No, Virginia. There is no St. Baldrick. Nope, no such saint. But there is a St. Baldrick’s Foundation. And every year, people around the U.S. and in some countries shave their heads to raise awareness and money to fund childhood cancer research.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Its name is a combination of “St. Patrick’s Day” and the word, “bald.” People who shave their heads are known as “Shavees.”
Things sure have changed since the event’s inception on March 17, 2000, at Jim Brady’s Bar and Restaurant in New York City. What began as a challenge between three friends has morphed into the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraiser to benefit childhood cancer research.
Childhood cancer affects thousands of kids and families around the world each year. It’s the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. The statistics are sobering: Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every three minutes. (Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.) And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined.
Approximately 1 in 285 kids in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. What’s particularly tragic is that at the average age of 6, kids will lose 71 years of life to cancer. They won’t grow up, marry or have children of their own.
“I can’t wait for the event!” said Patrick Schrager, who is organizing the March 6 event. This will be his eighth year as a Shavee and his third year running an event. His fundraising goal is $15,000. If you’re interested in making a donation on Schrager’s head, go to St. Baldrick’s website or call 888.899.BALD.
Now you won’t be blindsided when you happen across a bunch of bald folks Sunday, March 6, at 84th Street Pub &Grille (8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, Byron Center). Au contraire. You’ll know that they stand in solidarity with kids being treated for cancer.
For Laurel Scholten her favorite part of seeing the butterflies is watching them emerge from their chrysalis.
“If it goes just perfectly, they will slide right out and then there they are,” said Scholten, who this year is overseeing the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibition, which officially opens March 1.
In its 21st year, the exhibition will feature about 60 different species flying freely in the Gardens’ Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. The balmy environment, which is 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, is a perfect setting for the butterflies, according to Scholten.
“They tend to emerge more in the morning and especially when it is bright and sunny,” Scholten said. “This is because it signals to them that they are going to have better conditions to survive in.”
Approximately 7,000 – 8,000 butterflies will be released in the conservatory during the two-month exhibit with anywhere from 500 to 800 in the conservatory on any given day. The life cycle of a butterfly is about two to three weeks.
The Butterflies are Blooming remains one of the Gardens largest exhibitions with more than 150,000 visitors expected to come through, said the Gardens Public Relations Manager Andrea Wolschleger
“I think it is because of the timing,” Wolschleger said. “It’s a warm, sunny exhibition, a good reason to escape the cold and it signals spring.
“Also, I think it appeals to just about anyone. Whether you are 5-years-old or 55-years-old, you can appreciate it.”
A “Crocodile” by Mimmo Paladino is on display in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
New this year is the addition of more than 900 nectar plants that will add vivid blooms along with providing nectar for the butterflies. Also make sure to explore the conservatory for two crocodiles sculptures that have “wandered” over from the “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” exhibition that opens Friday, Feb. 26, in the Gardens’ gallery space. The exhibition will feature iconic sculptures from across the artist’s repertoire and new, never before seen work.
“The butterflies really educate people on a variety of topics,” Scholten said, such as pollution since butterflies are the first to be impacted by pollutes. The exhibit also showcases the life span of the butterflies emerge from chrysalides and cocoons in the Butterfly Bungalow, spread their wings for the first time, and are released into the conservatory. Also there is a Caterpillar Room located within The Seasonal Display Greenhouse featuring Monarch caterpillars.
“In fact, one of the number one questions I have is when are the butterflies going to be released,” Scholten said, adding that a sign will be on the Butterfly Bungalow with release times.
A butterfly spreads its wings in Butterfly Bungalow.
The Gardens also hosts a number of family events in conjunction with the exhibit. Various Children’s Activities take place daily during daylight hours in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, Tuesday Night Lights allow visitors to bring flashlights until 9 p.m to see the nightlife in the conservatory, and “Who am I” A Butterfly Ballet, presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet, is March 12 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the ballet are $5/members, $8/non-members, and free/children 2 and under.
Butterflies are Blooming will be up through April 31. The “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” runs through Aug. 14. For more information on either exhibit or on the Meijer Gardens, visit the Gardens’ website or call 616-957-1580.
This year is probably more straightforward in the big categories, but quite the troublesome hedgemaze in terms of technicals and short films and such. Here be my picks, complete witommentary, a confidence-inspired ranking system*, and binary Who Will Win/Who Should Win tags:
*The ranking system is based on confidence in each category. A score of 24 – since there are 24 categories – carries the most confidence, and therefore the highest point value. As the score lowers, start loading up on grains of salt. A perfect score will only make me look all the Wieser…
Documentary Short (2)
This is tough, as the offerings really run the gamut in terms of content. We have a Holocaust eulogy, an Ebola crisis piece, a piece on domestic violence in Pakistan, a Vietnam vet think piece, and a short on a Vietnamese teenage artist affected by Agent Orange. My gut tells me to go with Body Team 12, the Ebola one, though I feel A Girl in the River, the Pakistani film, deserves a look for the cultural horrors it produces on viewing.
Will Win: A Girl in the River // Should Win: A Girl in the River
Documentary Feature (20)
Amy is the one that will win. It’s inevitable, like other awards later on. Cartel Land and the Nina Simone piece were intriguing, but they lack the controlled manipulation that director Asif Kapadia holds in the tragic overview of the short starburst of a career that belonged to Amy Winehouse.
*The Hunting Ground was nominated for Song, and while I acknowledge some of its content is dubious and controversial, I feel the content and filmmaking should be acknowledged for its headway in dealing with collegiate sexual assault cases.
Will+Should Win:Amy
Should’ve Been Nominated: The Hunting Ground
Live Action Short (1)
I really have no opinion, having not seen any yet. But research is edging me towards Stutterer. Eh, might as well.
Will Win: Stutterer (??)
Animated Short (12)
History has taught me that if it has Disney plastered on the product (Sanjay’s Super Team), bet on it stealing the Oscar over usually much more interesting and rewarding things like Don Hertzfeldt’s jaw-dropping World of Tomorrow and the equally inspired Russian entry We Can’t Live Without Cosmos. They’ll listen to me eventually.
Will Win: Sanjay’s Super Team
Should Win: World of Tomorrow/ We Can’t Live Without Cosmos
Animated Feature (22)
Pixar has had this one in the bag since the film made a splash back in June when it was released. It is sad, because it was a really extraordinary year for feature animation, between the Ghibli coming of age drama When Marnie was There, the mimed hijinks of Shaun the Sheep, and the intriguing headpiece Anomalisa. Still mad that Peanuts wasn’t nominated, by the by.
Will Win: Inside Out
Should’ve Been Nominated: The Peanuts Movie
Sound Editing (19) +Mixing (8)
Source: variety.com
Fury Road really should have this in the bag, but research tells me assorted experts expect The Revenant to steal one or both for some reason that is unfathomable by me. Thing is, I remember the hellish soundscapes of the furious roadway, but aside from the bear attack, I remember nothing remarkable from The Revenant. Ugh, you people are all crazy, Academy.
