In this episode of Community Closeup, we sit down with Ted Diedrich, station manager of GRTV, to discuss what a vital community resource GRTV is and why public access television remains an important civic institution, even in the digital age.

Ted shares about how you can become an All-Access member of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, and he also talks about the wide variety of classes offered through GRTV and professional, audio, and video equipment available for you to check out as a member.

By creating the media and your own video programming, GRTV offers numerous opportunities for community involvement for anyone who is interested.

Episode Notes

• What is GRTV? An overview of the GRTV's mission and history.
• Membership & Access: How ⁠Grand Rapids Community Media Center members can unlock classes, equipment access, and media literacy training.
• Hands-On Learning: Details on GRTV’s hands-on classes in video production, podcasting, editing, and video production for all skill levels.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover how to support live events covered by GRTV, and how you can be part of the production team that shoots all five hours of The WYCE Jammie Awards.

Learn More Online: GRTV

On this episode, we welcome Brian Elve, Executive Director of Guiding Light, and David Madiol, Director of Development & Communications.

Guiding Light specializes in innovative Recovery for Men & Women.

Guiding Light’s four-month residential experience creates a culture of community, peer support, and accountability.

Their faith-based long-term rehab provides a structured environment, dedicated staff, and comprehensive programming with life-coaching, spiritual direction, therapy, support groups, psycho-social education, and exercise.

We spoke with Brian and Dave about Guiding Light Live! A Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction: Saturday, February 21, 4-6:30 PM at St. Cecilia Music Center

The concert is presented by Eastern Avenue Church, and all proceeds benefit Guiding Light’s addiction recovery programs.

Learn more and get tickets here: Guiding Light Live!

In this episode, we welcome Carol Moore, a historical preservationist and the founder of Hermitage at Diamond. Mary Reagan -Shapton, Hermitage at Diamond Board Chair.

Hermitage at Diamond is a space that blends historic preservation with contemporary art.

Built in 1875 as the Third Reformed Church, since 2017, it has been home to Hermitage at Diamond, a 150+-year-old former church in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood.

Hermitage at Diamond has launched a $150,000 fundraiser to complete the exterior restoration and install the final rose windows before winter.

The estimated cost for these improvements is $5 million.

Carol told us that donors are needed and donations are always encouraged.

To learn more about this special space ,visit: Hermitage at Diamond