2021 Calendar “Naturally Grand Haven”
Photo By Mary A. Angel Message From Mayor Monetza Page 1
This year’s calendar theme is “Grand Haven, Naturally,” and the City is delighted to showcase our natural environment, parks, and outdoor activities. Located at the mouth of the Grand River, the longest river in Michigan, and on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Grand Haven area enjoys a spectacular array of river, dune, wetland, and upland environments, together with the songbirds and soaring birds of prey, riverine mammals, fish and amphibians that thrive in these forested and grassy habitats. Generations of Native Americans lived in harmony with this natural place, and the European voyageurs prospered in the bounty of the region. The people of the Grand Haven area have wisely preserved and reclaimed important pieces of that natural world for the generations to come. The spectacular cover photo of an eagle overlooking the river invokes the power of Nature, as does the stark dunescape on the shore of the Big Lake. Peace and introspection are inspired by the woods of Duncan Park, a vestige of old woodlands gifted to the people by Martha Duncan over one hundred years ago. On the Grand, the sparkling waters and still wetlands of the river, photos of East End Park and the river Pictured (left to right): Mayor Bob Monetza; Council Members Denny Scott, Ryan Cummins, Mike Dora; and Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Fritz. Council members scenes, convey the beauty and fertility of pictured above showing what 6’ social distancing looks like and doing their part in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. this great river. Many thanks to all the photographers who captured and shared on the north bank of the river, preserves The parks, parklands, and natural areas, their potential to be remade and bent to the these stunning images. several major dune and interdunal ecosystems roughly one quarter of the land area of the city, will of man; that prosperous development of native plants and animals; walking trails are listed in the informational pages of this and human exploitation are the definition Our natural heritage may be appreciated entice visitors to appreciate this complex calendar. Also to be found is the City of Grand of value. However, with our opportunities to in several notable places. Lake Michigan natural system. Farther upriver, Ottawa Sands Haven’s full array of services to residents, experience the complexity and harmony of and the beaches are not only nationally is a park under construction, restoring nature visitors, business, and industry with a full staff natural places, natural ecosystems, plants, known for recreation and sunsets, but as to an old sand mining site for recreational of dedicated employees. Public amenities, animals, and the balance of nature, Grand an important fishery and source of pure use. Harbor Island itself arose from marsh to facilities, programmed activities, artifacts and Haven brings focus to the impact of Nature drinking water. Sheltering the City from historic industrial uses, and in recent years public art, are summarized here. Our own on our quality of life and outstanding the power of the Lake, a wall of sand portions have been restored to wetlands and Harbor Transit system provides door-to-door experiences for our visitors. dunes, covered in woods and dune grass, boating opportunities. The River, with its public transit. Our Public Safety, Public Works, stretches either side of the mouth of the marshy islands and wetland shores, wraps and Community Development departments Grand. Wooded dunes and trails are not around the east side of town to the delight of are dedicated to assuring the security and Mayor Robert Monetza only represented by Duncan Park, but also kayakers, boaters, and hikers. The City’s many comfort of our neighborhoods. throughout Mulligan’s Hollow Park, Lake parks offer charming and convenient access Natural places have inherent value. Many may Forest Cemetery, and Highland Park. The for residents and visitors alike to these rich believe that wild places can only have value in Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dune Preserve natural features. Grand Haven City Council Goals Page 2
Goals Come From Public Input to view agenda packets and meeting Grand Haven City Council works on a goal notices. To view a live stream of City Council statement toward the end of each calendar year. meetings, as well as previous recordings, The graphic on this page is the goal statement you can visit the City’s Facebook page as for 2020–2021. Council sets priorities for staff well as our website at www.grandhaven. to accomplish and understands that, without org, then, click on the link for the City’s stated priorities, an organization tends to drift. YouTube channel toward the bottom With well-defined priorities, the City makes of the page. In addition to watching substantial progress on several key fronts. meetings live on YouTube and Facebook, residents can listen to the meetings live on In the fall of 2020, City Council will set a new WAWL (103.5 FM). series of overarching goals for 2021-2022. The goals generated by City Council provide Boards & Commissions guidance to the City Manager and enable him City of Grand Haven boards and to deliver the services and quality of life that commissions are made up of members the people of Grand Haven expect. chosen from the community. City Council Call your elected officials and let them know and staff rely on boards and commissions what YOU think is important for Grand Haven. to give a citizen’s point of view when All of the goals shown here came from the discussing specific projects or issues. people of Grand Haven, and next year’s goals Listening, expressing points of view will come from public input as well. and considering other points of view is essential. Government Structure Many terms end The Grand Haven in June; however, City Council serves openings can occur at as the elected body any time due to other of the City and is factors. Please check comprised of the the City’s web site for the most current list mayor and four of vacancies. council members, all who live within the City limits. City Council Apply today to serve on a City board or establishes policy by allocating public funds commission. Go to www.grandhaven. in the form of an annual budget. The City org, select City Services, Boards and Council appoints a professionally trained Commissions and submit the application and experienced manager to administer the online or print it and turn it into the Clerk’s day-to-day operations of the City and provide Office, 519 Washington Ave. policy recommendations. Grand Haven is among the more than 175 home rule cities in Michigan that use the council-manager form of government. City Council Meeting Schedule Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers of Grand Haven City Hall, located at 519 Washington Avenue on the first and third Monday of every month, at 7:30 p.m., except when otherwise indicated. Work sessions may be held prior to council meetings. Meeting dates are subject to change. Visit our website City Facilities & Services Page 3
