A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you all had a relaxing and happy New Year’s. It was an honor to serve as your Mayor in 2022, and I look forward to what the new year has in store.

To kick off the year, I will be available to talk about all things East at the next EGR Coffee Talk 10-11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Bagel Kitchen in Gaslight Village. Hope to see you there!

Speaking of the new year, is giving back to your community one of your New Year’s resolutions? Donating blood is a great way to help. Did you know one pint can save up to three lives? The City will host a blood drive 2-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Schedule your appointment by calling 866.MI.BLOOD.

I look forward to seeing you all throughout the year – whether it’s around town or at Commission meetings, EGR Coffee Talks or the many events where we gather as a community.

All the best,
Katie 

PARKS & RECREATION

SPORTS NIGHT OUT
The annual Sports Night Out event for children ages 5-12 is quickly approaching. Join us Saturday, Jan. 21 for a fun evening that includes games, challenges and activities at the EGR High School gym. Plus, there’s a photo booth so you can have a keepsake from the evening. 

Registration is open eastgr.org/parks-recreation. The cost is $24 for residents and $29 for non-residents, and adult chaperones also need to register. The cost increases $5 after Jan. 14.

SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE

The spring program guide is now available online at eastgr.org/programguide.  

Registration for spring programs begins Jan. 12 for residents and Jan. 19 for non-residents. Register online or call 616.949.1750 to speak with Parks and Recreation staff.   

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

LAST CHANCE: FIRST WARD CITY COMMISSIONER OPENING
Friday, Jan. 6 is the last day to apply for the open First Ward City Commissioner position. This seat was vacated following City Commissioner Kris Pachla’s recent election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners. First Ward residents who are interested can apply online or in person at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, before 5 p.m. Friday. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

BE VIGILANT OF FRAUD
EGR Public Safety reminds community members to be alert of potential fraud via phone calls and text messages. In 2021, it was estimated Americans lost $29.8 billion to phone scams alone. With both the number of victims and the expense of the scams increasing, it’s important to take steps to minimize your risk of falling victim to bad actors.

Listen to EGR Public Safety Chief Mark Herald discuss ways to prevent fraud in our community with WGVU’s Shelley Irwin here: https://bit.ly/3ibxYnq. 

PUBLIC WORKS
 

HOLIDAY TREE & WREATH PICKUP
Public Works will collect natural trees and wreaths for chipping through Jan. 13 following regular yard waste collection routes. Please remove lights, ribbons and ornaments from the greenery and place in the right-of-way on the day before your regular pickup day. Public Works can only accept natural, plant-based materials for chipping. More at eastgr.org/debris.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

Do you have any recyclable waste from the holidays? The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative invites the community to its electronic waste and foam packaging recycling event 11 a.m.-1 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 7, at the EGR Public Works building, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE. 

View the list of accepted items here.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The EGRSF thanks everyone who contributed to its “What’s Next?” year-end appeal. The money raised will fund program support, classroom enhancements, professional development, student scholarships and two new dedicated funds: Mental Health and Wellness Fund to support student mental health in all EGR schools and Jimmy’s Friendship Fund to help EGR families in need. 

Those interested in contributing to EGRSF’s What’s Next? fundraising campaign can do so at https://egrsf.org/how-to-help/donate.html.

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