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PODCAST

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

WYCE Independent Community Radio

WYCE"s Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program featuring community leaders and nonprofit organizations. WYCE is West Michigan"s only independent, commercial-free, community radio station serving the greater Grand Rapids metro. WYCE programs an eclectic blend of folk, rhythm & blues, hip-hop, rock, jazz, and world music to the West Michigan community and beyond. Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered. WYCE is a proud service of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. We exist

business non-profit

All Episodes

00:15:55

Previewing Grand Rapids' 7th annual World of Winter...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2026/01/02

In this week's episode, we welcome Bill Kirk, the Director ofCommunications at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI)Bill joined us for a preview of the 7th annual World of Winter Festival, happening January 9 through March 1, 2026. World of Winter is a celebration of art and community designed to remind us that there is fun to be had and connections to be made in the wintertime in Michigan!World of Winter At A Glance:o Downtown Grand Rapids becomes partoutdoor art gallery, part all-ages

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00:16:29

Celebrating the transformative power of DGRI's World...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/12/26

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Bill Kirk, Director of Communications, DGRI.Bill joins us in this episode to give us a preview of the 7th annual World of Winter Festival.World of Winter dates are January 9 - March 1, 2026.World of Winter is a celebration of art and community designed to remind us that there is fun to be had and connections to be made in the wintertime in Michigan.In essence, Downtown Grand Rapids becomes part outdoor art gallery, part all-ages playground, part outdoor

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00:14:18

Care Resources-PACE: working to promote healthy,...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/12/23

In this episode, host Janet Zahn welcomes Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, Community Outreach and Marketing Supervisor with Care Resources PACE.Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). ‘PACE ‘is a Medicare and Medicaid-funded option that gives community-based care and services to people 55 years or older, helping to prevent nursing home placement. PACE provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor visits, transportation, home care, checkups, hospital visits, and

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00:13:15

The Art of Belonging: How Steff Rosalez and...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/12/12

In this episode, we welcome Steff Rosalez, CEO, Grandville Avenue for the Arts and Humanities.Steff is an artist and musician who started working at GAAH in 2011 because of her passion for the arts and community. In her spare time, Steff fronts the band, How to Live Together.What we learned in this episode:Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities operates two main facilities on the southwest side of Grand Rapids: The Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center.They offer several programs, including

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00:15:47

How Paws With A Cause is transforming lives and...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/12/05

In this episode, we are happy to welcome Michele Suchovsky, Chief Executive Officer of Paws With a Cause (PAWS).Michelle’s been leading PAWS since 2018. Under her leadership, PAWS completed a $10 million capital campaign to renovate its campus, expanding its ability to serve clients and communities. She also launched the Animal Assisted Services department, formerly known as Purposeful Placements, developing PAWS facility dog and visiting PAWS programs. PAWS Mission is to transform lives and

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00:15:34

Spotlighting Grand Rapids' Thriving, Dynamic, and...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/11/28

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist, and Mitch Ermatinger, President of the Wealthy Street Business Alliance, owner of Speciation Cellars.Uptown GR brings people, partnerships, and possibilities together to sustain a strong and vibrant urban district.Both Mitch and Dana reminded us that Uptown GR’s 28th annual Shop Hop is Thursday, December 4! Uptown Shop Hop is one evening only; Uptown businesses offer an extra festive

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00:13:53

How Construction Allies in Action ⁠is building a more...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/11/21

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Elizabeth Bovard Strong, the Founder and President of Construction Allies in Action (CAIA).Elizabeth was the first female Executive Vice President of the Builders Exchange of Michigan.Construction Allies in Action is a local nonprofit organization committed to building a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable construction industry. Through strategic partnerships, they empower underrepresented contractors by providing business education,

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00:14:35

Dr. Wendy Falb On How The Literacy Center of West...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/11/14

In this episode, host Janet Zahn welcomes Dr. Wendy Falb, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Literacy Center of West Michigan.The Literacy Center of West Michigan was founded in 1986 by educators and librarians, and today is the largest community-based organization in Michigan… and one of the largest in the country dedicated solely to adult literacy and learning.The Literacy Center works locally to remove literacy as a barrier to employment, healthcare, housing, and parent engagement. Its

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00:15:54

How Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts has become...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/11/07

In this episode, we speak with Hannah Berry, Executive Director of Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts.Lions & Rabbits fosters creative community development through strategy, transformative placemaking, and workforce development.Much of their work in the West Michigan area is focused on Public Health…using art as a powerful tool for promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Their initiatives aim to create environments that inspire healthy behaviors and foster a sense of

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00:15:25

Behind the scenes with George Bayaard, Executive...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/10/31