In one corner, we have Best Picture front-runners The Big Short, The Revenant, and Spotlight. In the other, we have wild-card options Fury Road and the latest in the legendary Star Wars series. What to choose, what to choose…?
Twist my arm and I’d say The Big Short. If not, I blame John Serba.
Another one that I am proud to say Fury Road has in the proverbial bag. Just look at the level of creativity and imagination given to ol’ Immortan here.
Long Live Mad Max! Long Live The Wasteland! Sing, Brothers! Sing, SING!!
Will+Should Win: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Original Song (4)
Please don’t let Fifty Shades of Grey get past Oscar-nominee status. Just give it to Gaga and spare us the pain of remembering. My heart can’t take the strain.
Will+Should Win: “Til It Happens to You”, from The Hunting Ground
Best Original Score (21)
Tarantino’s little outburst at the Globes, spouting that Morricone has never won an Oscar, (technically untrue, he won an Honorary Oscar at the 2007 ceremony) basically ensured that H8ful Eight will garner one, and only one, award over the course of the evening.
That being said, Carter Burwell’s score for Carol was an exquisite treat that deserves to be recognized above Maestro Morricone, sorry to say.
Carol was a truly gross oversight by the Academy on two of the big categories (Director and Picture) and deserves every nomination and more. But I really want Fury Road to walk away with the night.
George Miller and his crew of lunatics crafted one of the craziest worlds ever in Fury Road. Frankly, nothing else comes close to its achievement in sheer world-building, even with its non-existent exposition.
Ex Machina and the under-seen Crimson Peak could also have benefited from some love here, but the Academy can’t help but shovel nominations out to lackluster things like The Danish Girl and Bridge of Spies. Heaven forbid we don’t give credit to the movies that will be remembered down the years as the best alternatives for sleep aids.
Ugh. Look, I like pretty pictures as much as anybody, but ‘Chivo’ has already won 2 consecutive Oscars, and his work on The Revenant proved more distracting than masterful. I much preferred the laid-back grain of Ed Lachman’s photography in Carol. Plus, lots of soft focus to increase the romantic tension.
Will Win: Emmanual Lubezki, The Revenant
Should Win: Ed Lachman, Carol
Foreign Language Film (18)
Son of Saul has been picking up a ridiculous amount of hype and awards buzz since mutterings of its power escaped the festival circuit early last year. Plus, it’s a Holocaust tale, and y’all should know how much the Academy loves that subject matter.
*Note that I haven’t seen any of the nominees yet, as foreign releases are negligible outside of the big, big cities (LA and NY), and Saul won’t see the silver screen in MI until March 4th. This is all gut instinct based on patterns in other award circuits. This is why there is no “should win” below. I feel I haven’t seen enough to make a confident choice.
Will Win: Son of Saul
Original (14) +Adapted Screenplay (15)
Another tough call. Typically, the Best Picture winner will pick up its assigned screenplay award, as with the case of the last few ceremonies. However, this is not always the case, as neither Million Dollar Baby nor The Artist picked up a screenplay award the night they won big.
In terms of original work, the Straight Outta Compton script could pick up the win as a peace-offering from the Academy for the #OscarsSoWhite debacle. But, Spotlight is the clear-cut victor of the bunch, seeing as it is neck and neck with The Revenant for the big prize. And Ex Machina gets a sympathy nomination knowing it won’t win anything. Cursed anti-science fiction Academy voters.
In the realm of Adapted work, critics and audiences have shown a lot of love for Brooklyn, the little movie that could, which could manifest into it’s only award of the evening. On the other hand, The Big Short had one of those scripts that was equally nutty and rage-inducing in all the right ways. Plus, Drew Goddard’s clever writing made The Martian the box office smash of the third quarter of 2015. This is a literal crapshoot, but with unbelievably high-quality pigeons.
Original, Will Win: Spotlight // Should Win: Ex Machina
In addition, Kate Winslet has been picking up mucho praise for her work in Steve Jobs; she even picked up the Golden Globe and was honestly shocked. This category, along with Best Picture, could go either way.
Will Win: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Should’ve Been Nominated: Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina
Best Supporting Actor (23)
For the longest time, it seemed like Mark Rylance’s quiet spy from Bridge of Spies was the easy choice, but Sly Stallone is another one of those inevitable picks that only became apparent to me once the Golden Globes hit. When Sly picked up the Globe, there was a standing ovation. If that’s not a guaranteed in for Sly, I don’t know if such a thing exists.
Add in the fact that his performance is one of his personal best up there with his work in the seminal Rocky as well as his turn in James Mangold’s Cop Land. His Rocky Balboa is aged, but not down and out quite yet. Stallone’s journey through Hollywood has been a fascinating one, and it’s time he was rewarded for sticking the landing in such a graceful way.
Will+Should Win: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Should’ve Been Nominated: Jacob Tremblay, Room
^+Steve Carell, The Big Short
Best Actress (16)
Brie Larson is, along with Leo and Sly, a shoo-in for her award.
She brings a true gravitas that speaks of her patience in the Hollywood landscape so far, and her role as ‘Ma’ was a star-making performance like nothing else offered to the Academy this year.
Now, that is not to say I wouldn’t be disappointed to see Saorise Ronan grab something for her delightful turn in Brooklyn. Both are equally deserving.
Will Win: Brie Larson, Room
Should Win: Brie Larson or Saorise Ronan, Brooklyn
Should’ve Been Nominated: Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor (24, Guaranteed)
Leo has finally got his Oscar, all for scowling over 2-½ hours.
11 years too late, as well.
–
sigh-
Will Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Should Win: I dunno. . .Fassbender?
Should Have Been Nominated: Michael Keaton, Spotlight
Best Director (9)
My dubious research into the depths of Oscar predictions gave me one significant bright spot/potential upset: George Miller will win Best Director.
At first I was in shocked denial, but then I thought on it more. The Academy loves to hand out career awards, and for once, this could work in ol’ Georgie’s favor. He’s been pulling his weight for nearly 40 years in the business after coming to it from being an emergency surgeon. And this career achievement award would coincide with his greatest, most impressive directorial work since Mad Max 2/The Road Warrior. Plus, AMPAS could see his effort as pulling off what Linklater did with Boyhood last year, with all his struggles, genius choices, and smart editing shining through his action-packed opus. Thank the Academy for that small relief.
Will+SHOULD Win: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Should’ve Been Nominated: Sir Ridley Scott, The Martian
+Alex Garland, Ex Machina
and finally:
~BEST PICTURE~ (6)
All right, let’s get this outta the way at the start:
My two favorites, Brooklyn and Fury Road, don’t have a chance at the top prize, unless the Big Three Choices split the vote, like what happened with Crash back in 2006. Frankly, that would delight me, but I’m gonna be safe and narrow it down from the Big Three: Spotlight, The Revenant, and The Big Short.
Of the three, The Big Short has been picking up the most momentum since it was a surprise Golden Globe nominee. It also won the Producer’s Guild Award, but that is it so far. It could be the surprise winner that takes the audience off-guard, having built up speed over the holiday and corresponding awards season.
