In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Bill Kirk, Director of Communications, DGRI.

Bill joins us in this episode to give us a preview of the 7th annual World of Winter Festival.

World of Winter dates are January 9 - March 1, 2026.

World of Winter is a celebration of art and community designed to remind us that there is fun to be had and connections to be made in the wintertime in Michigan.

In essence, Downtown Grand Rapids becomes part outdoor art gallery, part all-ages playground, part outdoor theater, and much more.

New this year for World of Winter: 

• Food trucks every Friday night at 555 Monroe
• A walking tour of 40+ Downtown window displays
• Interactive artist talks with the creators behind Emergence
• A recurring projection show on the Civic Auditorium façade
• A Luminary Bike Ride
• An incredible projection drumming performance on the side of the arena featuring Brett Bolten.
• Live DJ sets 
• And of course, numerous Art Installations.

Online:

World Of Winter

In this episode, host Janet Zahn welcomes Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, Community Outreach and Marketing Supervisor with Care Resources PACE.

Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). 

‘PACE ‘is a Medicare and Medicaid-funded option that gives community-based care and services to people 55 years or older, helping to prevent nursing home placement.

PACE provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor visits, transportation, home care, checkups, hospital visits, and nursing home stays when necessary. 

PACE has been around for over 50 years, but unfortunately remains a well-kept secret.

ONLINE: Care Resources PACE⁠

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Mary Jennings, Executive Director with The Grand Rapids Ballet, and James Sofranko, the Artistic Director with the Grand Rapids Ballet.

Mary and James joined us on the program for a preview of the 2025–2026 season.

The season kicks off with the world premiere production of “Sherlock"--October 24-26, 2025, at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Next up is the timeless holiday classic, “The Nutcracker", December 12-14 & 19-21 at DeVos Performance Hall, and three other dynamic productions throughout the remainder of the Ballet’s 2025-2026 season.

Tickets for all shows, as well as more information, are available at grballet.com

Online: The Grand Rapids Ballet

On the program this week, Allison Donahue speaks with Janay Brower, Founder and CEO of Public Thread

Public Thread is a West Michigan-based manufacturer and retailer that works with with upcycled textiles and materials.

Public Thread moved last week into a 10,000-square-foot space at 446 Cesar Chavez Ave. SW, the start of a new chapter for the fashion accessories company following an extensive search for a new facility.

Public Thread sources waste materials from other companies like billboard companies and transforms their discarded products into consumer goods

Online: Public Thread

Marcial Benavidez  - Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist Podcast descriptions:English: In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Marcial Benavidez, Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist.The Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative is a multi-organizational group that represents over 50 organizations including local school districts, non-profits, government bodies, and businesses. The WPC is tasked with implementing and advancing Welcome Plan priority areas to help new Americans, immigrants, and refugees get acclimated in West Michigan. 

Spanish: En el episodio de esta semana, la presentadora Allison Donahue da la bienvenida a Marcial Benavidez, especialista en comunicaciones del Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative.

El Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative es un grupo multiorganizacional que representa a más de 50 organizaciones, incluidos distritos escolares locales, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, organismos gubernamentales y negocios. El WPC tiene la tarea de implementar y promover las áreas prioritarias del Plan de Bienvenida para ayudar a los nuevos estadounidenses, inmigrantes y refugiados a aclimatarse en el oeste de Michigan.

Connect online: Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative

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 PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, that is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, cultural, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play-based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief, and attachment.

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 episode, we speak with Patrick Placzkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids, and Daryl Reece, Community leader, founder of the Piecing Together Unity Foundation, and also a board member with the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.

Daryl shared his story with us regarding the powerful impact that was made on him as a young man while attending programming at the Boys and Girls Clubs in both Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible citizens through education, recreation, and positive community experiences in partnership with the Grand Rapids Police Department.

The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids offers youth a safe, caring environment and equips them with practical tools to help them prepare for a solid future.

They offer very affordable memberships for only $5 per year!

