WGVU35
Lending a Helping Paw: West Michigan Therapy Dogs│LIVING WEST MICHIGAN
- Title
- Lending a Helping Paw: West Michigan Therapy Dogs│LIVING WEST MICHIGAN
- Runtime
- 7:41
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Follow along as Living West Michigan heads to StoryPoint in Rockford, Michigan, to see how West Michigan Therapy Dogs are helping out West Michigan's local community. Within this adventure, you'll meet Walter, a Golden Retriever who is so much more than just a 'good dog.' With their 25+ years of experience, come along and see why West Michigan Therapy Dogs has become a pillar of our local community
Enjoy full episodes of WGVU anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://video.wgvu.org/
This program is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council
and is also powered by you and your dedicated support. Thank you!
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0:00 Introduction to West Mich...
- Title
- Getting to the Good Place - Isle Royale For All Part 1| Color Out Here
- Runtime
- 14:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Before it was called Isle Royale National Park, the Ojibwe people called it Minong, meaning The Good Place. Set in an archipelago in Lake Superior, Isle Royale or Minong's remote location puts it among the least visited national parks in the system. Join our host, Alice Lyn as they team up with the Isle Royale for All Project - an initiative designed to help increase access to the park - and follow along as they embark on an adventure with a group of Michigan community members to find the good place.
Funding providing by The Wege Foundation.
Enjoy more episodes of Color Out Here, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://www.pbs.org/show/color-out-here/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
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- Title
- Rx Kids program expands to Grand Rapids, offering cash support for expectant and new mothers #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:15
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Residents in the 49507 ZIP code will soon be able to enroll in Rx Kids, the nation’s first prenatal and infant cash prescription program.
Rx Kids gives eligible families $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly during a baby’s first six months up to one year. Participants must reside in a participating community, be at least 16 weeks pregnant or the parent or guardian of a newborn.
Rx Kids Director Dr. Mona Hanna says she wishes the program could be rolled out across Grand Rapids, but the greatest need was on the city’s southeast side.
Forty-two Michigan communities offer the program with another 20 slated to join this summer.
#westmichigan #communityimpact #WGVU
- Title
- New inclusive playground opens at Hope Network’s Holland Center #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:06
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The project was funded by private donors and the Michael P. Lettinga Pediatric Fund
Hope Network recently celebrated the dedication of a new playground at its Holland Center for Autism.
Executive Director for Hope Network’s Centers for Autism Maggie Moore says the unique playground was developed for children participating in the organization’s autism program building communication, social, behavioral and motor skills alongside their family and peers.
The playground can accommodate 30 to 40 children.
The project was funded by private donors and the Michael P. Lettinga Pediatric Fund.
#communityimpact #westmichigan #WGVU
- Title
- Lakeside Laps: A Veterans Fight for Mental Health Awareness│MUTUALLY INCLUSIVE
- Runtime
- 3:16
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Travis Snyder walks for a cause. After serving 6 years in the Marine Corps, he recognized the mental health challenges that he and fellow veterans faced were often overlooked and isolating. Travis started his walking challenge in 2019, completing 810 miles around Lake Michigan to raise awareness for veteran mental health and suicide. As of today, he has walked nearly 3,000 miles and continues to share his mission with news outlets nationwide.
Enjoy full episodes of Mutually Inclusive anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://www.pbs.org/show/mutually-inclusive/
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- Title
- New Grand River Edges Trail segment to connect Riverside Park with downtown Grand Rapids #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Ground was broken on another segment of the Grand River Greenway, and it’s closing one of the region’s most significant trail gaps
The 0.75-mile Grand River Edges Trail extension connects Leonard Street to Ann Street as the Greenway project approaches its halfway point. LaGrand says the project is central to the city’s broader river corridor revitalization efforts.
Once complete, the section will link downtown to Riverside Park and, by extension, the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park.
Once complete, the 85-mile recreation trail will connect Grand Haven to Lowell. The entire Greenway project is expected to be finished by 2031.