The heavy hitter out of the gate is The Revenant, having won the BAFTA (British equivalent of the Oscar), the Director’s Guild Award, the Golden Globe for Best Drama, and numerous others. But, it has no script nomination, and no film has won Best Picture without a screenplay nomination since Titanic in 1998.
Spotlight is the tried-and-true pick of the trio, having won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble, the Gotham Award for Best Film, the Critic’s Choice Award, and the Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture. Its cast is legendary, its script has been lauded all over, and the direction was exceptional, considering the director previously made the universally-hated Adam Sandler vehicle, The Cobbler.
Taking all of this into account, here’s how I narrowed it down. Bridge of Spies leaves no noticeable impression upon viewing, it’s outta here! Room is out due to story structure problems I mentioned in my review. The Martian proved to be a crowd-pleasing box-office smash, but the Academy is still notoriously and inexplicably anti-science fiction. My beloved Fury Road is just too weird for the old fogies of the Academy, so I’m resting on it picking up six other awards. Brooklyn is the quiet innocent among the cutthroat Oscar race, so it’s doomed from the start. On top of all that hype, I’m knocking out The Revenant due to superstition over that phantom screenplay, and plus Alejandro already won big last year.
Between Spotlight and The Big Short, my gut tells me to go with Spotlight, seeing as the Academy could give it to make up for snubbing All the President’s Men way back in ’76 (which lost to Rocky, humorously enough). Though, my subconscious instinct tells me that The Big Short could be the troublemaker that flips the night on its head.
Who knows anyway? We shall see, Sunday evening. Until then, Witness Me!!
Will Win: Spotlight, I guess.
What I Want to Win: Brooklyn // Mad Max: Fury Road
The Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library will host a vegan cooking demo and tasting workshop this Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2 PM.
According to the KDL website event description, it is possible to embrace—or dabble in, if you’re like me—veganism, without forgoing “comfort foods like macaroni, pesto and chocolate cake,” and bacon. Ok, maybe I added bacon to the lineup. (But PETA says there really is vegan bacon!)
Why vegan? Aside from the animal activist portion (disclaimer: this is in no way a statement for/against/towards animal activism), you may be surprised by the health benefits spelled out in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition like “a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.”
The “Vegan-ize Your Favorite Comfort Food” event at Wyoming KDL promises an entertaining and informative Saturday afternoon to all who join, from the devout vegans to the skeptic foodies with one toe testing the waters.
Maybe you’ll leave a born-again vegan. Or maybe you’ll go grill a steak. Either way, you’ll go home with a few party-pleaser recipes and the kind of satisfaction only learning new things can bring. Take it from a professional dabbler.
Carrie Bistline is a freelance writer, blogger and marketer with an MFA in Creative Writing. She divides her free time amongst family, work, sports and Jane Austen, and uses what’s left to chip away at her every-growing bucket list.
It’s often said laughter is the best medicine. Unfortunately for many, laughter simply isn’t enough. So for the fourth year in a row, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (GCGR) and LaughFest are partnering with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network to host blood drives during LaughFest. The drives will be held February 29-March 3, 2016.
“We are thankful for this partnership with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network,” said Wendy Wigger, president, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “Many cancer patients rely on blood product transfusions. Donating blood is a great way for loved ones, and even complete strangers, to make a real difference in the health of patients in need.”
For every person that donates blood, Blue Care Network (BCN) will donate $5 towards LaughFest’s High Five campaign, which supports the free emotional healthcare, cancer, and grief support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Individuals interested in donating directly to the “High Five” campaign may do so by clicking here.
“Hundreds of Michigan patients are in need of blood every single day,” said Jessica Iloff, manager of community responsibility at Blue Care Network. “Whether they suffered an accident or are receiving treatment for cancer, these patients depend on lifesaving transfusions. Blue Care Network is happy to partner with Gilda’s Club and Michigan Blood each year to make it convenient for LaughFest attendees to provide blood to those who need it most.”
Donors will also receive a t-shirt, along with a chance to win tickets to see Michael Palascak, Roy Wood Jr., and other hilarious LaughFest shows.
Please visit one of the following locations for your chance to save a life, support Gilda’s Club and share some laughter.
Grand Rapids Donor Center 1036 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids
Monday, February 29, 9 am – 7 pm
Grandville Donor Center Grandville United Methodist Church
3140 Wilson Avenue SE
Thursday, March 3, 12:00 – 7:00pm
Michigan Blood wants to remind the public that they are the sole provider of blood and blood products for the majority of hospitals in Michigan, including Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. Donations that are given outside of Michigan Blood do not stay local nor have a direct impact in your local community. Donate blood at Michigan Blood and help save the lives of patients in Michigan hospitals. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate.Blood donors should bring photo ID. For additional information on donating blood, and to make an appointment, click this link.
About Michigan Blood Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is a fast growing, independent, non-profit blood bank headquartered in Grand Rapids. It provides blood products and services for more than 50 hospitals throughout Michigan and is an established leader in quality and service. Michigan Blood collects more than 125,000 units of blood each year at nine permanent donation sites and more than 3,600 mobile blood drives in 40 counties statewide. Michigan Blood has a nationally recognized stem cell (marrow) program and created Michigan’s first public cord blood bank. In addition, Michigan Blood provides therapeutic apheresis, cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and transfusion medicine consultations. For more information, click this link.
About Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a free cancer and grief support community of children, adults, families and friends. Its comprehensive program includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit their website.
About Blue Care Network
Blue Care Network of Michigan features award-winning disease management programs and the largest HMO network of physicians and hospitals in the state, with more than 5,000 primary care physicians, 16,000 specialists and most of the state’s leading hospitals. Blue Care Network is the affiliated HMO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, go here and here.
With spring just around the corner, a time when many people take advantage of the warmer weather and head outdoors, the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the first ever Wyoming Community Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, March 5.
“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This event was created to inspire the community to prioritize their well-being, and connect them to local resources.
The free event will run from 1 – 3 pm. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. About 20 different businesses, clubs and organizations from the Wyoming area will host tables and hand out samples, coupons, and other goodies. Fitness demonstrations, nutritious snacks, speakers, and health screenings will be some of the activities.
The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a sampling of its fitness programs such as yoga, Zumba and line dancing, said Valarie Mester, a recreation programmer for the department.
“We offer a number of programs through our offerings at the senior center and through our youth and family programs,” Mester said, adding this is a chance for people to try these programs and see what they are like.
Also on hand will be Shape for Life Studios, 1290 36th St. SW. Through its partnership with the recreation department, Shape for Life Studios offers spin classes and personal training. Mester said the studio representatives will be bringing in spin bikes for participants to try. Another recreation department partner is Metro Health, which will be providing health information.
Several other city departments will be at the expo such as the city’s water department, which will be covering the topic of clean water, and both the fire and police departments will be on hand to talk about related health and safety issues.
“It’s really about getting people more active, thinking about the food that they are eating and making sure they are visiting their physicians for regular check ups and screenings,” Mester said.
While a brand new event, Mester said organizers are expecting between 200 to 400 participants this year which is based on the number of current participants in the Parks and Recreation Department’s programs.