can develop their property and what may happen in the future within their neighborhood. Permits for smaller projects like driveways, sheds, and commercial signs are also issued by the Community Development Department. Finance Department The Finance Department ensures that budgetary and financial requirements are met, auditing and accounting standards are followed, the City’s annual audit is properly reported, payment of invoices and billing of services are made timely, and grants and loans to the City are appropriately reported. The department provides financial services for all City Funds (and, by contract, the Sewer Authority, the NOWS Plant, Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority, and Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority). Public Safety Department Members of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety are cross trained to provide law enforcement, fire suppression and inspection, and emergency medical services to the community. Officers enforce state laws and local ordinances through criminal investigation and application of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code. Officers also provide education programs, water and ice rescue, school crossing guards, and a School Resource Officer in partnership with the Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Additionally, the department is responsible for building services and code enforcement issues and Code of Ordinances, coordinating Freedom City Manager’s Office City Clerk’s Office through the Building and Code Division. The City Manager’s Office is responsible The City Clerk serves as Clerk to the of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and posting for facilitating the goals of City Council. The City Council. The Clerk’s Office provides public notices. Public Works Department mayor and council formulate broad policy informational services to residents, the Community Development The Department of Public Works is initiatives and direct the manager in the general public, and other City departments. comprised of the cemetery, custodial, The Community Development Department execution of their will. The City Manager’s Additionally, this office is responsible for facilities and grounds, maintenance, is responsible for administering the Office is charged with responding to the management and preservation of the marina/waterfront, motor pool, parks and City’s planning, zoning, housing, and the needs of the entire community and City’s official documents, maintaining voter grounds, project management, streets and community affairs. is ultimately responsible for the daily registration records and administering storm water, utilities (water distribution operations of the municipal organization. elections held in the City, maintaining and The department helps current and future and sanitary sewer collection systems), providing electronic access to the City Charter property owners understand how they and water filtration. Formalized City Collaborations Page 4
Harbor Transit Harbor Transit services a 55-square-mile area. The system serves the City of Grand Haven, the Village Your Local Government of Spring Lake, the City of Ferrysburg, Grand Haven Charter and Spring Lake Townships. Harbor Transit is administered by the Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System. Policy direction MAYOR Bob Monetza is provided by an eleven-member board of directors, which is composed of two representatives of the [email protected] five participating units of governments and a member at large. Services provided by Harbor Transit 268-1638 (cell) include demand-response public bus transit, contractual services, and trolley transportation. Please view the Harbor Transit website at www.harbortransit.org for any additional information. COUNCIL MEMBERS Ryan Cummins [email protected] 231-750-2026 (cell) Main Street Mike Dora Grand Haven is one of only 29 communities in the state to operate a nationally accredited Main Street [email protected] program through Michigan Main Street. Formed in 2005, the mission of Main Street is to enhance a vibrant 846-5487 (home) historic business district through community efforts, plus public and private partnerships. To achieve this Mike Fritz mission, we actively engage volunteers to complete projects and host special events in the Downtown/ [email protected] Centertown district. Main Street’s planning committees meet monthly and welcome new volunteers. For 842-2409 (home) more information visit: www.downtowngh.com. 846-5006 (work) Denny Scott [email protected] Water Treatment Plant 638-9828 (cell) The Northwest Ottawa Water Treatment Plant is operated and managed CITY DEPARTMENTS by the City of Grand Haven, under contract since 1988, for the Townships AIRPORT 842-4430 of Grand Haven and Spring Lake, the City of Ferrysburg, and the Village ASSESSING 846-8262 of Spring Lake, which make up the Northwest Ottawa Water System BOARD OF LIGHT & POWER 846-6250 (NOWS). The water treatment plant is approved to filter and pump 23.25 BUILDING 842-3460 million gallons per day. The facility produces potable drinking water, CEMETERY 847-3489 CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE 847-4888 averaging about 2 billion gallons annually, which meets or exceeds all CLERK 847-4886 state and EPA requirements to provide industrial, commercial, and COMMUNITY CENTER 842-2550 domestic water needs including fire protection. The laboratory and staff COMMUNITY DEV 935-3276 are state certified for total coliform, e-coli, and heterotrophic plate count FINANCE 847-4893 analyses. Treatment plant staff members are qualified to provide limited HARBOR TRANSIT 842-3220 physical parameter testing for potable drinking water including testing HOUSING SERVICES 935-3270 for turbidity, chlorine, fluoride, hardness, alkalinity, calcium,and pH. HUMAN RESOURCES 847-4887 LOUTIT DISTRICT LIBRARY 850-6900 MAIN STREET DDA 844-1188 Sewer Authority MARINA 847-3478 PUBLIC SAFETY 842-3460 The Grand Haven Spring Lake Sewer Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant PUBLIC WORKS 847-3493 entered into municipal service in 1973. It serves the City of Grand Haven, Grand TREASURER 842-3210 Haven Township, the Village of Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township, and the City of WASTE WATER 842-3215 Ferrysburg. The plant is designed for a 6.67 MGD (million gallons/day) flow, with WATER BILLING 847-4895 a current average flow of 3 MGD. The plant is staffed by a plant superintendent, an WATER FILTRATION 847-3488 environmental compliance supervisor, an operations supervisor, and six operator- ZONING 935-3276 mechanics. The plant added a Biological Odor Control System and converted the Web Site: www.grandhaven.org disinfection process from chlorine gas to ultraviolet light in 2013. Area Code 616, unless noted otherwise Grand Haven City Parks - For More Information Call (616) 847-3493 Page 5