In this week's episode, we welcome George Bayaard, Executive Director, with The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives.The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives’ mission is to collect and retell the rich, colorful stories that compose the historic African American tapestry of living in Grand Rapids.George Bayaard joined us on the program to speak about the big move for GRAAMA to a new location full of immense potential for the organization.The Grand Rapids African

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00:15:35

Exploring a world of resources at your local Grand...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/10/24

In this episode, we speak with Katie Zychowski, Director of Marketing & Communications with the Grand Rapids Public Library.Katie joined us to speak on a variety of topics, including how easy it is to sign up and get a Grand Rapids Public Library card. This can be done year-round at any branch in the city.On an ongoing basis, your Grand Rapids Public Library is a wonderful resource for people who need help with their computer, laptop, or smartphone. Even general questions about email, the

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00:16:16

Previewing The Grand Rapids Ballet's Spectacular...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/10/17

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Mary Jennings, Executive Director with The Grand Rapids Ballet, and James Sofranko, the Artistic Director with the Grand Rapids Ballet.Mary and James joined us on the program for a preview of the 2025–2026 season.The season kicks off with the world premiere production of “Sherlock"--October 24-26, 2025, at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Next up is the timeless holiday classic, “The Nutcracker", December 12-14 & 19-21 at DeVos

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00:16:51

How the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids is to...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/10/10

In this episode, we speak with Patrick Placzkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids, and Daryl Reece, Community leader, founder of the Piecing Together Unity Foundation, and also a board member with the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.Daryl shared his story with us regarding the powerful impact that was made on him as a young man while attending programming at the Boys and Girls Clubs in both Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor.The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand

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00:17:24

How SECOM works to promote healthy...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/10/03

In this week's episode, WYCE's John Rummery welcomes Pablo Garcia, the Executive Director of SECOM Resource Center. The mission at SECOM Resource Center is to give help and hope to their neighbors by empowering families to achieve their full potential through healthy living, education, and economic opportunities.SECOM began in 1971 as an outreach ministry of four area churches to meet the needs of the surrounding neighborhood, particularly in hunger and food insecurity. In 1993, SECOM

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00:13:19

How the East Hills Council of Neighbors are building...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/09/26

In this episode, we welcome Jess Young, Executive Director with East Hills Council of Neighbors.Through regular meetings and continuous outreach, East Hills is reaching beyond the status quo to address the needs of its 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.The East Hills Council holds monthly meetings on the third Monday of Every Month at 6:30 PM in Cherry ParkAll are

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00:14:34

How Great Lakes Music Camp offers equitable access to...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/09/19

In this episode, we speak with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling, cofounders and instructors for the annual Great Lakes Music Camp.This year's Great Lakes Music Camp is October 2-5. Once again, this year's session is sold out, but there are opportunities to be added to a waiting list for next year's session.Great Lakes Music Camp is an inspiring and community-building musical experience held on the shores of Lake Michigan at Camp Blodgett Loeks Retreat Center.The camp creates a unique

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00:14:44

How MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/09/12

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Stefanie Pohl, Senior Content Specialist · Michigan Economic Development Corporation.In July, a unique Crowdfunding Campaign called "Northeast Grand Rapids: A City of Healing" was launched with a $50,000 goal to win a matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative.This project was powered by donations through the success of a crowdfunding campaign led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

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00:16:48

How the Rapidian is boosting media transparency and...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/09/05

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Allison Donahue, Program Manager, The Rapidian.Allison joined us on this program to provide us with an update about everything happening with The Rapidian.In 2023, the Rapidian introduced the Grand Rapids Documenters program, part of the nationwide Documenters Network, to create a new public record in Grand Rapids.Since then, The Rapidian has been training and paying community members to record notes and audio for a diverse

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00:17:10

Up close with Cindy Meyers-Foley, the Director...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/08/29

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Cindy Meyers-Foley, the Director and CEO ofThe Grand Rapids Art Museum.Cindy spoke with us about several programs and happenings at the GRAM, including their new "Thursdays on the Terrace" programming, the GRAM on The Green Concert Series, a partnership with WYCE Community Radio.Cindy also spoke about the changing role of museums, especially how places like the Grand Rapids Art Museum are becoming positive spaces for health and

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00:16:35

How WMCAT is providing a culture of opportunity for...

WYCE"s Community Closeup (*conversations concerning... ·

2025/08/22

On this week's program, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Jamon Alexander, President + CEO, WMCAT (West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology) Jamon joined WMCAT in 2015 and now leads the organization’s work to provide access to opportunity as president & CEO. Previously, he was the director of workforce development at WMCAT, where he spent several years growing WMCAT’s Adult Career Training Program.Jamon shared with us how WMCAT provides a culture of opportunity for people to make

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190 results

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