“The event is free and open to anyone, both residents and non-residents,” Mester said.
For more about the Wyoming Community Health and Wellness Expo or other programs offered by the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-3164.
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community
By: Mike DeWitt
What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.
“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”
That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.
Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.
Wyoming’s former tree planting program
A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.
“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.
Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.
On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.
While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.
According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.
With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.
That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”
Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.
Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”
With a mixture of returning favorites and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre premieres, Civic Theatre offers a season focused on the theme of equality with its 2016 – 2017 lineup.
“We kind of go through the selection process, put together the season and a theme just comes from there,” said Civic Theatre Artistic Director Bruce Tinker.
This year’s lineup ranges from David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2011 Tony Award-winning play “Good People,” about the disparages in class and social economics to the powerful musical “Ragtime,” a look at the equality of justice under the law.
“It’s our 91st season and I really love all of the selections,” Tinker said. “There a lot of first-time productions along with some returning like ‘Ragtime,’ which is one of my favorite musicals. The music is just gorgeous.”
Tinker, who directed Civic’s 2004 production of “Ragtime,” said he looks forward to reacquainting himself with the musical that delves into the hopes, dreams and struggles of the immigrants settling in America in the early 20th Century. The show runs Feb. 24 – March 19.
The season starts with “Good People,” Sept. 9 – 25, a look at class, poverty, wealth and privilege as Lindsay-Abaire contrasts the life of a single mother living paycheck-to-paycheck against her ex-boyfriend who successfully gets out of the neighborhood and becomes a prominent doctor.
“This is an incredibly timely piece,” Tinker said. “Lindsay-Abaire doesn’t write about heroes or villains. He writes about people. No one is great or awful, they are just human trying to make the right choices for them and their family amidst high pressure stakes.”
Civic Theatre then goes big in November with its premiere production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” “It was one of those things we had to wait for the right timing,” Tinker said of the company having never staged a production before. “It’s a great show for celebrating the holidays.” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which also contains an underlying message of acceptance, runs Nov. 18 – Dec. 18.
Dedicated to featuring a classic in every season, the Civic Theatre’s reading committee discovered the company had never done the 1930s comedy “The Philadelphia Story,” which became a 1940s film starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. This screwball love-triangle comedy, which became the fomula for many other romantic comedies, follows Tracy Lord as she prepares for her second marriage and the antics of her ex-husband who tries to remind her of love lost. The show runs Jan. 13 – 29.
Another classic Civic has never produced is “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the story of starry-eyed Millie Dillmount of Salina, Kansas, who has come to New York City to make her dream come true. “This is one that we always have just had to have the right mix and this year it just happened,” Tinker said. “We looked at the spring and thought, we need something fun and this show is it. Plus with all the graduations going on [during June], this show is a celebration of new beginnings and independence. It really just fits.”
The two family productions, both based on books, are “Holes,” Oct. 21 – 30 and “Fancy Nancy,” April 21 – 30.
Even the 2017 summer children’s repertory productions contain the theme of equality as the lineup includes the popular fantasy “The Neverending Story,” July 29 – Aug. 6, and “Hairspray Jr.,” July 28 – Aug. 5. “With ‘Hairspray, Jr.,’ even though it is set in the sixties, it offers not only a message of equality, but is about accepting who you are, mind and heart, over what you look like.
“Be who you are as everyone loves who you are as oppose to a certain type of person.”
For information about the upcoming season or for ticket pricing, visit www.grct.org o call 616-222-6650.
Most of Asia observes the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon as compared to the Western solar calendar. The celebration of the lunar New Year is perhaps the single most important and prominent event over much of Asia. Western folks sometimes mistakenly call it the “Chinese New Year” for lack of knowledge. The Vietnamese folks call it “Tết”.
Each year carries the sign of one of the animals in the “Asian Zodiac”. These twelve animals, in proper sequence, are: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the cat (also called the rabbit in some countries), the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat (or ram), the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig. Year 2016 carries the sign of the MONKEY!
Since the lunar calendar staggers a bit when compared to the solar calendar, the lunar New Year usually falls into the late January or early February timeframe of our Western Calendar. In much of Asia, this would mark the beginning of spring time and, quite appropriately, the beginning of a new year, a new beginning.
In the modern days, people who observe the lunar New Year would limit their celebration to three days due to their busy schedules. There are still some quaint villages in Asia where people would celebrate New Year for as long as three months, in extreme cases. However, the first day is always the most important.
There are many aspects of the lunar New Year celebration. The Asian people politely usher the ending year “out”; then they respectfully and joyously welcome the new year “in”.
Starting a week before New Year’s eve, each household performs the ritual of sending off the kitchen gods back to heaven to report the year’s worth of happenings to the Jade Emperor (the divine God).
During New Year, we can really feel the seasonal change in the climate; it truly feels like a new beginning. The buds and new leaves are sprouting on trees and plants. The birds start laying eggs and animals give birth to young ones. People also join in and celebrate with the rest of nature.
Spiritually, it is time to look back and commemorate the family ancestors. Each person also reflects upon himself/herself to recognize the negative things and mistakes during the departed year to improve upon or get rid of, and he/she solemnly makes resolutions for the entire upcoming year. It is also time to revisit religious beliefs in each individual.
During Tết’s time, lower ranking family members traditionally go to all of the older or higher ranking members and present them with good wishes for the new year. In return, older folks will hand out “lucky money” in beautiful little red envelopes and also wish the younger members well. This tradition is also extended outside of the family to show respect, fondness and thoughtfulness to friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.
The first person who enters any home after the turn of the year is believed to bring his/her good or bad luck into that home. Residents of each home are very careful about who shall be the first person to set foot into their home. People really avoid sad or unlucky subjects during this special time of the year.
For celebration, there are usually plenty of food and beverages of the best varieties. People set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. The dragon dances also serve to bring luck and chase off any evil spirit from the last year. There are games that are reserved mostly for New Years time. There are also cultural shows in the performing arts discipline that are presented almost only during Tết’s time.
Happy Year of the Monkey. May you have tranquility in all aspects of your lives, and may all your wishes come true!
Choreographer Torrey Thomas, center in the black and white sweater, and Julianne Howe-Bouwens who plays Deloris is far right with the cast of ‘Sister Act.’
To say Torrey Thomas was excited about Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s plans to present “Sister Act” as part of its 2015 – 2016 season would be an understatement.
“When [Director] Allyson [Paris] called I didn’t even let her get the question out before shouting ‘Yes!’” said Thomas, a Grand Rapids choreographer who has worked on a number of local musicals including Civic Theatre’s “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Legally Blonde.” It was no secret Thomas was interested in working on the musical since as soon as he heard “Sister Act” would be in Civic’s lineup, he called Artistic Director Bruce Tinker to let him know he wanted to do the choreography.
“I had seen the show, and the costumes and choreography, I was just amazed,” Thomas said for his reason in wanting to be part of the production. “I really have to give credit to the original choreographers for what they brought to the stage and the production allows me to bring my own special touches to it as well.”
