November 2021 eNewsletter |
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Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month. |
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As we embrace the cooler temperatures, Kentwood continues to offer a great variety of activities for all ages. While our community is filled with compassion and generosity year-round, our Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree and Be a Santa to a Senior program in November really brings out our giving spirit. I hope you will join our efforts to ensure everyone can stay warm this winter and enjoy the holiday season.
This month, we’ll also host a luminary walk, disc golf tournament, holiday light display contest and more. Please take the time to explore all details in this eNewsletter and join us at these wonderful events.
Blessings to you and yours as we enter the season of thanksgiving,
Mayor Kepley
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City General Election - Nov. 2 |
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The polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 for the City’s non-partisan general election. Voters can find ballot and precinct information at kentwood.us/elections or michigan.gov/vote.
If you are voting absentee, you must return your ballot to City Hall by 8 p.m. Election Day. You can hand-deliver it to the City Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside at the following locations:
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City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
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Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE
Have a question about the election? The City Clerk’s Office has answers to common election questions here. You also can find comprehensive information on our election webpage at kentwood.us/elections or contact the Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616.698.9610.
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No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Kentwood Provided By MDHHS - Nov. 4 |
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The City of Kentwood will host a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine clinic Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The clinic – sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – will offer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, from 2-5 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.
The clinic will be open to all community members and no appointment will be necessary. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for first, second and third doses, as well as boosters. Vaccine and booster eligibility is determined by the current CDC guidelines.
For information about COVID-19, community members may visit michigan.gov/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888.535.6136 and press 1. The hotline is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Temporary Outdoor Businesses Expansions and Signage Exemptions Extended into 2022 |
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As COVID-19 continues to impact our community, the City of Kentwood will maintain reduced regulations and its expedited review processes to support local businesses through October 2022. This includes suspension of temporary sign display time limits and the opportunity for businesses to have outdoor space accommodations. More information, including the application for temporary outdoor business expansion, can be found at kentwood.us/BusinessRestart.
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Fall Leaf and Brush Drop-Off Programs Open Through Dec. 5 |
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Our fall leaf and brush drop-off programs are back at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, to help residents with their fall yard maintenance needs. The sites are open noon-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 5. Residents may drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings.
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Bundle up and come explore Veterans Memorial Park like you have never seen it before. On Friday, Nov. 12, there will be approximately half a mile of pathway lit up with luminaries decorated by community members. This event is free and open to anyone to participate 5:30-8 p.m.
If you are interested in decorating a luminary for this fun event, stop by the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during business hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Bags must be returned by Wednesday, Nov. 10 to be included in the walk. Visit kentwood.us/LuminaryWalk or call 616.656.5270 for more information.
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Fall Fling Doubles Disc Golf Tournament – Nov. 13 |
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Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join in the annual Fall Fling, a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive set for Saturday, Nov. 13 at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Each participant will receive a player package at check-in with many opportunities for extra prizes during the tournament. Registration is $40 plus one donation of a canned food item per team. Food donations will go to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Learn more and register at kentwood.us/FallFlingDiscGolf.
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Kentwood Holiday Giving Programs |
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Want to join our efforts to make the holidays brighter for community members in need? Mark down the following holiday giving programs on your calendar. They will run Nov. 15-Dec. 15 at the Kentwood Activities Center, or KAC, which is located at 355 48th St. SE.
Be a Santa to a Senior
In partnership with Home Instead Senior Care, Kentwood Parks and Recreation again will host a Be a Santa to a Senior tree. This communitywide initiative brings the joy of the holiday season to older adults in Kentwood. To participate, select a tag from the Senior Santa Tree in the lobby of the KAC. Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag, wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside and return it to us by Dec. 15.
Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree
Help adorn the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree with new or very gently used items such as hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets. These donations will be distributed to individuals in our school systems and surrounding community organizations who are in need of cold-weather necessities.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry
We accept donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry year-round at the KAC and Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. We also have collection bins available for organizations that want to place them at their facilities. For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
The KAC is open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Thank you for your continued generosity and participation in these programs.
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Kentwood’s First-ever Holiday Light Display Contest – Nov. 26-Jan. 3
Who has the most holiday spirit in all of Kentwood? Enter our first-ever holiday light display contest to find out. Register online at bit.ly/HolidayLightContest, then submit photos of your display to erecreation@kentwood.us and wait to see who wins the most votes.
Photos will be posted to our social media platforms and voting will take place until Jan. 3. Don't miss out on this fun way to get into the holiday spirit with neighbors and friends.
The top three winners will receive a holiday gift bag and serious bragging rights ... until next year.
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A Look at Local Library Activities |
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There’s still time for writers of all ages to enter the Write Michigan Short Story Contest. Entries will be accepted until noon Saturday, Nov. 30. Cash prizes will be awarded for readers' choice, judges' choice and judges' runner-up. Winning entries will also be published by Chapbook Press.
In-person storytimes continue at the branch at 10 a.m. Tuesday-Friday each week. Ideal for children up to 5 years old, the program helps nurture a love of books and builds early literacy skills.
The Little Free Pantry located in the library remains open for the community 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
For the latest information on all KDL programs and events, visit kdl.org.
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Winter Crime Prevention Tips |
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As the temperatures begin to drop, the Kentwood Police Department is reminding residents to not leave vehicles running while unattended. Warming up a vehicle and leaving it unoccupied while running creates an opportunity for thieves to steal your car. Additional tips to protect your vehicles and valuables include:
- Lock the doors to your vehicle at all times.
- Remove your key fob and secure it inside, out of range from your vehicle.
- Keep valuables out of sight or place them in a locked trunk.
- Remove all electronics from your vehicle.
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Close your garage at night.
- If you see something, say something.
It is best to report suspicious activity and crimes while they are happening by calling 911. To report crimes after the fact, residents may call the Kentwood Police Department’s non-emergency line at 616.698.6580 or file an online report. You can also submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer.
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On-Street Parking Rules Take Effect Nov. 15 |
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With winter on the way, please keep in mind that on-street parking rules go into effect this month. From Nov. 15-March 15, parking on any public streets will be prohibited 1 a.m.-8 a.m. or at any other times when on-street parking could impede winter operations.
When the snow starts to fly, please be aware property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of homes and businesses. For information about our winter maintenance efforts, visit our website.
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Holiday Closures - Nov. 11, 25 and 26 |
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Our offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving.
Please note: The brush and leaf drop-off sites will also be closed on these days.
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4900 Breton Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49508 | 616.698.9610 | Contact Us
City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; and Fridays at noon.
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This is a monthly eNewsletter. You are receiving it because you have done business with the City of Kentwood or have signed up for news about our community events and programs. If you would like to no longer receive this, you may unsubscribe below. |
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