Podcasts about wyce

On this episode, WYCE's Janet Zahn speaks with Nicole Rapacki, the Recycling Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Department of Public Works.Nicole and Janet spoke about the efforts by the city of Grand Rapids to consider becoming the sole trash hauler for residential properties, according to city officials.The Grand Rapids Department of Public Works leadership has conducted two separate studies that have each recommended that the city become the single hauler for residential services.Currently, the city handles about 90% of residential trash collection, with private companies serving the remainder. ONLINE: City of Grand Rapids Department of Public Works

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Noddea Skidmore, the Director of Marketing and Communications with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.Noddea gave us a preview of the upcoming 20 25–20 26 season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and talked as well about ticket packages that patrons can take advantage of.We also discussed the upcoming "Ten For All" finals and accessibility at the theatre.Established in 1926, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and ⁠School of Theatre Arts⁠ is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the country.Today, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts is the 5th largest community theatre in the country.GRCT produces 9 mainstage productions each year with the help of over 800 volunteers.The Civic is a true gem on the West Michigan arts and culture scene, and a proud community partner of WYCE.You can learn more at ⁠Grand Rapids Civic Theatre⁠Upcoming Performances:Ten for All 2025 FinalsFri May 16, 2025 - Sat May 17, 2025WaitressFri June 06, 2025 - Sun June 29, 2025Brought to life on Broadway by a groundbreaking all-female creative team.⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠ROCK OF AGESFri September 12, 2025 - Sun October 05, 2025Rock Musical Comedy⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠PETE THE CATThu October 16, 2025 - Sun October 19, 2025Theatre for Young Audiences Musical⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠FROZENFri November 14, 2025 - Sun December 14, 2025Holiday Show Musical⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'Fri January 16, 2026 - Sun February 01, 2026Jazzy Musical Revue⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠THE LIGHTNING THIEFFri February 27, 2026 - Sun March 15, 2026Adventurous Musical⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠DIAL M FOR MURDERFri April 17, 2026 - Sun May 03, 2026Thriller Play⁠More Info⁠⁠Book Now⁠LEGALLY BLONDEFri June 05, 2026 - Sun June 28, 2026Empowering, Glittering Musical

In this episode, we welcome Darius Colquitt, Founder, President, Producing & Artistic Director, of BAM Talent.BAM (or Black Art Matters) Talent, was created & founded in 2021 as a forward-thinking organization, located in Grand Rapids, MI., dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and advocating for Black and underrepresented artists. BAM works as a national nonprofit, providing both training & platforming opportunities for incredible talent, fostering inclusion in the art world, and driving positive social change through the transformative power of art.BAM Talent's mission is to enrich, inspire & enable black & underrepresented voices through professional-level theatrical training & production works."BAM Talent also presents a summer concert series which we will be hearing more about in the upcoming months on WYCE. Online: BAM Talent Online

Around the World in 30 Minutes: Insights from the Executive Director of Grand Rapids' 75+ Year-Old World Affairs CouncilThis week we talk with Michael Van Denend, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. He discusses how the World Affairs Council is dedicated to educating people in western Michigan about other countries, cultures, and regions of the world and provides a forum for discussing critical foreign policy issues facing the country. The Council is best known for sponsoring its award-winning Great Decisions Global Discussion Series.Michael came to the World Affairs Council after 33 years as the executive director of the Calvin College Alumni Association, where he interviewed and wrote stories about alumni all over the globe. In addition, he's an on-air radio programmer at WYCE 88.1 FM where he presents folk, blues, jazz, rock and a lot of world music.

