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

In this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, host Janet Zahn welcomes Taryn Dole and Liz Barnett with the Area Agency on Aging West Michigan. The mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live independently and with dignity.  AAAWM is The Source for Seniors in nine West Michigan counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties.  Online: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

In this episode, we speak with Hollin De La Cruz, coordinator with The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative, and Omar Cuevas, Senior VP of Investor and Corporate Relations with Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is a multi-organizational group made up of 50+ organizations: local school districts, non-profits, government bodies, and businesses.   The Welcome Plan is a set of local community recommendations developed by multiple organizations within the collaborative. This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Online: West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC)

In this episode, welcome to our studios Hollin De La Cruz, coordinator with The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative, and Omar Cuevas, Senior VP of Investor and Corporate Relations with Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is a multi-organizational group made up of 50+ organizations: local school districts, non-profits, government bodies, and businesses.   The Welcome Plan is a set of local community recommendations developed by multiple organizations within the collaborative. The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is responsible for advancing Welcome Plan priority areas and goals. This is part one of a two-part episode. Online: The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative

In this episode of Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower sits down with Scott Bloem, Executive Director of The Other Way Ministries, to discuss their 50-plus-year legacy of walking alongside Westside Grand Rapids families. Since 1967, The Other Way has been a cornerstone of the Westown neighborhood, fostering spiritual, relational, and economic growth.  Scott shares insights into the organization’s mission and the vital programs they offer, including: Food & Resource Assistance: Supporting the community through their food pantry and Agape Co-op.Education & Youth: Providing early childhood education and dedicated youth services.Family Support: Strengthening the community fabric through specialized family programming.With volunteers contributing over 80 hours of service each week, Scott also highlights how individuals and groups of all skill levels can get involved in this transformative work. Learn more or get involved:  The Other Way  Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program produced by WYCE in partnership with The Rapidian and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, and Dr. Mirelle Luecke, Supervisory Curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum⁠ 2026 is going to be a busy and exciting year at the museum, including numerous events that will celebrate America's Semiquincentennial. (250th Birthday!) We took the opportunity to discuss several notable and upcoming events happening at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, including but not limited to these events:•     A free talk: Gerald Ford and America's Bicentennial with Thomas DeFrank: Wednesday, March 25.•     Upcoming Paid Internship Opportunities at Ford Presidential Museum & Library. Apply through 4/1.•     President Ford's ties to the Bicentennial and the fabulous collection of Bicentennial-themed gifts we have (Mirelle said they have some kooky things!)•     Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, May 23 through October 25, 2026. Online: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum

In this episode, we welcome Chris Kotcher, director at The Wealthy Theatre. The Wealthy Theatre was originally built in 1911, and today, it functions as a mixed-use community arts center hosting film, concerts, comedy, magic shows, forums, local arts events, and much more.  The Wealthy Theatre is a program of The Grand Rapids Community Media Center (GRCMC). Wealthy Theatre has the Peter Wege Auditorium, with 400 seats, and a primary performance space. There's also the smaller, more intimate, Dirk Koning Micro-Cinema, with 60 seats. Programming & Offerings include film screenings, classic, cult, independent, and international film features.  The Wealthy Theatre also promotes collaborations with the Grand Rapids Film Society, Tuesday night film series, thematic screenings, and their always popular “Open Projector Night.” Online:  The Wealthy Theatre 

On this week's episode, Host Janet Zahn speaks with Guest: Lori Tennenhouse, Artistic Director with the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus. A highlight of the 30th season for The Grand Rapids Women's Chorus is the Michigan premiere of "Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray" on March 21, 2026, at Fountain Street Church.  This presentation features a 10-movement dramatic cantata following Murray’s life and work and includes the chorus, soloists, special musicians, and many musical styles. Born in 1910, Pauli Murray was a trailblazing human rights activist, feminist poet, legal scholar, labor organizer, LGBTQI+, and the first recognized Black female Episcopal priest who influenced icons such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall. Learn more about this special concert on their website: "⁠Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray." ⁠ Online:    The Grand Rapids Women's Chorus

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Ben Swayze, Director of Kent County Parks, for a wide-ranging look at how our local parks serve West Michigan year-round.  While the park system is in “hibernation mode” during winter, Ben highlights four-season opportunities—from plowed and groomed trails and year-round restrooms at Millennium Park to cross-country skiing at Kaufman Golf Course and Palmer Park, complete with equipment rentals and heated facilities.  In this episode, we also discuss: Upcoming spring improvements at Johnson, Wahlfield, and Chief Hazy Cloud parks.Progress on the Grand River Greenway and White Pine Trail connection to Downtown Ada.A special Old-Growth Forest Dedication and guided family hike at Lepard Preserve in Caledonia this May.Kent County’s regional trail network.Volunteer opportunities.Park gift cards and printable park maps.How to stay connected through the Kent County Parks quarterly newsletter and social media.Community Closeup is produced in partnership with The Rapidian, our hyperlocal news service of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.  More online: Kent County Parks Department

In this episode, we welcome Francisco Martinez, Event and Public Relations Officer, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.   The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit organization serving the Latino and broader West Michigan community.  The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is sponsoring the 2026 LatinX Youth Conference, which takes place on March 5, 2026, at the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse. The focus of this year’s LatinX Youth Conference is to support eighth-grade students as they transition into high school…a critical time when students are exploring who they are, identifying their skills, and building confidence in their knowledge. The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s goal is to support them during this transition, so they feel empowered and prepared to become successful leaders for the future. This year’s LatinX Youth Conference will include panels on career pathways as well as an interactive expo where students can engage in hands-on activities.  Learn More: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

