A Note From The Administrator
Today, our Parks leadership team, Commissioner Steve Faber, and I joined Congresswoman Hillary Scholten for a tour of the Northland Drive Pedestrian Tunnel project, a key connection in the growing Grand River Greenway. Once completed, the tunnel will provide a safe, accessible route beneath one of northern Kent County’s busiest roads, improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Last week, I also spent some time in Lansing supporting Girls State, a training program for high school juniors sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The program offers a hands-on experience in state and local government, where participants run mock campaigns, hold elections, and simulate the political process.
On a personal note, I would like to congratulate Doug Small on the announcement of his retirement and thank him for his years of leadership and advocacy. His vision and dedication have played a significant role in the growth and success of Grand Rapids and the broader Kent County visitor economy.
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 Nearing Capacity - Here's How You Can Help
Our Animal Shelter is nearing capacity, with only a handful of dog kennels currently available. Many dogs in the shelter are on mandatory stray hold, limiting available space for lost, abandoned, and emergency animals that continue to arrive each day.
Community members can help by adopting, reclaiming lost pets as quickly as possible, and assisting with reunification efforts when found pets are discovered. Adopting a dog not only gives a pet a loving home but also creates lifesaving space for another animal in need. Dog adoption fees are just $70 and include vaccinations, a microchip, and spay/neuter surgery.
You can also support the shelter by sharing adoptable pets and lost-and-found resources with friends and neighbors. Every adoption, reunion, and share helps ensure the shelter can continue providing quality care for animals in our community.
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Employee Spotlight: Michelle Bommarito, 63rd District Court
We are so grateful for Michelle's work as a Judicial Administrative Specialist at our 63rd District Court!
Michelle's role supports Chief Judge Jeffrey O'Hara, where her passion for helping individuals through Recovery Court, and the family, friendships, and experiences that have shaped her career in the court system.
Read our full interview with Michelle here.
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Sand Sculpting Brings Summer Fun to Millennium Beach
 This weekend, visitors to Millennium Beach celebrated the start of summer with a unique sand sculpting experience, led by the talented team at Scott Triplett Sculpting. Throughout the day, artists created an impressive exhibition sculpture while offering free, hands-on lessons to beachgoers of all ages.
Participants had the opportunity to learn sand carving techniques, use professional tools, and contribute to the sculpture as it took shape. No prior experience was needed - just a little creativity and a willingness to get their hands sandy. The event provided a fun and memorable way for families and visitors to welcome the summer season at one of Kent County's favorite destinations.
To learn more about exploring Kent County's 43 parks and trails. visit here.
Support Farmland Preservation Tomorrow at Culver’s Share Night
Help Protect Our K9 Officers
Our Sheriff's Office is raising funds to provide protective vests for K9s Chiko, Fido, Jack, Kai, and Zeke! These highly trained K9 partners play a critical role in public safety, assisting with suspect tracking, search and rescue operations, building searches, and other dangerous assignments.
The new vests will provide ballistic and edged-weapon protection while remaining lightweight enough for daily use. Community members who would like to support these four-legged deputies can make a donation here to help ensure they have the protection they need while serving Kent County. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps keep these valuable members of our K9 Unit safe.
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"A to Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Features "The Summer of Big Sid"
As part of our "A to Z: Discovering Kent County," we are happy to highlight the "Summer of Big Sid" for the letter S!
In June 1978, a 20-foot, 140-pound python named Big Sid escaped from a locked cage while the Florida-based Wonderful World of Circus was staying on a farm in Walker. What began as a strange local incident quickly grew into a month-long search that made national headlines.
Fear spread quickly. Parents kept children and pets indoors, fueled in part by warnings that the large reptile - normally fed rodents in captivity - could potentially prey on small animals if it went hungry.
To read our full article, visit here.
Limited Edition Veterans Challenge Coin Honors America's 250th Anniversary
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, our Veterans Services team has unveiled a limited-edition Challenge Coin. A longstanding military tradition, challenge coins symbolize service, achievement, and camaraderie among those who have served.
Each year, Veterans Services creates a commemorative coin to share with veterans at community events. This year's special edition honors our nation's milestone birthday and is available in limited quantities.
Want one? Visit Veterans Services at an upcoming event for a chance to receive one of these collectible coins. View the event calendar online and connect with the team at 836 Fuller Avenue NE in Grand Rapids, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 616-632-5722 for more information.
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New Video Series Helps Children Build the Skills to Say No
Talking with your child about drugs and alcohol can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Our Health Department is offering Talk Before They Try, a free 10-episode video series designed to help parents and caregivers build their children's confidence, decision-making skills, and ability to resist negative influences.
The series features practical parenting tips, expert interviews with local prevention professionals, real-world examples, and conversation starters to make difficult discussions easier. Watch individual episodes or the full playlist online and gain tools you can start using at home today.
To learn more, visit here.
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Community Action Launches El Centro Explora Program for Older Adults
Honoring Those Who Help Families Reunite
June is National Family Reunification Month, a time to recognize the dedicated professionals, caregivers, and volunteers who help children safely return to their families. Our 17th Circuit Court extends its gratitude to child welfare workers, court staff, attorneys, judges, CASA volunteers, foster parents, service providers, and community partners whose efforts make reunification possible.
Their work helps families rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and create stable futures for children. While often unseen, their compassion, collaboration, and commitment have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children and families. Thank you to everyone who continues to bring hope, healing, and support during some of life's most challenging moments.
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County Offices and Health Clinics Closed For Independence Day
County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6.
We encourage you to reflect on the significance of this holiday and spend time with family, friends, and the community.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
A career with Kent County offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through a wide range of roles in public service, including health, public safety, parks, courts, administration, and many other areas that support residents every day. 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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