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A Note From The Administrator
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Kent County community, our Board of Commissioners, and our nearly 2,000 dedicated staff who make a difference every day.
This year has been one of progress, with big milestones achieved across the county. From expanding services to enhancing infrastructure, none of it would be possible without the support and watchful eye of our residents.
Thank you for being part of what makes Kent County such a wonderful place to live, work, and grow!
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a special Scheduled Status Review to celebrate the successful completion of the specialty court program by Martin G., U.S. Army Veteran, at 62A District Court. The event featured insights from Grace Christian University Criminal Justice students, an announcement about an upcoming program evaluation led by retired Navy Veteran John Baxter, and a visit from Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Al Vanderberg
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Grand Rapids Area Warming Centers
With colder temperatures upon us, we wanted to share a list of warming centers available to anyone who needs them. Please help spread the word, stay warm, and stay safe!
Important Reminder: Please be advised that the status of warming centers may change in response to the evolving weather conditions. Closures may occur at these locations due to power outages or in observance of holidays. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations or contacting 2-1-1 for the latest information.
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Stuffed Animal Donation Deadline Next Week For Adoption Day
We are still accepting stuffed animal as part of our donation drive for the 17th Circuit Court’s 28th Annual Adoption Day. Help us bring smiles and comfort to children being adopted in Kent County by donating a new stuffed animal or plush toy.
Donations will be accepted through December 6 at various Kent County locations. These special gifts will be given to children on Adoption Day (December 5) and throughout the year as they join their forever families. For a full list of locations you can donate, please read our full press release here. Let’s show our support for foster and adoptive families!
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Parks In The Winter
With our first overnight snowfall last week, we thought now might be a good time to remind everyone about what is accessible at our Kent County Parks during the colder months, between November 1 and April 30. Whether its cross country skiing at Wahlfield Park, snowshoeing at Millennium Park, or sledding at Johnson Park, there are tons of winter activities to enjoy!
While our parks aren’t “open” in the winter, they’re not really “closed” either...Millennium Park has a heated restroom in the Recreation Core area that will remain open this winter, but all other restrooms are closed until Spring to prevent pipes from freezing. At some parks, we open the gates and plow parking areas on weekdays, but at others, gates are kept closed and lots are not maintained in the winter.
Learn more about what our parks offer in the off-season at bit.ly/ParksOffSeason, and for a safe and fun-filled experience, dive into the park's designated activities to make the most of your visit!
Vacancy: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board, a seven-member body, is responsible for policy and general oversight of the airport.
Qualified residents may apply by completing an online account and submitting an application on the County's website. Click here or learn more about this current vacancy. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on December 2.
For more information, contact the Board of Commissioners' office at 616-632-7580.
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Laptops to Enhance Learning For Alger Middle School Students
A partnership between Kent School Services Network (KSSN), Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, Human I-T and AT&T brought free laptops to 50 Alger Middle School students to enhance their learning. AT&T provided the laptops through the Bridge to Possibility Campaign aimed at driving awareness of the challenges caused by the digital divide and the collective response needed to address it.
DaJuan Thomas, the KSSN Coordinator for Alger Middle School coordinated the effort, which culminated in a November 21 laptop distribution event. Tim Westrate, Director of External and Legislative Affairs with AT&T: "I am very impressed with DaJuan and KSSN. Without DaJuan, this whole thing would not have happened." In partnership with school staff, KSSN Coordinators link students and families to resources that support learning and family stability. We appreciate DaJuan and all the KSSN Coordinators for the great work they do for students and families.
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Free Radon Testing Kits Available At The Health Department
You can't see it, you can't smell it and you can't taste it, but a radioactive gas that can be found in soil is a concern in the event that it builds up inside a home. This gas, known as radon, is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. among non-smokers.
And testing is the only way to know if radon, this invisible gas, is an issue in your home so come pick up a FREE test kit through the end of November at our Health Department - 700 Fuller Ave NE location.
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Yesterday was the Jake Engel Memorial Dog Game at the Grand Rapids Griffins and all proceeds benefited our Animal Shelter. Attendees were allowed to bring their dogs to the game at Van Andel Arena, take pictures in the photo booth, and more. Thank you to the Griffins for supporting our local shelter with the charity game!
There’s nothing quite like a warm lap at a hockey game or on a chilly autumn day. Fortunately, we have many fantastic lap warmers available for you. Now through the end of November, all dog adoptions have been reduced to just $50. This includes a vet exam, spay/neuter, microchip, age appropriate vaccines (including a rabies vaccine), flea/tick treatment and a heartworm test. Adoption also includes a Kent County smart QR dog license AND an additional month of Heartgard heartworm preventative and a Nexgard flea and tick preventative!
Meet all of our adoptable pets here.
Kent County HOME Affordable Housing Development Program Funding RFP
The Community Development division of our Community Action Department is investing $1.5 million of federal funds to create 10 affordable homes that will be sold to income eligible households in Kent County. The projects will be selected through the open Request for Qualifications (RFQu 5873) currently posted under "bid opportunities" at www.accesskent.com/purchasing, seeking partnerships with non-profit housing developers. The deadline for submissions is February 28 at 2 pm.
Gustavo Perez, Director of Community Action, highlights that “Kent County is excited about this opportunity to provide homeownership opportunities to families that are often priced out of the market.” The RFQ encourages developers to propose 2 bedroom 1 ½ bathroom home designs with a construction schedule of 1 year or less.
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Under Construction: Improving Accessibility
Pardon our mess! Renovations are underway at the County Administration Building to enhance accessibility from the Government Center Parking Ramp to Grand Rapids City Hall, and our building.
Coming by February 2026:
- New lobby elevator
- Easier entry doors for 300 Monroe
- Step-free pedestrian ramp
- Reconfigured ADA parking
Follow posted signs during construction. We’re excited to make 300 Monroe more accessible for all!
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All County Offices and Health Department Clinics Will Be Closed In Observance of Thanksgiving
All County offices and clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 2.
All Department of Public Works services and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 28. Disposal services and facilities will resume on Friday, November 24 but administrative offices will remain closed during this period. Additionally, there will be extended hours for commercial haulers at disposal facilities on Saturday, November 30:
- Recycling Center * 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and
- Waste-To-Energy * 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, visit accesskent.com/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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