#communityimpact #westmichigan #
- Title
- Camp 911 returns to West Michigan, teaching kids life-saving safety skills #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A popular summer camp has returned to West Michigan, providing kids with hands-on experience with water, fire, and first aid safety lessons
Called “Camp 911” , the series of camps kicks off today in Hudsonville.
About 150 young people ages 9 to 11 are participating in a free summer session sponsored by Life EMS Ambulance.They’re offered in partnership with local fire and public safety departments. The camps provide hands-on safety training and emergency response education.
The hands-on sessions are designed to provide youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect themselves and react safely in emergency situations, with instruction provided by Life EMS Ambulance paramedics, local law enforcement, and fire department personnel.
#communityimpact #westmichigan #WGVU #Hudsonville
- Title
- Reliving The Past to Prepare for The Future┃LIVING WEST MICHIGAN SEASON 3 #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:41
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Check out the return of Living West Michigan Season 3! To kick off the season, we’re reliving the past to visit the future at Valley Field, a West Michigan classic.
#livingwestmichigan #Valleyfield #sullivanfield #westmichigan #wgvu
- Title
- Restoring Valley Field: Reliving the Past to Prepare For the Future┃LIVING WEST MICHIGAN
- Runtime
- 8:35
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Discover the rich history of Valley Field, one of Grand Rapids' oldest ballparks. With its vast history reaching over 100 years of history, learn about the ties that Valley Field has with the Grand Rapids Community as we sit down with Johnny Walker and Daniel Groce to discuss their history of playing in the park, Minnie Forbes, a former worker and ticket seller, and Bruce Doane Jr., a former umpire for the league and current GLIAC Supervisor of Baseball Umpires.
Sit back and relax as you figure out why this special place means so much to the local West Michigan Community.
Enjoy full episodes of WGVU anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://video.wgvu.org/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
https://www.wgvu.org/donate/
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- Title
- NewsChobani breaks ground on $567 million Norton Shores expansion, creating hundreds of jobs #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Chobani officially broke ground today on the expansion of its Norton Shores coffee operations, which will create jobs and boost demand for local fruit and dairy.
The Norton Shores company is expanding its La Colombe facility producing ready-to-drink lattes and cold brew coffees.
The expansion is expected to support dairy farmers and fruit growers from across the state.
#communityimpact #westmichigan #localfarmers #wgvu
- Title
- Bringing Back the Rapids: Four dams to be removed as river restoration officially begins #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:15
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Work has officially begun to restore the rapids to the Grand River. as city and project leaders launch Phase One: construction on the Lower Reach.
Those involved in the effort pressed fingerprints onto three large river rocks that project leaders placed into the Grand River.
It signified the launch of the river restoration project and the first phase re-establishing the river’s natural flow by removing four low-head dams enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and expanding public access.
#communityimpact #grandrapids #westmichigan
- Title
- Grand Rapids welcomes first office-to-residential conversion #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- City officials say it’s the beginning of a trend for addressing downtown housing.
The redevelopment includes 105 one-bedroom units and 35 two-bedroom units, with 28 units designated as income-qualified.
The building’s lower-level sports and recreation amenities have been named The University Club. It’s a nod to the century old social club that occupied the top floor before closing in 2023.
#westmichigan #communityimpact #wgvu #grandrapids
- Title
- Mutually Inclusive: Stories About the People, For the People
- Runtime
- 3:22
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Mutually Inclusive partners with the West Michigan community to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. Through a lens of equity and inclusion, episodes provide both education and representation to viewers.
Enjoy full episodes of WGVU anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://video.wgvu.org/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
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- Title
- Virtual Wine Tasting
- Runtime
- 1:25:16
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A virtual wine tasting hosted by our friend and yours, Sommelier, host of WGVU’s Cultural Ingredients and Assistant Director of Operations for Wade Cellars, Napa California- George Walker III!
- Title
- Caring for Horses and Humans at Detroit Equestrian Play Therapy │COLOR OUT HERE
- Runtime
- 21:07
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Color Out Here and our Grand Rapids community members travel to Detroit Equestrian Play Therapy to learn more about equestrian therapy. The founder of DEPT, Chief Grey Hawk, introduces our crew to 7 wonderful horses who also like to cause a little mischief.