- Parks Beach & Swimming Picnic/ Park Benches Restrooms or * = Port-a-potty Grills Playground Skate Park Waterfront Stadium Splash Pad Boat Launch Fishing Baseball Diamond Basketball Courts Sand Volleyball Courts & Pick Tennis leball Courts Soccer Fields Off-Leash Dog Park Hiking/Nature Trails Walking/Biking Paths Ice Rink Outdoor Cross Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Snowboarding Bicentennial Park Harbor Drive, Downtown • • • Central Park Washington Avenue, Downtown • • Chinook Pier Park Harbor Drive, Behind Engine 1223 • • • • • Duncan Park Sheldon Road • • • • East Grand River Park Washington & Beechtree, East of U.S. 31 • • • • • • • • • • • • Escanaba Park * Along the Lighthouse Connector Park • • • Grand Haven City Beach South of Grand Haven State Park, Harbor Drive • • • • Harbor Island Southwest of U.S. 31 Drawbridge on Coho Drive • • • • • • • • Lighthouse Connector Park Along Waterfront of Grand River • • • Linear Park * Across Channel from Chinook Pier • • • • • • Mulligan’s Hollow Harbor Drive Behind YMCA • • • • • • • • • • • • • • North Shore Fisherman’s Parking Lot * Across the Channel on the North Shore of Grand Haven • • Rix Robinson Park East Side of Harbor Island Along Coho Drive • • • • Sluka Field * Intersection of Beechtree & Waverly Streets • • • • • • William Hatton Park Old Towne Neighborhood • • Waterfront/Marina Area • • • • • Bolt Park Pennoyer Avenue & Beechtree Street • Johnston Park Howard Street & Sheldon Road • Klaver Park Pennoyer Avenue, Lafayette Street & S. Seventh Street • Klempel Park Pennoyer Avenue & Grant Streets • Willow Park Seventh & Franklin Streets • Veteran’s Memorial Park Harbor Drive Between Y-Drive and Sherman Street • Living in the City of Grand Haven Page 6
Citizen Reporting Tool Election Information
Report non-emergency issues in your neighborhood Voter Information Center using this community-driven communication tool www.michigan.gov/vote that bridges the gap between residents and their local This State of Michigan website provides residents with governments to improve citizen services. SeeClickFix is a tool to report that broken information regarding upcoming elections, sample ballots, sidewalk, pothole on your daily route, and other issues to ultimately improve the quality voter registration, and polling locations. of life where you live. Citizen reporting through this application has helped us address Registering to Vote hundreds of issues since 2016. You may register at your local Secretary of State branch office or Clerk’s Office. If you’re Sign up for an account at www.seeclickfix.com and download the iPhone or Android not sure where to vote or if you have any additional questions, contact the City Clerk’s mobile app to identify problems and places for improvement in your neighborhood. Office at 616-847-4886. Voting Nixle–Community Information Service To vote, simply appear at your assigned polling place with your photo ID on election day. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Elections in 2021 will be held on Nixle is completely free (standard text message rates apply). May 4, August 3, and November 2. The service is simple to use, reliable and trusted. Absent Voter’s Ballot Stay connected to your world, from important public safety Upon application to the clerk, you may qualify for an absent voter’s ballot. Please alerts to neighborhood advisories, and other valuable remember to allow enough time for you to receive the ballot and to return it to the City community information. You decide the information you want and whether you want it Clerk’s Office by 8:00 p.m. on election day. sent to your cell phone or e-mail. Election Inspectors Sign up at www.nixle.com. It is quick and easy. If you have any questions or The Clerk’s Office is always looking for additional election inspectors. Contact need help, please contact Lt. Joe Boyle at the Department of Public Safety at the City Clerk’s Office at 616-847-4886 if you are interested in working during 616-842-3460 or e-mail him at [email protected]. an election. Political Sign Information Grand Haven Food Pantries Temporary political signs must be located on private property, comply with corner clearance requirements, not exceed 12 square feet in display area per side of sign, and Our generous community has many options for families to access needed nutrition at be removed no later than seven days after the election. The signs must include the area food pantries. Most are coordinated through the Salvation Army or Love in Action. committee’s name, address, and telephone number. • The Salvation Army Food Pantry is located at 310 N DeSpelder. For details you can call 616-842 3380 ext. 200. • Love in Action main offices are located at 326 N Ferry Street. Please call 616-846-2701 for information. City Charter and Code of Ordinances • A micro-pantry is located along the alley side of Extended Grace’s Momentum Center building at 714 The City’s Charter and Code of Ordinances Columbus Ave. in the Centertown area of Grand Haven. are available by visiting the City’s website www.grandhaven.org; under the “City Services” section, select “Charter & Ordinances.” Restroom Locations & Hours Code Enforcement The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety oversees code enforcement in our A listing showing locations and availability of public restrooms maintained City. Issues may include noxious weeds, abandoned vehicles, trash accumulation, by the City is listed on the City’s website www.grandhaven.org, under and more. To report a public nuisance for Code Enforcement investigation, please the City Services category. call 616-842-3460. …Living in the City of Grand Haven Page 7
Residential Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste Service Parking
Overnight Parking Permit for Downtown Municipal Lots Republic Services, Inc. provides residential trash, recycling A self-service parking Kiosk is located in our downtown, at the NW (every other week) and yard waste (April-December) removal corner of First Street and Franklin Avenue. For just $5 you may within the City of Grand Haven. Visit Republic Services at purchase an overnight parking permit for downtown municipal parking www.republicservices.com or call 877-698-7274 to set up your lots. This is a great option for late night visitors/guests to downtown. service, report a missed pick-up, view the recycle schedule, Violations can be costly, so protect your wallet with an overnight request a “vacation hold” and answer frequently asked questions. parking kiosk permit and remember to be responsible; never drink Bag Service Customers – Bags are available for sale at the Treasurer’s Office. and drive. Recycling Collection – Recycling services are provided every other week. Your Winter Parking on Streets recycling collection day will be the same day as your trash collection day (pick-up Parking on public streets within the City is restricted between the hours of dates are noted on this calendar and available online). 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from December 1 until April 1 for street maintenance, except as otherwise permitted. Large or Extra Items – Bulky items may be placed at the curb for pick-up with your regular trash each week. Major appliances and furniture will be picked up on the last Friday of each month. Please call Republic Services in advance to schedule a pick-up. Dog Regulations