“Sister Act,” which opens Feb. 26 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, is based off the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. The story centers around Deloris Van Cartier, a night club singer who witnesses a murder by her gangster boyfriend Curtis Shank. She ends up in witness protection with the only place the police feel she will be safe is the local convent called The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith.
“She really is lost,” said Julianne Howe-Bouwens who plays Deloris. Howe-Bouwens might be familiar to many local theatergoers as she stole the show as Gary Colemen in Civic’s 2015 spring production of “Avenue Q.” “She is really thrown into something that is so foreign to her. I mean, she is use to the glitz and glamour and is a showgirl and now she is in this place where the joy is waking up at 4 a.m.”
Julianne Howe-Bouwens as Deloris with the cast from ‘Sister Act.’
The clash of cultures creates for some very funny moments, but it also leads to much more: friendship and love.
“It really is a heartwarming story of a group of women who discover that they are so much more than what they believe,” said Director Allyson Paris, who was recently appointed as Civic’s new associate director and is directing her first full production for Civic with “Sister Act.”
“Deloris is destined to be there,” Howe-Bouwens said. “She is drawn to something.”
In fact, Deloris actually makes it to choir practice and after commenting on how bad the group is, the Mother Superior suggests she take it over, which leads to far more than anyone could have imagined. To discover the twist and turns to this story – along with checking out Thomas’s choreography – you’ll have to catch the show during its three-week run.
“Sister Act” runs Feb. 26 – March 20 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday with the theater being dark Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $18 – $35. For more information on the show, other Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions, classes and activities or to purchase tickets, visit www.GRCT.org or call 616-222-6650.
LaughFest, the annual 10-day comedy festival, is bringing back some popular community showcases and events. But that’s not all. They’re adding some new experiences, too. All told, there will be more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids and Lowell. Headliners include Seth Meyers, Kathy Griffin, Ron Funches, Anjelah Johnson, Roy Wood, Jr., Chris D’Elia, Bert Kreischer and Heather McDonald.
There’s an awful lot to do, but do take the time to explore these fun opportunities:
“What Makes You Laugh?“ The Youth Art and Writing Competition entry deadline has been extended to February 26. Students K-12 are invited to write a short story or poem about what makes them laugh. All entries will be displayed in Grand Rapids during LaughFest. The top three winners in each grade division will be awarded prizes. No entry fee.
Celebrity Lip Sync
“What Makes You Smile Exhibit“ is a LaughFest campaign illuminating what makes GRPS students smile. Check out the smiles at the Gerald R. Ford Airport all 10 days of the festival.
The LaughFestCelebrity Lip Sync showcases local medial personalities vying for the title of best celebrity lip sync in this singing competition. It’s a free, Fast Pass ticket event on March 13 at 1 pm at The B.O.B. on the third floor.
Teresa L. Thome
She’s baaaack! Two-time Emmy award-winning producer, writer and storyteller, Teresa L. Thome, is back with her three-hour “Unleash Your Creativity“ writing workshop on March 14 at Campau Square Plaza, 99 Monroe Ave. NW, above Panera Bread. Take this opportunity to learn fun, creative writing and improvisational exercises to inspire your best creative self. Registration is $25.
Named 2013’s Funniest Person in Grand Rapids, Nardos Osterhart brings her one-woman show, Halfrican sharing her life story about moving from Africa to America when she was five years old and how she juggles the two different worlds. March 16 at 8 pm at the WealthyTheatre,1130 Wealthy St. SE. Tickets are $10.
Nardos Osterhart
Where’s festival headquarters?
Gilda’s LaughFest Central will open its doors on February 22 inside the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), located at 101 Monroe Center. Here you’ll find festival headquarters for all LaughFest information, as well as a site to purchase merchandise and pick up “Fast Passes.”
What the heck is a Fast Pass? Well, it guarantees you a seat for most free LaughFest shows as long as you’re seated 15 minutes prior to the event start time. After that, walk-up seating begins and Fast Passes expire, leaving you to scramble for a seat, assuming there is one to be found. A bit of an incentive here.
All LaughFest members will have a chance to get the passes before the public can get their hands on them.
What does Beer City, U.S.A. do to escape the winter blahs? It hosts a week-long craft beer and even craftier cuisine celebration called Cool Brews. Hot Eats. From Feb. 17 through Feb. 28, nearly 50 local eateries will be showcasing special menu items, some made with beer, some paired with beer, all leading up to the 11th Annual Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park, Feb. 26 and 27.
Gravity Taphouse Grille
Gravity Taphouse Grille, 3210 Deposit Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, will be participating in Cool Brews. Hot Eats. for the second year. Chef Mary Hunter has been planning her dishes very thoughtfully for months, while General Manager, Jeremy Edwards–using his extensive experience with craft brews–worked to find the perfect pairings for each dish. Edwards explains, “The pairings offer a chance to compliment or contrast the flavors of each recipe.” Not only is each dish paired with a unique beer, beer is also incorporated into the recipe, used as a marinade, brine, or sauce.
Gravity will have three unique offerings during Beer Week:
—Beer-brined Chicken Wings using Unruly 21 Guns, tossed in a Sesame Shiso Glaze, served with a carrot and celery slaw (paired with Unruly 21 Guns)
Filet of beef marinated in New Holland Poet Oatmeal Stout
— Filet of beef marinated in New Holland Poet Oatmeal Stout, served on a bed of Butternut Stout grits, Gremolata, and a Stout Brown sauce (paired with New Holland The Poet)
—Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with a Black Pepper Fig Caramel sauce (paired with Founder’s Dirty Bastard)
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Brewers in West Michigan are a very collaborative and supportive group. With the explosion of the number of breweries in the state of Michigan, especially locally in the Grand Rapids area, the food industry is growing as well.
“Grand Rapids was well behind the curve,” said Hunter, “Our restaurant offerings were 10-15 years behind those of larger cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.”
The need for unique foods made especially to compliment the craft beer expansion has brought Grand Rapids to a new level in the restaurant world. Hunter explains that 17 years ago as a chef, she was the only female in the kitchen and that chefs were almost secretive about recipes and ingredients.
Aryana’s Restaurant and Lounge
“That is changing,” she states. “Not only are many women staffing the kitchens, but they are part of a more sharing and friendly environment.” Women are also a major clientele of the taprooms and breweries.
Cool Brews. Hot Eats. gives the local craft breweries a chance to showcase their styles, and livens up the restaurant industry in the dreariest month of winter.
“The relationship between beer and restaurants in West Michigan is pushing the limits,” states Edwards. “There’s nowhere to go but up.”
Across town, Aryana’s Restaurant and Lounge (found in the Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids) is participating in Cool Brews. Hot Eats. for the first time. Joseph Fragala, Director of Food and Beverage, states, “Restaurant Week was a huge success for us.” He hopes Cool Brews. Hot Eats. will entice people to come out during February.
Poached apple and rocket arugula
Fragala explains, “Being located in a hotel presents a challenge in some aspects, but it is also a wonderful location to showcase Grand Rapids upscale casual dining while highlighting the terrific numbers of Michigan craft beers to our visitors from out of town.” As with many local eateries, “farm to fork” local produce is a major part of their offerings for Beer Week.
