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: Neighbors worked together with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Dream Center, Terra Firma and On TIME Dumpsters to increase the canopy on Oakdale Ave. and clean up the street last month. Photo by Breanna Riley from Team Terra Firma.

THIS SATURDAY: INAGURAL TREE LIGHTING

Have you seen all the signs around Boston Square? We are getting excited as neighbors and local organizations joined forces to create a festive event that reflects the diverse culture within this close-knit community.


With support from an AMP the Good grant from Amplify GR, community businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals, this group will launch the annual event that will bring neighbors to the parklet to celebrate community through holiday spirit, good food, and other activities.

The inaugural Boston Square Community Christmas Tree Lighting is THIS Saturday in the Boston Square Parklet (Evergreen St. and Kalamazoo Ave.) beginning at 4:30 pm with the tree lighting at 6 pm:

THIS IS A FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT:


  • Photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Holiday tunes spun by Governor Slugwell the whole evening
  • Live Nativity scene led by New Dimensions Victory Center
  • Stocking giveaway for kids that include an ornament art project
  • Outdoor games for kids
  • Food and drinks from:
  • 7 Mares
  • Taste of Africa
  • Boston Soul Cafe


Sit under a heat lamp, cozy up to a campfire, enjoy warm treats under blankets, catch up with neighbors, and experience holiday tunes under the stars and by the glow of twinkling holiday lights. The 20-foot Christmas tree will be lit by longtime Boston Square resident, Argie Holliman at 6:00 pm.

LEARN MORE

Photo by Alfield Reeves Photography

NEIGHBOR SPOTLIGHT: Rev. Kenneth W. Hoskins

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Community, faith and family drive Rev. Kenneth W. Hoskins, a homeowner of 31 years in the heart of Boston Square. You may see him riding his bike or talking with residents wherever he goes. Kenny has lived in SE Grand Rapids all of his life and continually invests in his community time and time again.


He is the director of longtime neighborhood nonprofit, Oakdale Neighbors, and pastor of Alpha Omega Ministries on Jefferson Ave.


In 2020, he served on behalf of Oakdale Neighbors as a key partner in creating and signing the Boston Square Together Community Partnership Agreement.

This neighborhood agreement 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 Kenny participated in the visioning process and worked together to make sure neighbor voices were uplifted and incorporated into the agreement.

 

Thank you, Kenny!

You help push the community forward!

Photos by Alfield Reeves Photography

EVENTS NEAR YOU

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18

4 PM - 7 PM


Volunteer or attend this community celebration at the old Revolution Church at 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE with local nonprofit, Grand Rapids Dream Center. There will be stockings, giveaways, entertainment, a telling of the Christmas story, fun activities to engage the whole family, and a sit-down meal. Consider signing up to bring some Christmas cheer as a volunteer! LEARN MORE



MORE HAPPENINGS

Longtime neighbor and business owner, Andrea Owens, receives an award from the BBB of West Michigan.

Photo courtesy of BBB of West Michigan

West Michigan woman created virtual interactive map of minority-owned businesses.

BSQ BIZ LEADS IN SUSTAINABILITY

The neighborhood-based furniture business, Re.dwell, has been recognized for its commitment to 'reclaim and repurpose.'

LEARN MORE



NEIGHBOR HONORED WITH AWARD

HourGlass Testing Solutions owned by a Boston Square resident was chosen out of 36 companies for its strong ethics in business.

LEARN MORE



SPEND YOUR DOLLARS EQUITABLY

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

LEARN MORE



AMP THE GOOD

There is still time to apply! Grants are available to neighbors who want to positively impact their community. Apply before December 31, 2021.

LEARN MORE

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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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