Tag Archives: City of Kentwood National Night Out

Celebrate National Night Out in Kentwood and Wyoming Aug. 6; community-wide events featuring food, fun and festivities

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Kentwood Police Captain Tim Wierenga said National Night Out is one of his favorite days of the year.

“It’s a very positive day,” he said with a smile during an interview at WKTV. “You’re out having good conversations, taking selfies … stopping by a few grills, getting ice cream. It opens up that door for communication and that’s what everything starts from.”

Wierenga and Wyoming Police Sergeant Rory Allen stopped by WKTV Wednesday to talk about the upcoming National Night Out (NNO) on our WKTV Soundbites program. NNO will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, throughout Kentwood and Wyoming.

According to the NNO website, it’s an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live … and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“It’s a positive interaction with meeting the officers, getting to just meet them in a conversational tone,” Allen explained. “They’re not there on official business, not there on a call. This is a great opportunity to just have people meet and talk to the officers on a personal level and talk about what’s going on in their neighborhoods.”

Wierenga agreed

“It all starts with a conversation,” Wierenga echoed. “This allows us to be out there and have those conversations. To get out there and talk and not just see you when you call for that bad day or thing that’s going wrong in your life.” 


(Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)



Allen said they make sure to have an officer stop by every party to build those relationships with the community, because some members may never have had an interaction with the local police department.

“It’s an awesome resource for us,” Allen said. “And our officers have a lot of fun with this. It gets those conversations flowing that really helps us build those relationships.”

Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin stated a similar message

“Members of the Kentwood Police and Fire departments look forward to gathering and connecting with community members of all ages over great food, yard games and other fun activities,” Chief Litwin said. “Through this event, police and fire personnel along with community leaders have meaningful conversations with our residents that ultimately help make our city stronger and safer.”




Kentwood Police Captain Tim Wierenga gives a tour of his car. (Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department)



Millions participate in NNO

In its 41st year, millions of neighbors take part in NNO across the United States via block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, youth activities, games, visits from police and fire departments, community leaders and McGruff the Crime Dog, and much more.


(Image Courtesy, National Night Out)




Kentwood Public NNO Events:

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city offering residents opportunities to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.

  • Bretwood Centre, 4470 Breton Road SE (5 to 8 p.m.): Community members can enjoy activities, music and a visit from the Aero Med team, Department of Public Works and Kentwood Commissioners Clarkston Morgan, Jessica Ann Tyson and Betsy Artz. There also will be a DJ.
  • Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE (6 to 8 p.m.): Appearances by members of the Kentwood Police and Fire Departments and McGruff the Crime Dog.


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Anyone interested in hosting a block party for NNO, please contact Officer Brooke Lowe at 616-656-6564 or by email at loweb@kentwood.us. More information on this event can be found at kentwood.us/NNO.

Wyoming Public NNO Events:

Wyoming police officers and firefighters will join residents at multiple gatherings across the city. Residents will have the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks, and other emergency response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
  • Consumers Energy Kickoff, 4000 Clay Ave. SW, Grand Rapids (7 a.m.):
    • 6:15 a.m. – Bucket Trucks and Police Cars Setup On-Site
    • 6:30 a.m. – Live TV/Radio Promos
    • 7 a.m. – Police Chiefs and Mayors Arrive
    • 7:15 a.m. – Reading of the Joint Proclamation
  • Celebration Cinema at Rivertown Crossings (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Appearances by members of the Wyoming Police Department, plus popcorn and handouts for the kids as well as Wyoming PD motorcycles on display in the mall. 

“It’s really fun for me because I get to ride one of the police motorcycles into the mall, which is not something you normally get to do,” Allen said. 

  • Lifeline Community Church, 2929 Rogers Lane Ave. SW, Wyoming (6 to 8 p.m.)
  • Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW, Grand Rapids (5 to 7 p.m.)
  • Buck Creek Community Church, 3746 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming (5:30 to 8 p.m.)


