PARKS & RECREATION

LIFEGUARDS NEEDED

The City is still looking for part-time lifeguards for its two indoor pools: EGR High School and Wealthy Elementary. Early and midmorning shifts are available as well as weekend options. Training is provided if needed. Starting pay is $15/hour or up to $16.50/hour for early morning shifts.

The two- and four-hour lifeguard shifts are perfect for high school and college students, stay-at-home parents, retirees and anyone else looking for fun and flexibility. Apply today.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

VETERANS DAY

City offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. The City thanks those who have served our country, including staff members:

• Sean Kortge, Public Works, U.S. Marine Corp
• Doug LaFave, Public Works, U.S. Navy Reserve
• Dan Lobbezoo, Public Safety, U.S. Navy
• Corey Buter, Public Safety, U.S. Army National Guard

PUBLIC WORKS 

FALL LEAF PICKUP

Fall leaf pickup continues through the week of Dec. 5. Leaves may be placed in the street without containers as long as they don’t obstruct the roadway or storm sewer catch basins. Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection.

SHAKE YOUR MAILBOX 

If your mailbox is located near the street, take a few minutes to check its condition. Over time, screws can loosen and posts can rot. If your mailbox moves when shaken, the mailbox or post may not withstand snow thrown from plows and should be repaired before winter.

It’s also important to ensure your mailbox follows U.S. Postal Service standards. The best mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall away if a car hits them. Position your mailbox 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Place your mailbox 6-8 inches from the curb or edge of the pavement for areas that do not have a raised curb.

AVOID FLUSHING WIPES

Did you know wipes marketed as “flushable,” including adult wipes, cleaning wipes and baby wipes, are hazardous to our wastewater system? Only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets because it is the only paper designed to break down as it travels through the wastewater treatment process. Other types of paper and wipes are not designed to break down, causing blockages in home sewer lines that can lead to costly plumber repairs.

ADOPT-A-DRAIN

The City has partnered with neighboring communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality while mitigating localized flooding by creating an online adopt-a-drain portal. By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you're joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. The City has about 1,300 catch basins and, while Public Works staff work to keep them clear of leaves and debris, a community effort is needed to support this initiative.

How to Care for Your Adopted Drain 

Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off the drain before it starts raining and shovel snow off the drain to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash. Compost, if possible, in your yard compost container. Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain.  

Drain Cleaning Safety Tips  

Please stay out of the street as much as possible. Place yourself in the right of way – the area between the sidewalk and the street – to clear the drain. Always wear gloves and be careful of sharp objects. Use a rake, broom or shovel, if possible. Never try to lift or remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so vehicles can see you.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS  

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Community members of all ages are invited to kick off the holiday season in Gaslight Village with the annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 25.

The tree lighting will be the centerpiece of festivities 5-8 p.m. in Regatta Plaza, 2181 Wealthy St. SE. In addition to the lighting of the 30-foot tree, visitors can enjoy a variety of all-ages entertainment, including s’mores, carriage rides, reindeer petting and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. East Grand Rapids Mayor Katie Favale will lead the crowd in several holiday carols to begin the lighting ceremony.  

Stay up to date by following Gaslight Village on Facebook or checking its website.  

KIDS’ FOOD BASKET: GOBBLE WOBBLE RUN/WALK
The annual Gobble Wobble run/walk takes place 8-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24. This race raises funds for local nonprofit Kids’ Food Basket. Community members and drivers are asked to be mindful of runners and walkers along the course during this time.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The EGRSF is partnering with Friends of the EGR Library, who is inviting community members to a special presentation by Steve Jessmore, a National Audubon Award-winning photographer, Nov. 17. Jessmore will speak to students at the middle school and high school during the day and then speak at the Performing Arts Center in the evening about “The Reeds Lake Project,” his chronicle of wildlife on Reeds Lake commissioned by the Friends of the EGR Library. 

The evening presentation begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative invites community members to its electronic waste and foam packaging recycling event 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 7 at the EGR Public Works building, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE. 

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