For this episode, I have a chat with Singer Songwriter, Jack Droppers. Jack has been in a band with his best friends for almost a decade, and he wouldn't want it any other way. I loved where this conversation went. From sharing our mutual connection to Orlando, to finding the hidden little things that we incorporate into our work, and also celebrating the fun and quirky methods that we have in order to chase down that great idea.Jack has really great insights when it comes to creative work. His music is really in touch with his personal memories and emotions, and also inspires listeners to ultimately celebrate life despite all of its imperfections. He understands the value of art, and also has a deep desire in expressing that the act of creating is just as important as the finished product.I can't help but to smile when thinking about how serendipitous this conversation was. To start the chat with me sharing a childhood photo wearing an Orlando Magic jersey (well before I've ever lived in Orlando), to learning how big of a basketball fan Jack is, particularly the Orlando Magic, and to top it off, the conversation about creativity was focused on finding the little MAGICAL moments to incorporate into our art. I mean, cmon!The band Jack Droppers and the Best Intentions is in the process of writing and recording their next album. Their latest album "Scooter" won the WYCE "Alternative Album of the Year" in 2024 and "Dad Rock" won the WYCE "Rock Album of the Year" in 2023Enjoy!About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own!Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notesWebsite -  crafttalk.net

In this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower welcomes Lynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director Circle Theatre.  Lynne joined us for a preview of the upcoming exciting 2025 Season at Circle Theatre. Circle Theatre is the only community theatre in the West Michigan area that specializes in summer theatre. The Theatre was founded in order to allow community performers of all ages to continue honing their craft and to provide another opportunity for directors, choreographers, musicians, designers and technicians to gain employment. Circle Theatre has over 300 volunteers and employs approximately 127 independent contractors from the West Michigan community on an annual basis.  Now that's a positive impact! Lynne also shared with us news of an exciting fundraiser that circle theater is hosting on May 3rd, their "A Night Under the Stars, Adult Prom." Online: Circle Theatre

On this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Marie Orttenburger,  Advancement Manager with Land Conservancy of West Michigan. In 1976, four volunteers met to lay out a plan that would identify, protect, and care for West Michigan's natural areas. They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan (NACOWMI), and they immediately set out with lofty goals. Early projects included several conservation easements, Saul Lake Bog, Lake Breeze natural area and an addition to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Today, that organization is known as the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Marie Orttenburger is the advancement manager for Land Conservancy of West Michigan. She joined us on the program for an update on what's happening at LCWM.  We talked about some interesting upcoming events that the general public can take part in including a “Nighttime Hoot & Hike” on January 21, and there Second Saturday Workday at Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve on Saturday, February 8. Land Conservancy of West Michigan we'll celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with a benefit screening of the climate conscious film, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” The screening happens Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm at The Wealthy Theatre.   Online: Land Conservancy of West Michigan  

On this week's program, WYCE's Phil Tower speaks with Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.  The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The Grand River Bands originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Most of the Grand River Bands' current membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties. Their mission is to provide for the preservation of our way of life and the welfare of their people and to promote and restore the harmony and cooperation between the Grand River Bands, and other Michigan Ottawa and Chippewa bands, and the general public. Since 1994 the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians' have worked to petition the government for federal recognition of their tribe.  Yob told us that once they receive federal recognition the tribe can access useful, supportive resources such as tuition, healthcare, and housing assistance. These opportunities are granted to tribes that are federally recognized, and the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians should be able to access these benefits with no further delay.    The Grand River Bands tribe has long been a vital part of Kent County and the community of western Michigan, and they have agreements with the federal government dating to 1795.

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Bill Kirk, Communications Director with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is the organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2013, DGRI serves as the singular management entity for the combined operations of the Downtown Development Authority, the Downtown Improvement District , and the Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority. Bill spoke with us about the World of Winter Festival is a free, outdoor celebration in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrating winter through art, events, and activities for all ages. The festival is from January 10 - March 2, 2025, and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. World of Winter transforms the city into a winter wonderland each year. Now in its 6th year, World of Winter features stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, and live performances, offering a unique way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of winter.  Online: The World of Winter Festival  Online: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.  

