The Ongoing Positive Impact Of The Hispanic Center Of West Michigan(10-05-24) WYCE's Community Connection (*conversations Concerning Issues Of Importance In West Michigan) podcast

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On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcome Bing Goei, cofounder of the West Michigan, Asian American Association. Founded roughly 16 years ago, the West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc. is a Michigan nonprofit corporation that seeks to build a collaborative, active, and committed Asian American community in West Michigan with a focus on healthcare, education, and civic engagement. In pursuit of its mission and vision, the WMAAA’s current programs and activities include a scholarship program, networking events, presentations and performances that promote appreciation for Asian culture, speaking engagements that promote greater awareness of healthcare issues affecting the Asian American community, a patient navigation system, and other programs and activities that further its strategic objectives. Bing spoke with us about the organization and also spoke with us about their upcoming “ Building Bridges to the Future” Asian American Leadership Summit on March 28 at the Goei Center. Online: The West Michigan Asian American Association…

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Profiling the pioneering progressive African American women of Grand Rapids with Sophia Ward Brewer (02-22-25) 13:22

11 днів тому13:22

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On this episode, host & WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sophia Ward Brewer, Serials and Collection Development Librarian at GRCC and Vice President of the Greater GR Women's History Council. Sophia recently gave a presentation at Grand Rapids Public Library titled Tracing the Steps | African American Women During the Progressive Era in Grand Rapids Sophia’s done a significant amount of research on early African American women’s clubs and the remarkable women who led these organizations here in Grand Rapids. She spoke with us about the progressive era and what it was like for women living in Grand Rapids during that period. Online: The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council…

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How Dégagé Ministries is serving the homeless and hungry in West Michigan (02-15-25) 15:11

18 днів тому15:11

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On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé Ministries. Dégagé Ministries, established in 1967, offers hope and opportunity to those facing homelessness and poverty in our community. Dégagé Ministries was started in the basement of the Salvation Army at 160 Fountain Street NE in 1967 as a coffee house for college students and a few people from the neighborhood who came for music, poetry, coffee, and to discuss issues. They wanted to create a place for people to come together and feel at ease (“dégagé” is a French word meaning “to be at ease”). Today, Dégagé serves over 1000 unique individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Grand Rapids by providing over 20 emergency, empowerment, and engagement programs. The mission of Dégagé is to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect. Online: Dégagé Ministries…

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How SECOM is empowering families to achieve their full potential (02-09-25) 13:21

25 днів тому13:21

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On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian , speaks with Pablo Garcia, Executive Director, SECOM. SECOM is a key Resource Center that gives help and hope to their neighbors by empowering families to achieve their full potential through healthy living, education, and economic opportunities. SECOM offers a wide range of services, including a healthy food pantry and farm fresh market, a community garden, education, services, volunteering, and groups. Pablo noted that addressing issues of inequity in their community has always been and will remain a focus of SECOM’s work. As SECOM Executive Director, Pablo and his staff are compelled to challenge themselves to better understand, uplift, and serve neighbors with the goal of equity and equality for all. SECOM especially welcomes donations and volunteer support. Learn more about how you can support this vital community service at SECOM.…

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Exceptional performances! Previewing Circle Theatre's 2025 Season(02-02-25) 14:51

рік тому14:51

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In this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower welcomes Lynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director Circle Theatre. Lynne joined us for a preview of the upcoming exciting 2025 Season at Circle Theatre. 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. Circle Theatre has over 300 volunteers and employs approximately 127 independent contractors from the West Michigan community on an annual basis. Now that's a positive impact! Lynne also shared with us news of an exciting fundraiser that circle theater is hosting on May 3rd, their "A Night Under the Stars, Adult Prom." Online: Circle Theatre…

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Understanding Arbor Circle's Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment & Counseling Programs (01-25-25) 14:25