Funding providing by The Wege Foundation.
Enjoy more episodes of Color Out Here, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://www.pbs.org/show/color-out-here/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
https://www.wgvu.org/donate/
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- Title
- GRAM’s new exhibition captures the spirit of turn-of-the-century Paris #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Grand Rapids Art Museum opens “Decadent Spirit: French Art at the Turn of the Century" this Friday
Picture Moulin Rouge cabaret, can-can dancers, and Art Nouveau posters.
The exhibition features 130 works from the Belle Époque – an era of bohemian culture and artistic innovation.
GRAM Associate Curator Terra Warren says 1880-1910 was a time of immense optimism, just before World War I. The exhibition features paintings, sculpture, metalwork, paper art, furniture and film from icons like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alice Guy-Blaché.
#westmichigan #grandrapids #communityimpact #pbs
- Title
- New $18 million assisted living center welcomes seniors on Grand Rapids’ southeast side #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- All units are affordable to households earning 60% of area median income, with 12 units available for seniors experiencing homelessness.
The $18 million, four-story development features 54 one-bedroom assisted living units for seniors ages 55 and older. All units are affordable to households earning 60% of area median income, with 12 units available for seniors experiencing homelessness. Twenty-five units cap rent at one-third of residents’ income.
Grand Rapids has one of the highest concentrations of retirement communities in the Midwest, with waitlists for affordable senior assisted living stretching up to five years and average rates easily costing between $4,000 to $5,500 per month.
#westmichigan #grandrapids #wgvu35 #communityimpact
- Title
- Making a Splash: new otter habitat at Grand Rapids zoo supports local river ecology #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:08
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo opened its brand-new otter exhibit, showcasing why these animals are crucial to conservation.
The new North American river otter habitat is now open at Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo.
It’s triple the size of the old space, featuring underwater viewing, overhead swim zones, and a children’s crawl tunnel.
But Animal Care Supervisor Jaime Racalla says her favorite feature is the pressurized water cannons zookeepers can use to shoot fish into the pools.
For more on visiting the otters or the ongoing Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, visit the John Ball Zoo website.
#otter #otterlyadorable #johnballzoo #grandrapids #wgvu
- Title
- Puppies train with Life EMS Ambulance for National EMS Week #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- A dozen Paws With A Cause puppies are in service dog training at Grand Rapids’ Life EMS Ambulance headquarters. The puppies are familiarized with ambulances, equipment, and personnel in a controlled setting.
Paws With A Cause Foster Puppy Training Coordinator Megan Ouding says the focus is on making a service dog-in-training comfortable with the unexpected in real world emergency situations.
Or when there’s some down time to be playful with Life EMS Ambulance team members.
#pawswithacause #therapydogs #westmichigan #wgvu
- Title
- Grand Rapids Boys & Girls Club unveils $4.6 million Seidman Center renovation #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- It will now serve over 100 youth per day with afterschool and summer programs. Thanks to federal funding and philanthropic efforts from over 25 local organizations and individuals, the Seidman Club now boasts a brand-new gymnasium, classrooms, dedicated teen space, kitchen, game room, and offices.
Partee says the renovation came at a time when many local families struggle to make ends meet, especially during the summer months.
#GrandRapids #BoysAndGirlsClub #SeidmanCenter #CommunityImpact #WestMichigan #YouthDevelopment #GrandRapidsNews #Nonprofit #CommunityRenovation #SummerSupport #WGVU #PBS #LocalNews #Shorts
- Title
- Lionel Richie headlines inaugural concert at Acrisure Amphitheater #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The $184 million, 12,000 seat publicly owned venue is expected to generate more than $800 million in economic impact
Lionel Richie joined community stakeholders in cutting the ribbon on Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater before taking the stage as the venue’s inaugural concert headliner.
The $184 million, 12,000 seat publicly owned venue is expected to generate more than $800 million in economic impact, creating jobs and attracting more than 300,000 annual visitors.
