A frontier fur-trading town that continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and can-do spirit, the Center City district of Grand Rapids is the financial and cultural anchor of Michigan's West Coast. Rising on the eastern shore of the Grand River, Center City features numerous attractions. The Civic Theatre is Michigan's oldest community theatre. The GRAM holds more than 5,000 works in its permanent collection. The Monroe Center walking mall offers a wide selection of coffee houses, restaurants, and boutique shops. Rosa Parks Circle, the district's public park and amphitheatre, hosts weekly blues concerts in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Another unique highlight is La Grande Vitesse, a large outdoor sculpture at the center of government square, which is distinguished as America's first publicly-funded art installation. The district's major festivals include a three-day arts celebration in June, as well as distinct Polish, Irish, Italian, Native American, Latino, Mexican, German, and African American celebrations of cultural heritage throughout the summer. Incorporated as a city in 1850 with a population of 2,686, Center City now is the heart of Michigan's second largest city. Once known as the Furniture Capitol of the World, this also is the epicenter of Grand Rapids effort to redefine its identity as a leader of modern medical research and sustainable design.
While COVID-19 has impacted seemingly every facet of daily life, young people’s lives, in particular, have been turned upside-down. With the expanded vaccine eligibility now including individuals 12 years of age and older, many parents and caregivers are weighing options when it comes to determining whether or not to have their children receive the vaccine.
As part of its mission, the Kent District Library aims to connect the community with resources to aid in personal and professional development. Part of KDL’s community outreach programming focuses on connecting underserved and underrepresented communities with job placement programs and workplace readiness resources.
The Rapid recently welcomed new chief executive officer, Deb Prato, to the helm. As she begins her new role and gets acclimated to the community, The Rapid gathered community members, transit riders, and stakeholders to gain a better understanding of current strengths, gaps and local resources.
The Kent District Library has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, outlining their purpose, vision, future goals, and core values as a community resource. The 2021-2023 business goals focus on three pillars: equity, diversity and inclusion, engagement and service, and sustainability.
Kent County is experiencing a boom in economic growth, expanding laterally to communities that border the city of Grand Rapids, creating unique transportation challenges and solutions.
Local business owner, Abbie Sterling, rebrands Gettin’ Fresh food truck to Roll Call, which will serve global-inspired handhelds.
Born and raised in West Michigan, Jodi van Haren brings a unique perspective to the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. Owner of Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, van Haren is also a member of the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi — the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of the Chippewa Indians, a wife, a mother, grandmother and an active community member. As she reflects on 20 years in business, she shares more about her background and lessons learned along the way.
Disability Advocates of Kent County works to assist individuals with various services, connect them with community resources, and help organizations create spaces that are accessible and welcoming. Executive Director, Dave Bulkowski shares how they've responded to COVID-19 and what they hope to see going forward.
Wormies, a local compost company specializing in vermicompost, reduces waste and builds sustainability for local gardens and a growing cannabis industry.
Three local perspectives on how the COVID-19 shutdowns have affected the arts and entertainment industry. Representing businesses most dependent on in-person gatherings including venues, performance artists, and galleries, these individuals share their reflection on the past year.
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