October 2021 Newsletter

Opportunities and news for residents and friends of Boston Square, Cottage Grove, Madison Square and the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Welcome to the AGR newsletter featuring to-the-point news you can use! We will deliver it straight to your inbox each month and if you want to go deeper, check out "More Happenings" below or visit our website.

Above Photo: Boston Square Together Community Partners joined Spring GR for a photo-op this month prior to construction commencing. The partners worked with neighbors to create a collective vision and name for the future space - Kzoo Station: A Community Kitchen + Eatery. LEARN MORE

COMING SOON TO MADISON SQUARE

Shiny Diamond Neighbor Communication _3_.png

Meet the newest business owner in Madison Square! Adam Hoeksema (above on the right) lives in Madison Square and is originally from the Southeast side of Grand Rapids. He has been detailing cars since he was 17 years old.

Now, as a master detailer, with proven expertise in the industry, he also has a passion for his community. Adam will open the Shiny Diamond Auto Detailing and Hand Wash location (1600 Madison Ave. SE) this fall and offer various levels of hand wash service and in-depth auto detailing for cars, boats, RV's, etc.

With his past work and the support of Spring GR, he started Shiny Diamond in 2019. He wants to use his business to further the business district and connect in the community.

In addition, the Shiny Diamond lot will be hosting food truck(s) on-site that will bring warmth, vibrancy and community to the corner of Madison Ave. and Crofton St. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. Congrats, Adam!

Thanks to project partners Spring GR and Rockford Construction.

Top Right Photo: Adam helps with a demo day in June 2021 at his new location.

Bottom Left Photo: Adam (right) with Jermale Eddie, AGR's Business Partnership Manager (left), the day he received keys to 1600 Madison Ave. SE.

NEIGHBOR SPOTLIGHT: Joan Huyser-Honig

Local gardening guru, wordsmith by trade and neighbor of almost 40 years, Joan Huyser-Honig not only plants fruits and veggies but seeds of wisdom and encouragement for neighbors in her community.

After raising her family on Oakdale St. with her husband, Steve, she now is teaching their grandkids about the value of community.

You may have driven by or even picked from the public edible garden on Kalamazoo Ave. near Evergreen St. (see photo below of Joan and her grandchildren in the garden), which Joan and other neighbors built together. She regularly brings her grandkids to the garden to harvest. In collaboration with Amplify GR, she brought it to life, continues to prep each spring and helps maintain various edible plants, herbs and fruits for neighbors.

For Joan, gardening is one way she connects further into her community.

In 2020, she also donated her time and wordsmith talents by being a key creator of the Boston Square Together Community Partnership Agreement. This neighborhood partnership is focused on ensuring equitable outcomes for neighbors and is facilitated by Oakdale Neighbors, Boston Square Neighborhood Association, Amplify GR and the City of Grand Rapids. Neighbors like Joan participated in the visioning process and together they made sure neighbor voices were uplifted and incorporated into the agreement.

Thank you, Joan. Your commitment to a healthy community is inspiring.

You help push the community forward!

EVENTS NEAR YOU

LET'S GET MOVING

EVERY SATURDAY @ 10 - 11:30 AM

Put on your walking shoes and head to the track at Ottawa Hills High School! Each Saturday morning, neighbors will be getting up, out and moving. Enjoy a warm-up, walk and cool down with neighbors before you start your Saturday! LEARN MORE

TRUNK OR TREAT EVENTS

OCTOBER 29, 30 and 31

There will be no shortage of candy for the kiddos this year! With FOUR different Trunk or Treat events near you, the family will have plenty of opportunities to show off their costumes and fill their buckets full of treats. LEARN MORE

BOSTON SQUARE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

We know it is too early to be talking about Christmas (for some) but add this date to your calendar! The inaugural Boston Square Community Christmas Tree Lighting hosted by Modern Hardware will get you in the holiday spirit. Follow our Facebook for details coming soon!

All events are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.

MORE HAPPENINGS

Working locally in Madison Square, Innovation Strong attendees gathered for a meet and greet.

West Michigan woman created virtual interactive

map of minority-owned businesses.

INNOVATION STRONG EVENT

Nearly 60 attendees from businesses in the Madison Square area gathered for an event to talk, share and find collaborative opportunities.

LEARN MORE

WOMANUP & PITCH

Applications are open for Michigan Women Forward's funding opportunity for women who wish to start or grow an existing for-profit business.

LEARN MORE

SPEND YOUR DOLLARS EQUITABLY

Don't just Google where to spend your dollars locally, try using this new virtual map of minority-owned businesses. LEARN MORE

AMP THE GOOD

Grants are available to neighbors who want to positively impact their community. Apply before December 31, 2021. LEARN MORE

SHARE YOUR EVENTS

Do you live, work or play in the neighborhood and have an event or information to share? Does it connect neighbors or provide residents in the Amplify GR service area with opportunity? Submit it here.

Each entry will be reviewed and considered for a place in the upcoming newsletter. No ads will be allowed. But if you want to amplify a neighborhood business send us a note.

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