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
178 Episodes
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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
On this episode, we welcome Gaby Cordova, Director of Engagement with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.Founded in 1978, the goal of the Hispanic Center is to provide unmet social services to the Hispanic Community in Greater West Michigan.The Hispanic Center of West Michigan is located on Cesar Chavez Ave. in Roosevelt Park, the largest Latino neighborhood in Grand Rapids.The Center serves more than 30,000 individuals annually. The staff is largely bilingual and multicultural. Hispanic Festival 2025 is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan's annual celebration of our West Michigan’s rich Latino heritage.The dates are August 1-3 on Calder PlazaLearn More: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Daryl Reece, Executive Director and co-founder of the Pieces of Reeces Foundation.The Pieces of Reeces Foundation will once again bring the community together on Saturday, August 9, from 1-8 pm, for their third annual Piecing Together Unity Festival at Rosa Parks Circle.The festival is hosted by the Pieces of Reece's Foundation.The foundation provides 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.Executive Director Daryl Reece began the foundation with his wife, Debra, in 2019. Daryl credits his time at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo as being strong positive influences on his life, and he is very involved with the organization today, including the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.More online: Pieces of Reece's Foundation.
In this week's episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, executive director of Fulton Street Market, and Anissa Mathiasz, assistant market manager at the Fulton Street Market.Fulton Street Market celebrates the power of community and grassroots activism. Established in 1922, Fulton Street Market has been a staple of Grand Rapids and beyond, evolving to meet the changing needs of our diverse population. Dana Eardley talked about how Fulton Street Market has been working hard to create a vibrant marketplace experience that connects communities, supports local farmers and artisans, celebrates diverse cultures, and ensures sustainable food access for all. We also learned that their mission is to inspire agricultural participation in Grand Rapids by tending to meaningful connections and experiences at the Market. Other topics that Dana and Anissa touched on in this episode included:How the Fulton Street Market is working to achieve its mission of increasing food access in our community.Workshops and other learning opportunities that happen at the market.How the market is evolving to meet the needs of our growing and diverse West Michigan community. Learn more online: Fulton Street Market
In this episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Wardell Frazier, Jr., Executive Director of The Diatribe, and J-Lin Tamminga, Director of Education at The Diatribe.Both Wardell and J-Lin spoke about the Diatribe Vision: Creating art that is informative because we know that some of the most complex topics can be digested easier through an artistic lens, and that some of the most complex verbiage can be redivided through the creative gaze; words like racism, justice, and even liberation.A critical and exciting piece of the future for The Diatribe is The Emory Arts & Culture Hub. In a real sense, it is “a dream home” for the Diatribe leadership.With the Emory Arts & Culture Hub, the Diatribe plans a new model for redevelopment that they hope will serve as an example for inclusive community and economic growth, potentially influencing more of this type of work in communities across the country. ONLINE: The Diatribe
In this episode, host Janet Zahn speaks with Sasha Wolff, founder and executive director of Still I Run, as well as Brendan Kelly, licensed therapist and owner and CEO of The Well Being.Both West Michigan organizations have partnered to offer the Starting Line Scholarship, a program designed to remove any barriers that may be blocking individuals from taking up running for mental health.The scholarship seeks to provide recipients with the motivation and accountability to keep running. Still, I Run is a West Michigan-based nonprofit that promotes the benefits of running for improved mental health. They seek to support, inspire, and unite individuals of all backgrounds and experiences in their journey to better mental health.The Well Being uses physical exercise & outpatient counseling to improve mental health for its clients.Online: The Well BeingStill I Run
In this episode, WYCE. Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sharon Caldwell-Newton, Executive Director with CSNIP.CSNIP positively impacts thousands of families each year in our mission to reduce the gap in veterinary care by providing affordable vet care for pet families in our 10-county community.They're here to help---If you have a pet, you already know how powerful the human animal bond is and how it can change lives. CSNIP promises no judgment, no attitude... just kindness and support.Sharon told us that CSNIP provides between 10,000 to 12,000 spay/neuter surgeries per year, vaccinating between 15,000 to 17,000 pets annually, helping with dental care, and performing other soft tissue surgeries.CSNIP can help with:Spay/neuterWellness/PreventionDental c/pDental ExtractionsOther Surgical Treatments/ProceduresOnline PharmacyCSNIP holds its 8th annual Wags & Whiskers auction on October 29th, 2025.More online: CSNIP
On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Jazz McKinney, executive director of The Grand Rapids Pride Center.The mission of The Grand Rapids Pride Center is to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships.Jazz spoke about the history of the Pride Center and also discussed the upcoming PrideFest 2025, happening on Calder Plaza on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, full of activities for all kinds of people and family-friendly as well.The first Pride Celebration was held at the Monroe Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids on June 19, 1988. Today, it has grown to be one of the largest one-day events in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Pride Festival is an event that brings 2-SLGBTQ+ community members, 2-SLGBTQ+ businesses, allies, and organizations together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the beautiful, vast 2-SLGBTQ+ community!Going into its 37th year in 2025, Grand Rapids Pride Festival is working to create a safe, open, and inclusive environment for Grand Rapids community members to celebrate who they are.
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