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Emilio Zamarippa, Executive Director of Steepletown Neighborhood Services. Emilio started at Steepletown 11 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. Emilio's personal mission is to empower youth and young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Steepletown strives to promote the idea of neighbors helping neighbors live with dignity and hope. In the 25 years since, Steepletown has grown from modest beginnings with a part-time director, to sixteen full-time and ten part-time staff members. Steepletown also welcomes donations and volunteer help through its website. Learn More Online: ⁠Steepletown Neighborhood Services⁠

On this week's program, host Allison Donahue speaks with Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, Community Outreach/Marketing Supervisor · Care Resources (PACE). Veronica joined Allison to discuss the community open house for Care Resources' new location in Lowell, Michigan. Care Resources is a community-based program for people 55 or older that promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement. Our team of healthcare professionals works with you and your family to develop a comprehensive care plan — helping you make medical decisions every step of the way. Online: Care Resources In the second half of our program this week, WYCE station manager spoke with Tiffany Carr, the Community Engagement Coordinator for Michigan Veteran Homes and The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and Kristen Aidif, Director for the Veterans Day Five benefit run for The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The fifth annual Veterans Day 5 starts and finishes at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 9!   The event features a timed 5 mile and 5K runs, along with a no charge, untimed .5 mile Remembrance Walk; the Veterans Day 5 will benefit the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids.  The SpartanNash Community Pancake Breakfast will occur in the Michigan Veteran Homes and runs from 8:30a-11:30a. Veterans Day 5      

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Daryl Reece, co-founder, along with his wife, Debra Reece, of the Pieces of Reeces Foundation. Pieces of Reeces Foundation is again presenting the annual Piecing Together Unity Festival on Saturday, August 17, at Rosa Parks Circle and downtown Grand Rapids.  The festival runs from 1 to 8 p.m. It will feature several vendors and community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids. There will also be kids' and family activities, live music, several food trucks, and much more. Pieces of Reeces Foundation has three basic tenets: Providing Basic Support through essential resources such as food, clothing, and shelter to ensure that every child's basic needs are met, allowing them to focus on their education and personal growth. Pieces of Reeces also enhances community engagement. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, we help youth build meaningful relationships and social connections that can positively impact their lives. Daryl said the foundation also believes in supporting young people on their entrepreneurial journey, especially in the skilled trades, whether it's being a cosmetologist, a welder, a plumber, an electrician, a building contractor, or many other skilled trades. The Pieces of Reeces Foundation strongly believes in supporting these efforts. Daryl transitioned from a factory job to owning a successful barber shop. He later launched the craft spirit brand Stock Da Bar vodka, emphasizing community support and philanthropy. More info: Piecing Together Unity Festival 

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower for a conversation on why community radio is unique and the importance of listener donations during WYCE's spring on-air fund drive. As the region's only volunteer-run, listener-supported community radio station, fundraising is a critically important part of keeping the station on the air to support its mission of enhancing and enriching the local music scene and supporting underserved and overlooked nonprofit organizations in the West Michigan area. Online: WYCE Radio

In this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Monica Hall, the Executive Director, and crime Prevention Organizer with John Ball Area Neighbors in Grand Rapids. John Ball Area Neighbors Seeks to spread a message of hope and compassion. They believe a single action can make a difference in the community and that collective action can significantly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, their team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.    Online: John Ball Area Neighbors  

In this week's episode, host. Allison Donahue welcomes Gregg Hampshire, the executive director of The Creston Neighborhood Association. The Creston Neighborhood Association serves the residents of Creston, the largest neighborhood in Grand Rapids. Since the Creston Neighborhood Association was incorporated in 1979, neighbors have rallied to shape their home community by preserving what is good and changing what needs improvement. Through CNA, Creston neighbors helped to keep a Grand Rapids Public Library branch in the heart of Creston, Supported strong neighborhood schools by organizing parents and safe routes to school, Collaborated with partners to create Catherine's Health Center, Organized business owners to revive Creston's business district, Collaborated with artists & students on public art projects, building bioretention islands along Plainfield Ave-– the first of their kind in Grand Rapids. Online: Creston Neighborhood Association