For more information on Wyoming NNO events, call 616-530-7300 and ask for Sgt. Rory Allen.

In Kentwood, shared goals bring churches and police department together on National Night Out

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  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s National Night Out community celebration this week had police and other city personal at more than 15 locations throughout the city, but events at three local churches clearly showed a shared desire to engage the community after a long period of pandemic distancing.

On the evening of Aug. 3, at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue — which along with Faith Baptist Church and Pentecostals Church on 44th Street hosted special large scale events — Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible pastor Jason Ross talked to WKTV about their shared focus on the community.

Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible Church Pastor Jason Ross, at the church’s National Night Out event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“What we share, is we desire to connect with the community in a positive way,” pastor Ross said. “We can do that as a church. We can also do that with the people, within Ada Bible Church, as well as in the community. … We want you to feel like you are welcome here.”

Pastor Ross also talked about his and his church’s appreciation of the Kentwood Police Department. (See a WKTV video here for an expanded discussion.)

Chief Roberts also talked about the shared focus and the great opportunity of interacting with the community at local churches.

“We are privileged to be invited to Ada Bible Church … This just gives us a great opportunity, especially given this past year, for us to all come out and celebrate in a special way on National Night Out,” Chief Roberts said.

(For an expanded discussion with Chief Roberts, see a WKTV video here.)

McGruff and a future Detroit Lions fan had a moment at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The City of Kentwood was truly bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities — including a special presence at Woodland Mall — on National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders joined residents, who had the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.

“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Chief Roberts previously said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

 

For Kentwood Police Chief Hillen, National Night Out is always special, but some more memorable

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A girl waves to her brother, who is being shown the inside of a police car at a National Night Out event at Woodland Mall. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

National Night Out, which was held at various locations around the region Aug. 6, is always a chance for City of Kentwood leaders and public service staff to get out and mix with the pubic.

In Kentwood alone there were more than 20 block parties, neighborhood events and other activities with Kentwood police officers, firefighters, city leaders and McGruff the Crime Dog joining residents for the annual community-building night.

The events — held this year at Woodland Mall, The Pentecostals Church and Faith Church on 44th Street SE, and South United Methodist Church on South Division Avenue; to name only a few — may seem routine to some city representatives. But for City of Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen and his police force the routine is always a welcome “opportunity” to mix with the residents they serve and, sometimes, create special moments.

City of Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (WKTV)

“This is one more opportunity for us to interact with our community,” Chief Hillen, who toured several locations with Mayor Stephen Kepley, said to WKTV. “At their house or at their church, where there is really no barriers and they can ask us any questions they want.

“If they want to know what is going on in their neighborhood, we can tell them. We get an opportunity to find out what their concerns are. It is just an opportunity for us to, again, engage with the public in one-on-one setting.”

While the Chief Hillen and his police officers were more than welcomed by Pastor Jay Jones at The Pentecostals Church, where WKTV caught up with the Chief, that is not always the case.

In fact, when asked about a special memory of National Night Out, Chief Hillen told a story which exemplifies the dedication of his police force.

“We have 22 events like this throughout the city and it is always amazing to me,” he said. “But there was this one, this large apartment complex that we were trying to outreach to because we had some issues in that (complex). But we could not get a commitment, we could not get assistance, from the apartment facility.

“So, our officers took it upon themselves to throw their own party, because we knew there were a lot of kids in there. We knew there were a lot of people who wanted to talk to us but they were afraid to. So, the officers reached out the business community, who provided bikes and helmets and hotdogs. And we went in the threw our on party for the community, and it was well received. Its the kind of thing that just kind of touches your heart. Its why its different being in Kentwood.”

For City of Kentwood photos of its National Night Out, visit here.

