WestSide Community Clean Up      Grand Rapids, Michigan
Community Involment, culture Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Community Involment, culture Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

WestSide Community Clean Up Grand Rapids, Michigan

The event would not have been possible without the presenting sponsors Bridge Street Market and John Ball Zoo. Both businesses had big green initiatives launched around Earth Day. Bridge Street Market has done away with single use plastic bags and asks customers to bring their own bags. They also have reusable ones at their store for 10 cents. John Ball Zoo had a big Earth Day celebration and won a grant to help put on the party.

The event organizers Caylie Peet from The Grand Rapids Chamber and Timmothy Gillis from Rockford Construction did an awesome job putting the event on! Thank you!

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2022 Donut Dash Recap
Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

2022 Donut Dash Recap

On Tuesday February 16 at 6 p.m. the WestSide Stride had its Third Annual Donut Dash Charity 5K. The WestSide Stride is a free community run/walk group in Grand Rapids, Michigan where all are welcome.

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Introducing Parks Walter Slaydon
Our Team Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Our Team Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

Introducing Parks Walter Slaydon

I ended up having a boy! His name is Parks Walter Slaydon. Named after his Uncle Walt, Jaja (aka Grandpa, Walt Jr.) and my Grandpa Gutowski. Parks was born on my Grandpa’s heavenly birthday too - December 18.

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Mlive Article: Historic Red Lion sign returning to Bridge Street in Grand Rapids in time for ArtPrize
Community Involment, culture Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Community Involment, culture Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

Mlive Article: Historic Red Lion sign returning to Bridge Street in Grand Rapids in time for ArtPrize

The Red Lion, known for its chili covered hot dogs, was originally located nearby at 449 Bridge Street NW. After closing in 2004, the building was demolished more than a decade later. A new building, home to Bridge Street Lofts and Condado Tacos, was built in its place.

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Cool Bridge Street History
culture, Community Involment, Education Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon culture, Community Involment, Education Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

Cool Bridge Street History

404 Bridge N.W. The Oroiquis Building. Built in 1893, this structure has housed meat markets, grocery stores, a bakery, and a shoe store. The upper floors have been used as a rooming house and as a hotel. Swift Printing Company, owned by Walter & Amy Gutowski, Jr., has occupied the retail space on the ground floor of the building since 1954. (The Paper, July 6-12, 2000, p. 5.)

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