WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)
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© WYCE Independent Community Radio
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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 because of listener support. Please support us to keep the music playing: http://www.wyce.org
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 because of listener support. Please support us to keep the music playing: http://www.wyce.org
185 Episodes
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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 various opportunities for all ages. At GAAH, they use three main strategies to bring your mission to life: Care & Belonging, Discovery & Advocacy. Discuss.GAAH seeks to build environments of curiosity and creativity with its neighbors (especially youth) to cultivate inclusion, justice, care, and belonging.GAAH is concluding its FALL 2025 Session.All GAAH programming, from hip-hop classes to algebra tutoring, is provided free of charge to their neighbors. Donations support thousands of visits to the Cook Library Center, hundreds of students taking classes at Cook Arts Center, and dozens of teens gaining leadership experience. Online: Grandville Avenue for the Arts and Humanities
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 strengthen communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs. More Online: Paws With A Cause (PAWS)
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 holiday shopping experience starting at 3 pm. Uptown GR’s 28th annual Shop Hop includes free trolley rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and much more. Learn more: Uptown Grand Rapids:
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, project opportunities, and direct access to critical resources.Construction Allies in Action empowers industry leaders to drive generational change by fostering transparency, accountability, and real opportunity in the construction field.With the support of our Construction Allies, Community Partners, and many volunteers and supporters, we create free and low-cost programming that equips underrepresented contractors with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to build sustainable, thriving businesses.Become a Construction Ally--Become a Community Partner--Share a Project Opportunity--Find Your Next Go-To Contractor.More: Construction Allies in Action
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 mission is to bring about a just and vibrant West Michigan through the power of literacy.Literacy by the numbers:--The Literacy Center serves nearly 1,300 learners annually.--85,000 adults read below the 4th grade level in Kent County.--7,500 classroom instructional hours taught by certified staff.--More than 8,000 hours contributed by volunteer literacy coaches in 1-on-1 tutoring. Online: Literacy of West Michigan
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 belonging.Lions & Rabbits environmental health projects celebrate the interconnectedness of human and ecological health. Through creative interventions, we raise awareness about environmental challenges and inspire stewardship of our shared spaces.Their goal is to create opportunities for all residents to thrive, and by fostering collaborations and systems thinking to address the root causes of complex community challenges. Learn more about Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts.
In this week's episode, we welcome George Bayard, Executive Director of 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 Bayard 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 American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA)is moving to 41 Sheldon Avenue SE in downtown Grand Rapids, which will serve as the organization's permanent home. Their new 30,000-square-foot space will be a major upgrade from the museum's former 2,000-square-foot building on Monroe Center.Bayard encouraged community members to get involved by contributing to the project or serving as a volunteer. ONLINE: Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
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 Internet, or the library's digital resources are available during drop-in sessions at your public library branch.Upcoming GRPL events include:Saturday, November 01, 10:00 am–12:00 pm-- Kids can build and code their own robots using LEGO’s Spike Prime sets. Monday, November 10: An Indigenous Fashion Presentation with Bead and Powwow Supply, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm at the Yankee Clipper Branch on Leonard NE.Tuesday, November 11: A Beadwork Workshop with Bead and Powwow Supply, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm, at the Yankee Clipper Branch.Thursday, December 18: Tails & Tales | Read to Therapy Dogs, 6 pm-Madison Square Branch. Kids are invited to practice reading to a licensed therapy dog from West Michigan Therapy Dogs Ruff Readers! Online: Grand Rapids Public Library
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 Performance Hall, and three other dynamic productions throughout the remainder of the Ballet’s 2025-2026 season. Tickets for all shows, as well as more information, are available at grballet.comOnline: The Grand Rapids Ballet
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 Rapids is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible citizens through education, recreation, and positive community experiences in partnership with the Grand Rapids Police Department.The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids offers youth a safe, caring environment and equips them with practical tools to help them prepare for a solid future.They offer very affordable memberships for only $5 per year!ONLINE-Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids
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 became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.Today, SECOM is a key resource center that gives help today and builds hope for tomorrow through providing equitable access to resources that promote healthy living, education, and economic opportunities for low-income children and families.Online SECOM
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 welcome! MORE INFO: East Hills Council of Neighbors East Hills Council of Neighbors on Facebook
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 opportunity for equitable access to traditional music education and offers attendees the opportunity to engage with world-class instructors, staff, and musicians while being immersed in the beauty of Michigan’s lakeshore.GLMC’s team has long-standing partnerships with several community partners, organizations, businesses, and individuals who provide varying levels of support. Funds are raised through a fiduciary partnership with Grand River Watershed Arts & Music Council (GRWAMC), a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.This support allows camp leaders to offer a Youth Scholarship Program and to provide additional financial assistance to students throughout the year for a continued traditional arts education.Learn more about Great Lakes Music Camp HERE.
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) and the nonprofit Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts (LRCFA), which was powered by donations through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.We're pleased to add that after this program was recorded, the Grand Rapids City of Healing project met its required match of $50,000 on August 23, 2025, triggering the MEDC match of $50,000 to complete the project. Because of the successful funding and the match from the MEDC, a new series of public art installations and murals will be completed throughout Northeast Grand Rapids to improve public health and community connection.Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of July 7, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $14.3 million in matching grants.
