February 2023 eNewsletter

Mayor's Message

Though the shortest month of the year, February offers many opportunities to stay connected in our community. Whether you enjoy the warmth of indoors with some relaxing music at our indoor winter concert series or embrace Michigan’s wintery gifts by participating in our Valentine’s Dash 5K or snow shoeing at our newest park, there’s something for all interests.   

One event that celebrates our community and brings us together is the Unity Walk to Honor MLK. This event began last year as a way for our city to recognize and celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

This year, we’re honored to partner with Woodland Mall and the African American Live Museum, presented by New Hope Baptist Church. Thanks to this partnership, event participants and mallgoers will not only be able to take part in the Unity Walk and ceremony but learn about our nation’s history through the African American Live Museum’s extraordinary live performances about prominent historical figures.    

I hope to see you there as we come together to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the many influential African American individuals in our nation’s history. 

Blessings to you and yours,

Mayor Kepley   

Valentine-Themed Dance – Feb. 10

Kids are invited to bring their dad, mom, grandparent or other loved one to our Valentine-themed dance 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. In addition to music and dancing, the event will include a craft activity, photo area and refreshments. The cost is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Call 616.656.5270 or go online to purchase tickets.

Feel the Love with the Valentine's

Dash 5K – Feb. 11

The Valentine’s Dash 5K benefiting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will return for its sixth year Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. The route will include a combination of trails and roads starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Valentine-themed attire is encouraged. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and the fastest runners will receive awards during a ceremony around noon that will include music, valentine-themed snacks, a photo booth and more. Learn more and register to race or volunteer at kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.

Learn More About a Career with the Kentwood Police Department – Feb. 15

KPD will host a recruitment event from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement are invited to learn more about the department and each of its units, tour the department and talk to current team members. The event will highlight the sponsored police recruit position as well as other employment opportunities. For more information, visit kentwood.us/KPD2023.

Winter Concert Series: Kevin Brewster

Trio – Feb. 16

Our winter concert series is back with live music in the Community Room at the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, 6:30-8 p.m. on select Thursdays through March. The Kevin Brewster Trio, a jazz group who specializes in hard bop, bebop, contemporary and R&B, will perform Feb. 16.

Patty Matters will be there offering gourmet burgers, sliders and sides for sale. Guests are welcomed to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. Visit kentwood.us/WinterConcerts for more information. 

Join the Freeze Fest Disc Golf Tournament and Food Drive – Feb. 18

We’re partnering again with Great Lakes Disc to host the annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament and Little Free Pantry food drive on Saturday, Feb. 18. Disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join the best-shot doubles competition at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more and register online at kentwood.us/FreezeFest.

Unity Walk to Honor MLK – Feb. 25

Join the City of Kentwood and Woodland Mall on Saturday, Feb. 25 for a Unity Walk to honor Black History Month and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community members are invited to gather at the food court at Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St SE, at 11 a.m. for a walk followed by a brief ceremony, live music and refreshments.

After the Unity Walk will be the African American Live Museum, presented by New Hope Baptist Church, which will feature more than 25 live performances featuring historical Black figures from 1-5 p.m. For more information, please visit kentwood.us/MLKUnityWalk.

City of Kentwood Smoke Alarm

Installation Program 

Did you know the Kentwood Fire Department has a smoke alarm installation program? Residents can have members of the Kentwood Fire Department visit their home and install new battery-operated smoke detectors free of charge. Learn more about the program and see if your home qualifies at kentwood.us/SmokeAlarm. Please note, rental properties are not eligible for this program.

Personal Property Tax Statements

Due Feb. 21

If you own a business in Michigan, you most likely need to file an annual Personal Property Tax Statement. Please be aware personal property tax statements are due Tuesday, Feb. 21. The City Assessor accepts statements to be filed online. To learn more about personal property tax statements and the e-filing option, visit kentwood.us/PersonalProperty. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office by calling 616.554.0723. 

Get Your Dog License at City Hall

Kent County requires all dogs to be licensed. Community members are welcome to pick up their dog license in the Treasurer’s Office at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Just stop by with the county renewal form and proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and spay or neuter. The Kent County Dog License Program includes one-year or three-year licenses that are available for purchase throughout the year. Learn more at kentwood.us/DogLicense. 

Kent District Library Events   

The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch is offering a variety of programs this month, including:

Researching African American Ancestors: Thursday, Feb. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Researching African American ancestry can be a tremendous struggle and tremendously rewarding. This session will offer helpful resources and tips.

Teen Zone: Thursday, Feb. 9, 4-5 p.m.

• Teen-only fun that may include board games, food and more.

Stories of the Underground Railroad Told Through Quilting: Monday, Feb. 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Learn about the people, places and codes used while escaping on the Underground Railroad through a display of quilts by Erica Millbrooks.

Find a full list of events at kdl.org/events.

Save the Date: Frozen Frenzy Fat Tire

Relay – March 4

Join us 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4 for our inaugural fat tire relay race at Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE. Bikers will ride a 2-mile loop for 90-minutes in either two-person or four-person teams. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest teams in each group that complete the greatest number of laps. The race will conclude with an after party and awards ceremony. Learn more and register at kentwood.us/FrozenFrenzy.

Join Our Team

We’re hiring for several positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to explore our current job listings and apply.

Winter Parking Rules in Effect

Through March 15

Winter on-street parking rules are in effect through March 15. Parking along City streets is prohibited 1 a.m.-8 a.m. or at any other times when on-street parking could impede winter operations.