Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month. |
|
As we move into the summer months, I trust the community will join me in making plans to fully enjoy Kentwood’s beautiful parks and trails. Our City offers many opportunities for residents and neighbors to make the most of the warm weather and longest days of the year. Whether it is a walk on our trails, or outdoor games and a picnic at our parks, this is a wonderful time to be outside.
While visiting parks, trails and open spaces, please continue following CDC COVID-19 guidance to keep our community healthy. Please also consider bringing a bag on your walks to collect trash along the way to keep our community looking beautiful. Keeping public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone to use is a community effort. Small changes can have a big impact and show how much we love the outdoors.
Mayor Kepley
|
|
National Public Works Week Parade – May 22
Tree Seedling Giveaway – May 20-22
|
|
In lieu of a traditional open house for National Public Works Week, our Department of Public Works will bring the big trucks to you with a parade on Saturday, May 22.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on the western border of the City near the intersection of Division and Maplelawn and travel toward the eastern border of the City, ending around 11 a.m. near the intersection of Burton and Forest Meadows Court. We invite residents to enjoy the parade from their porch, yard or driveway to allow for safe physical distancing outdoors. Please feel free to give us a wave as we pass by.
In addition to a parade through the community, the Public Works Department will be giving away tree seedlings Thursday, May 20 through Saturday, May 22. Those interested in the seedlings may stop by the Public Works facility, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, between noon-8 p.m. on those dates. For any questions, please feel free to call 616.554.0817.
You can view the route and find more details on our website at kentwood.us/PublicWorksWeek. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the important work of our Public Works employees!
|
|
An election will be held Tuesday, May 4 for a Kelloggsville Public School District operating millage and a Kentwood Public School District bond proposal. The ballot will include the Kelloggsville millage question for precincts 1, 4 and 5 located at the Kentwood Activities Center, 455 48th St. SE. A Kentwood bond proposal will be on the ballot for precincts 2, 3, 7-15, 17 and 18. A precinct map and list of polling locations can be found at the bottom of our kentwood.us/elections webpage. For a sample ballot, visit Michigan.gov/Vote. The polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day.
Have a question about upcoming elections? The City Clerk’s Office has answers to common election questions here. You also can contact the Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616.698.9610.
|
|
Spring Leaf and Brush Drop-Off Programs Are Back Through May 29 |
|
Our brush and leaf drop-off sites are open noon-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday through May 29. The services are available to Kentwood residents only at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. For more information, visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff or call 616.554.0817 with any questions.
|
|
Spotlight On Seniors Expo in the Library Courtyard – May 25 |
|
The 22nd annual Spotlight On Seniors Expo will be held outdoors in the Kentwood Library Courtyard, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, on Tuesday, May 25. From 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., community members will be able to visit more than 50 vendors from a variety of local businesses and receive free health screenings. Attendees will enjoy free morning snacks, a free lunch and the chance to win a door prize. Learn more at kentwood.us/SpotlightOnSeniors.
|
|
Mediterranean Master Class: May 18 Live Cooking Show |
|
We’ve teamed up with Family Fare to present a free, live cooking show 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 455 48th St. SE. Join master duo Chef Syndy of T. Rex & the Rabbit Foods and Dietician Deanna of Family Fare to learn how to eat for heart and brain health. We’ll explore the foods of the Mediterranean diet, demonstrate proper cooking techniques and discuss how the Mediterranean lifestyle is one of the healthiest in the world.
Register at bit.ly/MediterraneanCookingDemo for your chance to have a seat at the live TV taping and taste-testing. Those who are unable to attend in person may view the program online through WKTV.
|
|
Upcoming Adult Fitness Programs |
|
Maintain your health and wellness goals this month with Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s upcoming fitness programs:
-
Evening Walking Club began May 3 at Bowen Station Park, 4499 Bowen Blvd. This club meets every Monday at 6 p.m. to walk until 7 p.m. at various parks and trails through June 14.