Aryana, with Chef Andrew Sprite, is featuring these pairings:
—Poached apple and rocket arugula, toasted pecans, braised beer, and local honey vinaigrette (paired with New Holland Monkey Kingdom (saison/farmhouse ale)
Herb-marinated grilled duck breast
—Herb-marinated grilled duck breast, Michigan IPA-Asiago risotto, and fresh steamed asparagus (paired with Frankenmuth Brewery Batch 69 IPA)
—Dark chocolate flourless tart, flame-roasted orange coulis (paired with New Holland The Poet)
Dark chocolate flourless tart
Whether you are in the mood for just appetizers or want to add an entrée or dessert, this is the week to explore what the Grand Rapids food industry has to offer. Each chef has spent hours to meticulously plan the blend of flavors and special ingredients to tempt your palate. With the craft beer and brewery explosion in West Michigan, no doubt you will find the perfect taste to compliment your meal.
Do your part. Get out, eat yourself silly and beat the blahs!
Kalamazoo’s Big Boss Blues makes its first Concerts in the Park appearance this year.
After that brief encounter of chilly weather this past week, about everyone’s thoughts have turned to warmer weather. Well here’s something to warm you up: there is only 105 days before Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park returns to Lamar Park.
O.K., so it is a little more than three months, but to put together a 10-week concert series, the planning has to start almost when the last series ended. The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, which oversees the series, has been hard at work, lining up the performers for the 2016 Concerts in the Park and even have begun releasing a few teasers as to who is coming on the Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
“We like to say that we are continuing the tradition of good entertainment at Lamar Park,” said Brandon Simmons, who is on the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. Simmons is referring to Lamar Park’s history of hosting the rodeo at Fort Wyoming which was located at Lamar Park. The site also was host to numerous concerts featuring Bob Hope, The Oakridge Boys, Crystal Gale, and Huey Lewis & the News.
The Concerts in the Park series has done well attracting some of the most popular regional stars with this year’s line-up including the very popular folk/rock band The Crane Wives, Kalamazoo’s Big Boss Blues, Grand Rapids honky tonk group Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, rock ‘n’ roll group Foolish Plezyer, country group Kari Lynch Band, Tejano/Mexican/Conjunto music group Grupo Viento and The Legal Immigrants.
According to Simmons, more than 10,000 people were in attendance to last year’s fireworks show, always the Tuesday before July 4. This year’s fireworks will be on June 28 and feature two bands, one of which is Foolish Plezyer.
A total of 11 groups will perform over the 10 weeks. Simmons said the complete lineup should be available in March and that there is some big news to this year’s concert series, so make sure to be checking the series’ Facebook page and WKTV’s Wyoming/Kentwood NOW.
Also, the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission hosts the Music & More August event designed to give residents a last summer hurrah with three concerts, food dancing games and activities all in one night. For more on the August event, click here to visit its Facebook page.
Concerts in the Park is free. Lamar Park is located at 2561 Porter St. SW.
The 3rd Annual Cool Brews Hot Eats celebration kicks off today in downtown Grand Rapids.
Through Feb. 28, fifty-one locations will be offering specialties and classics alike in the celebration of Beer City, USA’s sense of crafted beverages and fulfilling food items. In addition to showcasing the local food and drink offerings, the event will serve as promotional work for more than 100 special winter beer events, including the ever-popular Michigan Brewers Guild’s 11th Annual Winter Beer Festival, which is happening Feb. 26 at Fifth-Third Ballpark.
Among the business participants are franchise locations such as Brann’s Steakhouse on Leonard and a few Bagger Dave’s operations in the area as well as smaller operations just outside of Grand Rapids such as Reds on the River in Rockford, Gravity Taphouse on the East Beltline, and the Bostwick Lake Inn on Belding Road. The event coordinators said they expect to treat thousands of foodies and brew aficionados around the region with exquisite beer-infused dishes, like Oatmeal Stout-braised pot roast, fondue infused by Brewery Vivant Farm Hand Ale, and brownies paired with Bell’s Brewery Double Cream Stout.
This event lends itself to variety, as not every beer celebration should be a stein-only affair. The locations vary from sleek and ultra-modern bar operation (Gravity Taphouse), to classic style inns (Cottage Bar), and middle of the road breweries (Founders Brewing Co.). I have personally visited only five of the participating restaurants, but I look forward to adding the other participants to my personal bucket list.
Source: Fox 17
This time around, the event offers an exclusive passport for the Brewsaders who participate, which is slightly different than the regular Beer City Brewader passport. Those who collect eight stamps during the Cool Brews. Hot Eats. will receive a Brewsader koozie and bottle opener as well as a Brewsader t-shirt.
In addition to the prize incentives, participating Brewsaders are eligible for discounted growlers and assorted promotions at more than a dozen restaurants and breweries in the event series. Also of mention are the hotel deals offered in the area coinciding with the event series, giving not just residents the chance to enjoy the festive and delicious happenings.
Citizens and beer enthusiasts from all over are invited to join the celebration, break out the old favorites as well as dare to try the newest brews and food combinations. Y’all have twelve days to experience the fun and the fulfillment of living and experiencing the tastier side of Grand Rapids food and beverages. Enjoy it while it’s here!
Explore science at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Camp Curious.
There is something new for this year’s Camp Curious program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum – a special Watershed Wonders camp.
The new program will utilize the recently added exhibit “Grand Fish, Grand River,” which explores how the Great Lakes region’s largest and oldest fish, the Lake Surgeon, once found in abundance, is now a threatened species. According to Museum officials, the exhibit will be used as a way to teach students about the endangered species in Michigan’s watersheds and what has caused it. Students also will be using the Grand River, which runs right outside of the Museum to learn more about the Grand River watershed and the creatures that call it home..
The Watershed Wonders is one of several Camp Curious programs offered June 22 – Aug. 10. The Museum’s summer camp program is designed to explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art and fun. For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4 – 14 can use the Museum as a learning lab.
Camp Curious offers sessions with a focus on a variety of themes from space exploration to building with Legos®, and from fossils to exploring what it was like to grow up in the Victorian Era. Camp options vary for each age group and are suited to their interest. Age groupings are 4-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old and 12-14 years old.
Registration for the Camp Curious programs is now open and officials say it is better to register earlier than later since some programs fill up quickly.
Discounts are available for enrollment in multiple camps and by registering multiple campers. Additionally, Museum members receive discounts off each camp.
Camps range in dates and duration, including Be Curious Day Camp offering one day sessions every Monday, each based on a different topic. Others camps are multiple days and have options between morning or afternoon sessions.
The Watershed Wonders program is in conjunction with Grand Valley State University’s Teaching English as a Second Language program and is available for age groups 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids. To register and to learn more about Camp Curious, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s webpage or call 616-456-3977.
Kirk Gibson, former baseball star and manager, will share his playing experiences and current challenge with Parkinsons as the featured speaker at the 10th Annual West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon. The luncheon will be held in the International Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at noon.