ONLINE-Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids

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

We spoke with Tracey McKnight, CEO of Care Resources, on independent living for older adults, In-home care,  affordable health services, rehabilitation/therapy gym, and socialization support.

Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), a national healthcare program funded by Medicare/Medicaid. They are a community-based program for adults 55 years or older that promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement.

Their program is all-inclusive concierge care led by skilled primary care providers and an interdisciplinary team with 11 specialties represented. Care Resources embraces physical, mental, and social health, making healthcare accessible and affordable.

Online: Care Resources

We spoke with Laurel Conrad, Program Director with Lowell Arts, about supporting the arts, community arts support, and support of grassroots artists and artisans.

LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. Their organization has been growing since its inception in 1977 and is made up of committed arts enthusiasts.

The Lowell Area Arts Council (DBA LowellArts) is a resource for the greater Lowell community, connecting artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. For over 40 years, LowellArts has promoted and supported artists through exhibitions, performances, and events. LowellArts continues to be a welcoming, vibrant organization, and serves both as a catalyst for local economic development and a source of valuable art experiences for the community.

Online: LowellArts

We spoke with Cathy Holbrook, Executive and Artistic Director of St. Cecilia Music Center, about performing arts, music education, and music appreciation. 

St. Cecilia Music Center was established in 1883 by nine Grand Rapids women, the organization was named for the legendary patron saint of music. During the earliest days, members met in each other’s homes and performed for one another. By 1890, the society was sponsoring performances by world-renowned musicians.

Online: SCMC

We spoke with Allison Donahue, Program Manager of The Rapidian, about media literacy, media ownership, citizen, journalism, hyper local news operations, and news deserts.

The Rapidian launched on Sept. 15, 2009 and is a department of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center with funding and support from local businesses and citizens. They are a community journalism news source intended to increase the flow of local news and information in the Grand Rapids community and its neighborhoods.

By providing tools, training, platforms and support, they empower neighborhood residents to report the news from the inside out. They are an outlet for Grand Rapidians to become more than just content consumers but also providers by becoming citizen journalists.

Online: The Rapidian

We spoke with Ben Swayze, Director at Kent County Parks and Recreation, about green spaces, trails and trail systems, development, community outreach, funding of county parks, and accessible recreation for all.

The Kent County Parks Department enriches lives in Kent County by providing outstanding parks, natural areas and trails that are accessible and inclusive for all County residents. The Department achieves this vision through efficient operations, sound stewardship of resources, active community partnerships, and by preparing for the needs of future generations.

Online: Kent County Parks

We spoke with Carla Ludwig, Founder and Executive Director of Hope For Single Moms Grand Rapids, and Taryn Taplin, Event Coordinator, about support systems for single mothers, education, aid for families in poverty, and the resources Hope For Single Moms provides mothers with.

Hope for Single Moms is on a mission to ensure children in single mom families thrive. Their program is for single parents who are full-time students in college or trade school. Their goal is to help parents and their young children develop the educational and family life skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Hope for Single Moms program uses a teach-a-woman-to-fish approach. It is modeled after what support services would have helped Carla Ludwigs daughter, who was the inspiration for Hope For Single Moms.

Online: Hope For Single Moms

We spoke with Olivia J. Bailey, Development Director at Hope Unexpected, about support for single mothers, unplanned pregnancy, affordable housing and rent, poverty, and access to child care.

Hope Unexpected's mission is achieved by showing mercy, love and grace through hospitality and support through multiple services offered to their clients. Their goal is to bridge the gap and offer support to make success and self-sufficiency possible.

Online: Hope Unexpected

We spoke with Jessica Young, Director of the East Hills Council of Neighbors, about neighborhood crime, LGBTQ+ engagement, affordable housing, and historical homes and preservation.

East Hills has always reached beyond the status quo to address the needs of their community. With the collaboration of passionate neighbors they have worked to build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly and safe place to live, work and play.

Online: East Hills Council of Neighbors

In this week's episode, WYCE's John Rummery welcomes Pablo Garcia, the Executive Director of SECOM Resource Center.     