-
Morning Walking Club begins May 5 at Bowen Station Park. This club meets at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday to walk until 10:30 a.m. at various parks and trails through June 9.
-
POUND, a cardio jam session inspired by the fun of playing drums, starts its next four-week session May 12 at Kentwood Activities Center, 455 48th St. SE. The class meets every Wednesday 5:30-6:30 p.m. through June 2.
-
Cardio Drumming begins May 20 at Kentwood Activities Center. The six-week class meets every Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m. through June 24.
|
|
Adult Sports Leagues Beginning in May |
|
|
|
Interested in giving an outdoor sports league a try this year? Check out these upcoming adult leagues:
-
Spring beach volleyball begins the week of May 10. The six-week season includes co-ed 2-on-2, co-ed recreational 4-on-4, women's 4-on-4 and co-ed competitive 4-on-4 leagues. Register now at bit.ly/KentwoodSpringBeachVolleyball.
-
Spring adult soccer begins the week of May 17. The eight-week season includes women's 9-on-9, co-ed recreational 11-on-11, men's 9-on-9, and co-ed competitive 11-on-11 leagues. To register, go to: bit.ly/KentwoodAdultSoccer.
|
|
Safety Reminders: Outdoor Burning and Portable Fireplaces |
|
Nicer weather gives us the opportunity to spend more time outside. With longer days and chilly nights, you may be thinking about outdoor fires. Please remember to burn only firewood in a purchased and enclosed portable outdoor fireplace that is certified for outdoor use. Always keep in mind the following safety requirements:
-
An adult must be present whenever the fireplace is in use.
-
No fire can be left unattended, and it must be fully extinguished after use.
-
Have a useable garden hose or fire extinguisher readily available nearby.
-
Only place an outdoor fireplace in a backyard lawn area or on a cement patio. Keep it a safe distance from any structure, vehicle, fence, etc.
-
Ensure the outdoor fireplace is fully enclosed with a bottom pan, a screen around the sides and a lid covering it to contain sparks and embers.
-
Only burn firewood. The burning of leaves, yard waste, trash, paper or garbage is not allowed at any time.
-
Do not overfill the container. Only two to three pieces of moderate-sized firewood is allowed at one time.
Please be aware burning that bothers neighbors because of odors or smoke is prohibited. If there is a complaint, the Fire Department may you to extinguish the fire.
|
|
May 14 Deadline to Apply for the Kentwood Police Youth Academy |
|
All graduating high school seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2021-22 school year can apply for the Kentwood Police Department’s youth academy. Set to take place July 26-29, the free program will provide students with hands-on experience in police training and operations.
To participate, students must contact Sgt. Tim Wierenga for an initial screening and application. Sgt. Wierenga may be reached at wierengat@kentwood.us or 616.656.6561. Applications are due by May 14 in person at the Police Department or by mail to Sgt. Tim Wierenga at 4742 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512.
|
|
Save the Date: Kentwood Farmers Market Set to Return June 3 |
|
The Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its seventh season June 3. The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 26 in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
|
|
Community Resources Are Here to Help |
|
Need help paying your rent or energy bills? If you didn’t qualify for assistance before, you may now. Please call 211, text your ZIP code to 898211* or search online to see if you’re eligible and to get connected with resources. Operators offer help in 180+ languages. To explore more resources, visit kentwood.us/resources.
|
|
City of Kentwood Operations |
|
City Hall remains open for essential in-person services. Visitors are required to wear a face covering and practice physical distancing. Residents are encouraged to continue to access City services online at kentwood.us or call or email City staff. City bill payments may be made through U.S. mail, electronically using ACH or the drop box or drive-up teller tube located outside City Hall. For more information about our operational changes in response to COVID-19, visit kentwood.us/COVID.
|
|
Are you interested in joining the City of Kentwood team? All current job listings are posted at kentwood.us/employment.
|
|
City offices will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day. |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Follow us on social media: |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