#acrisureampitheatre #lionelrichie #westmichigan #grandrapids
- Title
- Behind the Camera: Inside Season 2's Production┃Living West Michigan
- Runtime
- 14:26
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- In this season, our goal was to deepen our connection with the incredible West Michigan community while building on the storytelling that made Season 1 so special. It has been an absolute honor to share your stories through our lens, from hidden local gems to the vibrant people who make our region unique.
We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait to bring you even more local areas, events, and remarkable stories in Season 3—coming very soon!
Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the premiere.
Enjoy full episodes of WGVU anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://video.wgvu.org/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
https://www.wgvu.org/donate/
FOLLOW WGVU Public Media:
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X:...
- Title
- Hope Village: Mel Trotter Ministries completes 10 tiny homes to combat homelessness #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:02
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mel Trotter Ministries has completed 10 of its planned 16 tiny homes that make up Hope Village on Grand Rapids’ southeast side, and the affordable housing project is already helping many residents previously experiencing homelessness
CEO of Grand Rapids-based Mel Trotter Ministries Chris Palusky says the micro-dwellings that make up Hope Village are already changing the lives of the city’s unhoused, including one resident who recently lived at the shelter.
The first tiny home was completed in August. Funding for the $2.8 million project has come from local, state, and federal funding as well as community donations.
#westmichigan #meltrotter #communityimpact #housing #wgvu
- Title
- Hundreds gather in Grand Rapids for MMIP Awareness Day #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Native and non-Native allies marched through downtown Grand Rapids giving voice to the thousands of unsolved cases involving their loved ones
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day event was hosted by three local Potawatomi tribes. Native and non-Native allies marched through downtown Grand Rapids giving voice to the thousands of unsolved cases involving their loved ones.
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 4,000 open MMIP cases connected to Michigan, despite Native Americans making up less than 1% of the state’s population. The BIA estimates there are 4,200 known cases nationally that remain unsolved.
#communityimpact #nativeamerican #westmichigan #wgvu
- Title
- Meijer Sports Complex Expansion #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Community leaders and sports legends—including former Detroit Tiger Lance Parrish—gathered in Plainfield Township to dedicate the $13.5 million expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex.
The project adds 12 acres of new facilities capped with the Alro Steel Championship Softball Field, providing a home for women’s and girls' sports, including the Aquinas College softball team.
The complex is already booked through the summer, including 20 major travel tournaments and the upcoming North American Fastpitch World Series this September.
#westmichigan #meijersports #baseball #wgvu #aquinas
- Title
- Courtroom Canines #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Testifying in court can be overwhelming, especially for children and vulnerable adults in abuse or divorce cases.
Therapy dogs are changing that for many at the Kent County Courthouse, helping witnesses relieve stress, think clearly, and provide accurate testimony.
West Michigan Therapy Dogs is celebrating its 25th anniversary with high-level honors from both the Governor’s office and the Michigan Supreme Court, recognizing its 100 programs across five counties
#westmichigan #grandrapids #news #therapydog #communityimpact
- Title
- These stories are West Michigan I WGVU Public Media
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- We’re honored to be recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for WGVU’s local programming at the 2026 MAB Awards.
Thanks to the communities who share their stories and the producers who bring them to life. From music and dance arts and culture local legends outdoor adventure and big questions about our world
With you at our side, this work celebrates what makes West Michigan special. Watch the award‑winning stories on the WGVU App or WGVU YouTube.
Enjoy full episodes of WGVU anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://video.wgvu.org/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
https://www.wgvu.org/donate/
FOLLOW WGVU Public Media:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCMroU3HhHqt56ETPQbL3Ivg
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#Michiga...
- Title
- 🎬✨ These stories are West Michigan #wgvu #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- We’re honored to be recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for WGVU’s local programming at the 2026 MAB Awards.
💙 Thanks to the communities who share their stories
🎥 and the producers who bring them to life
🏆 From music and dance
🎭 arts and culture
🐝 local legends
🪂 outdoor adventure
🌌 and big questions about our world
With you at our side, this work celebrates what makes West Michigan special. 📺 Watch the award‑winning stories on the WGVU App or WGVU YouTube.