The mission at SECOM Resource Center is to give help and hope to their neighbors by empowering families to achieve their full potential through healthy living, education, and economic opportunities.

SECOM began in 1971 as an outreach ministry of four area churches to meet the needs of the surrounding neighborhood, particularly in hunger and food insecurity.

In 1993, SECOM became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Today, SECOM is a key resource center that gives help today and builds hope for tomorrow through providing equitable access to resources that promote healthy living, education, and economic opportunities for low-income children and families.

Online SECOM

We spoke with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling from Great Lakes music camp about performing arts, music, education, the history of stringed instruments, and bluegrass music, square dancing.

Great Lakes Music Camp provides a unique opportunity to study in intimate small groups under award winning musicians and spend the weekend on Michigan’s unbeatable shoreline.

Online: Great Lakes Music Camp

We spoke with Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, and Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness, at Kent County Health Department on lead poisoning in children, lead abatement in homes in Kent County, safe drinking water, and providing clean water to at risk families.

The Kent County Health Department is responsible for continually assessing the health of the community and ensuring that certain services are available and accessible for its citizens. To this end, the Health Department investigates the causes of disease, epidemics, morbidity and mortality, and environmental health hazards using vital and health statistics for epidemiological studies. KCHD also plans and implements public education and enforces public health laws.

Online: Kent County Health Department

We spoke with Derek Reed, Co-Founder of Rockford’s Rotary Rocks for ShelterBox, about this years music festival that was held in downtown Rockford.

Rotary Rocks held their 2nd annual event on August 22, 2023 at Garden Club Park. The evening featured music from Jack Droppers and the Best Intentions, Low Phase, and Roosevelt Diggs. Fan favorite Roosevelt Diggs won the band competition by garnering the highest number of "votes" via donations for the night. But the big winner was ShelterBox, an international disaster-relief organization.  The event raised over $3,100.

Online: Rotary Rocks

We spoke with Chana Edmond-Verley, Executive Director of Vibrant Futures MI, about how Vibrant Futures MI helps people in West Michigan gain access to childcare, affordable childcare, and funding for childcare.

Vibrant Futures creates cradle-to-career opportunities and experiences that hold sacred the vibrant promise and potential in every child, youth, family, and caregiver to ensure more vibrant futures for all. Vibrant Futures aims to ensure more children and families from all walks of life achieve their full potential.

Online: Vibrant Futures MI

We spoke with John McNaughton, Executive Director at Grand Rapids Public Library, about resources the library offers for residents of Grand Rapids, whether that be through checking out books and media or through the plethora of events they host.

The library is our community’s source of accessible information, resources, and programs. They offer a wide selection of books, movies, music, that can be checked out physically and/or downloaded digitally. The library also offers a wide range of programming for people of all ages and interests. 

Online: Grand Rapids Public Library

We spoke with Evelyn-Esparza-Gonzalez, Executive Director, and Gabriella Cordova, Communications & Development Director, of the West Michigan Hispanic Center about their goals of empowering West Michigans Hispanic community.

Located in the heart of the Roosevelt Park, the largest Latino neighborhood in Grand Rapids, the Hispanic Center directly serves more than 30,000 individuals annually. Not limited to Grand Rapids, they seek to address the needs of Latinos in West Michigan. The staff is largely bilingual and multi-cultural. Their staff understands the needs of their Latino neighbors, working to connect with them, and to achieve self-sufficiency together.

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit 501(c) (3) community-based organization.

Online: Hispanic Center of West Michigan

We spoke with professor and author Dr. Randal Jelks about institutional racism, impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., race, relations, black owned businesses, black history and more.

Randal Maurice Jelks is an award-winning author, documentary film producer, and professor. He is the author of four books. His writings have appeared in the Boston Review, the Los Angeles Review of Books, blogs, journals, and periodicals.Randal Maurice Jelks is represented by Crichton & Associates Inc. 

Online: ⁠Randal Maurice Jelks⁠

We spoke with professor and author Dr. Randal Jelks about institutional racism, impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., race, relations, black owned businesses, black history and more.

