🌱 Week-Long Hiring Event + World Of Winter Festival

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Cold with some snow, 1-2in. High: 23 Low: 9.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. There are more than 500 positions available in the week-long "New Year. New Career" Grand Rapids hiring event. The host of the event, Express Employment Professionals of Grand Rapids, represents over 100 different businesses in the Grand Rapids area and will be recruiting to fill light industrial and skilled trades positions. (WWMT-TV)
2. In partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), The Grand Rapids Food Truck Association will begin this week helping to coordinate food trucks for the annual World of Winter Festival. Many food trucks, including local favorites, will be available at the 555 Monroe Ave. NW lot Tuesday-Sunday from Jan. 7 through March 6. (GR|MAG)
3. Winter is the perfect time to adopt a pet and save them from the long season of cold. If you're looking to adopt a cat or dog in the new year, check out this list of the latest pets available for adoption in the region. (Grand Rapids Patch)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Friends of the Library Used Book Sale at Plainfield Twp. Branch (9:30 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The Grand Rapids Art Museum will host a guided workshop every Saturday in January with no registration required. You can learn how to weave a colorful bowl. (Facebook)
• In light of the most recent winter storm warning and the coldest part of the year approaching, the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness shares locations of warming centers in the region and times that they're open. (Endhomelessnesskent.org)
• Midland, Michigan, native Mary (Kate) Berens was selected to serve as Grand Rapids' next deputy city manager. She has previously served as Deputy City Manager of Bellevue, Washington, since May 2014. (Grandrapidsmi.gov)

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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.