#MichiganAssociationOfBroadcasters #WGVU #WGVU35 #WestMichigan #GrandRapids #WestMI #PublicMedia #MABs #Awards #Michigan #Local #Television #Content
- Title
- The Role Of Caregivers In Kinship Care
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- In WGVU's Mutually Inclusive Episode on Kinship Care, the role of caregivers in this form of foster care is highlighted.
See more from Mutually Inclusive on our YouTube Channel! @mutuallyinclusivewithwgvu
- Title
- Adaptive sports are transforming lives!
- Runtime
- 0:41
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- atch this inspiring moment where athletes show that no challenge is too big. From determination to teamwork, this is what breaking barriers looks like.
💪 Celebrate the power of inclusion and perseverance with us. Hit the like button and share to spread the inspiration!
See more from Mutually Inclusive on our YouTube Channel! @mutuallyinclusivewithwgvu
- Title
- LaSandra Gaddy #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- LaSandra Gaddy, the historic leader of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, is on a mission to change that. While she remains passionate about young women entering the workforce, she highlights a critical gap: the need for support, listening, and understanding for women in mid-career and executive roles
In this Short, LaSandra discusses why mentorship shouldn't stop at the entry-level and how we can better support the "real challenges" women face in leadership today. It’s a call to action for a more inclusive and sustained approach to professional growth in our community.
#WGVU #PublicMedia #LaSandraGaddy #Mentorship #WomenInLeadership #GrandRapids #MidCareerSupport #PBS #CommunityImpact #WestMichigan #ExecutiveLeadership #PowerfulWomen
- Title
- Chihuly at Frederick Meijer Gardens #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Experience the breathtaking transformation of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! 🎨 This weekend, the world-renowned glass art of Dale Chihuly comes to life across 158 acres of spring blooms. From the iconic Chartreuse Icicle Tower to rare indoor installations, see how "sand and fire" create a tapestry of nature and light.
Visit MeijerGardens.org/Chihuly for tickets, Open Late Nights, and more. 📅 Exhibition runs May through November.
#WGVU #PBS #MeijerGardens #DaleChihuly #GrandRapids #WestMichigan #GlassArt #NatureAndArt #PublicMedia
- Title
- Tonja Gofoe Moyer #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- What does it take to sustain a thriving family-owned apiary right here in Michigan? Meet Tonja Gofoe and her family who aren't just producing honey—they're educating our community on the vital role bees play in our ecosystem!
From hive maintenance to the "sweet" science of honey production, this family is building a legacy of sustainability and entrepreneurship in West Michigan. It’s a beautiful example of how local passion can lead to global impact.
#WGVU #PublicMedia #MichiganBeekeeping #BIPOCFarmers #SustainableFarming #HoneyEducation #WestMichigan #PBS #NatureEducation #FamilyOwned #LocalAgriculture
- Title
- Rethinking Foster Care
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In WGVU's Mutually Inclusive Episode on Kinship Care, a different approach to foster care is highlighted.
See more from Mutually Inclusive on our YouTube Channel! @mutuallyinclusivewithwgvu
- Title
- Mari Sierra #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:57
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Mari Sierra, a 3rd generation business owner, opens up about the challenges of being a young woman in leadership. From navigating meetings where she felt underestimated to finding strength in the supportive community of female entrepreneurs in Muskegon, Mari’s story is one of resilience and solidarity.
#WGVU #PublicMedia #MariSierra #WomenInLeadership #MuskegonBusiness #Entrepreneurship #PBS #CommunitySupport #PowerfulWomen #WestMichigan #FemaleFounders
- Title
- GRPS Electric Buses #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The "Buses of the Future" have arrived in Grand Rapids! 🌟 Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) is making the switch to electric, thanks to over $6.7 million in federal and state grants.
Did you know that switching to electric can save school districts between $430 and $700 per month per bus? 📉 While a single bus costs around $380,000, these investments pave the way for a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective way to get students to school. GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby and Dean Transportation are working together to roll out this fleet, starting with these first units and more on the way!