Randal Maurice Jelks is an award-winning author, documentary film producer, and professor. He is the author of four books. His writings have appeared in the Boston Review, the Los Angeles Review of Books, blogs, journals, and periodicals.Randal Maurice Jelks is represented by Crichton & Associates Inc. 

Online: Randal Maurice Jelks

We spoke with Dave Bulkowski, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County, about serving people of West Michigan who live with disabilities, the history of Disability Advocates and more.

Disability Advocates strives to eliminate systemic barriers and enhance programs so that people with disabilities can live the self-directed life they choose. They look to aid in community benefits by becoming more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all. They have become recognized locally and across the state, specifically for their transit advocacy, education, technical assistance on accessibility, and Universal Design through our Absolutely Accessible Kent program. 

Online: Disability Advocates of Kent County

We spoke with Noemi Gonzalez, Girls Rock GR's Community Engagement Coordinator at the Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities about opportunities for girls in the music scene in Grand Rapids.

Girls Rock! Grand Rapids (GR!GR) is a week long summer camp that exists to empower girls and gender-expansive youth through music. Each year, kids and teens at camp get to participate in instrument exploration, workshops, band forming, song writing, and logo and album art creation. They also get to record their new songs in a professional recording studio and then perform them live in front of an audience.

Online: GR!GR

In this episode, we welcome Jess Young, Executive Director with East Hills Council of Neighbors.

Through regular meetings and continuous outreach, East Hills is reaching beyond the status quo to address the needs of its community.

With the collaboration of passionate neighbors, they have worked to build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly, and safe place to live, work, and play.

The East Hills Council holds monthly meetings on the third Monday of Every Month at 6:30 PM in Cherry Park
All are welcome!

MORE INFO: East Hills Council of Neighbors

East Hills Council of Neighbors on Facebook

We spoke with the League of Women Voters Greater Grand Rapids Chapter President Courtney Winell and Board Secretary Kristin Brace about voter rights, voting rules, and regulations, election safety, voting laws in Michigan, and their get out the vote efforts.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. They empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.

Online: League of Women Voters

We spoke with Paul Soltysiak, Vice President and Co-Founder, and Steve Tibbe, Chief Officer, about historical preservation, arts funding, neighborhood improvement, baseball funding at Valley Field.

Fans of Valley Field exists to preserve the heritage and promote the usage of Sullivan (Valley) Field. They intend to create a year-round community space for the surrounding neighborhoods and all of Grand Rapids. They seek to expand their offerings to include numerous events. Fans of Valley Field works closely with the City of Grand Rapids to rebuild, expand and maintain this community gem. They seek to restore the park to its former grandeur while making it the premier community gathering space in our city.

Online: Fans of Valley Field

We spoke with Jazz McKinney, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, about pride month, LGBTQ+ equality, gender, equity, transgender education, housing challenges and equal employment opportunities.

The Grand Rapids Pride Center works to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships.

Online: Grand Rapids Pride Center

We spoke with Steve Salter, President of The Killer Blues Headstone Project, about blues music, blues culture and musicians, and headstones for blues musicians in unmarked graves.

The Killer Blues Headstone Project exists to provide headstones 
for blues musicians lying in unmarked graves. They have placed over 150 headstones in 14 years.

In 2009, The Killer Blues Headstone Project became a non-profit 501(c)(3).

Online: Killer Blues Headstone Project

We spoke with Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss about city funding, affordable housing funding, public safety, Homelessness, Mental health co- response in policing.

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She was re-elected for a second term in November 2019.  She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.

As Mayor, she is committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, working to create a cleaner, healthier and safer community and has a commitment to addressing disparities in our community to make sure that Grand Rapids is a great place for everyone.

Online: City of Grand Rapids

In this episode we welcome Brianna Shahly, Communications and Marketing Coordinator of the Humane Society of West Michigan.

Brianna touches on animal welfare, pet adoption, spaying and neutering of pets, pet rescue, and feral cats.

