A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR FAVALE
Friends and neighbors,
Fall has made its way to East Grand Rapids, and I hope you have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous colors of the season.
As fall arrived, so did very dark mornings. Please take extra safety precautions during your morning commute. Whether you are walking, biking or driving, please be aware so everyone gets to where they need to be safely.
Kick off this weekend with Frightful Friday, happening 3-6 p.m. in Gaslight Village! There will be trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a scavenger hunt and more. Be sure to check out the Gaslight Village store windows, too, as they were painted by the very talented EGR High School art students. Their artwork will be sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
Join me for the next EGR Coffee Talk 10-11 a.m. Nov. 8 at Bagel Kitchen in Gaslight Village. I’m happy to answer your questions, discuss concerns and have a conversation. I hope to see you there and, as always, the coffee is on me.
Enjoy the season and I wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween weekend!
All the best,
Katie
PARKS & RECREATION
WINTER GUIDE AVAILABLE
The Parks and Recreation winter 2023 guide is now available. Resident registration began Oct. 6, and nonresident registration began Oct. 13.
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 VOTING
If you plan to vote absentee in the November election, you must complete an absentee ballot application. The last day for ballots to be mailed is Friday, Nov. 4. Return completed absentee ballots to the drop box at the Community Center, the Clerk’s Office or by mail to the Clerk’s Office at 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Absentee ballots can also be dropped off at polling locations on Election Day. Absentee ballots are due by 8 p.m. Election Day, and postmarks are not accepted.
For more information on absentee voting, please visit the City’s website.
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
HALLOWEEN SAFETY REMINDERS
Trick-or-treating traditionally takes place in East Grand Rapids 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. The EGR Public Safety Department provides safety reminders for community members here.
Officer Troy Brown recently spoke with WOODTV8 about Halloween safety in the story below, emphasizing the importance of driving slowly throughout our community.
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 conforms to 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 actually 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.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
The Gaslight Village Business Association will host Frightful this 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.
Additionally, mark your calendar for the annual holiday tree lighting Friday, Nov. 25. Details coming soon. 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.
KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
The EGR branch will be closed all day Tuesday, Nov. 8 for staff training. The Cascade, Kentwood and Wyoming branches will be open this day.
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.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
EGRSF recently presented checks to teachers and students who had applied for grants. Watch their reactions as they receive the big checks here.
The Foundation also sponsored Halloween-themed window paintings in Gaslight Village for Frightful Friday that were completed by the talented artists at EGR High School.
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