In this week's episode, we welcome Jacqueline Scherer, founder and executive director, of The Playground GR. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, that is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, cultural, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play-based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief, and attachment. The mission of Playground GR is to raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play. Online: THE PLAYGROUNDgr

In this week's episode, host, Allison Donahue speaks with Karen Carpenter, Manager of the first-ever Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt, happening at the Grand Rapids downtown market from November 17 through December 23. The Christkindl Markt is a Christmas Village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Markets, Christkindl Markt is Best described as a winter wonderland filled with unique Christmas experiences with an international flair. Online: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt

In this week's program, host Allison Donahue welcomes Cindy Foley, Director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Grand Rapids Art Museum sees itself as a beacon of the arts in an art-loving city. GRAM's exhibitions, events, and educational programming span topics, mediums, and genres to connect with and invite a wide variety of audiences. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is an arts venue, resource, and educational institution for the entire Grand Rapids community, the State of Michigan, and beyond. he Grand Rapids Art Museum.    

In this episode of WYCE's Community Connection, host Allison Donahue speaks with Hanna Moulds, a Bookmobile Operator with the Kent District Library.   About KDL: Kent District Library seeks to challenge the traditional concept of a library. Beyond books to check out, KDL also offers board games, video game consoles, Wi-Fi hotspots, and GoPro cameras.  KDL cardholders have access to one of the largest digital collections in the country, featuring eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming or downloadable movies, music, games, and even a digital comic book collection. Online: Kent District Library

We spoke with Ben Swayze, Director at Kent County Parks and Recreation, about green spaces, trails and trail systems, development, community outreach, funding of county parks, and accessible recreation for all. The Kent County Parks Department enriches lives in Kent County by providing outstanding parks, natural areas and trails that are accessible and inclusive for all County residents. The Department achieves this vision through efficient operations, sound stewardship of resources, active community partnerships, and by preparing for the needs of future generations. Online: Kent County Parks

We spoke with Tracey McKnight, CEO of Care Resources, on independent living for older adults, In-home care,  affordable health services, rehabilitation/therapy gym, and socialization support. Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), a national healthcare program funded by Medicare/Medicaid. They are a community-based program for adults 55 years or older that promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement. Their program is all-inclusive concierge care led by skilled primary care providers and an interdisciplinary team with 11 specialties represented. Care Resources embraces physical, mental, and social health, making healthcare accessible and affordable. Online: Care Resources

We spoke with Olivia J. Bailey, Development Director at Hope Unexpected, about support for single mothers, unplanned pregnancy, affordable housing and rent, poverty, and access to child care. Hope Unexpected's mission is achieved by showing mercy, love and grace through hospitality and support through multiple services offered to their clients. Their goal is to bridge the gap and offer support to make success and self-sufficiency possible. Online: Hope Unexpected

We spoke with Jessica Young, Director of the East Hills Council of Neighbors, about neighborhood crime, LGBTQ+ engagement, affordable housing, and historical homes and preservation. East Hills has always reached beyond the status quo to address the needs of their community. With the collaboration of passionate neighbors they have worked to build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly and safe place to live, work and play. Online: East Hills Council of Neighbors

We spoke with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling from Great Lakes music camp about performing arts, music, education, the history of stringed instruments, and bluegrass music, square dancing. Great Lakes Music Camp provides a unique opportunity to study in intimate small groups under award winning musicians and spend the weekend on Michigan's unbeatable shoreline. Online: Great Lakes Music Camp

