Spring 2013
Spotlight on...Kentwood
Spring is on its way! While “Spring” and “Springtime” refer to the season, it also refers to the acts of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth. Just knowing that skies will be lighter longer and warmer weather will melt the remaining snow and ice are reasons to look ahead with optimism and anticipation.
The warmer temperatures of spring are a signal for the hearty Crocuses to begin to push through the thawing soil. These little bursts of color are a testament to the changing seasons of West Michigan, and buoy our spirits with the knowledge that soon the trees will be covered in green leaves, sandals and shorts will replace boots and winter coats, and farmers will begin to ready their fields for planting their crops. Regrowth and all that it implies is just around the corner!
Winter 2012 was a trying time for the residents of the City of Kentwood. A rash for unthinkable violence touched our community and we struggled to make sense of how such mindless and cruel activities in Kentwood and throughout our nation could occur with such seeming ease. This spring, it is my hope to foster an upturn in the thinking and spirit of our community. Let’s banish the negative repercussions of these last winter months and look ahead to the renewal of the spirit that makes the City of Kentwood prosperous and proud. Let us focus on how we can rejuvenate our hearts and minds in anticipation of a spring where we are once again more able to celebrate the great outdoors and take in the sights and smells of a blossoming planet that is shaking off the winter gloom.
Akin to the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter later this month, we can resurrect the feelings of support, encouragement and trust for our neighbors, businesses, educators, and our government that often taken the hardest beating when the unthinkable occurs.
The calendar may indicate that the New Year begins on January 1st, but I propose that the first day of spring will ring in a rebirth of positive thinking, increased sense of hope, and a sense of wonder at all that is good and right in our world.
The City of Kentwood can look forward to many fun and exciting activities and opportunities in the next several months, and spring will usher them in for us. God bless you and the City of Kentwood.
Richard V. Clanton, Mayor
City of Kentwood, Michigan
The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that it will be reconstructing M-11 (28th Street) this year for the following portions:
Breton Avenue to Patterson Avenue - Resurfacing Area with signal and sidewalk ramp upgrades. (Scheduled from Mid-April to Mid-August), a minimum of one lane of traffic, in each direction, will be maintained at all times on M-11 and all intersecting roads.The resurfacing work will be completed form 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM weeknights and weekend nights with the exception of some day time closures, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for sidewalk ramp work and placing pavement markings.
Patterson Avenue to I-96 - Reconstruct Area, the work will be completed utilizing stage construction. During the stage construction, a minimum of one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction at all times, and left-turn lanes will remain open at Patterson Avenue, Northern Industrial Drive and Hotel Avenue. Access to businesses and ramp traffic will be maintained at all times.
Please see www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/ for more specific information.
Spring has arrived at the Richard L. Root Kentwood Branch along with an April exhibit of live monarch butterflies and butterfly themed books and activities. The butterflies come to us thanks to the Michigan Butterfly Project and the Friends of the Kentwood Library. Book Sales!
The Friends of the Kentwood Library are holding a Used Book Sale on Saturday,April 13 from 9:30am -4:30pm. If you miss this sale or just need more books, be sure to check out the enormous KDL wide “Book Bash” sale at the KDL Service Center (814 W. River Center NE, Comstock Park, MI). The sale will be held Saturday, April 27 from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday,April 28 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Proceeds support the Summer Reading Program at all of the library branches.
Confused by e-books? Frustrated with your laptop? Stop by the library with your equipment to “Speak to a Geek” on Wednesday April 24 or May 22 at 3:00pm and our techie librarians will try to help you puzzle it out. We offer a variety of free computer classes throughout the year. Pick up a schedule at any KDL library branch or call 784-2007 for more information.
Mark the dates! The Summer Reading Club starts June 1 and goes through August 10. We will have loads of programs, prizes and activities for readers of all ages including the “Kentwoodpalooza” kickoff party on June 19 and our Kentwood Summer Concert series on Wednesday evenings. See www.ked.org for the full summer schedule and information about all library services.
When: Monday, May 20
Where: Stonewater Country Club - 7177 Kalamazoo Ave
Time: 10:00am Shotgun Start
Cost: $300/Team or $80/Individual – Includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch and dinner. Sponsorship
opportunities available but going quickly! Contact the Parks and
Recreation Department at 656-5270 for more information.
Date:Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Time: 8:30am-12pm
Site: Kentwood Activities Center 355-48th St SE
Event: Over 70 vendors of special health, housing and service organizations for senior citizens!
FREE breakfast and lunch! FREE gifts and door prizes! FREE health screenings!
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 7:00pm
Site: Heritage Baptist Church (1570 60th St SE)
Event: “With a love of life and music and a lot of both to give!” The Kentwood Senior Chorale, the
premier performing senior choral group, is happy to present their message of inspiration,
motivation and entertainment to our community this Spring.This
annual concert will truly inspire, enrich, entertain and thrill the audience! Please join us!
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
Site: Kentwood Activities Center 355-48th St SE
Event:“The world’s greatest, 25th annual, May Madness, indoor/outdoor, clean to your rafters, your
junk is someone else’s treasure, get rich quick, spring cleaning, clean out your garage, Flea
Market and Craft Sale!”. Over 60 vendors inside and outside! Concessions available. Open rain or
shine.Vendor space available…call 656-5278.
Mission
The City of Kentwood strives to support a high quality of life by being fiscally responsible,
transparent, and welcoming to all residents and businesses.
