In this episode, we welcome Marie Orttenberger, advancement manager with The Land Conservancy of West Michigan.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan works to keep nature nearby and conserve West Michigan’s ecologically critical land.

Marie told us they do this work by creating public nature preserves, providing support to communities and local governments in creating natural areas, and helping private landowners protect their own land.

Their focus is on three areas:

Protected Land: Working with families & communities to protect ecologically critical land.

Healthy Habitats: Maintaining and restoring health to the landscapes we work together to protect.

Inspired People: Offering inclusive opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other.

We spoke about:

* The history of the organization and how it was started.

*The finish of a 25-year project at Saul Lake Bog Preserve…in Rockford, MI. Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve is one of West Michigan’s flagship natural areas. Visitors can appreciate the bog, prairie, forests, and fields—and the diversity of wildlife they support—in all seasons.

*The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is celebrating 50 years of keeping nature nearby. Marie promised that this year will offer several action-packed events for friends and supporters to be a part of.

Online: Land Conservancy of West Michigan

In this episode of Community Closeup, we sit down with Ted Diedrich, station manager of GRTV, to discuss what a vital community resource GRTV is and why public access television remains an important civic institution, even in the digital age.

Ted shares about how you can become an All-Access member of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, and he also talks about the wide variety of classes offered through GRTV and professional, audio, and video equipment available for you to check out as a member.

By creating the media and your own video programming, GRTV offers numerous opportunities for community involvement for anyone who is interested.

Episode Notes

• What is GRTV? An overview of the GRTV's mission and history.
• Membership & Access: How ⁠Grand Rapids Community Media Center members can unlock classes, equipment access, and media literacy training.
• Hands-On Learning: Details on GRTV’s hands-on classes in video production, podcasting, editing, and video production for all skill levels.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover how to support live events covered by GRTV, and how you can be part of the production team that shoots all five hours of The WYCE Jammie Awards.

Learn More Online: GRTV

On this episode, we welcome Brian Elve, Executive Director of Guiding Light, and David Madiol, Director of Development & Communications.

Guiding Light specializes in innovative Recovery for Men & Women.

Guiding Light’s four-month residential experience creates a culture of community, peer support, and accountability.

Their faith-based long-term rehab provides a structured environment, dedicated staff, and comprehensive programming with life-coaching, spiritual direction, therapy, support groups, psycho-social education, and exercise.

We spoke with Brian and Dave about Guiding Light Live! A Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction: Saturday, February 21, 4-6:30 PM at St. Cecilia Music Center

The concert is presented by Eastern Avenue Church, and all proceeds benefit Guiding Light’s addiction recovery programs.

Learn more and get tickets here: Guiding Light Live!