March 2023 eNewsletter

Mayor's Message

It’s March already, ushering in many enjoyable experiences, from the calm joy of reading a favorite story to the excitement of the NCAA basketball tournament. Whatever you find yourself planning for March, I encourage you to stay engaged with your loved ones and community.

March is Reading Month, and over the next few weeks, I invite you to take some time to explore the literary world in whichever format you prefer, whether you enjoy multitasking with an audio book, winding down with a novel, or sharing a bedtime story with your family. If able, consider spending time reading to our younger community members to help foster their love of books. 

This month brings to the forefront a true gem in our community: The Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. If you haven’t been to our local library before or it has been a while, now is a perfect time to visit. In addition to books, audio books, and other media available for check out, the library is a treasure trove of resources, events, learning opportunities, and more for all ages.  

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the beauty of the written and spoken word this month. 

Happy reading and may your favorite team find victory on the hardwood!  

Mayor Kepley 

Winter Concert Series: March 16

and March 23

Our two final winter concerts will take place this month in the Community Room at the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, from 6:30-8 p.m.



• March 16: Lighting Matches will perform original alternative rock tunes featuring thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic harmonies with folk roots. Dune Buggy food truck will be there offering burgers and fries for sale.
• March 23: The Kevin Brewster Trio, whose Feb. 16 performance was rescheduled due to weather, will close out this season’s series with some jazz tunes with hard bop, bebop, contemporary and R&B themes. Patty Matters food truck will be on site selling delicious burgers and fries.

Guests are welcomed to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. Visit kentwood.us/WinterConcerts for more information. 

Kent District Library Events

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

Deals and Steals: Wednesday, March 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Social media influencer Kelli Evans of @DealsAndStealsGR on Instagram will share tips and tricks for saving money while shopping through budgeting, couponing, cash back apps and more.

Grand Rapids Community Seed Exchange: Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Find new seeds and share surplus from your own seed supply at this event presented by the Grand Rapids Community Seed Exchange.

Bingo Hour: Monday, March 20, 10 a.m.-noon

• Relax and make new friends while playing exciting rounds of Bingo.

Storytime Anytime

• If you can’t come to storytime, storytime can come to you! We don’t want you to miss out on all the fun, engagement and learning that storytime has to offer. Watch and enjoy anytime, anywhere at kdl.org/storytime-anytime.

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

Spring Forward with Daylight Saving and Smoke Detector Checks

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for the beginning of daylight saving time Sunday, March 12.

If your smoke alarms are powered with replaceable batteries, it’s recommended to check the batteries about every six months, making Daylight Saving Time a great biannual marker. Replace the batteries at least once a year, or when the alarm “chirps,” warning that the battery is low. Find more information about smoke alarms and other fire safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Agency at NFPA.org.

Board of Review to Hear Appeals

March 13-14

Assessed and taxable values may be appealed to the Board of Review by appointment only. The Board of Review will meet to hear appeals Monday, March 13 from 1-9 p.m. and Tuesday, March 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All meeting details can be found on our website or by calling 616.554.0723. A petition to the Board of Review is required and available online.

For residential properties, an appeal must be made to the Board of Review to protect your right to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Commercial and industrial properties can appeal directly with the Michigan Tax Tribunal and do not need to appeal to the local Board of Review.

Spring Leaf and Brush Drop-Off Program to Return April 1

We again will offer our brush and leaf drop-off site at our Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, from Saturday, April 1 through Friday, May 26. Brush and leaf drop-off will be available noon-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. The site will be closed Sunday, April 9.

The services are available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency. No contractors are allowed. For questions, visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff or call the Department of Public Works at 616.554.0817. 

Take the Kent County Community Needs Survey by March 17

Calling all Kent County residents! Kent County Community Action needs your input as it plans how best to use resources to meet the community's needs in the coming years. Take the survey at TinyURL.com/KentCNA and you can enter a weekly drawing to get a $50 utility credit. The last day to take the survey is March 17.

Free Professional Development Classes for

Childcare Providers

The Kent District Library is pleased to offer online Early Childhood Essentials classes for childcare providers in collaboration with Great Start to Quality. These online courses, available for KDL patrons who provide childcare, are essential in keeping childcare providers up-to-date in their skills and training in order to provide quality service to the community. The courses are focused on a variety of early learning topics from mindfully feeding infants to toilet training. For more details, visit kdl.org/events.

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.

Community Resources

If you need help with food, housing, paying bills or other items, please call 211, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit hwmuw.org/211 any time to get connected with resources.

Operators offer help in 180+ languages.

Join Our Team

Are you interested in joining the City of Kentwood team? We’re hiring for several positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to explore our current job listings and apply.

Economic Census Survey Responses from Businesses Due March 15

The Economic Census is the official five-year measure of American business and the economy and is filled out by select businesses. Data provided is used to accurately determine the state of the economy, guide business and policy decisions and more.

Invitations to complete the Economic Census were mailed to selected businesses on Jan. 31. If you received one, responses are required by law and due by March 15. More information is available at census.gov/econ.