Vision Statement
The City of Kentwood will lead a community effort in partnering with its people, institutions, and
businesses to create a vibrant, safe, educated, diverse and thriving City with economic and
cultural opportunities.
Core Values
Serving with integrity. Effectively communicate with stakeholders. Safeguard use of fiscal and
natural resources.Valued honesty and trust. Serve customers with excellence
Pancake Breakfast - 7:00am -10:00 am Start your holiday morning with a hearty “All You Can Eat” breakfast brought to you by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department! Proceeds benefit Kentwood’s Adapted Recreation Programs. Kentwood Activities Center - 355 48th Street SE
Cost: $5.00 Children 5 & under FREE!
Parade - 9:30 am Be sure to get a prime spot along the parade route and show your Kentwood Pride!
Parade starts at the old Family Fare Parking Lot (52nd and Eastern) and travels south on Eastern, then East on 60th to the 60th/Kalamazoo Intersection. We are looking for more floats, clowns, children... to participate in the parade. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department for more details @ 616-656-5270. Road Closures begin @ 8:45 am!
Autocam 5K road race The race begins at Kelloggwoods Park on 54th St., South on Eastern and East on 60th to end at Kentwood Community Church. Registration will take place in front of Avis Car Rental @ 54th and Division. Due to the AUTOCAM 5K road race and parade, 52nd, Eastern and Kalamazoo along the race & parade route will be closing at 8:45 am SHARP!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you would like to help with the 4th of July Celebration, contact Debbie or Kendra at 656-5270.Volunteers needed for: •Pancake Breakfast •Road Blockers for 5K and Parade •Evening Celebrations •Parking Lot Attendants.
Carnival and Entertainment 6:00pm - 10:00pm Game tent, Giant Inflatables, Carnival rides, food vendors, live music, face painting, cake walk and more!!!
Evening Events held at: Kentwood City Hall - 4900 Breton Rd.
Fireworks 10:15pm!
Safe Kids of Grand Rapids and Kentwood Police Department are teaming up to offer a free car seat check on May 15th, 2013 from 12:00-3:30pm at the Kentwood Fire Department Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave SE Kentwood MI (Please enter at the back of the building).
This is a first come first serve basis. All inspections are free. A limited number of seats will be available for those who qualify. Children who need a replacement seat must be present with a parent or legal guardian.
Please bring the vehicle you will be using and the car seats that you want to be checked. If you have any questions please call: Officer Erin McAlpine Kentwood Police Department 616-656-6572.
If you cannot make this one there are many other events available throughout the year.
Please contact Safe Kids at 616-391-7233.
Every year we look forward to the beginning of spring and summer.We enjoy camping, backyard
camp fires, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries
due to fireworks and outdoor cooking and the threat of serious storms. Knowing a few fire safety
tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.
• Remember to check you smoke detectors and change the batteries at least once a year.
• If you are going to have a backyard camp fire you must use a purchased portable, outdoor
solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other non-
combustible material and is listed or certified by an acceptable listing agency for outdoor use.
A portable outdoor fireplace shall be fully enclosed other than a small hearth opening and a short
chimney or chimney opening in the top.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and
shall not be operated on or within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material or
surface. Only fire wood is permitted to be burned.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by a responsible adult until the fire
is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a
minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand,
water barrel, or garden hose, or water truck shall be available for immediate utilization.
• Burning of garbage and leaves within the City is not permitted under any circumstances.
• The use of consumer fireworks in the City is prohibited except on the day preceding, the day of,
or the day after a national holiday.
• You can prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths by promoting fireworks safety where you
live and during your family and neighborhood celebrations.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Just like it is important to have a home fire escape plan it is equally important to have a plan
in place to protect your family during severe weather.
• Have a place to go if necessary when a tornado watch or warning is issued.
• Have a working flashlight and a battery powered radio for the approaching storm season.
• Plan for a friend or relative you've designated as your point of contact if you are separated
from your family during a severe storm.
• Designate a Place where family members can meet if you're separated after a tornado strikes.
• Have a list of names and contact information for your insurance agents, including policy types
and numbers.
• Have telephone numbers for your utility providers, including gas, water and electricity.
• You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of a major
disaster, such as a tornado.You may want to have an emergency kit with a flashlight, radio, spare
batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, medications, and other necessities to sustain you and your
family during that time.
You can also call the City of Kentwood Fire Department at 616-554-0800 with any questions.
As in past years the City of Kentwood will be sponsoring Kentwood Pride Day to assist neighborhoods and citizens to keep their community clean.The drop-off location is at the Kentwood Recycling Center, 5068 Breton Avenue. This event is limited to Kentwood residents with proof of picture identification required.
The event will also be strictly limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as dumpsters will be delivered and taken away at those times. Please respect these restrictions so we can continue to provide this positive service to all residents.
YARD WASTE AND TIRES NOT ACCEPTED. Kent County will be on hand from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept household hazardous waste collection program to dispose of these materials.
They will not be accepting latex paint. Further information may be obtained by calling 336-2570.
The Salvation Army will also be on hand to accept gently used items for donations. Electronic device recycling will be offered (Mobile telephones, computers, televisions, fax machines, and other items will be accepted at no charge).
Residents are asked to enter the drive off Breton Avenue, where volunteers will be checking for residence and approved items for disposal. We thank you in advance for assisting us in following these restrictions and procedures! You may call the City switchboard during business hours for more information at
698-9610.
Kentwood Newsletter Archive
6/28/2012 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Summer 2012 9/5/2012 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter Fall - 2012 12/14/2012 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Winter 2013