKinney (they/them), Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, to look ahead to one of the city's most vibrant and impactful summer traditions: the 2026 Grand Rapids Pride Festival.

• Dates & Times:

  • Saturday, June 20 (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

  • Sunday, June 21 (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

• Location: Calder Plaza, Downtown Grand Rapids

• Theme: "Together We Glow"

• Admission: General admission is free (donations are highly appreciated).

• 38 Years of Pride: How the vision for the Pride Festival has evolved since its inception in 1988 into one of the city's largest events.

• Festival Footprint & Guidelines: What to expect at Calder Plaza this weekend, including city guidelines designed to keep the space streamlined for community safety and joy (service/therapy animals only; no external signs or banners inside).

• More Than a Party: The critical connection between attending Pride Fest and funding the Grand Rapids Pride Center, as the festival serves as their largest annual fundraiser.

• Year-Round Support: How festival donations directly fuel vital community programs, including the Therapy Assistance Program (TAP), the Health Equity Program, and an array of peer social and support groups (Youth, BIPOC, Timeless Pride Connections, and Trans/Nonbinary groups).

The Grand Rapids Pride Center is the longest-running LGBTQ+ resource center in Michigan.

To learn more about their services, year-round programming, or how to support their mission, visit their website or stop by the center.

In this episode of Community Closeup, our weekly public affairs program produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, host Phil Tower sits down with Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Recently celebrating his third anniversary with the organization, Charles discusses how Meijer Gardens has solidified its reputation as an internationally acclaimed cultural landmark, including being recognized as the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years.

Drawing from his March 2026 column, "What the World Needs Now: How Art, Culture, and Nature Can Help Heal Communities in Difficult Times," Charles shares his insights on why a deeper human connection is essential in divided times.

Tune in as we also discuss:

• Healing Through Art & Nature: How spaces like Meijer Gardens foster the conditions for empathy, resilience, and restoration.

• Summer Highlights: A look ahead at the highly anticipated Summer Concert series (including Wilco) and the major Chihuly at Meijer Gardens exhibition.

  Links:

• Learn more about upcoming events and exhibits: meijergardens.org

• Read Charles Burke's full column: ExpertFile Spotlight

In this episode, WYCE’s Janet Zahn welcomes Mariah Malone, Communications coordinator with John Ball Zoo, to talk about upcoming summer events, highlights, and ways you can support their wildlife conservation mission.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival: Returning with this year's theme, Realms of Wonder, featuring three new enchanting realms. Running Wednesdays through Sundays (expanding to Tuesdays starting May 19) through June 14. (Note: Tickets are unavailable on June 12).

• RendeZoo: The Ripple Effect (June 12, 7:00 PM): The zoo’s annual 21+ fundraiser featuring live entertainment, food, craft cocktails, and immersive experiences.

• World Ocean Day: Special events planned at the zoo on June 25.

• Member Nights (Beginning June 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Exclusive after-hours perks for zoo members, including live performances from magicians, jugglers, and hula hoopers, plus open attractions, animal activities, food, and alcoholic beverages.

To get tickets, check out annual and monthly membership options, or plan your next visit, go to jbzoo.org. 

On this week's episode, WYCE's Janet Zahn speaks with Alex Karatkiewicz (Executive Director) and Kelly McCabe (Program Coordinator) from the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA) to explore the vibrant history and future of Grand Rapids’ largest neighborhood.

Since 1979, the CNA has empowered residents to shape their community by preserving local strengths and driving necessary change.

In this episode, we discuss the association’s positive impact on the Creston neighborhood, including:

• Community Landmarks: Supporting the local library and the creation of Catherine’s Health Center.
• Sustainability & Innovation: The development of an urban orchard at Aberdeen Park and the implementation of Grand Rapids' first bioretention islands.
• Revitalization: Partnering with business owners and artists to breathe new life into the district through public art and economic support.

Learn More: Creston Neighborhood Association

In this week’s edition of Community Closeup, WYCE’s Janet Zahn sits down with Stacy Stout, the President & CEO of Blandford Nature Center⁠ , to explore how this West Michigan staple is connecting people to the natural world.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Blandford Nature Center is more than just a park—it’s an active outdoor environmental lab dedicated to sustainability and education. Stacy shares the organization’s mission to engage and empower the community through its three distinct campuses: the main Nature Center, The Blandford Farm, and The Highlands.

From seasonal camps and wildlife programs to the popular biannual Nature Makers Markets, discover the diverse ways you can enjoy, explore, and learn in nature.

Whether you are looking for volunteer opportunities or a private rental space, this episode highlights how Blandford serves as a vital link between our past and a healthy, natural future.

Learn more at: Blandford Nature Center⁠

In this episode, we welcome Derek Reed, Vice President with Buses By The Beach, and Jeremy Czubko, Ambassador with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. 

Derek and Jeremy gave us a preview of the 2026 Bus Benefit.

For over 20 years, this West Michigan community of VW enthusiasts has turned a love for vintage camping into a powerful mission, raising vital funds for the Grand Rapids-based Phoenix Society.

They also reminded us that you don't need to have a VW bus to attend and enjoy the Bus Benefit!

The Bus Benefit (May 22–24) happens at Smiling Acres in Trufant, MI, and features a diverse lineup of live music—including The American Hotel System, Roosevelt Diggs, and Nicholas James and the Bandwagon—plus family activities and open mic jams.

This Memorial Day tradition supports life-changing mentoring and support programs for burn survivors.

Links:  

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

Buses By The Beach