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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With each new year comes a renewed sense of hope and purpose. It’s a time of planning and evaluating what’s important to us all.
As we consider the future, I look forward to focusing on ways to improve Kentwood’s quality of life and economic vitality. The City has long maintained an “open for business” attitude, helping those looking to invest and grow in Kentwood. I want to ensure that our current business community and the next generation of job seekers are set up for success in their endeavors here.
Focus will also be directed towards the sustainability and quality of all our parks, trails, and facilities, as well as our capacity for recreational programming to keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of our community today – and well into the future.
Most of all, the Kentwood City Commission, boards and staff will continue to work to protect life and property while providing excellent services for everyone. We sincerely appreciate your partnership in exploring opportunities to improve, operate, and maintain these vital services and amenities.
Your ongoing participation and support help make Kentwood a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Blessings to you in 2022,
Mayor Stephen Kepley
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Vote For Your Favorite Holiday Light Display – Jan. 4-6 |
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It’s almost time to find out who is Kentwood's Clark Griswold! We accepted final submissions for our holiday light display contest through Monday, Jan. 3. Community voting will soon take place through Jan. 6 on our Facebook pages – City of Kentwood and City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. The top three vote-getters will be announced Friday, Jan. 7, earning prizes and bragging rights for a year. Join us online as we celebrate the creativity of neighbors and friends.
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String Light and Tree Recycling Available Through Jan. 28
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A tree recycling site is open at our Department of Public Works through Jan. 28 except Jan. 17, when our offices are closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Residents may bring trees 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, or 8 a.m.-noon on the weekends of Jan. 8-9 and Jan. 15-16.
Please note: All decorations, lights, wires and other non-natural materials must be removed in advance. A box for string lights will be located near the front doors of the Public Works Facility. Visit our website for more details.
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Please Take Our Board and Committee Survey by Friday, Jan. 7
We’re dedicated to enhancing our workplace climate through a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. As part of this effort, we’re asking for input from residents to better understand the community’s awareness of and interest in City board and committee opportunities. Please help us by sharing your perspectives and experiences through this online survey by Friday, Jan. 7.
Your responses will help inform recommendations from Inclusive Performance Strategies, our consulting partner, for our volunteer board and committee practices. The survey is open to Kentwood residents and should only take five minutes to complete. All survey responses will remain confidential. We look forward to your participation in the survey and thank you for sharing your feedback.
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Unity Walk to Honor MLK – Jan. 15 |
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The City of Kentwood is hosting a unity walk in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Residents are invited to gather in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, at 9 a.m. for a 1-mile walk, which will end at Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. A ceremony will follow, including a proclamation, music, coffee and cake. We will also be collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items to stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. For more information, please visit kentwood.us/MLKUnityWalk.
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Pop-Up Disc Golf at Covenant Park – Jan. 15 |
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Disc golfers of all levels are invited to play our nine-hole disc golf course at Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE, on Saturday Jan. 15. The course will be available 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at no cost, but you must bring your own discs to participate. Restrooms will be available in the clubhouse. |
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Winter Concert Series: Nicholas James Thomasma – Jan. 20 |
Our winter concert series will return with live music in the Community Room at the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, 6:30-8 p.m. every third Thursday through March. Kicking off the concert series Jan. 20 will be singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma performing folk music. Visit kentwood.us/WinterConcerts for more details.
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Winter Wonderland Dance – Jan. 22 |
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Kids are invited to bring their dad, mom, grandparents or other relatives to our winter wonderland-themed dance 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. In addition to music and dancing, the event will include a craft activity, photo area, refreshments and snacks. The cost is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Call 616.656.5270 or go online to purchase tickets.
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Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events |
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The Kent District Library’s Let It Snow Adult and Teen Reading Club is back Jan. 3-March 31. Read or listen to six books from the Let It Snow reading categories to earn a mug. Following are a few other programs happening this month at the library.
Storytime: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Monday and 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesday-Friday
- Ideal for children up to 5 years old, these storytime events help nurture a love of books and build early literacy skills.
- An all-ages event that features retro arcade games, mini golf and a silent disco.
- An open play opportunity for teens and adults featuring a variety of arcade games.
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A team from GRCC's Workforce Training Division will share information about in-demand skills West Michigan employers are looking for and career pathways to help adults accomplish their professional goals.
For a full list of events, be sure to visit kdl.org.
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Information Regarding Private Utility Work |
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Within the next several months, you may see utility work happening in or around your neighborhood for telecommunication service upgrades through AT&T of Michigan. AT&T is replacing or upgrading its copper cable network through the western portion of the City to better serve the community. This work will include the installation of new fiber optic cables primarily west of the Paul Henry Rail Trail and extending into portions of the Bailey’s Grove neighborhood.
Scheduled work hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. However, some hours may be restricted due to traffic volumes. For questions about this or other work in public rights-of-way, contact the Kentwood Engineering Department at 616.554.0737.
For work performed on private property in platted utility easements or private easements acquired by AT&T, please contact AT&T directly at 616.392.9968. Complaints can be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission online, by phone at 800.292.9555 or via mail to: MPSC Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909.
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License Suspended? Learn About the On the Road Program |
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On the Road, or OTR, is a new program offered through the 62-B District Court that encourages individuals to get on the road with a valid license and potentially avoid a criminal conviction. The program may work for you if you are being charged by the City of Kentwood with:
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DWLS: Driving with your license suspended, revoked or denied
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Driving unlicensed: You’ve never applied for a license.
With OTR, you may be eligible for a conditional dismissal of the charge. Talk with the attorney at your arraignment about why your license is suspended and the steps you’ve taken toward getting your license restored. Tell them about any appointments you have to take your driving test or visit the Secretary of State. If you get a driver’s permit or clear your suspension and provide the clearance form to the Secretary of State with the required fee, you may avoid a conviction. If you have already restored your license or received a permit, be sure to tell the judge at your arraignment.
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Help Keep Your Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow |
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Seconds count when your house is on fire and it’s critical for firefighters to have easy access to hydrants for water supply. During winter, crews sometimes have to spend precious time shoveling around a hydrant before they can put out a fire. A fire hydrant that’s already cleared can make a big difference.
Please help our firefighters put fires out faster this winter by keeping fire hydrants near your home or business clear of snow. We recommend keeping snow and ice at least 3 feet away from hydrants on all sides. The Kentwood Fire Department greatly appreciates the many residents and business owners who have taken the time to help in the past and to those who may assist us this winter in keeping our hydrants clear.
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Winter Parking Rules Now in Effect |
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Winter on-street parking rules are now in effect through March 15. Parking along City streets is prohibited 1 a.m. or at any other times when on-street parking could impede winter operations. |
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Join City of Kentwood Boards, Committees and Commissions |
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Are you interested in joining the City of Kentwood team? Our Police Department is seeking candidates for police cadet, records clerk and officer positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to view our current job listings and apply.
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Holiday Closure Notice – Jan. 17 |
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Please be aware our offices and tree recycling site will be closed Monday, Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. 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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