In this episode, we welcome Marie Orttenberger, advancement manager with The Land Conservancy of West Michigan The Land Conservancy of West Michigan works to keep nature nearby and conserve West Michigan’s ecologically critical land. Marie told us they do this work by creating public nature preserves, providing support to communities and local governments in creating natural areas, and helping private landowners protect their own land. Their focus is on three areas: Protected Land: Working with families & communities to protect ecologically critical land. Healthy Habitats: Maintaining and restoring health to the landscapes we work together to protect. Inspired People:  Offering inclusive opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other. In this episode, we spoke about these topics: *The finish of a 25-year project at Saul Lake Bog Preserve…in Rockford, MI. Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve is one of West Michigan’s flagship natural areas. Visitors can appreciate the bog, prairie, forests, and fields—and the diversity of wildlife they support—in all seasons. *The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is celebrating 50 years of keeping nature nearby. Marie promised that this year will offer several action-packed events for friends and supporters to be a part of. Online: The Land Conservancy of West Michigan

In this episode of Community Closeup, we sit down with Ted Diedrich, station manager of GRTV, to discuss what a vital community resource GRTV is and why public access television remains an important civic institution, even in the digital age.  Ted shares about how you can become an All-Access member of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, and he also talks about the wide variety of classes offered through GRTV and professional, audio, and video equipment available for you to check out as a member. By creating the media and your own video programming, GRTV offers numerous opportunities for community involvement for anyone who is interested. Episode Notes What is GRTV? An overview of the GRTV's mission and history.Membership & Access: How  ⁠Grand Rapids Community Media Center members can unlock classes, equipment access, and media literacy training.Hands-On Learning: Details on GRTV’s hands-on classes in video production, podcasting, editing, and video production for all skill levels.Volunteer Opportunities: Discover how to support live events covered by GRTV, and how you can be part of the production team that shoots all five hours of The WYCE Jammie Awards.Learn More Online: GRTV

On this episode, we welcome Brian Elve, Executive Director of Guiding Light, and David Madiol, Director of Development & Communications. Guiding Light specializes in innovative Recovery for Men & Women. Guiding Light’s four-month residential experience creates a culture of community, peer support, and accountability. Their faith-based long-term rehab provides a structured environment, dedicated staff, and comprehensive programming with life-coaching, spiritual direction, therapy, support groups, psycho-social education, and exercise. We spoke with Brian and Dave about Guiding Light Live! A Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction: Saturday, February 21, 4-6:30 PM at St. Cecilia Music Center The concert is presented by Eastern Avenue Church, and all proceeds benefit Guiding Light’s addiction recovery programs. Learn more and get tickets here: Guiding Light Live!

In this episode, we welcome Carol Moore, a historical preservationist and the founder of Hermitage at Diamond. Mary Reagan -Shapton, Hermitage at Diamond Board Chair. Hermitage at Diamond is a space that blends historic preservation with contemporary art. Built in 1875 as the Third Reformed Church, since 2017, it has been home to Hermitage at Diamond, a 150+-year-old former church in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood.  Hermitage at Diamond has launched a $150,000 fundraiser to complete the exterior restoration and install the final rose windows before winter.     The estimated cost for these improvements is $5 million.   Carol told us that donors are needed and donations are always encouraged. To learn more about this special space ,visit: Hermitage at Diamond

In this episode, we have a conversation with Sister Gabriella Pettirossi, the Executive Director for the Franciscan Life Process Center in Lowell, MI.   In May 2025, Sister Gabriella Pettirossi was appointed to serve as the executive Director for the Franciscan Life Process Center.  Sister Gabriella succeeded Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, the foundress and executive director of the Franciscan Life Process Center. •      The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist serve West Michigan through programs offered at their campus near Lowell and the city campus in Grand Rapids.  Sister Gabriella spoke with us about the many programs and opportunities offered through the Franciscan Life Process Center, including counseling services, music therapy, cooking classes, land experiences, nature trails, and much more. Their mission, based in Franciscan spirituality, is to promote a relationship with God that brings dignity and hope to the sacred process of all life through programs that assist, educate, enrich, and inform. They have carried out this mission since 1974. Online: The Franciscan Life Process Center

In this week's episode, we welcome Bill Kirk, the Director ofCommunications at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) Bill joined us for a preview of the 7th annual World of Winter Festival, happening January 9 through 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! World of Winter At A Glance: o   Downtown Grand Rapids becomes partoutdoor art gallery, part all-ages playground, part outdoor theater, etc., etc. o  Enjoy incredible interactive works of art, electricity, and sound as the foundation of the festival o  World of Winter is complemented with two months of free events, activations, walking tours, storefront window displays, etc. o  World of Winter 2026 includes crowd favorite events like Ice Breaker (a giant, live-carved ice sculpture chosen by public vote, Paint the Park, Human Hungry Hippo Tournament, Snowga, Silent Disco, Love on Ice, Circus Wonderland, the Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition, Ice Piano performances, Winter’s a DRAG, and Noodle Fest. Bill encourages folks to follow DGRI and @WorldofWinterGR on social media. Learn more here: World of Winter