#GrandRapids #GRPS #ElectricSchoolBus #CleanEnergy #WGVU35 #PBS #WestMichigan #Sustainability #GreenEnergy #MichiganSchools #Innovation #FutureOfTech
- Title
- Food Scrap Program #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Did you know that over 30% of Michigan’s landfill waste is actually food? 📉 It’s time to change that! Kent County is launching a food waste drop-off program to help our community divert scraps and create nutrient-rich compost.
In this Short, we show you how easy it is for residents to get involved. From coffee grounds to meat scraps, your waste can now power a greener West Michigan. 🌿 Using the free metroKEY app, you can unlock drop-off containers at the Grand Rapids Recycling & Education Center or the North Kent Center in Rockford.
#GrandRapids #KentCounty #Sustainability #Composting #WGVU35 #PBS #WestMichigan #EcoFriendly #RecycleMichigan #FoodWaste #PureMichigan
- Title
- Samantha Scott #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Samantha Scott, the 2025 Athena Young Professional Award winner, is living proof of that sentiment. From her early days in philanthropy to her role as co-owner and president of Preferred Employment and Living Support, Samantha's journey is defined by a deep love for service and a commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
In this Short, Samantha talks about the "heavy weight" of making history, the importance of personal mentorship, and her mission to empower women to see leadership as an honor rather than a burden. Discover how she integrates her 24/7 role with motherhood and community action right here in West Michigan
#WGVU #PublicMedia #SamanthaScott #AthenaAward #WomenInLeadership #WestMichigan #CommunityService #LeadershipLegacy #PowerfulWomen #PBS #Inspiration #ServiceAboveSelf
- Title
- GRPM Riverfront
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Learning is going beyond the gallery walls! 🌿 The Grand Rapids Public Museum has officially unveiled its riverfront transformation as part of the "Expanding Curiosity" mission.
From outdoor classrooms and hands-on environmental exhibits to the beautifully restored 1928 Spillman Carousel, this project is all about making the Grand River accessible to everyone. 🎡✨ As Museum President Dale Robertson shares, true accessibility means physical and cognitive agency for all guests—including a brand-new specialized chariot on the carousel for those with mobility concerns.
#GrandRapids #GRPublicMuseum #GrandRiver #Accessibility #WGVU35 #PBS #WestMichigan #PublicMuseum #PureMichigan #CommunityImpact #ExpandingCuriosity
- Title
- A look at Graduation Years Past #throwbackthursday
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- From the cap-and-gown nerves to the excitement of what comes next, graduation is a timeless rite of passage. In this #Shorts, we’re looking back at archival footage of graduation years past at Grand Valley to see how the "voice of the past" inspires the leaders of the future.
Whether you graduated in 1974 or 2024, the mission remains the same: taking what we've learned outside the classroom to make a real difference in our communities.
#ThrowbackThursday #GVSU #Graduation #WestMichigan #History #PBS #WGVU #Education #Alumni
- Title
- GR Parks Pool Pass #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Parks and Rec officials say they’re bringing back free outdoor pool passes for Grand Rapids City youth.And registration is now open for the summer season.
Like last year, City residents ages 17 and under can receive free season pass by signing up before the free registration period closes May 25th.
#GrandRapids #GRParksAndRec #SummerFun #FreePoolPasses #WGVU35 #PBS #WestMichigan #CommunityMatters #YouthPrograms #PureMichigan
- Title
- Thank You for Showing Up! | Shelley Erwin Fun Run #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- We are still buzzing from the incredible energy at the Shelley Irwin Fun Run! From the dogs and snacks to the shared commitment to health and wellness, thank you for showing up with your "time, talents, and treasures" to support WGVU Public Media.
#WGVU35 #ShelleyIrwin #WestMichigan #CommunityStrong #PublicMedia #ThankYou #RunningMotivation
- Title
- Theresa Anderson #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:37
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In this Short, Theresa highlights the impact of powerful women in leadership and shares her journey from the world of art and her roots in Grand Rapids. It’s a story of how technical skill, creative vision, and female leadership come together to transform our community through public art.