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On this episode, we welcome Enid Gaddis, MA, - Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. Arbor Circle is one of West Michigan’s most comprehensive providers of mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family services. Arbor Circle Staff collaborates with local resources to address the needs of our community, promote new ways of assistance, and find better strategies to help the people we serve. In this episode, Enid gave us an overview of the broad range of support and services offered by Arbor Circle. We also discussed some of their helpful upcoming community events which are open to the public, including a class on “ Adult Mental Health First Aid” as well as a class in March, providing valuable insight through Arbor Circle’s “QPR Suicide Prevention Training.” Learn more: Arbor Circle…

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Protecting West Michigan's natural areas with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (01-18-25) 13:48

рік тому13:48

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On this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Marie Orttenburger, Advancement Manager with Land Conservancy of West Michigan. In 1976, four volunteers met to lay out a plan that would identify, protect, and care for West Michigan’s natural areas. They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan (NACOWMI), and they immediately set out with lofty goals. Early projects included several conservation easements, Saul Lake Bog, Lake Breeze natural area and an addition to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Today, that organization is known as the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Marie Orttenburger is the advancement manager for Land Conservancy of West Michigan. She joined us on the program for an update on what’s happening at LCWM. We talked about some interesting upcoming events that the general public can take part in including a “Nighttime Hoot & Hike” on January 21, and there Second Saturday Workday at Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve on Saturday, February 8. Land Conservancy of West Michigan we’ll celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with a benefit screening of the climate conscious film, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” The screening happens Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm at The Wealthy Theatre. Online: Land Conservancy of West Michigan…

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Previewing "Guiding Light Live" An Acoustic All-Star Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction (01-11-25) 15:33

рік тому15:33

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In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Brian Elve, Executive Director Guiding Light , David Madiol, Director of development and communications with Guiding Light ; and M ichael Crittenden , Musician and President Mackinaw Harvest Music Group. Brian provided us with an overview of the recovery services offered through Guiding Light. The program offers no charge substance abuse, addiction, recovery for men and women. Guiding Light is hosting its first-ever, live benefit concert, “Guiding Light Live” on Saturday, February 15 at St Cecilia Music Center, 4-6:30pm. (*Note the time). Guiding Light Live features an all-star lineup of Michigan acoustic legends, playing songs and sharing stories in the intimate setting of St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce concert hall, featuring a performance in the round with these artists: *Poet, producer, singer-songwriter, and local music institution, Ralston Bowles * Michael Crittenden …Award-winning producer, singer-songwriter and founder of Troll for Trout. * Kate Pillsbury , Songwriter, singer and guitarist for The Crane Wives. *Joshua Davis, Singer-songwriter and finalist on NBC’s “The Voice." The concert is from 4 – 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, and the show will open with a performance by three-part harmony female supergroup, The Rebel Eves. Doors for the event open at 3 PM with a special silent auction for Guiding Light sponsored by The Gilmore Collection. Preshow Mocktails are provided by MeXo GR . Tickets and More Info: Guiding Light Live…

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Chairman Ron Yob on The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians fight for federal recognition(01-04-25) 14:55

рік тому14:55

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On this week's program, WYCE's Phil Tower speaks with Ron Yob , chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians . The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The Grand River Bands originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Most of the Grand River Bands’ current membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties. Their mission is to provide for the preservation of our way of life and the welfare of their people and to promote and restore the harmony and cooperation between the Grand River Bands, and other Michigan Ottawa and Chippewa bands, and the general public. Since 1994 the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians’ have worked to petition the government for federal recognition of their tribe. Yob told us that once they receive federal recognition the tribe can access useful, supportive resources such as tuition, healthcare, and housing assistance. These opportunities are granted to tribes that are federally recognized, and the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians should be able to access these benefits with no further delay. The Grand River Bands tribe has long been a vital part of Kent County and the community of western Michigan, and they have agreements with the federal government dating to 1795.…

