A Note From The Administrator
As summer winds down, we’re excited to welcome a new school year! This season always brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and community connection. From local events and programs to resources for students and families, there’s a lot to look forward to in the months ahead.
Commissioner Dave Hildenbrand and I, along with members of the Experience Grand Rapids Board, had a great time in Indianapolis last week learning about the city’s public investments to enhance its entertainment and cultural landscape.
I also had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion on personal and organizational integrity for 40 Grand Valley State University (GVSU) employees enrolled in the Leading Lakers internal professional development program a few weeks ago. I was joined by fellow panelist Heather Taylor, who leads risk management at GVSU.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Community Comes Together At Our Kent County North Community Fest Event
 We had a fantastic time at our Kent County North Community Fest on Thursday! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the North Campus in Cedar Springs for an afternoon filled with food, fun, and community connections. It was a giant hit, with over 1,000 people in attendance! From tasty bites and free ice cream to kids’ activities, big trucks, and even our K-9 and mounted units, it was a wonderful celebration of our community.
A special thank-you to all our County departments, offices and partners, our Board of Commissioners, and our sponsors, Meijer and Ice Mountain, who made this event possible!
Community Action Senior Group Celebrates "Prom Day"
Friday was a special day at our Community Action offices, located in Downtown Grand Rapids - it was Prom Day!
Our senior services clients stepped out in style to enjoy lively music, a delicious meal, and the excitement of crowning their very own Prom King and Queen. More than just a fun event, Prom Day gave seniors the chance to connect, share laughter, and strengthen the friendships that bring so much meaning to their lives. Celebrations like this highlight the joy, community, and support that make our programs truly special.
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Keep Your Pet Safe: Update Your Microchip Information
National Check the Chip Day was celebrated on Friday, and our Animal Shelter team is working to remind pet owners to verify that their pets’ microchip information is current so lost pets can be reunited with their families quickly. At our shelter, all incoming pets are scanned for microchips. Unfortunately, outdated contact information often prevents owners from being notified.
To help, we have two 24-hour public microchip scanning stations - one outside the intake doors on our main Fuller location and another at our North Campus in Cedar Springs. If you find a lost pet, you can scan it and help return it home. Pet owners are encouraged to check their pets’ chips and update information with their microchip company.
Don’t have a chip yet? Learn how to get one at kentcountymi.gov/172/Resources. A quick check could be the key to getting your pet home faster
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Emergency Preparedness: A Shared Responsibility
Our Health Department and Sheriff’s Office play a vital role in keeping our community safe - whether it’s responding to natural disasters, chemical spills, power outages, or public health threats. That’s why preparedness is so important. Recently, they partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen emergency plans and ensure our community is ready for whatever comes our way.
Their efforts are a powerful reminder that preparedness also starts at home. By taking a few simple steps - understanding how outdoor warning sirens work, creating a family emergency plan, and building a 72-hour emergency kit - every household can be better prepared. The stronger each household is, the safer our entire community becomes.
Learn more at bit.ly/StayPreparedKent and explore additional resources at ready.gov.
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Experience Nature and Fun On The Johnson Park Disc Golf Course
Looking for a fun outdoor activity near Grand Rapids? Check out Johnson Park for an exciting round of disc golf! With 18 challenging holes, cement tee pads, and elevation changes that test your skills, it’s the perfect spot for players of all levels. Enjoy scenic views, plenty of parking, and a course located along the Grand River Greenway, making it an ideal destination to combine fitness and nature.
County Parks like Johnson Park aren’t just for sports - they offer a chance to get outside, stay active, and connect with your community. Pack your discs, bring your A-game, and experience the fun and beauty that Kent County parks have to offer!
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A Night to Remember: Celebrating Female Veterans At 5th Annual Banquet
 We’re excited to share that the Veterans Services team's 5th Annual Female Veterans Appreciation Banquet was our most successful yet, with more than 120 attendees — including many female veterans we were honored to celebrate.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredible guest speakers, volunteers, catering staff, attendees, and of course, Juliet Dragos from WZZM 13 for serving as our emcee.
New International Degree Toolkit - Now Available in Multiple Languages
Our West Michigan Welcome Plan team's Maximize Economic Potential Workgroup is excited to share the new International Degree Toolkit, designed to help immigrants and refugees explore ways to use their international degrees in our community. The toolkit includes guidance, resources, and practical steps for credential evaluation, career pathways, and continuing education.
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Go Back to School - Sustainably!
As students head back to school, our Public Works team is reminding residents that it is a great time to think about sustainable choices that reduce waste and save resources. Instead of buying all new supplies, consider alternatives like reusing notebooks and folders, refillable pens, reusable lunch bags and water bottles, thrifted backpacks and clothing, repurposing materials from home, or choosing eco-friendly products. Small changes can make a big impact, helping both your wallet and the environment.
Let’s make this school year greener than ever! You can learn more here.
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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 kentcountymi.gov/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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