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Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids to Rededicate Hebe Fountain

Award recipients stand on stage at the gala displaying their certificate

LANSING, Mich.— Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the long-awaited return of the historic Hebe Fountain to its campus at 3000 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids on July 8, 2023, at 2 p.m.

The event is open to the public and media are invited to attend to capture the ribbon cutting and remarks by Anne Zerbe, executive director of MVH; Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for MVH; and Bruce Kalish, chaplain of MVHGR. Robert Troost, vice president of the MVHGR member council, will lead the pledge of allegiance with the National Anthem performed by Senior Sing Along. The West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will be presenting the colors. 

The fountain, established by J.L. Mott Iron Works in 1893 and designated as a local landmark by the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission in November of 1990, has been adored by veteran members and visitors to the campus. Due to weather and deferred maintenance, the fountain became inoperable and was shutoff in 2019. After an extensive capital campaign raised $103,000 directly from the community, the fountain was dismantled and sent to Robinson Iron to undergo a complete restoration. The project includes a new water pump system, a new foundation and water reservoir and a restoration of the adjacent drinking water fountain. B-roll footage and images of the Hebe Fountain project are available for download at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWVwXx5.

Media should plan to be in place no later than 1:45 p.m. and RSVP to Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or krollm2@michigan.gov.


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