Fall 2015 Newsletter

Our Fall Newsletter is here! Take the time to check it out and don't forget to RSVP for  the Annual Meeting and Holiday Celebration on December 7th 2015 at the Mitten Brewing Company! Details are in the Newsletter!

Fall 2015 Newsletter

WGNO Attends the 29th Annual Neighborhood Organizations of Michigan Conference

On August 18 & 19, 2015 West Grand Neighborhood Organization staff were able to attend the conference that was held in Grand Rapids. WGNO made the most of the event by splitting attendance between staffers over the course of the two day event. The conference included guest speakers from the Grand Rapids Police Department, the League of Women Voters and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to name just a few. Robert Tolbert, Executive Director commented, “We are excited to participate in events where we can share best practices and meet leaders not only in our city but also across the state.”

West Grand Block Party Named by Mlive.com as One of the Top 5 Things to do Around Grand Rapids This Week!

MLive.com recently named the West Grand Block Party on of the Top 5 Things to do Around Grand Rapids this week! Check out their article at: MLive.com - Top 5 Things to do around Grand Rapids

A note from our Interim Executive Director, Robert Tolbert:

"Let's have some FUN!  We have partnered with three neighborhood businesses to throw a Block Party Fundraiser!

The Mitten, Two Scotts BBQ and Longroad Distillers have come together to donate proceeds to The West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO).  What a great example of how our businesses are making investments back into the neighborhood.  We'll identify even more areas where businesses can sponsor events to benefit our community.

Let's keep the growing spirit of unity alive in the neighborhood streets of the West Side.  Like never before our residents, businesses and community organizations are working together!  Collaborating and making our neighborhood a better place to LIVE, LEARN, WORK, and PLAY!"

West Grand Block Party event details:

West Grand Neighborhood Organization will host an inaugural block party on Saturday, August 29 from 12PM – 8PM. The party grounds will include the customer parking lots of Long Road Distillers (537 Leonard NW) and The Mitten Brewing Company (527 Leonard NW). A portion of Quarry Street NW north of Leonard will also be closed to accommodate. 
 
The purpose of the event is to inform residents about WGNO and its programs, raise funds for the organization, and to provide a forum for neighbors and residents to socialize. There is a suggested donation of $5 for admission. Paid admission to the block party will grant a one year paid WGNO membership to guests who live in the neighborhood. 
 
The block party will feature West Grand business vendors, and food from Two Scotts Barbecue, craft beer and wine from The Mitten Brewing Company, spirits from Long Road Distillers, and coffee from Ferris Coffee and Nut will all be available for purchase. Additionally, there will be live music from 2PM – 8PM featuring performances from DJ Vinyl Fetish, JOE, AOK, The Legal Immigrants, Shane Tripp and Boot Strap Boys. 
 
All profits will directly benefit WGNO, and will be applied to important neighborhood programs like Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, Dumpster Days, Auto Theft Prevention, and more.  

For more information and details check out our website westgrand.org
To see the West Grand Block Party event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1479962488967723/

VIN Etching Scheduling

The ATPA is a State Police run program that etches your VIN on all your car windows in an effort to prevent auto thefts. If this is something you are interested in or would like more information about, please contact Rob or Jim at WGNO's office's. They are currently scheduling events for spring and summer so call early to make sure there is space.

Auto Theft Prevention Coordinators:
Jim Brower & Rob Prescher – (616) 451-0150