On this weeks episode, we speak with John Gorney, Director of Public Works for the City of Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), The Recycling Partnership, and Prairie Robotics to launch a six-month pilot project. This innovative initiative utilizes high-tech cameras, global positioning systems, and computers on city recycling trucks. The aim is to revolutionize our recycling process, making it more efficient and effective.

In this project, Grand Rapids will utilize the technology provided by Prairie Robotics to retrofit the city’s recycling collection trucks with camera technology, global positioning systems, and computers to scan material as it is mechanically dumped from each recycling cart into the truck. The technology recognizes unacceptable items, such as plastic bags, polystyrene foam, yard waste, and trash. The truck flags such items in real-time, allowing the City of Grand Rapids to send customized feedback via a postcard or digital notification to individual households with information about how they can recycle properly.

Recycling Fun Facts: The national average recycling rate is 32%. Michigan's current recycling rate is at 21% and the City of Grand Rapids recycling rate is at 30%.

Residents can learn more about the program here

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower(in for Allison Donahue) speaks with Bruce Doll, Vice President of the Fallasburg Historical Society, and Bruce Ling, Musician/Band Leader, a long-time supporter of the Fallasburg Historical Society.

The third annual Fallasburg Village Celebration will be held on Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM in the historic Fallasburg Village. The festival will offer live music from 12 bands, a large artisan village, family fun and games, food vendors, educational opportunities, a tractor show, a classic car show, and more! Santa Claus will also visit on July 27.

Online: Fallasburg Village Celebration

On this week's program, Phil Tower speaks with Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, the Community Outreach and Marketing Supervisor at Care Resources, and Karen Altom, the office manager with Care Resources Christmas, about their Christmas in July effort for older persons served by their programs.

Care Resources is a West Michigan-based program for people 55 years of age or older that promotes healthy, independent living and helps keep people who wish to live independently out of nursing homes.

Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (aka, PACE).

PACE is a federal- and state-funded program throughout the country. The PACE model is centered on the belief that it is better for you and your family to be served in your own community whenever possible. PACE uses Medicare and Medicaid funds to cover all of your medically necessary care and services.

During "Christmas In July," Care Resources is asking people to donate personal hygiene products, activity books and household essentials so they can support the seniors they serve.

You can check out their Amazon wish list and make donations that way online.

Their Christmas in July gift drive will help them stock their Bingo Store and provide other essentials to seniors who rely on Medicaid or Medicare.

Items can be dropped off in person at Care Resources, 4150 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, or at Sabo PR, at 44 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW Suite. 300, Grand Rapids.

Online: Care Resources