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 range of local public meetings, with a goal of boosting transparency and making what goes on at City Hall (and in boardrooms and auditoriums across the city) more accessible to our neighbors.Allison also reminded us that The Rapidian upholds the highest standards of editorial independence.The staff has a strong commitment to full transparency in how they fund their work. The Rapidian accepts gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and foundations to support its operations, special projects, and coverage of specific topics. However, editorial decisions remain entirely independent—donors have no role in assigning, reviewing, or editing content.The Rapidian is holding a fund drive September 15-19. ONLINE: The Rapidian
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 wellbeing, third spaces, and spaces for community and social connection. Much of their new initiatives are centered on community outreach, including an exciting new program we spoke about at GRAM...their Teen Identity program.We also briefly discussed the must-see exhibition: David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed, Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. The exhibit continues through November 2 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.Online: The Grand Rapids Art Museum Cindy Meyers-Foley, Director and CEO ofthe Grand Rapids Art Museum.(Late August) Online:artmuseumgr.orgCLOSE: You’ve been listening toWYCE’s Community Closeup…a weekly public affairs program produced inpartnership with The Rapidian, a hyper-local news service of the Grand RapidsCommunity Media Center. This is WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower…thank you forjoining us!Cindy Meyers-Foley, Director and CEO ofthe Grand Rapids Art Museum.(Late August) Online:artmuseumgr.orgCLOSE: You’ve been listening toWYCE’s Community Closeup…a weekly public affairs program produced inpartnership with The Rapidian, a hyper-local news service of the Grand RapidsCommunity Media Center. This is WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower…thank you forjoining us!
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 social and economic progress in their lives and community. They fulfill the mission through visual arts and tech engagement, workforce development, and social enterprise.For years, WMCAT has created access to opportunity for teens, adults, and families through their Arts + Tech programs, through their workforce development programs and career training, and leadership development. Jamon also spoke about WMCAT’s unique Step Year programming, which is a unique mix of college and career exploration, self-discovery, and connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors. Step Year is tuition-free and is open to Kent County adults 18-24 with a high school diploma or GED.Learn more: WMCAT ONLINE
On this week's episode, we welcome Hal Phillips, board chair of the Eastown Community Association.The Eastown Community Association is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit Neighborhood Association that was formed through the joint efforts of Aquinas College and Eastown residents in 1973. The ECA works with City officials, the Grand Rapids Police Department, other nonprofit organizations, and area businesses. The Eastown Community Association also works closely with the Eastown Business Association on improvement projects within the business district.Some of the many signature events sponsored by The Eastown Community Association are Community Bike Rides, Bizarre Bazaar, held in mid-June each year, and the fast-approaching Eastown Street Fair, on Saturday, September 6.The mission of The Eastown Community Association is to foster a safe, diverse, and walkable Eastown neighborhood by creating opportunities for neighbors and friends to engage and connect.ONLINE: Eastown Community Association
In this episode, we welcome Joel Westphal, Deputy Director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Joel spoke with us about the upcoming multi-day event: The Greatest Generation Celebration: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II.The events will be spread across several days from September 1-7, 2025.This Historic Celebration in Grand Rapids offers a full week of remembrance and tribute to America's Greatest Generation.The events also offer an opportunity to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the millions of American and Allied forces, patriots, and citizens who made immense sacrifices to ensure a world free of tyranny.Greatest Generation Events:Honor Parade & Wings of Honor📅 Monday, September 1 (Labor Day) | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. 📍 Downtown Grand RapidsBell Ringing Ceremony📅 Monday, September 1 | 8:08 PM-📍 Throughout Grand Rapids.Celebration at the Air Zoo. 📅 Saturday, September 6 | time TBA📍 Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, Kalamazoo, MIPerspectives on the Greatest Generation – Lecture Series📅 Tuesday, September 2 – Thursday, September 4📍 Various Venues🎟 Free Admission (Registration Required for Some Events)Renowned WWII historians and authors present insightful lectures on the impact and legacy of the Greatest Generation.Convocation of Remembrance (Prayer Service)📅 Tuesday, September 2 | 6:00 PM at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.Greatest Generation Night at the Whitecaps📅 Tuesday, September 2 | 6:35 PM--📍 LMCU BallparkCinematic Salute Film Festival📅 Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7📍 Studio Park, Downtown Grand Rapids🎟 Outdoor Screenings (BYO Chairs)Enjoy classic films that highlight the sacrifices and struggles of the Greatest Generation. Online: The Greatest Generation Celebration: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II.
In this episode, WYCE's John Rumery welcomes Guest: : Guest: Fridah Kanini, the Founder and CEO of A Glimpse of Africa.A Glimpse of Africa is a West-Michigan-based non-profit that brings people together by showcasing, educating, celebrating, and sharing diverse African cultures while fostering community through programs that voice, advocate for, and address African refugees and immigrants’ needs and disparities. Fridah also gave us a preview of their annual, A Glimpse of Africa Festival, happening August 9th -August 10th, at Calder Plaza. Saturday hours -10:30 am - 11:00 pm. Sunday Festival hours | 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.The festival is a beautiful and richly diverse showcase of the many African cultures in West Michigan. LEARN MORE AT: A Glimpse of Africa
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