A Note From The Administrator
There are lots of great events happening this month! It's ArtPrize season again this year, with the kickoff happening on Friday, featuring a parade, brass bands, costumed performers, interactive installations in Rosa Parks Circle, a fireworks show, and more.
And our Parks Foundation’s annual Something’s Grilling event is also happening at Millennium Park on Wednesday evening. This is a great opportunity to support the development and expansion of our parks and trail systems.
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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Celebrate Recovery Month With 63rd District Court
The 63rd District Court invites you to join a Recovery Month Celebration this Friday, September 19, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North Parking Lot, 1950 E. Beltline Ave, Grand Rapids.
The event will feature opening remarks from Chief Judge O’Hara at 11 a.m., along with food trucks, yard games, informational tables from County departments and offices, and live music. It’s a chance to connect with community resources while enjoying a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Each September, the nation recognizes National Recovery Month, a time to promote awareness, celebrate the progress made in recovery, and support those impacted by mental health and substance use disorders. This celebration is an opportunity to honor resilience, highlight available support, and bring the community together in recognition of recovery’s powerful impact.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend this uplifting event!
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Bow Hunting Permits For County Parks Draw High Demand Again This Year
Interest in our Parks Department's bow hunting program remains strong, with more than 900 people applying for limited-access permits this year! The application process for this program is now closed and the applicants have been selected.
For over two decades, the County has offered archery hunting on more than 1,100 acres of parkland - including properties supported by Michigan DNR Trust Fund grants - providing residents a unique way to enjoy outdoor recreation and explore natural areas not typically open to the public. This year’s designated hunting areas include Cooper Creek Park/Spencer Forest, Lowell Regional Greenspace, Long Lake Park, and Two Rivers Greenspace, with a limited number of permits available at each site. All hunts follow state and local regulations.
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Visit "Art For Honor" Exhibition Honoring Veterans
Join us at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids this Saturday, September 20, for a free community celebration of the Art For Honor exhibit, showcasing the work of veteran artists as part of ArtPrize. This special event highlights the power of art and storytelling to share veterans’ experiences, foster understanding, and build connections within our community.
The day begins at 10:30 AM with the arrival of the Patriot Guard motorcyclists, followed by remarks from special guests, including Medal of Honor recipient James “Doc” McCloughan. From 10:50 AM to 2 PM, enjoy live musical performances and family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon art, crafts, and interactive exhibits. A food truck will also be on site with food and drinks available for purchase.
This year, Art For Honor proudly features 27 veteran ArtPrize entries. Sponsored by our Veterans Services department and organized by artist Kelly Dentler, the exhibit provides veterans with a meaningful platform for healing, recognition, and community connection.
Come celebrate, show your support, and experience the creativity and stories of those who have served.
Get Involved: Apply To Serve On A County Board, Commission, Or Committee
We are now accepting applications for appointments to Kent County boards, commissions, and committees. Recruitment began earlier this month and will continue through the end of September.
These volunteer positions offer a meaningful way to give back and help shape the future of our community. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including agricultural preservation, public health, veterans’ services, social services, and more.
Qualified residents may apply by creating an online account and submitting an application through the County’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged but not required. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580.
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Bring Your Pup To The Griffins Game And Support Our Animal Shelter!
Get ready for one of the most paw-some nights of the year! Our Animal Shelter is once again teaming up with the Grand Rapids Griffins for the annual Jake Engel Memorial Dog Game on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 PM, as the Griffins take on the Rockford IceHogs.
Fans can bring their dogs to the game with the purchase of a $5 dog ticket (in addition to their own), and tickets for select seating areas start at just $24 plus fees. Best of all, $3 from every ticket purchased through this special link goes directly to our Animal Shelter.
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More Than 150 Attend Homeless Veterans Stand Down Event
On September 11, our Veterans Services (KCVS) team welcomed 150 veterans and their families to the fourth annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down. The event, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, connected veterans with critical resources including benefit claims assistance, health care, housing solutions, employment services, and more. Attendees also received food boxes from Community Action, enjoyed meals provided by the Grand Rapids Elks Lodge 48, and nearly 30 veterans received free haircuts courtesy of Great Clips.
KCVS extends gratitude to the many volunteers, community partners, and county departments who helped make the event a success. Together, we are working to ensure no veteran in Kent County is left behind.
Vote The Gerald R. Ford International Airport As Best Small Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is in the running for the title of Best Small Airport by USA TODAY, and they need your help bringing home the honor of first place.
The public can vote once a day now until October 6. These achievements are a testament to the support from our community for the airport and its partners. To place your vote, visit here.
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Share Your Voice! Take Our Quick Survey About Lead Hazards
We want to hear from YOU! Take our anonymous survey (less than 5 minutes) to share your thoughts and experiences about lead in Kent County.
Your feedback will help guide future efforts to keep our community safe and informed.
Spread the word at bit.ly/KentLeadSurvey
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Community Spotlight: Lieutenant Hunt From The Plainfield Township Fire Department
Last week, our Community Action team had an unexpected issue when one of their vehicles became inoperable due to a malfunctioning lift. While our staff member, Anesha, was working to resolve the problem, she realized a special tool was needed.
That’s when Lieutenant Hunt from the Plainfield Township Fire Department stepped in. He not only provided assistance but helped troubleshoot and secure the lift so the vehicle could safely be driven to the shop - saving us from needing a wrecker.
We are grateful for Lt. Hunt’s quick response and willingness to lend a hand. This is a great example of the strong partnerships and supportive community we’re fortunate to have here in Kent County.
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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