Yard Waste Service – Republic Services provides curbside yard waste collection Responsible Dog Ownership services April 1 to December 31. Paper yard waste bags or a container marked “yard Many who reside in and visit the City of Grand Haven waste” may be used. Yard waste drop-off sites are also scheduled at Lakeshore Middle know the pleasures of having a dog and understand that and Griffin Elementary Schools from 8:00 a.m. until noon on eight consecutive responsibility comes with good dog ownership. Dog owners Saturdays in both the spring and the fall. Visit www.grandhaven.org and look under are expected to keep their pets on a leash and under control “Press Releases” for dates and further information about the drop-off sites. anywhere in the City except private property. Owners are required to pick up waste left by their dog. The City Please Do Not Deposit Leaves or Other Debris in Street encourages active enjoyment and responsible behavior by Section 17-3 of the City Code prohibits the accumulation, deposit or disposal of leaves, providing Mutt-Mitt dispensers in numerous public areas. yard waste or other materials in the public right-of-way, including the street right-of-way, Rules regarding barking dogs, leashes, and cleaning up after alleys, and sidewalks. Leaves, yard waste or other prohibited materials left in the public “Waylon” – out for a walk pets are enforced by the Department of Public Safety (Code right-of-way may be collected and removed by the City with the cost of such collection of Ordinances, Chapter 7). billed to the adjacent property owner, plus a fine. Dogs are allowed in all City parks, but they must be on a leash and owners must Household Hazardous Waste adhere to City ordinances and rules regarding dogs and pets. Dogs are restricted from The Ottawa County Health Department has a Resource Recovery Service Center for the Farmers Market while open (Wednesdays & Saturdays). Dogs are not allowed the collection of household hazardous waste. For more information, call 616-393-5645 or on the City Beach at any time between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day visit www.miottawa.org. through Labor Day. Metal Recycling Off-Leash Areas First Christian Reformed Church (located at 516 S. Ferry) operates a Metal Recycle There are two locations within the City to allow your dog off-leash. A fenced dog park is Ministry. The church collects all types of metal (except televisions and computer located at the East Grand River Park and a second area is a posted off-leash trail in the monitors). If you have such items, call 616-842-6370 to schedule a pick up, or you can parklands at the south end of Mulligan’s Hollow, which is accessible off Lake Avenue. drop off…free! Visit www.firstchurchgrandhaven.com for more information. Dog Licenses Disposing of Unused Medicine Licenses need to be renewed in the month in which the dog’s rabies Scientists have found medicines in surface, ground and marine waters, as well as soils vaccination expires and will be available year-round. Dog licenses can be and sediments. Even very low levels of medicines enter the environment and affect purchased from the City Treasurer’s Office, the County Treasurer’s Office, human health. Medicines should never be flushed or rinsed down the drain or placed the Harbor Humane Society, and some veterinarians if they have opted into landfills. Use the disposal vault in the lobby at Grand Haven Public Safety. into the program. …Living in the City of Grand Haven Page 8
Assessing & Property Taxes Rental Registration
Assessing Division If you own residential rental property in the City of Grand Haven, it The City’s Assessing Division is managed by Ottawa County must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. The rental Equalization employees through a contract between the program is designed to help protect the safety of the tenants, as well City of Grand Haven and Ottawa County. Joshua Morgan is as the owners, and improves and maintains the quality of our neighborhoods. Landlord our primary contact and is available by appointment at City cooperation is critical to the success of this program. Rental property registration is Hall. Please call 616-846-8262 for assistance on assessing and required in accordance with the City of Grand Haven Code of Ordinances Section 9-201. property appraisal matters or to set up an appointment. Payment per rental unit along with the rental registration forms are due in February of Property Assessment each year. There is a per property late fee if the form and fees are not received by the due You will receive a “Change in Assessment Notice” in mid-February. If you date. Inspections are conducted every three years, and a Certificate of Compliance is believe the assessment of your property is incorrect, you may appeal to issued based upon compliance with the requirements of the property maintenance code. the Board of Review. The board meets March 15–17 at City Hall; please schedule an appointment or appeal by mail. Contact the City Assessor’s Office at 616-846-8262. Tax Payment Postmark Policy Sidewalks, Snow and Safe Routes to School The City of Grand Haven will accept postmarks from the United States Postal Service as proof of timely payment. Any payments Please remove snow accumulations from your sidewalks this and made through bill pay, online banking, metered mail, as well every winter. We are working to improve the walkability of our as UPS and Federal Express will be posted the day they are town, and all residents can help by shoveling off the sidewalks. received in the Treasury Department. The Safe Routes to School program is designed to increase the number of kids who walk or bike to school; sidewalks free from snow and ice will help. Neighborhood Housing Services Many residents in our school neighborhoods have indicated that they may not be able to clear snow from their sidewalks following every storm. Rather than issue warnings, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) is a United States Department invoices, and tickets, the City is appealing to all neighborhoods–please help clear a path, of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing especially in school neighborhoods. counseling agency providing services to Ottawa and Muskegon County Leave the car in the driveway and take a walk this winter; but, first, grab a snow blower residents. The agency offers financial education services in group and or shovel and join your neighbors in keeping our sidewalks clear and safe for everyone. one-on-one settings. NHS also helps residents access grants and loans for home repairs. NHS offers home buyer education, renter education and mortgage default counseling. The complete class schedule is available at: www.grandhaven.org/housingservices. City Web Site & Social Media NHS also offers free one-on-one financial counseling to help you reach your financial goals: improve your credit, reduce debt, develop a budget, become mortgage-ready, or learn about student loan repayment options. If you are facing foreclosure or Web Site: www.grandhaven.org experiencing a situation that threatens your housing stability, NHS can provide you with free, confidential, and unbiased information about your options and your rights. Like Our Facebook Pages: NHS also helps administer the City’s On Bill Financing Water/Sewer Replacement • City of Grand Haven Program. Income-eligible City of Grand Haven residents can finance the installation • Grand Haven Community Center or replacement of water/sewer laterals through NHS and make the payments on • Grand Haven Department of Public Safety their utility bill. Household income must be below 100% of area median income. Other restrictions apply. Please contact NHS for more information about any of our classes or Follow us on Twitter @grandhavencmo programs: 616-935-3270. SPECIAL EVENTS Page 9
At the time of publication of this calendar, the community levels of COVID-19 and the risk of transmission at events in 2021 would be impossible to foresee. Common annual events listed below may or may not be held depending on risk assessment of each individual event. These dates are tentative and are based off last year’s calendar. Please contact the resources below to verify event information. To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, please follow the CDC guidelines www.cdc.gov.