We spoke with Carla Ludwig, Founder and Executive Director of Hope For Single Moms Grand Rapids, and Taryn Taplin, Event Coordinator, about support systems for single mothers, education, aid for families in poverty, and the resources Hope For Single Moms provides mothers with. Hope for Single Moms is on a mission to ensure children in single mom families thrive. Their program is for single parents who are full-time students in college or trade school. Their goal is to help parents and their young children develop the educational and family life skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency. The Hope for Single Moms program uses a teach-a-woman-to-fish approach. It is modeled after what support services would have helped Carla Ludwigs daughter, who was the inspiration for Hope For Single Moms. Online: Hope For Single Moms

We spoke with Allison Donahue, Program Manager of The Rapidian, about media literacy, media ownership, citizen, journalism, hyper local news operations, and news deserts. The Rapidian launched on Sept. 15, 2009 and is a department of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center with funding and support from local businesses and citizens. They are a community journalism news source intended to increase the flow of local news and information in the Grand Rapids community and its neighborhoods. By providing tools, training, platforms and support, they empower neighborhood residents to report the news from the inside out. They are an outlet for Grand Rapidians to become more than just content consumers but also providers by becoming citizen journalists. Online: The Rapidian

We spoke with Cathy Holbrook, Executive and Artistic Director of St. Cecilia Music Center, about performing arts, music education, and music appreciation.  St. Cecilia Music Center was established in 1883 by nine Grand Rapids women, the organization was named for the legendary patron saint of music. During the earliest days, members met in each other's homes and performed for one another. By 1890, the society was sponsoring performances by world-renowned musicians. Online: SCMC

We spoke with Laurel Conrad, Program Director with Lowell Arts, about supporting the arts, community arts support, and support of grassroots artists and artisans. LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. Their organization has been growing since its inception in 1977 and is made up of committed arts enthusiasts. The Lowell Area Arts Council (DBA LowellArts) is a resource for the greater Lowell community, connecting artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. For over 40 years, LowellArts has promoted and supported artists through exhibitions, performances, and events. LowellArts continues to be a welcoming, vibrant organization, and serves both as a catalyst for local economic development and a source of valuable art experiences for the community. Online: LowellArts

We spoke with Derek Reed, Co-Founder of Rockford's Rotary Rocks for ShelterBox, about this years music festival that was held in downtown Rockford. Rotary Rocks held their 2nd annual event on August 22, 2023 at Garden Club Park. The evening featured music from Jack Droppers and the Best Intentions, Low Phase, and Roosevelt Diggs. Fan favorite Roosevelt Diggs won the band competition by garnering the highest number of "votes" via donations for the night. But the big winner was ShelterBox, an international disaster-relief organization.  The event raised over $3,100. Online: Rotary Rocks

We spoke with John McNaughton, Executive Director at Grand Rapids Public Library, about resources the library offers for residents of Grand Rapids, whether that be through checking out books and media or through the plethora of events they host. The library is our community's source of accessible information, resources, and programs. They offer a wide selection of books, movies, music, that can be checked out physically and/or downloaded digitally. The library also offers a wide range of programming for people of all ages and interests.  Online: Grand Rapids Public Library

We spoke with Chana Edmond-Verley, Executive Director of Vibrant Futures MI, about how Vibrant Futures MI helps people in West Michigan gain access to childcare, affordable childcare, and funding for childcare. Vibrant Futures creates cradle-to-career opportunities and experiences that hold sacred the vibrant promise and potential in every child, youth, family, and caregiver to ensure more vibrant futures for all. Vibrant Futures aims to ensure more children and families from all walks of life achieve their full potential. Online: Vibrant Futures MI

We spoke with Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, and Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness, at Kent County Health Department on lead poisoning in children, lead abatement in homes in Kent County, safe drinking water, and providing clean water to at risk families. The Kent County Health Department is responsible for continually assessing the health of the community and ensuring that certain services are available and accessible for its citizens. To this end, the Health Department investigates the causes of disease, epidemics, morbidity and mortality, and environmental health hazards using vital and health statistics for epidemiological studies. KCHD also plans and implements public education and enforces public health laws. Online: Kent County Health Department

