January 25, 2024 General Meeting Recap

Introductions – 12:00 p.m.

Those in attendance included: Annette Vandenberg, Che Morris, Chris Huntoon, Desiree Mendez, Emilio Zamarripa, Gary Szotko, Roger Szotko, Jaylyn McCloy, John Schultz, Jon Meyer, Josh Hiemstra, Kailey Smith-Barth, Leonard Wernette-Leff, Lindsey Hopkins, Lucas Leverett, Margo Johnson, Marion Bonneaux, Melvin Eledge, michael, jackie, sue, Morgan Bills, Nate Henschel, P.J. Baker GRPD, Paola Mendivil ,Pastor George Werkema, Paula Veneklase, Rebecca K, Ricardo A. O'Neal II, RIch App, Rose Sosa Ryan Waalkes, Santiago Gayton, Sara Scott, Sharnell Bell, Spencer Boorsma, Steven Reynolds, Sue & Jeff HuyckSue, Pete Thomas,Tony Patel & Harsh Patel, Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, Carol Hennessy, Pete MacGregor and Maria from Fratellis.

Mitch Cook, Bridge Street Market, President SBA

Presentation from our host – 12:05 p.m.

Maria Cannizzo, Fratellis Kitchen & Bar, Owner THANK YOU FOR HOSTING!

County Wide Update – 12:10 p.m. Pete MacGregor, Kent County Treasurer - read the full overview here. It’s really interesting what the treasure does for our community.

County Wide Update – 12:20 p.m.

Carol Hennessey, Kent County Commissioner - read the full overview here. Carol brought so many facts that make Kent County unique compared to other parts of the state.

Soccer Stadium  – 12:30 p.m.

Bill Culhane from Grand Action went though his presentation swiftly. Here’s the slides.

Neighborhood/Community  Updates – 1:04 p.m.

Kailey Smith-Barth, ArtPrize Update. Link with important dates

Annette Vandenberg, WGNO: Community Cleanup, 15th year on April 20th

Westside Community Cleanup Sponsorship form. (registration will be open at the end of February)

Anyone interested in being a food vendor or having a resource table at the event should contact Monica Hall via email at monica@westgrand.org 

Community Cleanup — West Grand Neighborhood Organization

Spring Dates TBD

___ Perennial Exchange                                             - Lincoln Park

___ Annual Plant Giveaway                                       - Lincoln

___ Community Garden Planting                               - 700 Butterworth

___ Westown Commons Park Cleanup/ Herb Garden – 752 Watson St

___ Straight St Tree Planting                                      - Straight St between Butterworth & Wealthy

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, Swift Printing, Donut Dash takes place on Tuesday, Feb 13 at 6 p.m. Swift, Bridge Street Market & The Score are sponsoring. We’d love to have you join too! More info here All proceeds support GRPD Foundation.

GRPD Update – 1:09 p.m. Captain P.J. Baker, Grand Rapids Police Department provided a brief update due to time constraints. It’s so great Captain Baker makes the effort to come to our meetings - we so appreciate it!

Next meeting is March 21 from 12-1 p.m. at Drip Drop Cocktail Room at 445 Bridge St NW Unit 2

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/4aWDU9gYLapVYXfZ8

Jessica Slaydon