A Note From The Administrator
As we move further into March, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy our community. This weekend, downtown Grand Rapids once again came alive with the energy of Irish Off Ionia, right outside our Kent County Administration Building in Calder Plaza. The event brought thousands of people together to celebrate Irish culture and the start of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. And for those who appreciate a good math pun, Saturday also happened to be Pi Day - a perfect excuse to celebrate with a slice of key lime pie, my favorite. I hope you will find time this week to enjoy the events, traditions, and little moments that make our county such a great place to live.
While many people were celebrating locally, several Commissioners and staff recently attended the NACo Legislative Conference, where we had the opportunity to connect with county leaders from across the country and meet with members of our congressional delegation to discuss issues important to us.
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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Celebrating Women’s History Month
 We are proud to celebrate Women's History Month and recognize the remarkable women who help lead and serve our community every day. On our Board of Commissioners, women make up a majority of the 21-member board, with 11 commissioners representing both urban and rural communities across the county. Through tireless work, responsible budgeting, and thoughtful planning, these leaders help ensure residents have access to the programs and services that support a high quality of life.
We also celebrate the many women serving across departments and offices throughout our organization, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service keep our county running and moving forward. Together, their leadership and service continue to shape a stronger community and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Health Department Urges Flu Prevention As First Pediatric Death Confirmed
Flu activity remains high across Michigan and our Health Department, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has confirmed the county’s first influenza-associated pediatric death in Kent County this season, and the third reported in Michigan.
Our Health Officer, Dr. Adam London, said "the department is deeply saddened by the loss" and emphasized that influenza can have serious consequences, particularly for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
With flu activity still high, we encourage residents to get their annual flu vaccine (recommended for everyone ages six months and older), practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness, and seek medical care if symptoms develop - especially those at higher risk.
To schedule a flu vaccination with our Health Department, please call 616-632-7200 or visit the MDHHS website for more information on flu prevention.
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Spring Into Action: Volunteer Opportunities At Food Packing/Distribution Events
As we look forward to the return of warmer weather and April showers, our Community Action team is inviting you to help give back to our community.
Our food packing and distribution programs offer volunteer opportunities that are a perfect way to get active, meet new people, and make a tangible difference in Kent County. Whether you are helping to sort and pack essential grocery items or assisting to directly put boxes of food in the hands of local families, your time and energy are invaluable to our mission.
We have several upcoming events on the calendar and would love to see you there! If you’re interested in joining us, please review the specific dates and shift details here.
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Stargazing In Our Parks: Catching The Lunar Eclipse
Early risers had a chance to experience a spectacular celestial event on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, when a total lunar eclipse - often called a “blood moon” - was visible across West Michigan.
To help residents enjoy the view, our Parks Department kept six parks open overnight for stargazing, including Fisk Knob in Cedar Springs, Fallasburg Park in Lowell, Wahlfield Park in Alpine Township, Luton Park in Rockford, Secchia Meadows in Walker, and Thornapple Riverbend in Caledonia - offering safe, scenic spots to watch the full “worm moon” transform into a glowing blood moon.
During a lunar eclipse, Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that gives the Moon a reddish-orange glow. The eclipse began with a partial phase at 4:50 a.m., totality started at 6:04 a.m., and the maximum eclipse occurred at 6:33 a.m. before ending at 7:02 a.m., just before moonset and sunrise at 7:17 a.m.
Photos by: Quan Nguyen, at Secchia Meadows
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Building Kent County: Legacy of Owen-Ames-Kimball
As part of our “A to Z: Discovering Kent County” series, we are happy to highlight Owen-Ames-Kimball for the letter O!
Founded in 1891 in Grand Rapids, Owen-Ames-Kimball (O-A-K) has played a defining role in shaping the physical character of Kent County for more than 130 years. Its story mirrors that of Grand Rapids itself - a city rising from its lumber roots into a thriving manufacturing and commercial center. As downtown surged upward in the early 20th century, O-A-K helped turn ambition into architecture. They helped build landmarks such as the Pantlind Hotel (now the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel), McKay Tower, the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple, and the original Grand Rapids Public Library reflect an era of confidence, craftsmanship, and civic pride that still defines the city today.
To read our full article about O-A-K and their impact, visit here.
Simple Ways To Recycle and Dispose Of Waste in Kent County
Our Recycling & Waste team makes it easy for residents to recycle and reduce what goes to the landfill, at a variety of locations throughout the county. When exploring ways to dispose of waste, please consider these convenient options:
• Single Stream Recycling Drop-Off - Recycle glass bottles and jars, cardboard, metal cans, plastic containers, cartons, and paper
• Foam/Polystyrene Drop-Off (North Kent Recycling & Waste Center in Rockford)
• Electronics Recycling - Drop off almost anything with a plug! (Free except CRT TVs/monitors and appliances with refrigerant)
• SafeChem - Safely dispose of household hazardous liquids at no cost
• Landfill Services - Most residential loads start at $40 for up to 1,400 pounds
Do you have stuff to get rid of? Let us help here!
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Free Budgeting Classes For Veterans
Our Veterans Services team is excited to host an upcoming Budgeting Class for Veterans and their spouses, held in partnership with Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU).
The sessions will be at Veterans Services' offices, located at 836 Fuller Avenue NE in Grand Rapids. You can join us on either Friday, March 20, at 10 a.m. or Friday, April 17, at 1 p.m. To ensure your spot, please sign up in advance on our website at here. We ask that all attendees bring a current bank statement and copies of their bills to the session to get the most out of the program.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dan at 616-632-5755.
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Smart QR Dog Licenses: Keeping Pets Safe
Kent County dog licenses now feature smart QR codes to help lost pets get home faster! If your pet goes missing, anyone can scan the tag 24/7 to view your contact information - a free service included with every license.
No smartphone? No problem. Owners can also be found by searching the license number at PetHub.com, calling the toll-free number on the tag, or contacting the Animal Shelter.
Purchase your smart license today online, at our Animal Shelter, or through one of our many community partners!
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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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