#ArtPrize #PowerfulWomen #WGVU #PublicMedia #GrandRapids #WomenInArt #CirqueDuSoleil #ArtInnovation #Shorts
- Title
- Four Paws, Endless Possibilities | Living West Michigan #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Service dogs for the blind are changing lives—and at the heart of it all is Leader Dogs for the Blind, a nationally recognized organization that's been training and matching service dogs with people experiencing vision loss since 1939. Always free of charge, Leader Dog's mission empowers individuals to travel independently and live confidently.
In this episode of Living West Michigan, we meet a dedicated volunteer puppy raiser and a grateful Leader Dog client, each sharing powerful stories of connection, transformation, and the life-changing impact of their canine partners.
Watch how one organization and a few four-legged heroes are making a world of difference.
#guidedogs #accessibility #servicedogs #storytelling #community #pbs
- Title
- Winter Frolicking 101 | Color Out Here
- Runtime
- 17:59
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Color Out Here and our Grand Rapids community members travel north to frolic through winter ice climbing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing; finding healing, belonging, and joy in the outdoors as a way to push back against the winter blues.
Funding providing by The Wege Foundation.
Enjoy more episodes of Color Out Here, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://www.pbs.org/show/color-out-here/
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support WGVU:
https://www.wgvu.org/donate/
FOLLOW WGVU Public Media:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCMroU3HhHqt56ETPQbL3Ivg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WGVUPublicMedia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wgvupublicmedia/
X: https://twitter.com/WGVUPublicMedia
#winterwellness #michiganup #iceclimbing #mentalhealthmatters #colorouthere #picturedrocks #up200 #snowshoeing #outdoorequity #pbslocal
- Title
- Brendan Barnes - Fine Artist | Kalamazoo Lively Arts #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- "For me, I find that adventure in art." ✨
Meet fine artist Brendan Barnes as he shares his journey from the sculpture department at the Cleveland Institute of Art to finding his passion and graduating with a BFA in ceramics. Brendan discusses how he built a robust artistic practice and why pursuing your creative "dream" is the ultimate adventure.
Watch to hear about:
His transition from sculpture to ceramics 🏺
Reflections on his time at the Cleveland Institute of Art
What it means to live a life fueled by artistic adventure
#FineArt #Ceramics #ArtistInterview #Sculpture #CreativeJourney #BrendanBarnes #WGVU35 #ArtEducation
- Title
- The First African American Woman to Head the Grand Rapids Community Foundation shares her story
- Runtime
- 20:29
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- LaSandra Gaddy is the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
- Title
- Colleen Woolpert - Interdisciplinary Artist | Kalamazoo Lively Arts #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- "Art is rewiring the brain to think creatively." 🧠✨
Interdisciplinary artist Colleen Woolpert shares why she returned to the rich arts community of Kalamazoo and how artistry isn't just found in galleries—it's in the design of a restaurant, the arrangement of food on a plate, and the way we solve problems every day.
**In this Short:**
* Why the Kalamazoo arts scene is a magnet for creators. 🎨
* How art serves as a tool for problem-solving in all areas of life.
* The idea that art is more than entertainment—it’s a way of rewiring how we think.
#ColleenWoolpert #InterdisciplinaryArt #KalamazooArts #CreativeThinking #ArtEveryday #ProblemSolving #WGVU35 #ArtistSpotlight
- Title
- The Amazing Innovator Taking ArtPrize to New Heights shares her story
- Runtime
- 20:27
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Theresa Anderson is Production and Operations Director ArtPrize.
- Title
- Basic Comfort - Getting to Know Kalamazoo | Kalamazoo Lively Arts #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- "These crowds are amazing. These people love music." 🎸✨
What makes the Kalamazoo music scene so special? From living in a "show house" in the Vine neighborhood to hosting bands from all over the country in a basement, the energy in "Kazoo" is unmatched. Whether it's a Friday night or a Tuesday evening, there’s always a community ready to show up and support live music.
**In this Short:**
* **The Vine Neighborhood:** How living in this creative hub pushes artists to be better.
* **Show House Culture:** The unique experience of hosting touring bands in local basements.
* **A Music Town:** Why Kalamazoo feels special for both performers and fans any night of the week.
#Kalamazoo #Kazoo #VineNeighborhood #LiveMusic #DIYMusic #MusicScene #ArtistCommunity #WGVU35
