A Note From The Administrator
Hello, Fall! While we're officially in autumn, we're still enjoying those lovely warm days, perfectly blending crisp breezes with sunny reminders of summer. It’s an ideal time to get out and enjoy our many local orchards and all the seasonal fun Kent County has to offer.
This Thursday, our team will be participating in the annual Michigan "Apple Crunch," where, every October, communities across the state unite to celebrate farm-to-school initiatives and Michigan's rich agricultural heritage by simply crunching into a fresh, local apple together. It’s a fun, healthy, and delicious tradition we love to highlight!
Last week, we had a great time connecting with the community at our quadrant meetings held at our North Campus in Cedar Springs and later in Gaines Township. Looking ahead, our Board of Commissioners and staff members are also excited to head to our annual "Day At The Capitol" this week, where we'll discuss vital community issues and connect with our state legislators.
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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Animal Shelter Celebrates 85th Anniversary With Fall Event
Our Animal Shelter is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with a special Fall event this Thursday, October 16, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents and families are invited to enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, get creative with fall-themed crafts, and join in a variety of kids’ activities.
Guests will also have the chance to learn more about the animal shelter's new mascot, making it a perfect day of fun, community, and celebration. We hope you'll join us and enjoy the activities and learn more about the changes and growth the animal shelter has experienced throughout the years.
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Happy, Homes, Happy Hearts Luncheon, Supporting Community Action Programs
Join us for a FREE luncheon on October 16, from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. to celebrate Community Action’s impact across Kent County, from the life-changing support provided by our weatherization and utility assistance programs to the meaningful stories shared from our senior services initiatives. Plus, help us honor and recognize our Volunteer of the Year for their outstanding contributions.
Your participation makes a difference. Please join us and make a donation to help residents and families in need. Space is limited, so please RSVP here.
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County Honors Employees for Outstanding Service
Their hard work and dedication are exemplary, showcasing the impact our team members have on the lives of residents every day. Working in the Health Department and in Fiscal Services is about more than a job - it’s a commitment to organizational stability, protecting health, and community service. We’re proud to have employees like Keith and Brieanna who go above and beyond to serve and support our residents. Thank you both for your outstanding contributions!
Employee Spotlight: Frank Briones
We are so grateful for Frank's work in our Juvenile Detention Center, where he partners with the community to develop programs that provide youth with opportunities to engage in positive activities and meaningful experiences.
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Nature Hike at Lepard Preserve with Old Growth Forest Network
One of our Kent County parks, Lepard Preserve in Caledonia, has been recognized as an Old Growth Forest.
Discover what makes these woods so special during a guided walk from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on October 19, followed by a dedication in May alongside the spring ephemerals.
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Countywide Collaboration: Students Promote Safety Through ArtPrize Exhibit
We are proud to host a special display in our Monroe-level lobby at 300 Monroe Ave. as part of ArtPrize 2025 - a showcase of student artwork from the Kent County Road Commission's Work Zone Safety Poster Contest!
Earlier this year, third graders across Kent County were invited to design creative “caution signs” promoting safe driving in work zones. Thanks to their talent and imagination, we’re able to share this inspiring collection.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners: Juana L - Alpine Elementary, Raelyn B - Appleview Elementary, Vail M - Breton Downs Elementary, Wyatt S - Central Elementary, Noah J - Orchard View Elementary, Alina O - Parkview Elementary, Remi B - Pine Ridge Elementary, Miles W - Pine Ridge Elementary, Riley S - West Oakview Elementary, and Addie H - Zinser Elementary
Thank you to KCRC and all participating schools for helping us celebrate safety, creativity, and community through art! The exhibit will be up through this week, if you would like to view it.
National Drug Take Back Day
Our Health Department is teaming up with the DEA, Priority Health, and Corewell Health to sponsor a safe, anonymous drop-off for unwanted, unused, or expired medications - and to pick up free naloxone (Narcan) - no questions asked.
Community members can drop off their meds and pick up FREE Naloxone on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these locations:
Properly disposing of unused and unwanted medications reduces misuse, prevents accidental overdose, and protects the environment. Together, we can build a healthier Kent County!
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Help Support Veterans. Light Your Home/Business Green
Join us in participating in Operation Green Light from November 4 through November 11 to show support for our local veterans!
Our Veterans Services department is encouraging residents and community partners to light their home or building green as part of this awareness campaign. We are excited to know that a variety of West Michigan landmarks have already committed to showing their support, including the Blue Bridge, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, fire stations, and more! By shining a green light, businesses, governmental entities, and our residents let veterans know that they are appreciated and supported.
Click here to learn more about the campaign. Also, Veterans Services has a limited supply of light bulbs available. Stop by during normal business hours to pick yours up!
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Global Gathering
Our Welcome Plan team is filled with gratitude and joy from this year’s Global Gathering West Michigan x LIBERATION event at Garfield Park on September 13.
The day was full of community, culture, and celebration. From storytelling and zine-making to cultural performances, a bounty potluck, and a lively marketplace featuring a variety of creators, every corner of the park was alive with creativity and joy. Guests enjoyed free produce from local farmers, diverse food vendors, a Liberation Lounge, and opportunities to connect with community resources that empower belonging.
Watch the highlight reel here and relive the moments that brought us all together!
Invest in Ability 2025: Recognizing Leaders in Inclusion and Design
Join us on November 6 as we celebrate the people and partnerships that make our community more inclusive! Kent County is proud to sponsor Disability Advocates of Kent County's Invest in Ability gala, recognizing the accomplishments of advocates, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who help unlock opportunities and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
This year’s theme - “The Art & Design of Inclusion: Creating a Barrier-Free Community” - will honor the powerful role of creativity and thoughtful design in shaping a more accessible world. To attend the event, register here.
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Zoo Staff Brings Imperfect Stuffed Animal Joy to Young Patients at DeVos Children’s Hospital
Staff at John Ball Zoo are giving discarded stuffed animals a new chance at life, helping kids feel less alone in the process.
After donating over 900 stuffed bears in 2023 to Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to young patients undergoing medical procedures, the Zoo wanted to give back again.
Staffers recently took on a unique challenge: rescuing and rehabbing over 80 plush toys from the Zoo gift shop that were deemed unsellable due to minor rips or defects. In all, Zoo staff was able to create 84 “scar buddies” that were later donated to Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Gentle stitch work and cheerful patches were added to the damaged toys to prepare them for deserving families.
The “scar buddies” are especially meaningful for young patients with visible scars, providing comfort and a reminder that they’re not alone.
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D&HHS Partners with the Grand Rapids Griffins for a Fun and Meaningful Fundraiser
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) is teaming up once again with the Grand Rapids Griffins for an exciting community fundraiser. The event takes place this Friday, October 17, 2025, at 7 p.m., during the Griffins’ home opener against the Manitoba Moose.
This fan-favorite night features $2 beers and $2 hot dogs, along with all the energy and excitement of the Griffins’ season opener. A portion of proceeds from tickets purchased through D&HHS will directly support programs and services that benefit the deaf and hard of hearing community across West Michigan.
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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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