March 16, 8:30-11:00am
Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire Dr NE
Say "Hello, neighbor!" over a great stack of pancakes. This year, you'll have opportunity to connect with lots of community resources, including:
How to throw a block party
Creston Neighborhood Welcome Kits: is there a home for rent or for sale on your block? Pick up a Welcome Kit for your new neighbor. They'll get lots community info and goodies provided by our business neighbors.
Learn about Catherine's Health Center
Grand Rapids Fire Department smoke detector & carbon monoxide detector program
Everyone is welcome to attend the Pancake Breakfast!
$7/person or $25/household FREE to current CNA members, thanks to event sponsor Switchback Gear Exchange!
Sign up for the first time or renew your $25 household membership at our website.
You can also pop a check in the mail and send it to 205 Carrier St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Why become a CNA member? Membership says,"I support the community building work of the Creston Neighborhood Association."
True to our name, CNA is an association of neighbors, which means that everything we do is directed by and carried out by Creston residents. Curious about what we've been doing together?
Neighbors of Buffalo Ave, Page St, Carman Ave, Spencer St, and Creston Church gathered last month to discuss the best use of their community garden. Neighbors want space to garden as well as play space for neighborhood children. If you're interested in learning more about community gardening opportunities in Creston, contact Megan Kruis at mkruis@crestongr.com.
Living Green in Creston is planning a Creston Native Plant Initiative which will include an event series and the opportunity to recieve native plants for your own yard, pending grant funding. LGC is working on the maintanence of public spaces like biortentention bulb-outs and the Briggs Park Butterfly Garden.
The Land Use Committee has heard several interesting presentations in recent months: United Commercial Services plans to bring new jobs to Creston when they renovate the old Creston Medical Building and relocate their headquarters there. The DAAC and Gaia Cafe are teaming up to renovate 1553 Plainfield Ave NE. Medical marijuana companies who hope to set up shop in Grand Rapids are required to create Good Neighbor Plans and work with neighborhood groups. We heard our first presentation on the subject in February.
The Safety & Welcoming Committee has lots of ideas to help us connect to one another: Do you have a new neighbor on your block? Bring them a Creston Neighborhood Association Welcome Kit. Do you want to work with your neighbors to organize a block party? Stay tuned for our forthcoming Block Party Toolkit. Want to proclaim your love of Creston? You'll want a Friend of Creston yard sign when they are available this spring.
2019 is our 40th Anniversary year! A committee has formed to create history booklet and plan a series of events to celebrate. In partnership with Calvin College, we will conduct primary history research about Creston and create a walking tour and an exhibit about our shared history. Do you have stories about Creston or photos or mementos of important events in Creston's history? Would your business like to sponsor our celebration events? Contact executive director Megan Kruis: 616-454-7900 or mkruis@crestongr.com. This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
A small group of neighbors is working to redesign the Creston Neighborhood Association's website. This long overdue project needs financial and in-kind contributions. Can you help? Contact Megan at mkruis@crestongr.com.
Monday, February 18, 5:30-6:30pm
At Creston Church, 238 Spencer St. NE
Get there on foot, by bus, or park in the city parking lot on Spencer.
"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." -Michael Pollan
The Living Green in Creston committee invites you to get together and try a Meatless Monday. As worries about carbon emissions mount leading scientists from around the world agree that reducing or eliminating animal products from our diets may be the best way individuals can reduce carbon emissions. Whether you are just curious or a lifelong vegan we encourage you to join us!
Potluck items should be vegetarian or vegan and labeled as such with an ingredients list. For questions or recipe ideas email CNA Board Member and Living Green in Creston member Mandi Michielsen at mandimichielsen@gmail.com.
The focus of these events are about the environmental impacts of livestock production. Vegan items are encouraged, though vegetarian items are welcomed. This is a safe place to ask questions if you are not sure of the difference.
Please bring your own place setting if you can. Attendees will be expected to wash their own dishes. Highly recommended that you bring a copy of your recipe or share on Facebook!
Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community Celebration from 4-6pm
Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University
401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Come together with Grand Rapids residents, owners of locally owned businesses and other stakeholders to learn about strategies and resources to strengthen neighborhoods and lift up equity throughout the city of Grand Rapids. Workshop topics will include education, business, everyday equity, housing and more.
REGISTER NOW. Breakfast and lunch and an end of event Community Celebration are provided.
Childcare is available, but space is limited! Sign up now! After you submit your own registration, your confirmation email will direct you to register each child.
Thursday, May 2, 2019, 6-9pm
Golden Age at Creston Brewery
1504 Plainfield Ave NE
Currently seeking sponsors and volunteers for Creston's most fun and engaging evening.
Contact Megan Kruis if you want ot help make it happen: mkruis@crestongr.com.
