In this episode, we welcome Derek Reed, Vice President with Buses By The Beach, and Jeremy Czubko, Ambassador with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

Derek and Jeremy gave us a preview of the 2026 Bus Benefit.

For over 20 years, this West Michigan community of VW enthusiasts has turned a love for vintage camping into a powerful mission, raising vital funds for the Grand Rapids-based Phoenix Society.

They also reminded us that you don't need to have a VW bus to attend and enjoy the Bus Benefit!

The Bus Benefit (May 22–24) happens at Smiling Acres in Trufant, MI, and features a diverse lineup of live music—including The American Hotel System, Roosevelt Diggs, and Nicholas James and the Bandwagon—plus family activities and open mic jams.

This Memorial Day tradition supports life-changing mentoring and support programs for burn survivors.

Links:

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

Buses By The Beach

On this week's episode, we welcome John Cox, fashion design teaching artist with WMCAT.

WMCAT is the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology.

John joined us on the program to talk about WMCAT’s upcoming presentation of "Textured Dreams," WMCAT’s Student Fashion Showcase, happening May 7 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM).

The fashion show features works by WMCAT teen artists that they designed and manufactured through the WMCAT Fashion Studio.

“Textured Dreams," WMCAT’s Student Fashion Showcase, is open to the public, and they'd love to see you there!

Online: WMCAT

In this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, host Janet Zahn welcomes Taryn Dole and Liz Barnett with the Area Agency on Aging West Michigan.

The mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live independently and with dignity.

AAAWM is The Source for Seniors in nine West Michigan counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties.

Online: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

In this episode, we speak with Hollin De La Cruz, coordinator with The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative, and Omar Cuevas, Senior VP of Investor and Corporate Relations with Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is a multi-organizational group made up of 50+ organizations: local school districts, non-profits, government bodies, and businesses.

The Welcome Plan is a set of local community recommendations developed by multiple organizations within the collaborative.

This is part 2 of a two-part episode.

Online: West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC)

In this episode, welcome to our studios Hollin De La Cruz, coordinator with The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative, and Omar Cuevas, Senior VP of Investor and Corporate Relations with Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is a multi-organizational group made up of 50+ organizations: local school districts, non-profits, government bodies, and businesses.

The Welcome Plan is a set of local community recommendations developed by multiple organizations within the collaborative.

The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative (WPC) is responsible for advancing Welcome Plan priority areas and goals.

This is part one of a two-part episode.

Online:

The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative

In this episode of Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower sits down with Scott Bloem, Executive Director of The Other Way Ministries, to discuss their 50-plus-year legacy of walking alongside Westside Grand Rapids families.

Since 1967, The Other Way has been a cornerstone of the Westown neighborhood, fostering spiritual, relational, and economic growth.

Scott shares insights into the organization’s mission and the vital programs they offer, including:

• Food & Resource Assistance: Supporting the community through their food pantry and Agape Co-op.
• Education & Youth: Providing early childhood education and dedicated youth services.
• Family Support: Strengthening the community fabric through specialized family programming.

With volunteers contributing over 80 hours of service each week, Scott also highlights how individuals and groups of all skill levels can get involved in this transformative work.

Learn more or get involved:

The Other Way

Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program produced by WYCE in partnership with The Rapidian and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, and Dr. Mirelle Luecke, Supervisory Curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum⁠

2026 is going to be a busy and exciting year at the museum, including numerous events that will celebrate America's Semiquincentennial. (250th Birthday!)

We took the opportunity to discuss several notable and upcoming events happening at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, including but not limited to these events:•     A free talk: Gerald Ford and America's Bicentennial with Thomas DeFrank: Wednesday, March 25.•     Upcoming Paid Internship Opportunities at Ford Presidential Museum & Library. Apply through 4/1.•     President Ford's ties to the Bicentennial and the fabulous collection of Bicentennial-themed gifts we have (Mirelle said they have some kooky things!)•     Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, May 23 through October 25, 2026.

Online: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum

In this episode, we welcome Chris Kotcher, director at The Wealthy Theatre.

The Wealthy Theatre was originally built in 1911, and today, it functions as a mixed-use community arts center hosting film, concerts, comedy, magic shows, forums, local arts events, and much more.

The Wealthy Theatre is a program of The Grand Rapids Community Media Center (GRCMC).

Wealthy Theatre has the Peter Wege Auditorium, with 400 seats, and a primary performance space. There's also the smaller, more intimate, Dirk Koning Micro-Cinema, with 60 seats.

Programming & Offerings include film screenings, classic, cult, independent, and international film features.

The Wealthy Theatre also promotes collaborations with the Grand Rapids Film Society, Tuesday night film series, thematic screenings, and their always popular “Open Projector Night.”

Online: The Wealthy Theatre