Dear neighbors and friends,
Just one month ago we had no idea how much would change so quickly in the world, our community, and our own lives.
The crisis makes clear how much we need each other, and right away, as schools and non-essential businesses closed, neighbors sprang to action on social media, offering resources and ways to connect.
Here's what we at CNA pledged to do:
- We've been checking in on some of our most vulnerable neighbors while gathering resources to address their specific needs. With neighbor support, we've already been able to get dog food to a household in need and bring cleaning supplies to an adult foster home.
- We share information and support initiatives to build community even while we are apart. We've been doing this on Facebook and YouTube so far, and we'll add information to our website as well.
- We will connect you with ways to connect and contribute, to turn any anxious energy into common good.
Do not hesitate to reach out to friends, neighbors and the Creston Neighborhood Association if you find yourself in need of essential goods and services right now. Likewise, if you have extra time or extra money right now, please give freely as you are able. Now is the time to invest in our community.
How? I'm so glad you asked. Keep reading to learn important information and connect with neighbors:
For our board and staff,
Stay safe, healthy and connected,
Megan Kruis
Executive Director
|
|
Q: How can I help my neighbors during the pandemic crisis
A: YOU could be a Block Connector!
In these stressful and challenging times, it is more important than ever to feel and be connected.
Block Connectors communicate with neighbors on their block and the Creston Neighborhood Association. They find out if their neighbors need anything, and they help get out information about upcoming meetings, events and happenings. This includes notifying neighbors of time-sensitive crime concerns via phone and/or texting.
Our Safety & Welcoming Committee organizes neighbors to build connections between neighbors. We are looking for neighbors who want to learn more about becoming a Block Connector. (In the past, CNA had a Neighborhood Watch program with Block Captains. But these days, that doesn’t feel as friendly as we would like. So we’ve re-branded and re-tooled this important program.)
We need Block Connectors throughout the Creston neighborhood. During these trying times, it’s important to find out if your neighbors need anything and we can work together to help meet those needs. Many new Block Connectors have already been organized to help during the pandemic. Can you help? Please contact Kymie (pronounced Kimmy) at KSpring@CrestonGR.com to learn more and get engaged.
|
|
|
We now have TWO community police specialists working with our neighbors.
Enjoy this heartwarming video about our new Community Police Specialist. WELCOME OFFICER MORRISON!
Big thanks to all of those who participated, with special recognition of 3 of the food industry businesses struggling to survive. PLEASE SUPPORT!
Love our community. Enjoy! -Kymie
|
|
A Message from Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne March 25, 2020:
Greetings, The Grand Rapids Police Department fully supports Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. It is designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, keep people safe and allow essential services to continue. Staying home and practicing social distancing are the best ways to protect you and those you care about. I am confident our community members will continue to take appropriate steps to address this public health emergency.
Please do not call 911 if you see people standing close together or a business you don’t think is essential with its doors open. We need to keep the 911 lines open for emergencies. Dispatching officers to investigate whether a business is essential or not is not the best use of our resources at this time. Please call 311 to report any concerns.
I want to thank the community for its partnership during this challenging time. Calls to our department are down, people are helping one another and there has been an outpouring of support for first responders and health care workers. Please continue to follow public health recommendations and the Governor’s executive orders. We will get through this together.
Chief Eric Payne
|
|
|
CNA wants to highlight the many talented neighbors living in Creston! Show us your how-to videos, special talents, hobbies, and more! Send videos no longer than 5 minutes to CNA at board@crestongr.com.
Here's CNA board member Jim Howe sharing how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
CNA is gathering and sharing videos to keep our neighborhood connected during this time. Connecting neighbors is part of our mission. You can help us continue this work by making a gift today.
|
|
|
Now more than ever, it's so important to take the census for our neighborhood. Each person that takes the census can get up to $18,000 for our roads, schools, hospitals. In this unprecedented time, we see how essential these services are to our community.
So, be sure to take the census and help keep Creston flourishing!
Want to make sure your neighbors fill out their census form too? Tell them: #CrestonCounts. |
|
|
|
Can you volunteer to help package or distribute food? Contact communications@grps.org to help. Meal service might have to be reduced depending on staff and volunteer capacity. Your help can make a difference!
|
|
St. Alphonsus
Kids Food Basket bags are being passed out in the half-circle drive
at 224 Carrier St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Mon, Wed, Fri 11am-noon.
If you are in need of food, please feel free to stop by the St. Alphonsus or North End Community Ministry Food Pantries:
St. Al's Food Pantry: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9-1 and Tues 9-12:30
NECM: Tues, Wed, Thurs 9-12:30
NE Supper House will be CLOSED until further notice.
To give money or food to St. Al's Food Pantry, by email at mhatfield@stalphonsusgr.org.
|
|
1) STOP FLUSHING WIPES & SAVE TAXPAYER $$$
ALL wipes -- even the ones that state, “flushable” -- gum up the sanitation system. This is a huge problem and expense. The City's Environmental Services Department is reminding residents to avoid flushing cleaning wipes and other items labeled disposable or flushable down the toilet. Read More
2) INCOME TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED The new filing deadline for 2019 City of Grand Rapids income tax returns is July 31.
3) Recycling Suspended (AGAIN)
The Kent County Recycling Center is temporarily suspending operations (again) to limit COVID-19 risks to its staff. The City will still pick up recycling, but it won’t be recycled. They will be taken to the Kent County Waste-to-Energy Facility, (incinerator) which generates electricity to 11,000 homes. This closure is in effect 5 p.m. Friday, March 27 until further notice.
4) Now is a good time to subscribe to the City of Grand Rapids NIXLE service. It is the best way to receive emergency communications for the area of Grand Rapids. The notification system alerts residents in real-time of localized emergencies and relevant advisories. You can register for this free service by:
• Texting “GrandRapids” to 888777 from your cell phone
• Texting your ZIP code to 888777 from your cell phone for notifications specific to your ZIP code
• Visiting nixle.com, where you can customize your user profile based on the type, times and ways you want to receive the alerts – available via text, email, online and social media
|
|
Thank you to our Community Partners!
|
|
|
|
|