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Previewing The World of Winter Festival 2025 with DGRI's Bill Kirk(12-28-24) 15:45

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On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Bill Kirk, Communications Director with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is the organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2013, DGRI serves as the singular management entity for the combined operations of the Downtown Development Authority , the Downtown Improvement District , and the Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority . Bill spoke with us about the World of Winter Festival is a free, outdoor celebration in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrating winter through art, events, and activities for all ages. The festival is from January 10 - March 2, 2025, and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. World of Winter transforms the city into a winter wonderland each year. Now in its 6th year , World of Winter features stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, and live performances, offering a unique way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of winter. Online: The World of Winter Festival Online: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.…

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The positive impact of Steepletown Neighborhood Services with Executive Director, Emilio Zamarippa (12-21-24) 14:30

рік тому14:30

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On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Emilio Zamarippa, Executive Director of Steepletown Neighborhood Services. Emilio started at Steepletown 11 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. Emilio's personal mission is to empower youth and young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Steepletown strives to promote the idea of neighbors helping neighbors live with dignity and hope. In the 25 years since, Steepletown has grown from modest beginnings with a part-time director, to sixteen full-time and ten part-time staff members. Steepletown also welcomes donations and volunteer help through its website. Learn More Online: ⁠ Steepletown Neighborhood Services ⁠…

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Behind the scenes at John Ball Zoo with Andy McIntyre, the Zoo's Chief Operating Officer (12-14-24) 15:01

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On this week's program, host Phil Tower (* sitting in for Allison Donahue) speaks with Andy McIntyre, chief operating officer at John Ball Zoo. Andy gave us an overview of the recently approved 10-year master plan for John Ball Zoo. The plan which was passed in early December after a 16 to 3 vote before the Kent County Commission, includes additional language that protects green space and trees. Andy discussed some of the particular elements of the recently approved 10-year master plan, including expanding the Africa exhibit at the zoo to include a giraffe habitat, reviving a sea lion habitat, and adding a large South American forest habitat featuring native animals, free-flying birds and a waterfall that reaches 30 feet. He also discussed the care and maintenance of the zoo and its animals during the winter season, the upcoming third year of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, and the benefits of John Ball Zoo memberships for individuals and families. Online resources: PDF: See the master plan John Ball Zoo…

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Behind the scenes with Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony(12-07-24) 13:57

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On this week's episode, we welcome Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Keith Elder joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as its President & CEO on July 1, 2023. Before that, he served as president of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s also had roles with the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Music, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center. On this episode, Keith Elder joined us to discuss his background and the significant cultural impact that the Grand Rapids Symphony has on the West Michigan region and he highlighted the numerous partnerships the symphony has developed to strengthen its ties to the community. He also discussed some of the highlights of the remaining symphony season, including the annual Symphony Holiday Pops concerts, membership opportunities with the Grand Rapids Symphony, and a major event to be revealed in February 2025. Since its founding in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony has been nationally recognized for the quality of its concerts, the breadth of its educational programs, and the innovation of its initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as to serve the wider community in non-traditional settings. Online: The Grand Rapids Symphony…

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The positive and long-lasting impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County Volunteers(11-30-24) 15:42

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On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, speaks with Stephanie Sheler, Executive Director of CASA of Kent County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County organizes and empowers community members to provide best-interest advocacy for children in Kent County’s child welfare system. Their program connects concerned citizens with the family court to make a lasting impact on the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Stephanie also spoke about CASA volunteer opportunities. She noted that CASA volunteers come from different backgrounds and experiences. Some are students, some are working, some are retired, and some are stay-at-home parents. CASA volunteers are essential advocates in the family court system, they do not need any special legal or social work training. They also do not need to be licensed foster parents because they do not provide care or housing for children. Instead, CASA volunteers come as they are, with open minds and open hearts. Online: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County…

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The impact of the Ford Presidency with Brooke Clement, director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum (11-23-24) 15:43

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