We spoke with professor and author Dr. Randal Jelks about institutional racism, impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., race, relations, black owned businesses, black history and more. Randal Maurice Jelks is an award-winning author, documentary film producer, and professor. He is the author of four books. His writings have appeared in the Boston Review, the Los Angeles Review of Books, blogs, journals, and periodicals.Randal Maurice Jelks is represented by Crichton & Associates Inc.  Online: Randal Maurice Jelks

We spoke with professor and author Dr. Randal Jelks about institutional racism, impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., race, relations, black owned businesses, black history and more. Randal Maurice Jelks is an award-winning author, documentary film producer, and professor. He is the author of four books. His writings have appeared in the Boston Review, the Los Angeles Review of Books, blogs, journals, and periodicals.Randal Maurice Jelks is represented by Crichton & Associates Inc.  Online: ⁠Randal Maurice Jelks⁠

We spoke with Evelyn-Esparza-Gonzalez, Executive Director, and Gabriella Cordova, Communications & Development Director, of the West Michigan Hispanic Center about their goals of empowering West Michigans Hispanic community. Located in the heart of the Roosevelt Park, the largest Latino neighborhood in Grand Rapids, the Hispanic Center directly serves more than 30,000 individuals annually. Not limited to Grand Rapids, they seek to address the needs of Latinos in West Michigan. The staff is largely bilingual and multi-cultural. Their staff understands the needs of their Latino neighbors, working to connect with them, and to achieve self-sufficiency together. The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit 501(c) (3) community-based organization. Online: Hispanic Center of West Michigan

We spoke with Dave Bulkowski, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County, about serving people of West Michigan who live with disabilities, the history of Disability Advocates and more. Disability Advocates strives to eliminate systemic barriers and enhance programs so that people with disabilities can live the self-directed life they choose. They look to aid in community benefits by becoming more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all. They have become recognized locally and across the state, specifically for their transit advocacy, education, technical assistance on accessibility, and Universal Design through our Absolutely Accessible Kent program.  Online: Disability Advocates of Kent County

We spoke with Noemi Gonzalez, Girls Rock GR's Community Engagement Coordinator at the Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities about opportunities for girls in the music scene in Grand Rapids. Girls Rock! Grand Rapids (GR!GR) is a week long summer camp that exists to empower girls and gender-expansive youth through music. Each year, kids and teens at camp get to participate in instrument exploration, workshops, band forming, song writing, and logo and album art creation. They also get to record their new songs in a professional recording studio and then perform them live in front of an audience. Online: GR!GR

We spoke with Jazz McKinney, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, about pride month, LGBTQ+ equality, gender, equity, transgender education, housing challenges and equal employment opportunities. The Grand Rapids Pride Center works to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships. Online: Grand Rapids Pride Center

We spoke with Paul Soltysiak, Vice President and Co-Founder, and Steve Tibbe, Chief Officer, about historical preservation, arts funding, neighborhood improvement, baseball funding at Valley Field. Fans of Valley Field exists to preserve the heritage and promote the usage of Sullivan (Valley) Field. They intend to create a year-round community space for the surrounding neighborhoods and all of Grand Rapids. They seek to expand their offerings to include numerous events. Fans of Valley Field works closely with the City of Grand Rapids to rebuild, expand and maintain this community gem. They seek to restore the park to its former grandeur while making it the premier community gathering space in our city. Online: Fans of Valley Field

We spoke with the League of Women Voters Greater Grand Rapids Chapter President Courtney Winell and Board Secretary Kristin Brace about voter rights, voting rules, and regulations, election safety, voting laws in Michigan, and their get out the vote efforts. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. They empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Online: League of Women Voters

