PARKS & RECREATION

LIFEGUARDS NEEDED

The City is looking for part-time lifeguards. 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

ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAILED OUT

Absentee ballots are being mailed out and residents can expect to receive them next week.

Return completed absentee ballots to the drop box at the Community Center, to the Clerk’s Office or by mail to the Clerk’s office at 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Absentee ballots are due by 8 p.m. election night and postmarks are not accepted. 

If you plan to vote absentee in the November election but haven’t completed an application, you can do so here or by visiting the Clerk's Office at the Community Center. For more information on absentee voting, please visit the City’s website.

Community members are welcome to watch the election machine testing Oct. 24 starting at 8 a.m. at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

SPANISH-LANGUAGE VOTER HOTLINE

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan has launched a hotline to assist Spanish speakers in our community with voter registration and answer election questions. 

 

The hotline – 616.246.0562 or 616.246.568 – is open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PUBLIC SAFETY

OPEN HOUSE & DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

Public Safety will host its annual open house 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. Bring the kids for treats, refreshments, police/fire giveaways and bicycle safety flags courtesy of Riding for Ryan.

Public Safety will also accept prescription drug takebacks during the same time in the department lobby. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription medications.

 

PUBLIC WORKS

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

As part of the City’s tree planting program, residents can share the cost of a new tree to be planted in the outlawn of their yard – the area between the sidewalk and the street. Place your tree order by Oct. 1, with payment due Oct. 7. Learn more at eastgr.org/forestry.

FALL LEAF PICKUP

Fall leaf pickup begins the week of Oct. 10 and goes through the week of Dec. 5. Leaves may be placed in the street without obstructing the roadway and storm sewer catch basins. Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection.

FOOD SCRAPS COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM
Interested in participating in the food scraps composting program? The City has recently increased its capacity from 100 households to 120. View program details and regulations here.

Register for the program by phone, online or in person:

• Call the Department of Public Works at 616.940.4817.
• Visit eastgr.org and click the “submit a request” button on the homepage. Then select “food scraps composting” and request registration for service and complete the registration form. 
• Visit the Department of Public Works operations office at 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or the Department of Public Works administration office in the lower level of the Community Center at 750 Lakeside Drive 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

Registration may require proof of residency if residency is unclear from property tax or utility billing records.    

BICYCLE SAFETY

The school year is in full swing, which means an increase in bicycle traffic. Learn more about bicycle safety tips and laws.

ADOPT-A-DRAIN 
The City has partnered with other local communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality for our watersheds while mitigating localized flooding by creating an adopt-a-drain portal.

• What does it mean to adopt a drain? 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 approximately 1,300 catch basins. While our 15 Public Works staff members help clean catch basins, rain events or even just a few leaves can plug them, so a community effort helps tremendously.    
• 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 in winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash. Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain. Leaves, sticks and other natural materials can be placed in your yard waste container. 
• Stay safe when clearing storm drains: 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/remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY

EGR branch fall hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

All KDL branches will be closed Monday, Oct. 3 for an all-staff training.

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
Help the City win a $1,000 beautification grant for trees, native plants or green infrastructure by completing the Grand Valley Metropolitan transportation survey.

This survey helps determine future transportation resource investments in the Grand Rapids region. The five communities with the highest response rates will be entered to win the grant. EGR is currently in the top five! 

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
The Gaslight Village Business Association will host Frightful Friday (previously “Spooky Saturday”) Friday, Oct. 28 from 3-6 p.m. Community members of all ages are invited for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, crafting and enjoying fall treats. More details coming soon.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Get ready for homecoming on Friday, Oct. 7. The following EGR teachers are recipients of the Excellence in Teaching awards and will ride in cars in the parade, which starts at 4:30 p.m.

• Nicole Vanderplow
• Jenny Bergstrom
• Tad Vandenbrink

The James and Georgia Nicholas Endowed Award recipient, high school teacher Elisha Murphy, will also ride in a car in the parade.

Visit the EGRSF alumni tent during the football game and play the "spin-to-win" wheel for East swag. Stay up to date on all upcoming events by visiting EGRSF’s website at egrsf.org/events/the-cheat-sheet.html.

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