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

In this episode, we spend time Mary K. Hoodhood. Mary recently released her first book, a memoir titled, "What I Can Do."

The title of the book refers to, "What I can do" ...the question that Mary repeated to herself following a 1980 automobile crash.

Despite that setback, Mary was determined to live a life of service. Building on her parents’ lessons about service and leadership, she started a nonprofit organization to feed 125 kids. Today, Kids’ Food Basket feeds 1.6 million Sack Dinners annually to kids who otherwise might not have nourishment once they leave school.

Online: Mary K. Hoodhood

On this week's episode, we welcomed Laurel Conrad, program coordinator with LowellArts.

LowellArts exists to Connect artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.

Online: LowellArts

In this episode, we speak with Spencer Everhart, the board president of The Chiaroscuro International Film Series.

The Chiaroscuro International Film Series is a non-profit cultural and educational organization that seeks to foster a deeper understanding of world cultures through the medium of film. Chiaroscuro enriches the West Michigan cultural landscape by presenting thought-provoking films in a setting that encourages discussion and social engagement.

More: The Chiaroscuro International Film Series

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Marcel “Fable” Price, the executive director of The Diatribe, a Grand Rapids Black and LGBTQ+-run art and creative center for youth.

The Diatribe uses restorative art to disrupt historical systems of oppression by reimagining education, holistically honoring the community through our approach to our work, and creating an unapologetic vision for liberation that is accessible to all.

More: The Diatribe

In this episode we we learn everything about the start-up and wonderful mission of Beer City Dog Biscuits from Jennifer Romain. Operations Manager with Beer City Dog Biscuits.

In 2018, Tad and Suzanne Wilcox and David and Leslie Hooker formed a nonprofit 501(c)3, HW Living Ventures dba Beer City Dog Biscuits, on behalf of their adult sons, both of whom have disabilities.

Jennifer told us that a vibrant living community for those with developmental disabilities is the long-term vision of this nonprofit. The immediate need is to provide them with an opportunity to be productive every day.

The Beer City Dog Biscuits business is tailored to meet the unique abilities of each volunteer and employee to enable them to participate in all aspects of the business. They are assembling, baking, labeling, and weighing bags, packing, and delivering orders.

Leadership volunteers assist and guide in the process; each stage is intentionally created to support project-based learning and work skill development that enables "Brew Bakers" to learn valuable life skills.

More: Beer City Dog Biscuits

On this week's program, we get an update on everything happening with LGROW, from Wendy Ogilvie, Director of environmental programs for LGROW

Wendy joined the Grand Valley Metro Council in 2013 as the Director of Environmental Programs, bringing her expertise of over 25 years in watershed and stormwater management.

The Lower Grand River Watershed covers the lower portion of the Grand River that drains into Lake Michigan from Ionia County. There are many subwatersheds within the Lower Grand River Watershed. You can find your watershed using the Find My Watershed tool. The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan, spanning 252 miles, and was named O-wash-ta-nong, meaning Far-Away-Water, by Native Americans who lived there prior to settlement.

A “watershed” is an area of land, defined by hills and ridges that drain to a common body of water. Groundwater and surface water are connected within a watershed, and both supply our drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and manufacturing processes. The Lower Grand River watershed offers opportunities for recreation, like fishing and paddling, and provides vital habitat for plants and animals.  

More: LGROW

On this episode, station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Kate O'Keefe, Vice President of Advancement, for Family Promise Grand Rapids.

Family Promise exists to end homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging faith-based and community organizations to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are homeless and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.

Family Promise seeks to provide hospitality, compassion, and hope to families experiencing a housing crisis.

Online: Family Promise Grand Rapids.

On this week's program, we connected with David Marquardt, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City Of Grand Rapids.

The GR Parks and Recreation Department exists to preserve and enhance a well-connected and healthy community. With 75+ parks and year-round recreation programs across the City of Grand Rapids, there are numerous options for city residents and visitors within the region and beyond.

Online: GR Parks and Recreation

Ken Wylupski from the West Michigan Blues Society talks about all things blues happening with his organization in West Michigan.

The purpose of the West Michigan Blues Society is to promote and preserve the appreciation of blues music.

The West Michigan Blues Society (WMBS) was established in 1990 to promote and preserve the rich history of blues music as it concerns West Michigan, its impact on American culture, and commerce in musical arts and industry. The WMBS is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit all-volunteer membership organization, including the Board of Directors.

Online: West Michigan Blues Society

On this week's program, WYCE Station Manager, Phil Tower welcomes Elle Lively, Executive Director of the Michigan Music Alliance. The Michigan Music Alliance was created in 2019 as a direct response to the needs expressed by West Michigan artists. In addition to free educational music business sessions and DIY resources, Michigan Music Alliance works to create opportunities to help artists connect on a personal level, with an end goal of facilitating lasting collaborations and support systems leading to a sustainable music community that focuses on what we all have in common: the love of music.

Michigan Music Alliance is a fully volunteer-powered organization.

More info at [email protected].