The Humane Society of West Michigans mission is to promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement & protection. Humane Society of West Michigan serves Kent County, other counties in Michigan, and other states overpopulated with companion animals in need of homes. They are the area’s leading animal welfare organization, with a vision to build a healthy, safe, and compassionate community where all animals receive the care they deserve.

Online: The Humane Society of West Michigan

In this episode, we welcome Mariah Malone, Communication Specialist with John Ball Zoo.

Mariah spoke with us about the Zoo's Lantern Festival is a one-mile light tour through John Ball Zoo. The festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.

John Ball Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to the advancement of public education on the need for wildlife conservation and preservation. On January 1, 2014, Kent County, the owner of the Zoo, and the John Ball Zoo Society unified their respective operations at the Zoo to create John Ball Zoo. 

Online: John Ball Zoo

In this week's program, we welcome two members of the Grand Rapids Prime Time Brewers Association: Jeremy Gavin and Mies Martin, President of the GR Prime Time Brewers.

According to the team of club historians, GR PrimeTime Brewers goes back to the late 70's.  Originally, this loosely associated group of homebrewers would sporadically meet to share beers and generally try to get others to drink their garbage. 

By 1994 the club registered with the AHA(American Home Brewers Association) as an official club.  This was the first officially registered club in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. 

Today, GR PrimeTime Brewers maintains more connections and alumni in the Michigan professional beer scene than any other club. 

The group meets at 7 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday at a rotating location throughout the year, and you do not need to be a member to attend any of our meetings or outings. 

Online: Grand Rapids Prime Time Brewers

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes GRPD's newly named Deputy Chief, Joseph Trigg.

Incoming Deputy Chief Trigg has held additional duty assignments as a Field Training Officer, a member of the department’s Board of Awards, and an advisor to Grand Rapids Police Explorer Post 1871, working with young people who are interested in learning more about policing as a profession; he is a member of the department’s Peer Support Team.

Online: Grand Rapids Police Department

This week's program welcomes Sara Olson, marketing and communications manager with the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

We spoke with Sara about their Sensory-Friendly Museum Night at the GRPM.

During a Sensory-Friendly Museum Night, the Museum adapts sounds, lighting, and activities within the current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for the evening.

One in every sixty-eight children is on the autism spectrum, with another diagnosed every 20 minutes.

Online: Grand Rapids Public Museum

In this episode, we speak with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling, cofounders and instructors for the annual Great Lakes Music Camp.

This year's Great Lakes Music Camp is October 2-5.

Once again, this year's session is sold out, but there are opportunities to be added to a waiting list for next year's session.

Great Lakes Music Camp is an inspiring and community-building musical experience held on the shores of Lake Michigan at Camp Blodgett Loeks Retreat Center.

The camp creates a unique opportunity for equitable access to traditional music education and offers attendees the opportunity to engage with world-class instructors, staff, and musicians while being immersed in the beauty of Michigan’s lakeshore.

GLMC’s team has long-standing partnerships with several community partners, organizations, businesses, and individuals who provide varying levels of support.

Funds are raised through a fiduciary partnership with Grand River Watershed Arts & Music Council (GRWAMC), a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

This support allows camp leaders to offer a Youth Scholarship Program and to provide additional financial assistance to students throughout the year for a continued traditional arts education.

Learn more about Great Lakes Music Camp HERE.

In this week's program, we welcome Broadway Grand Rapids and Meghan Distel, their executive director.

Broadway GR celebrates its 35th year with a stellar lineup of performances, including the Michigan premieres of “MJ” the musical, a revival of “Funny Girl.” Plus “Tina,” the Tina Turner musical, and Disney’s “Aladdin.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird," a new critically acclaimed play will debut next year as well. "Les Misérables” and “Wicked,” are also a part of the series.

Broadway Grand Rapids was established in September of 1988 and opened its first season with South Pacific.

Broadway Grand Rapids' mission is to bring the very best of national touring Broadway productions to Grand Rapids. The Broadway series has included nearly every major title to hit the stage from Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera to Wicked and Hamilton.  

Online: Broadway Grand Rapids

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