Community Affairs Visitors Bureau Main Street The Chamber of Commerce www.grandhaven.org www.visitgrandhaven.com www.downtowngh.com www.grandhavenchamber.org 616-842-2550 616-842-4499 or 800-303-4092 616-844-1188 616-842-4910
ONGOING EVENTS THROUGHOUT APRIL Grand Haven Triathlon & Duathlon Main Street Artwalk THE YEAR & SUMMER AS NOTED Easter Egg Hunt 2nd Sunday in July 4th Week September–1st Week October www.grandhaventri.com www.downtowngh.com Tri-Cities Historical Museum Exhibits Saturday Before Easter Sunday www.tri-citiesmuseum.org Earth Day Celebrations Flahive Memorial Cruise Hispanic Heritage Festival Loutit District Library Events Saturday Before Earth Day 3rd Wednesday in July 4th Saturday of September & Music Sessions Tri-Cities Kiwanis Salmon Tournament Pumpkins at Chinook Pier www.loutitlibrary.org MAY 4th Thursday in July 4th Saturday of September Farmers Market Tri-Cities Kiwanis www.tricitieskiwanis.org May, Saturdays Only Salmon Tournament OCTOBER 3rd Thursday of May Coast Guard Festival June–October, Wednesdays & Saturday Last Full Weekend in July–First Weekend Main Street Downtown www.tricitieskiwanis.org Trick-or-Treating Bolt Park Market of August Kite Festival www.coastguardfest.org & Haunted Haven June–September, Tuesdays Indoor Trick-or-Treating 3rd Weekend of May Worship on the Waterfront Flea on 7th Halloween VFW Rib Fest–Battle of the Bones June–August, Sundays Last Sunday in July Memorial Day Weekend NOVEMBER Sounds of Summer, Bolt Park AUGUST Memorial Day Parade Main Street Shop ‘til You Drop June–August, Tuesdays 1223 Ice Cream Social 2nd Friday of November Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Pro/AM Tuesdays in the Park, Central Park 2nd Thursday in August www.downtowngh.com Sportfishing Tournament June–August, Tuesdays Walk the Beat Last Weekend of May Main Street Light Night Music on the Grand 2nd Saturday in August 3rd Friday of November June–August, Wednesdays JUNE Sand Sculpture Contest www.downtowngh.com Summer Concert Series Feast of the Strawberry Moon 2nd Saturday in August Main Street Small Business Saturday June–August, Friday 2nd Saturday of June Main Street Sidewalk Sales 4th Saturday of November Rotary D’Vine Fund-raising Event 3rd Weekend of August, Friday & Saturday www.downtowngh.com JANUARY 4th Thursday of June www.downtowngh.com Winterfest DECEMBER 4th Weekend of January Soccer in the Sand Battle on the Boardwalk Jingle Bell Parade – www.winterfestmi.org 4th Weekend of June Last Week of August, Thursday Saturday 1st Saturday of December Grand Haven Art Festival FEBRUARY SEPTEMBER Main Street Shopping Jam 4th Weekend of June Labor Day Bridge Walk 2nd Saturday of December Snowmen on Main www.downtowngh.com 2nd Saturday–Third Week of February JULY Anchorage Cup www.downtowngh.com New Year’s Eve Community Ball Drop Fourth of July Fireworks 2nd Saturday in September Merchant Blow Out Sales July 4th, Independence Day Salmon Festival 2nd Saturday–Third Week of February Grand Haven Beach Vault 3rd Weekend of September www.downtowngh.com 2nd Saturday in July www.ghsalmonfest.com www.grandhavenbeachvault.com Grand Haven Area Information Page 10
Government Offices & Agencies …Ottawa County Newspapers & Radio Broadcasting …Organizations Ferrysburg City Hall 616-842-5803 (12220 Fillmore St., West Olive) The Muskegon Chronicle 231-722-3161 Mosaic Counseling 616-842-9160 www.ferrysburg.org Clerk 616-994-4531 www.mlive.com/muskegon www. mosaiccounseling.com Grand Haven City Hall 616-842-3210 Drain Commissioner 616-994-4530 Grand Haven Tribune 616-842-6400 Four Pointes 616-842-9210 www.grandhaven.org Family Court 616-786-4100 www.grandhaventribune.com www.fourpointes.org Airport 616-842-4430 GIS 616-738-4600 WAWL Local Radio Station 616-402-9661 Northwest Ottawa Rec Auth 616-850-5125 Assessor’s Office 616-846-8262 Jail 616-738-4090 WGHN Local Radio Station 616-842-8110 www.norarec.org Board of Light & Power 616-846-6250 Juvenile Services 616-786-4100 OAR, Inc 616-842-6710 Building Official 616-842-3460 MSU Cooperative Ext 616-994-4580 Museums, Theaters & Cultural Centers www.oar-inc.org Cemetery, Lake Forest 616-847-3489 Planning 616-738-4852 Central Park Players Box Office 616-971-1329 Resilience 616-392-2829 City Manager’s Office 616-847-4888 Probate Court 616-786-4110 www.centralparkplayers.org www.resiliencemi.org Clerk’s Office 616-847-4886 Property Dscrpt & Mapping 616-738-4826 Grand Haven Community Ctr 616-842-2550 Salvation Army 616-842-3380 Community Dev 616-935-3276 Register of Deeds 616-994-4510 Tri-Cities Historical Museum 616-842-0700 www.sagrandhaven.org Community Affairs 616-842-2550 Sheriff’s Office 616-738-4000 www.tri-citiesmuseum.org Tri-Cities Family YMCa 616-842-7051 Finance 616-847-4893 Treasurer 616-994-4501 Waterfront Stadium 616-847-3493 www.tcfymca.org Harbor Transit 616-842-3200 (12251 James St., Holland) Organizations United Way 616-842-7130 Community Action Agcy 616-393-4433 Housing 616-935-3270 Alliance for the Great Lakes 616-850-0745 www.ottawaunitedway.org Community Mental Health 616-392-1873 Human Resources 616-847-4887 www.greatlakes.org Visitor’s Bureau 616-842-4499 Environmental Health 616-393-5645 Municipal Marina 616-847-3478 American Red Cross 616-396-6545 www.visitgrandhaven.com 800-303-4092 Health Department 616-396-5266 Public Safety 616-842-3460 www.ottawaredcross.org (14110 Lakeshore Dr.) Refuse Public Works/Parks 616-847-3493 Better Business Bureau 800-684-3222 Road Commission 616-842-5400 Republic Services 877-698-7274 Sewer & Street Emergency 911 Chamber of Commerce 616-842-4910 Robinson Township Hall 616-846-2210 Hazardous Waste (Ottawa Co) 616-393-5645 Ski Bowl 616-842-0634 www.grandhavenchamber.org www.robinson-twp.org I.B. Compost 616-895-6743 Treasurer’s Office 616-842-3210 Coast Guard Festival, Inc 616-846-5940 Spring Lake Township Hall 616-842-1340 Wastewater Treatment Plt 616-842-3215 www.coastguardfest.org Schools - Grand Haven www.springlaketwp.org Water Filtration Plt 616-847-3488 Community Foundation 616-842-6378 GH Area Public Schools 616-850-5000 Spring Lake Village Hall 616-842-1393 Grand Haven Charter Twp 616-842-5988 www.ghacf.org www.ghaps.org www.springlakevillage.org www.ght.org Habitat for Humanity, Tri-Cities 616-846-1505 School Closing Information 616-850-5100 US Government Michigan, State of www.tricitieshabitat.org Social Security Office 800-772-1213 www.michigan.gov Harbor Humane Society 616-399-2119 Taxi Service & Public Transportation US Army CORPS of Engineers 616-842-5510 mdot (Muskegon TSC) 231-777-3451 www.harborhumane.org Harbor Transit 616-842-3220 US Coast Guard Station www.michigan.gov/mdot International Aid 616-846-7490 www.harbortransit.org Sector Field Office 616-850-2500 municipal Marina Reserv 800-447-2757 Kiwanis, Tri-Cities 616-644-5715 Rich’s Taxi Service 616-844-6808 US Federal Info Center 800-333-4636 www.midnrreservations.com www.tricitieskiwanis.org Roxy’s Taxi 616-843-7675 www.firstgov.gov State Park Reservations 800-447-2757 League of Women Voters 517-484-5383 www.midnrreservations.com US Post Office, Grand Haven 616-842-0510 Utilities & Local Telecommunications www.lwvmi.org Azulstar, Inc. 616-842-2763 Secretary of State’s Office 888-767-6424 Love in Action, Tri-Cities 616-846-2701 Treasury 517-373-3200 Hospital Board of Light & Power 616-846-6250 North Ottawa Community 616-842-3600 www.loveinactiontricities.org www.ghblp.org Ottawa County Main Street 616-844-1188 www.miottawa.org Charter Spectrum 833-694-9256 Libraries www.downtowngh.com www.spectrum.com (414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven) Loutit District Library 616-850-6900 Michigan Works 800-285-9675 Michigan Gas Utilities 800-401-6402 20th Circuit Court 616-846-8315 www.loutitlibrary.org www.michiganworks.org www.michigangasutilities.com 58th District Court 616-846-8280 Spring Lake District Library 616-846-5770 Momentum Center 616-414-9111 Grand Haven City Water Billing 616-847-4895 friend of the Court 616-846-8210 www.sllib.org www.momentumcentergh.org Probation (Adult) 616-846-8217 Prosecuting Attorney 616-846-8215 Kitchel-Lindquist Hartger Dunes Preserve The Kitchel-Linquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve was created in 1971 when Constance and Gerald Linquist along with Harold Hartger donated 60 acres to the Nature Conservancy, and has continued to grow in size. Today it is owned and operated by the City of Ferrysburg and remains a hidden gem of West Michigan that promotes education, research, and conservation. Designated by the State of Michigan as a Critical Dune Area, this 114-acre nature preserve offers unique nature trails through protected dune land adjacent to the Grand River. This preserve provides a variety of excellent types of sand dune ecosystems including bare beaches along the Grand River, climax dune forest, as well as small rare fresh water ponds within the dune ecosystem, which provide habitat and water for plants and animals within the dry dune environments. Two trails of natural surfaces wind through the interdunal area and along the Grand River shoreline. Dune ecology study groups may make prior arrangements to use the new Dr. Mary S. Kitchel Outdoor Classroom and Restroom. Wildlife include many types of birds such as hawks, eagles, gulls, herons, woodpeckers, and many song birds. Reptiles include hognose and blue racer snakes. Mammals include squirrels, chipmunks, and foxes. Ongoing projects at the preserve include GVSU students and volunteers working to remove invasive species from this unique dune ecology. The two that are getting the most attention lately are the helleborine orchid and spotted knapweed. Kitchel-Lindquist Hartger Dunes Preserve January 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY December 2020 February 2021 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 New Year’s Day 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Non-Emergency 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 City Offices Closed 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 28 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM Planning Comm 7:00 PM
17 18 Martin Luther 19 20 21 22 23 King, Jr. Day of Service City Council 7:30 PM* ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Non-Emergency Harbor Board 4:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM City Offices Closed Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
31 * Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day Special event information can be found on Page 9 January photos by Mary Angel Narrative summarized by Pam Blough, ENRC Commission Wetlands A wetland is “land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh.” Most people are familiar with the cattail or lily pad wetlands found in areas with standing water, but wetlands can also be grassy meadows, shrubby fields, or mature forests. Many wetland areas have only a high ground water table and standing water may not be visible. Wetlands are a significant factor in the health and existence of other natural resources of the state, such as inland lakes, ground water, fisheries, wildlife, and the Great Lakes. Wetlands provide many benefits, including flood and storm control, a habitat for wildlife, protection of subsurface water resources and provision of valuable watersheds and recharging ground water supplies, pollution treatment, erosion control, and are sources of nutrients in water food cycles and nursery grounds and sanctuaries for fish. State of Michigan EGLE February 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 Groundhog Day 3 4 5 6 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Planning Comm 7:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM
14 Valentine’s Day 15 Presidents’ Day 16 17 18 19 20 Property Taxes Due Harbor Board 4:00 PM GHSL Sewer Auth 8:30 AM BLP 4:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM NOWS 9:30 AM Historic Comm 5:00 PM HT Local Adv 1:15 PM ZBA 7:00 PM
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
28
January 2021 March 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Special event information can be found on Page 9 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 February photos by Mary Angel 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Narrative summarized by Mary Angel 31 Project Riverwatch Project Riverwatch is the result of a $1.4 million Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In a greater effort to connect people with the waterfront, this expansive project incorporates several elements of place making, including: widened sidewalks, enhanced viewshed of the Grand River, additional ADA compliant seating options, and improved accessibility to the boardwalk. Thanks to this grant funding opportunity, and the vast ADA improvements that were made, residents and visitors of all physical capabilities are afforded greater opportunity to enjoy our spectacular harbor. March 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Board of Review Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM Planning Comm 7:00 PM
14 Daylight Saving 15 16 17 St. Patrick’s Day 18 19 20 Spring Equinox Time Begins Board of Review Board of Review Board of Review BLP 4:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM ZBA 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
28 29 30 31
February 2021 April 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Special event information can be found on Page 9 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 March photos by Mary Angel, construction photo by Dan Dombos, Abonmarche 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 Narrative summarized by Ashley Latsch Grand River Grand Haven is the mouth of the Grand River where it flows into Lake Michigan. The Grand River is Michigan’s longest river extending approximately 250 miles inland from Hillsdale County before reaching Lake Michigan in Grand Haven. The watershed includes extensive wetlands, bayous, and floodplains extensively contributing to Michigan’s natural resources. The Grand River basin comprises 13% of the entire Lake Michigan watershed contributing approximately 1.7 million gallons per minute into Lake Michigan. The river flows through a swath cut by the retreating glaciers from the last Ice Age. The river had many boulders of Limestone and Granite; these made for swift currents and an ever-changing bottom riverscape. Today the Grand River is still the longest river in Michigan, flowing through Jackson, Lansing, and Grand Rapids before flowing into Lake Michigan at Grand Haven. The Grand River is on a 100-year flood cycle. The Grand River once served as a transportation route and was essential to the establishment of the local furniture industry, as loggers floated their harvest down the river. Grand Learning Network, MSU Extension Grand River-LocalWiki April 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 Good Friday 3 ENRC 6:00 PM Non-Emergency City Offices Closed at Noon
4 Easter Sunday 5 6 7 8 9 10
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Spring Break
11 12 13 14 15 Income Tax Day 16 17 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM* Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM* Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM* Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM* Planning Comm 7:00 PM
18 19 20 21 22 Earth Day 23 24 Harbor Board 4:00 PM ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM* Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
25 26 27 28 29 30 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM City Council 7:30 PM*
March 2021 May 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Special event information can be found on Page 9 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 April photos by Mary Angel 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Narrative summarized by Pam Blough, Joe VanderStel, Mary Angel 30 31 Lake Michigan & Shoreline Lake Michigan, the second largest Great Lake by volume with just under 1,180 cubic miles of water, is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States. Approximately 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline. Averaging 279 feet in depth, the lake reaches 925 feet at its deepest point. The lake’s northern tier is in the colder, less developed upper Great Lakes region, while its more temperate southern basin contains the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. The drainage basin, approximately twice as large as the 22,300 square miles of surface water, includes portions of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan is hydrologically inseparable from Lake Huron, joined by the wide Straits of Mackinac. Great Lakes Commission May 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY April 2021 June 2021 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30