In this episode, we welcome Mariah Malone, Communication Specialist with John Ball Zoo. Mariah spoke with us about the Zoo's Lantern Festival is a one-mile light tour through John Ball Zoo. The festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. John Ball Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to the advancement of public education on the need for wildlife conservation and preservation. On January 1, 2014, Kent County, the owner of the Zoo, and the John Ball Zoo Society unified their respective operations at the Zoo to create John Ball Zoo.  Online: John Ball Zoo

This week's program welcomes Sara Olson, marketing and communications manager with the Grand Rapids Public Museum. We spoke with Sara about their Sensory-Friendly Museum Night at the GRPM. During a Sensory-Friendly Museum Night, the Museum adapts sounds, lighting, and activities within the current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for the evening. One in every sixty-eight children is on the autism spectrum, with another diagnosed every 20 minutes. Online: Grand Rapids Public Museum

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes GRPD's newly named Deputy Chief, Joseph Trigg. Incoming Deputy Chief Trigg has held additional duty assignments as a Field Training Officer, a member of the department's Board of Awards, and an advisor to Grand Rapids Police Explorer Post 1871, working with young people who are interested in learning more about policing as a profession; he is a member of the department's Peer Support Team. Online: Grand Rapids Police Department  

In this week's program, we welcome two members of the Grand Rapids Prime Time Brewers Association: Jeremy Gavin and Mies Martin, President of the GR Prime Time Brewers. According to the team of club historians, GR PrimeTime Brewers goes back to the late 70's.  Originally, this loosely associated group of homebrewers would sporadically meet to share beers and generally try to get others to drink their garbage.  By 1994 the club registered with the AHA(American Home Brewers Association) as an official club.  This was the first officially registered club in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  Today, GR PrimeTime Brewers maintains more connections and alumni in the Michigan professional beer scene than any other club.  The group meets at 7 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday at a rotating location throughout the year, and you do not need to be a member to attend any of our meetings or outings.  Online: Grand Rapids Prime Time Brewers

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Guillermo Cisneros, President & CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2003, The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working with all membersof the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses and to assist theprofessional growth of Hispanics in West Michigan. Online: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In this week's program, we welcome Broadway Grand Rapids and Meghan Distel, their executive director. Broadway GR celebrates its 35th year with a stellar lineup of performances, including the Michigan premieres of “MJ” the musical, a revival of “Funny Girl.” Plus “Tina,” the Tina Turner musical, and Disney's “Aladdin.” “To Kill a Mockingbird," a new critically acclaimed play will debut next year as well. "Les Misérables” and “Wicked,” are also a part of the series. Broadway Grand Rapids was established in September of 1988 and opened its first season with South Pacific. Broadway Grand Rapids' mission is to bring the very best of national touring Broadway productions to Grand Rapids. The Broadway series has included nearly every major title to hit the stage from Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera to Wicked and Hamilton.   Online: Broadway Grand Rapids

In this week's program, we speak with Sydney Baxter, marketing and communications manager at Blandford Nature Center. Sugarbush allows visitors to experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford's Sugarbush! The educational program helps visitors identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries.  The mission of Blandford is to engage and empower the community through enriching experiences in nature. Their vision is a thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world. Online: Blandford Nature Center

On this week's program, we spoke with Lisa Hegenbart, the Executive Director of Girls On The Run West Michigan. Girls on the Run® exists to enhance participants' social, emotional, and physical skills to navigate life experiences successfully. Girls On The Run seeks to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running and interactive lessons to meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Online: Girls On The Run West Michigan

Wow! where did the summer go huh? It's Labor Day weekend time again and that means school will be starting up and summer is ending. However it also means it is a time to reflect on the american worker. This episode we talk about the current state of working in America on Wyce thoughts.Follow on X Follow on FacebookFollow on RumbleFollow on Youtube

This time on Wyce thoughts join me for a walk and a talk about how gaining inner peace should be a goal. Lowering your stress has enormous benefits for you.Connect on TwitterConnect on facebookConnect on RumbleFollow on Youtube