“We are very excited to have Kirk Gibson as the guest speaker for our 10th Annual Luncheon,” stated Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission. “Kirk is beloved in the hearts of so many MSU and Tiger’s fans in the state of Michigan and embodies the excitement, determination and grit that we love as sports enthusiasts. His recent diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease and how he has met it head on to fight this debilitating disease and help find a cure, continues to show that grit and determination he’s known for.”
As a player, Gibson was an outstanding outfielder who batted and threw left-handed. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Gibson played as the regular right fielder for the Detroit Tigers from 1983 to 1987. He helped the Tigers win the 1984 World Series. He became a free agent after the 1985 season, but re-signed with the Tigers and in 1987 helped them to win the American League East by one game over the Blue Jays in an enthralling divisional race. Detroit lost the 1987 American League Championship Series to the eventual World Champion Twins.
Kirk Gibson’s memorable moments to major league baseball fans include the home run hit off a Goose Gossage fastball in Game 5 of the 1984 World Series in old Tiger Stadium and another home run rip off Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series in Dodger Stadium.
Following his retirement as a player, he spent five seasons as a television analyst in Detroit, then became a coach for the Tigers in 2003. He became the Diamondbacks’ bench coach in 2007, and was promoted to interim manager in 2010. On October 4, 2010, the Diamondbacks removed the “interim” label, naming Gibson their manager for the 2011 season. Gibson left the role of manager in September of 2014.
The Annual West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon serves as a fundraiser for the organization heading into the next year. It also acts as a progress report, a reminder, of the success of the organization in promoting and hosting youth and amateur sporting events in the region for economic enhancement, healthy living, and creating vibrant community through sport.
“In the more than nine years since our inception, the WMSC has helped secure or support more than 500 youth and amateur sporting events, which will contribute well over $200 million in direct visitor spending in West Michigan,” said Guswiler. “We want to set a path for future sporting endeavors, yet also celebrate our successes as we have always done at this annual event.”
The luncheon will be held in the international Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis Campau Promenade NW. Reservations can be made by contacting Natalie Rose at (616) 608-1836 or nrose@westmisports.com. A table of eight is $650, and single tickets are $90 per person. Luncheon information is also available online.
As in past years, the West Michigan Sport Commission will reach out to area high school athletic directors and coaches to attend the luncheon as guests of the Meijer Coaches Corner.
While chocolate is obviously available year-round, there’s something sweeter about savoring it in February. Maybe it is because love is in the air—with Valentine’s Day and all. Or, maybe it has something to do with the way it warms us up during the cold winter season. No matter why you love chocolate, here are some events and shops you’ll want to check out this month (and beyond).
1. Big Screen Cuisine: Like Water for Chocolate – Grand Rapids: February 14. Join the Downtown Market and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts for a truly immersive food-movie experience. The evening (for those 21+) begins at the UICA for a special screening of the classic movie “Like Water for Chocolate”—a romantic movie about a young woman forbidden to marry her true love and instead she turns her passion toward cooking. Afterward, the movie is brought to life in the dining room of the market, where chefs will prepare a fabulous 6-course dinner made with dishes from the movie—complete with drink pairings. The cost is $75 per person.
2. MSU Museum Chocolate Party – East Lansing: February 28. Culinary competitors create their elaborate and edible masterpieces inspired this year by the movie Minions. In addition, the MSU Museum features exhibits showcasing a number of artifacts and specimens from the science and culture collections—a representing the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Proceeds from the annual Chocolate Party Benefit fund proper care of the Museum’s collections.
3. Chocolate Covered Boyne – Boyne City: February 12-13. This small Northern Michigan town, located along the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix, celebrates everything chocolate and winter over Valentine’s weekend. Events include s’mores and hot chocolate, a chocolate dessert contest featuring ultimate chocolate creations from area restaurants and a chili cook-off, as well as kids’ activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing and more.
4. Harvest Dinner Series: Root Vegetables & Chocolate – Suttons Bay: February 13. Experience the extraordinary Harvest Dinner Series at the Inn at Black Star Farms. The creative farmstead menu incorporates root vegetables and chocolate into each of the six courses, paired with Black Star Farms wines.
5. Love, Wine & Chocolate – Grand Rapids: February 13. Spend the Saturday of Valentine’s weekend at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery where special tastings of wine and chocolate are offered, for $12 per couple.
6. Wine & Chocolate Weekend – Jackson: February 13-14. The wineries along the Pioneer Wine Trail invite you out to sample different chocolates at each of their tasting rooms during this self-guided weekend.
7. Beer Studies: Beer & Chocolate – Bay City: February 15. Lumber Barons Brewery invites you for pairings of beer and chocolate, with their friends from St. Laurent Brothers nuts and chocolates. The cost is $20 per person.
8. The Local Epicurean – Grand Rapids. Learn the secrets to making perfect chocolate truffles during classes offered Fridays and Saturdays at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Classes are $59 per person and reservations are required.
9. The Love Spell Package – Grand Rapids: February 8-21. Treat your sweet to a day of indulgence at The Spa at the JW Marriott or the Spa & Salon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. An array of rose petals awaits as you enjoy the Valentine’s Couple Massage ($243). Relax with a 50-minute couples massage, chocolate covered strawberries and a glass of champagne. The Love Spell Package ($159) allows you to choose three of the following 25-minute champagne and rose services: a body polish, massage, manicure or pedicure. Rose petals, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries can be added to this package as well, for an added cost. These packages are available February 8-21 and are based on availability. To schedule an appointment, call The Spa at the JW Marriott at (616) 242-1475 or the Spa & Salon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel at (616) 776-6498.
Both Kilwin’s in Petoskey and Sander’s Fine Chocolates in Detroit offer tours of their factories, for a unique behind-the-scenes look into this mouth-watering industry.
Looking for a sweet-themed get-away? The Cocoa Cottage B&B built in 1912 in Whitehall is an Arts and Crafts Bungalow that offers a quiet escape with personal touches and chocolate indulgences. The rooms even have sweet sounding names like Godiva, Hershey, Cadbury and the popular Ghirardelli Suite.
What is YOUR favorite #PureMichigan chocolate shop? #MiChocolate
This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to prepare a weekend with your significant other because, and let’s be honest here, we know you haven’t planned anything yet.
If you’re one of those rare breeds who plans out Valentine’s Day months in advance, then you can use this for ideas for how to put a cherry on top of your picture perfect day. For the rest of us who just realized it’s already February 10, there’s still time, and here’s a cheat sheet.
For the sake of this list, we’ll skip dinner and go right to the good stuff. There are a lot of unique restaurants in Wyoming, Kentwood, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding areas to sit down and have a nice dinner. If your partner doesn’t have a favorite spot, try something new! There are a lot of great options not too far away.
Here are some couple’s events sure to make for a delightful Valentine’s weekend.
The DeVos Performance Hall will be hosting two concert events this weekend. The Bad Boy Reunion Tour features Faith Evans, Mase, Carl Thomas, and Case on February 13 at 7:30 p.m. The following evening, Tommy Emmanuel will perform his upcoming album It’s Never Too Late.