Kentwood’s National Night Out includes Master Plan information at Woodland Mall

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The City of Kentwood has held two previous Plan Kentwood community information gathering events. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

City of Kentwood staff will be doing double duty Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Woodland Mall as the city will take advantage of the crowd attending National Night Out events to offer information and take comments on the city’s in-work “Plan Kentwood” master plan update.

During the same hours, 3-5 p.m., Kentwood Police Department staff and emergency vehicles will be present both inside and outside at the mall for public viewing and exploration — see a previous WKTV story on the National Night Out events — and city planning staff will be present to discuss planned and possible future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor.

Kentwood planning staff and leaders such as Mayor Stephen Kepley, shown in middle, at a previous Plan Kentwood event. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

The August planning community event is the third of four events offered because the city “is updating its long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation, known as the Master Plan, and is seeking public input on proposed changes through Plan Kentwood, a community engagement series,” the city has previously stated in a press release.

The Master Plan is an official public document adopted by the Kentwood Planning and City Commissions. The current forward-looking development plan considers residents’ and property owners’ long-range goals and desires, as well as local, regional and market trends. It consists of goals, policies and recommended actions to guide land use decision-making for Planning Commissioners and City Commissioners during the next 20 years.

The Plan is reviewed at least every five years but is modified and updated as deemed necessary by the City Commission. The most recent update was completed in 2012.

“The Master Plan is not a law or ordinance, but rather a guide for decisions to support how growth and conservation will take place in the City. We welcome all community members to be a part of the conversation,” Kentwood Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer said previously. “We look forward to engaging with residents, businesses and property owners for community feedback as we plan for Kentwood’s future development.”

At the Aug. 6 event, staff will be inside Woodland Mall at a table to gather input on the future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor. The corridor consists of a wide range of development – from high-end boutiques, major regional malls and local retailers, to many national dining, service and product franchises. Public input gathered will focus on how to improve its effectiveness as a transportation corridor, and as a business and employment center, according to the city.

The final event, “Designing Division,” will be hosted at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Community members are encouraged to join for an evening of ice cream and discussions on the future of the Division Avenue corridor with the City of Kentwood, the City of Wyoming and the Division Avenue Business Association. Division Avenue is a key gateway corridor to both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, requiring cooperation between the two communities.

More information about the Master Plan update is available at kentwood.us/PlanKentwood. Questions or comments may be directed to Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer at schweitzert@kentwood.us; 616-554-0710, or Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder at golderl@kentwood.us; 616-554-0709.

Kentwood’s National Night Out to include 20-plus community gatherings

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A video produced by the City of Kentwood and WKTV Community Media.

By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as part of the community’s celebration of National Night Out.

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and City leaders will join residents at more than 20 gatherings planned for the annual community-building event, most of which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out began in the 1980s with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes. Every year, events are held nationwide on the first Tuesday in August to encourage citizens to turn their porch lights on and come out outside to meet their neighbors.


“National Night Out provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the City of Kentwood really is a community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The City’s entire leadership team is looking forward to celebrating the strong sense of community that exists in Kentwood and helping to promote the practice of neighbors caring for neighbors.”


The Kentwood Police Department has partnered with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at emergency vehicles both outside and throughout the mall from 3 to 5 p.m. Large emergency vehicles will be on display outside by Celebration! Cinema, while other vehicles will be placed throughout the mall for shoppers to learn about and explore. A table featuring Kentwood Police Department giveaways will be located in the Barnes and Nobles wing.

In addition, several public community-based events will be hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature a variety of activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Locations of those events include:

Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party featuring a bounce house, free meal, face painting, music, carnival games and other kids’ activities.

South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., will have free ice cream and hot dogs, a live band, door prizes and a small water slide for young children.

Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, will have food trucks and a live band.

“A strong alliance with law enforcement is necessary for fostering safer neighborhoods,” Police Chief Thomas Hillen said. “Members of our department enjoy any opportunity to connect with residents, but National Night Out in particular offers a great opportunity to build positive relationships and create open lines of communication.”


More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.