2 3 4 School Election 5 6 7 8 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
9 Mother’s Day 10 11 12 13 14 15 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM Planning Comm 7:00 PM
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM GHSL Sewer Auth 8:30 AM BLP 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM NOWS 9:30 AM Historic Comm 5:00 PM HT Local Adv 1:15 PM ZBA 7:00 PM
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM
30 31 Memorial Day * Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule Non-Emergency Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day City Offices Closed Special event information can be found on Page 9 May photos by Mary Angel Narrative summarized by Mary Angel Community Gardens There are three Community Gardens located within the City of Grand Haven. The first garden was established in 2010 on DeSpelder Street, behind the Salvation Army building; the second garden, established in 2012, is located on Comstock at the Airport entrance; and the third garden was established in 2014 on Orchard Street behind St Paul’s United Church of Christ Church. The planting/growing season runs from Mid-May (last frost) to the first part of October (last frost). Garden plots are awarded annually and a nominal fee (currently $10) is charged each year. Each gardener is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their section/garden plot. Many gardeners plant vegetables and flowers of all types. Interested participants may contact the City Manager’s Office for current contact information for each garden. Special thanks to the City Department of Public Works for their endless maintenance support, Dale Kwekel and the Grand Haven Garden House for inspiration and support and City environmental consultants Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber for underwriting the cost of water service. June 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM City Council 7:30 PM Planning Comm 7:00 PM
13 14 Flag Day 15 16 17 18 19 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM
20 Father’s Day 21 22 23 24 25 26 Summer Solstice City Council 7:30 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
27 28 29 30 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM
May 2021 July 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 1 2 3 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Special event information can be found on Page 9 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 June photos by Jill VanderStel 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Narrative summarized by Pat McGinnis 30 31 Fish Native to Grand Haven, MI Grand Haven’s number one attraction is our beaches and where there is sand, there is water. For those who enjoy sport fishing, you have plenty to be thankful for, as the Grand Haven area waterways provide several varieties of fish. From Bluegill, Perch, Walleye, Pike, Small and Large Mouth Bass to Steelhead and Lake Trout, Chinook and Coho Salmon. Grand Haven is surrounded by lakes and bayous that are attached to the state’s longest tributary the Grand River, and Lake Michigan supports one of the greatest fisheries in the country. The commercial fishing industry was once a common occupation along the shores of West Michigan. Changes in the lake’s ecosystem over time have contributed to changes in fishing and contributed to today’s sport fishing industry in Grand Haven. Aquatic invasive species were a big part of this change, forcing commercial fishers to either adapt to catching other species or find new professions. MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant
Matt Perkins shows off his catch–a 22 lb. Chinook (King) Salmon July 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 ENRC 6:00 PM
4 Independence Day 5 Independence Day (obs) 6 7 8 9 10 Non-Emergency City Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM Offices Closed City Council 7:30 PM*
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM* Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Planning Comm 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 City Council 7:30 PM Board of Review ZBA 7:00 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Airport Board 5:30 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM
June 2021 August 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Special event information can be found on Page 9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 July featured photos by Char Seise; others by Matt Perkins, Johnny Angel, Mary Angel 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 Narrative summarized by Joe VanderStel, Mary Angel Trees Native to Grand Haven, MI Forests and trees are not only an important feature of the Grand Haven landscape, but also contribute significantly to our well-being. Trees are the biggest plants on the plant and provide oxygen, store carbon, stabilize the soil and create a habitat favorable for many wildlife species as well as our many lakes and streams. Michigan’s forests are diverse. More than 100 different species of trees grow in the state. Grand Haven is home to many native deciduous and evergreen trees including various species of Maple, Pine, Oak, Hemlock, Beech, and Cottonwood. Starting in the 1860s and for the next 40 years, Michigan was synonymous with pine lumbering. There are many parks providing access to wooded areas within the City and in Ottawa County. Research shows that within minutes of being surrounded by trees and green space, your blood pressure drops, your heart rate slows and your stress levels come down. Trees can add value to your home and help cool and break the cold winds to lower your heating costs. The City of Grand Haven has made a commitment since 1995 of being a “Tree City USA” participant, a nationwide program that provides the framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees. Canopy Arbor Day Foundation August 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 Primary Election 4 5 6 7 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM Planning Comm 7:00 PM
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM GHSL Sewer Auth 8:30 AM BLP 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM NOWS 9:30 AM Historic Comm 5:00 PM HT Local Adv 1:15 PM ZBA 7:00 PM
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
29 30 31
July 2021 September 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Special event information can be found on Page 9 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 August photos by Mary Angel 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 Narrative summarized by Mary Angel Native and Invasive Michigan Plants Native plants are easy to grow and maintain while providing food and shelter for wildlife, attracting butterflies, birds, and other animals. Landscaping with native plants provides benefits such as, lowering water usage and improving water quality by slowing down storm water and filtering out chemicals contained in it. The deep roots of many species are able to absorb, hold, and gradually release water and recharge groundwater. They are also responsible for helping to reduce greenhouse gases, by storing carbon in their deep and extensive root systems, thus permanently removing it from the air. Invasive plants, on the other hand, can alter ecological relationships among native species and can affect ecosystem function and human health. Examples of invasive species in the Grand Haven area include: Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, and Black Locust. Many others exist. Visit www.wildflowersmich.org for more information on native plants and how you can improve our eco-system and identify and report invasive plants. Wildflower Association of Michigan September 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM
5 6 Labor Day 7 8 9 10 11 Patriot Day Non-Emergency Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM City Offices Closed City Council 7:30 PM*
12 13 14 15 Property Taxes Due 16 17 18 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM* Planning Comm 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM
19 20 21 22 Fall Equinox 23 24 25 City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM
26 27 28 29 30 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM
August 2021 October 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Special event information can be found on Page 9 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 September photos by Mary Angel 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Narrative summarized by Mary Angel 31 Floating Docks & Information Plaques, East End Park The floating docks at East Grand River Park provide residents with an opportunity to experience an unobstructed view of a beautiful Great Lakes bayou ecosystem. Thirteen percent of the Lake Michigan drainage basin passes by the floating docks and empties into Lake Michigan at a rate of 1.7 million gallons per minute. Come early in the morning and see a breathtaking sunrise over the bayou as nature wakes up and the day begins. Bring a fishing pole and catch some bluegill, sunfish, sucker fish or catfish. (Get your DNR license first!) This is one of Grand Haven’s hidden gems, and the docks are level and stable no matter the water level. October 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY September 2021 November 2021 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
10 11 Columbus Day 12 13 14 15 16 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Planning Comm 7:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM
31 Halloween * Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day Special event information can be found on Page 9 October photos by Mary Angel; photo to right by Pat McGinnis Narrative summarized by Pat McGinnis Duncan Park (Woods) On October 22, 1913, Martha Duncan deeded approximately 40 acres of unspoiled virgin forest between Lake Forest Cemetery and Sheldon Road. This beautiful park includes numerous walking trails, as well as picnic tables near the parking area. Robert Duncan came to Grand Haven in 1851 as a visiting attorney, but quickly became involved in the City’s development and became Grand Haven’s second mayor in 1868. Like many other pioneers, he bought up hundreds of acres of wooded land during the great lumbering boom. Duncan, however, refused to cut the trees in his woods and sell them for lumber. He had a deep love and appreciation for nature, and preferred to spend contemplative time walking the paths of his 50-acre refuge within the City. City of Grand Haven November 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 General Election 3 4 5 6 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM City Council 7:30 PM
7 Daylight Saving 8 9 10 11 Veterans Day 12 13 Time Ends Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Musical Ft Comm 6:00 PM Main Street 7:00 AM City Council Organizational Planning Comm 7:00 PM
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM GHSL Sewer Auth 8:30 AM BLP 4:00 PM Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM NOWS 9:30 AM Historic Comm 5:00 PM HT Local Adv 1:15 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM* ZBA 7:00 PM
21 22 23 24 25 Thanksgiving Day 26 27 Comm Ctr Board 5:00 PM Airport Board 5:30 PM HT Multi-Modal TS 5:30 PM Non-Emergency Non-Emergency City Offices Closed City Offices Closed
28 29 30
October 2021 December 2021 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 1 2 3 4 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Special event information can be found on Page 9 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 November photos by Mary Angel 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 Narrative summarized by Mary Angel 31 Wildlife Native to Grand Haven, MI Wildlife includes all native animals, from butterflies and bees to the largest mammals. All species are important in the natural scheme of things and our state is full of wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities for all. If you live or explore the City of Grand Haven, it will be apparent there are many areas that support a wide variety of wildlife. Surrounded by the natural beauty of our shoreline and the Grand River, wildlife abounds from shoreline birds, migratory waterfowl to the symbolic Bald Eagle. Grand Haven supports the ecology of natural dunes, oak-hickory forest and northern hardwoods. Wildlife is visible throughout the area during all times of the day. Early morning and evening hours, it is not uncommon to frequently observe passing deer, a rafter of turkeys, owls, fox and an occasional coyote. Michigan Department of DNR December 2021 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 Parks & Rec Board 6:00 PM ENRC 6:00 PM
5 6 7 Pearl Harbor 8 9 10 11 Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM Remembrance Day Main Street 7:00 AM City Council 7:30 PM Loutit Dist Lib Bd 5:00 PM
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Cemetery Board 3:00 PM Board of Review ZBA 7:00 PM BLP 4:00 PM Planning Comm 7:00 PM Historic Comm 5:00 PM Human Rel Comm 5:30 PM*
19 20 21 Winter Solstice 22 23 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day City Council 7:30 PM Harbor Board 4:00 PM Non-Emergency Non-Emergency Duncan Park Board 7:00 PM City Offices Closed City Offices Closed Christmas Eve (obs) Christmas Day (obs)
26 27 28 29 30 31 New Year’s Eve Airport Board 5:30 PM Non-Emergency Non-Emergency City Offices Closed at Noon City Offices Closed New Year’s Eve (obs) New Year’s Day (obs)
November 2021 January 2022 Indicates a change to the regular meeting schedule S M T W T F S S M T W T F S * 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Indicates Recycling Service Collection Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Special event information can be found on Page 9 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 December photos by Mary Angel; chipmunk by Pat McGinnis 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Narrative summarized by Joe VanderStel, Mary Angel 30 31 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND HAVEN, MI PERMIT NO. 94
City of Grand Haven 519 Washington Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-842-3210 www.grandhaven.org
Editor Purple Martin Gourd Houses Pat McGinnis These families of swallows take refuge and nest in these Grand Haven City Manager condominium style homes found next to the Grand Sources for Narratives River channel in the State Park. Early Native Americans Kitchel-Lindquist Hartger Dunes Preserve actually placed “gourds” in their villages to attract these www.klhdunespreserve.org birds to control those pesky mosquitos. Martins are very State of Michigan EGLE graceful in flight and have an insatiable diet for most Michigan Department of DNR flying insects. They are excellent neighbors as they nest www.michigan.gov in colonies when they return from South America each Grand Learning Network, MSU Extension spring to enjoy the sandy beaches of Grand Haven. www.grandlearningnetwork.org Purple Martin Photos and Narrative by Joe VanderStel Grand River-LocalWiki localwiki.org Great Lakes Commission www.glc.org/lakes/lake-michigan MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant www.michiganseagrant.org Canopy www.canopy.org Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org Wildflower Association of Michigan www.wildflowersmich.org City of Grand Haven www.grandhaven.org Layout/Design Mary Angel Executive Assistant, City Manager’s Office Dates of meetings are as accurate as possible at the time of publication, however, meetings are subject to change throughout the year. Please check the following websites for the most current public meeting notices, information, and details of special events. City of Grand Haven www.grandhaven.org The Chamber of Commerce www.grandhavenchamber.org Main Street www.downtowngh.com Visitors Bureau www.visitgrandhaven.com