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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I look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate our nation’s independence on Monday at Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration. The event includes activities for all ages, from food trucks and fireworks to pancakes and parades. It will be an enjoyable day for the whole community, as well as an opportunity to reflect on how we’ve grown as a country.
As we recognize Independence Day, I’m reminded of one of our core civil duties: Voting. Though it is not a presidential election year, the upcoming elections include decisions about our local and state governments that will impact our day-to-day lives for the years ahead. I encourage everyone to research candidates and proposals, including Kentwood’s proposed millage for park, trail and recreational improvements that will be on the Aug. 2 ballot.
Please continue to join us at our community events all summer long and at the polls this August and November to make your voice heard. Have a safe and blessed summer!
Mayor Kepley
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Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Kentwood |
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Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration on Monday, July 4 is filled with activities for all ages. Here’s the schedule for the day:
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7-9:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast for $5 at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave SE.
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8:30 a.m. – NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
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9:30 a.m. – Parade starting at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, and ending at Challenger Elementary, 2475 52nd St. SE.
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10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Carnival with rides and games for all ages at City Hall. Individual tickets cost $1 each. Wristbands available for $20.
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4-10 p.m. – Evening celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music, leading up to fireworks at dusk.
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Gather 2 Grow! Lunches at the Library |
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Kent District Library is partnering with Feeding America West Michigan this summer to provide free lunches to students 18 and under and 26 and under for individuals with disabilities.
The lunches are pre-packaged, nutritious and shelf-stable – plus, there are options to fit almost any dietary need. Lunches are available every weekday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 12 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Please visit: kdl.org/lunch for more information.
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Our Summer Concert Series kicked off in June, and this month three more bands will take the stage behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The July lineup is:
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July 14 – Par-llo Connection: R&B and funk group performing hits from the 80’s and top 40 tracks.
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July 21 – Cabildo: Alternative Latin rock with unique blend of cumbia, ska, folk and other genres.
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July 28 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra: One of Michigan’s premier jazz ensembles.
Community members are also invited to attend the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the Thursday evening schedule of our concerts. Each market takes place 4:30-7:30 p.m. behind City Hall.
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Dog Days of Summer at the Kentwood Farmers Market – July 7 |
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Pack up your pup and head to the Kentwood Farmers Market July 7 for a doggone great event. The Dog Days of Summer market will include dog vendors, pet portraits, a dog walk, adoptions and more from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
In addition to exploring vendor items, there are food trucks at each market every Thursday offering a range of cuisines for purchase, along with more themed nights and free activities for marketgoers to enjoy. Learn more at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
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Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events |
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The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch will offer a variety of programs this month, including:
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Crafts, dancing, mimes – Summer Wonder has something for everyone to enjoy this month! Visit kdl.org/summer to learn more about the program and all it has to offer.
- Embark on a fantastical quest to a land full of unicorns, dragons and more in the Magical Menagerie adventure.
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In partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. this unique program pairs kids with trained therapy dogs and their handlers. Kids read their favorite book and the pups curl up, listen and enjoy. This program is first come, first served. It’s recommended to show up 15 minutes early to secure your spot.
- Activities for teens that may include board games, food and more.
For a full list of events, visit kdl.org.
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The City of Kentwood has announced its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer. Work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Planned street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects include:
- Full reconstruction of Burton Street from East Paris Avenue to Patterson Avenue.
- Full reconstruction of Jefferson Avenue from 44th Street to Montebello Street.
- Other preventative street maintenance work throughout Kentwood, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.
Message boards on major streets will give drivers advance notice of when closures will begin. For more information, including a map of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us/construction. You can sign up to be notified when we post construction updates at kentwood.us/enotify/index.php.
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Kentwood Public Works Wins Energy Use Reduction Award |
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Our Public Works team was recently recognized as the “biggest loser” in the warehouse category of the Battle of the Buildings for a total energy use reduction of 4.27% at our DPW facility. The award was given during the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter’s 8th Annual Michigan Energy Summit on June 15.
This accomplishment was achieved in large part due to a partnership with Consumers Energy on its Building Tune Up energy waste reduction program, which reviewed the City’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems across several city buildings and made changes that saved nearly $47,000 in energy costs. Congratulations, DPW!
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KFD Welcomes New Fire Engine |
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The Kentwood Fire Department recently welcomed a new fire engine to its fleet. This new vehicle will enable KFD to continue providing leading fire and medical services to the community. The Spartan Metro Star pumper replaces a fire engine retired from the department’s fleet. Built by Charlotte-based Spartan ER, the new fire engine is housed at Fire Station 3 on Eastern Avenue SE. Learn more here.
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Aug. 2 Election Information |
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City of Kentwood residents will head to the polls Aug. 2 for the state primary election for Michigan governor and other state/federal candidates.
The ballot will also ask Kentwood residents to consider a permanent dedicated millage that, if approved, would support the City’s parks, trails and recreation programming. Available parks and recreation funding has not kept pace with increased resident demand, leaving the City unable to make needed repairs and improvements today and for future generations. If approved, the new millage will provide a sustainable funding source to improve Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming.
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Job and Volunteer Opportunities |
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We’re hiring for several seasonal and full-time positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to explore our current job listings and apply.
Volunteers add great value to our community – and we’re always welcoming more dedicated community members to join the Kentwood network. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
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Stream Movies for Free with Kent District Library’s Kanopy |
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Did you know all Kent District Library members can stream thousands of movies for free through its Kanopy streaming service? The Kanopy app is available on iOS, Android and all major streaming devices. Patrons can sign up and begin streaming for free at kdl.kanopy.com. Library staff is also available to assist at all branch locations and by phone at 616.784.2007.
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City offices will be closed Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. |
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For more information, please visit our website: kentwood.us
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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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