Searching for a date idea that’s a little more “hands on”? Well, the Downtown Market has three events for you and your valentine. The Couples: Valentine’s Day cooking class is offered February 11, 12 and 13 and is a great way to relax with your partner and enjoy small plate demonstrations, an effervescent cocktail, and a little bit of hands-on cooking. Before the meal, enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar Lounge and their heated outdoor happy hour featuring specialty cocktails, craft beer, and select wine.
Robinette’s is hosting their Love, Wine & Chocolate event on February 13 from 1pm to 5pm. The cost is $12 per couple and includes wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass, and a chocolate snack bar. On top of the items to tickle your taste buds, you can also customize a pair of five-minute earrings with Sara Neal. Sara provides supplies for earrings and you pick out what you want. The earrings are then made right there in front of you. No reservation required.
Be a kid again at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Want a unique date to bring out you and your valentine’s inner child? Look no further than the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s 2nd annual Grown Up Play Date on Friday night. Play laser tag, participate in a building wide scavenger hunt, enjoy local craft beers, wines, and ciders, and “grown up” pizza offerings from local restaurants. The best part? It all benefits the Children’s Museum’s programs and exhibits. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are just $30 per person.
Looking for a unique beer experience centered around Valentine’s Day? Make sure to stop in at Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery and Supply out in Ada. Gravel Bottom has two Valentine’s Day beers that can either compliment a desert or be enjoyed on their own. The first is a robust porter called the Lion Heart which can be paired with chocolates and raspberries. Also on tap is the Susie Q, a cream ale packing a bouquet of flavor with hibiscus and rose hips. Cheers to love!
When it comes to valentines, ice can be nice. Grand Rapids is hosting their 3rd annual Valent-ICE festival this weekend. The festival is to celebrate love and winter in Downtown Grand Rapids and features over 50 sculptures and more than 15 tons of ice! Much like ArtPrize, residents can walk around the city and enjoy the sculptures over the weekend. On Saturday, February 13, the largest sculpture will be revealed and Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield of Food Network’s “Ice Brigade” will carve the public sculpture from 6,000 pounds of ice. The final piece will stand 12 feet tall.
Valent-ICE is very nice
Single? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lincoln Country Club on Lake Michigan Drive is hosting the Rivertown Singles ‘Lady in Red’ Party on Sunday from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Both girls and guys are invited to wear red, a little, a lot, or another color entirely if you prefer – whichever makes you feel most comfortable. For $8 you’re privy to a cash bar, a dance floor, drawings, and a lot of singles looking to mingle.
Who says only couples get to go out and have fun on Valentine’s Day?
As the dreaded V-Day draws ever nearer, it’s time for us–and I’m speaking for all three of me–to take stock of our current state of affairs. V-Day does not discriminate. The day is significant for those coupled and singled alike, if for no other reason than to keep capitalism alive and well.
Just how much was spent on this “holiday” last year? The answer is $18.9 billion. This bears scrutiny and a bit of a breakdown: $52.2 million for flowers (a grand time for the floral industry and much deserved); $50 million in jewelry; $38.3 million on apparel (surely not woolen socks); $18.6 million on specialty gifts (use your imagination); $7.2 million on movies; $7.1 million on restaurants; and $1.2 million on salons and spas.
This last item I daresay I do indeed covet.
As for poundage and number of items, there was and will be plenty of that: 58 million pounds of chocolate, 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and 8 billion Sweethearts will be purchased for the big day. All added up
that’s $1.7 billion spent on candy. Billion. Translated into calories… well, let’s not spoil things. In fact, let’s change the subject: Pets like V-Day, too, because their people will spend more than $700 million on gifts for their furry family members.
Clearly, I am in the wrong business.
How was this allowed to happen?
Someone was asleep at the wheel and then things got out of hand and now it’s too late to take it back. Suffice it to say, the industry was born and now we are left to deal with it.
What’s so special about Valentine’s Day? First off, it’s St. Valentine’s Day, and this romantic tradition has its roots in the Middle Ages when people chose a romantic partner on that particular day because they believed birds started mating. On that particular day.
I’m as confused as you are.
Actually, I have led you astray–the tradition dates back way earlier than the Middle Ages; it took root in the late 3rd century. The historical Saint Valentine was an early Christian martyred by the Romans. St. Valentine was a Roman priest during the reign of Roman emperor, and church persecutor, Claudius the Second–also known as Claudius the Cruel.
Claudius believed that unmarried soldiers made better fighters than married ones; single fighters were less likely to become distracted by wives and children back home. True to his name, Claudius the Cruel decided to ban all marriages and engagements in Rome. St. Valentine refused to be a party to this injustice, so he disobeyed the emperor’s orders and secretly married young couples. Once Valentine’s illegal acts were discovered, he was imprisoned, tortured and beheaded.
I’m a fan of do-gooders just like the next guy, but what did Valentine think would happen? He must have known that no good deed goes unpunished. Still, here’s a really key fact: Legend has it that while in prison, St. Valentine befriended the jailer’s daughter and left her a note signed “From your Valentine.”
But why February 14? Hint: It has to do with the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love celebrated by the Romans in the third century.
The Feast of Lupercalia honored, in part, Lupa, the she-wolf who suckled the infant orphans, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. That explains the name of the festival, Lupercalia, or “Wolf Festival.” Pagans observed the holiday on February 13 through 15, and believed it averted evil spirits and purified the city, releasing health and fertility.
Young men in ancient Rome celebrated Lupercalia by running naked through the streets and slapping young women with “shaggy thongs.” Sadly, this custom didn’t survive the ages and you won’t find a contemporary equivalent.
Plutarch expounded on the custom: “[M]any women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped in delivery, and the barren to pregnancy.”
Why did the Catholic church make such big deal out of this centuries later? Sure, hands were struck. But nobody was hurt or Plutarch surely would have written about it. Can you blame the upper-class women? Certainly naked youths running through the streets wasn’t a common sight, and you know how out of shape noblemen allow themselves to get.
A more disturbing festival ritual involved putting the names of young women in a box. Men drew the names and, as fate is wont to do, forced matches that often ended in marriage.
In 496 AD, in an effort to rid the country of the pagan festival and replace it with Christian goodness, Pope Gelasius declared that February 14 be celebrated as St. Valentines Day.
(By the way, did you know the Ides of February is the 13th? I didn’t even know February had an Ides.)
Is it in the cards?
Which brings us to contemporary times. Remember when you were in grade school and your teacher had you make a valentine for each kid in class–even someone you really, really hated–so that no one would feel left out? That custom began in the 1700s among adults, only back then, people were more discriminating about to whom they expressed their undying love and devotion. People back then took this shit seriously. They wrote special notes and letters–some of which were quite long–each one handwritten on regular writing paper. They used cursive, by the way.
Later, in the 1820s, papers were made especially for Valentine greetings. These became fashionable in the U.S. and Britain; in the 1840s commercially produced Valentine cards surged in popularity when Britain standardized its postal rates. These cards were flat paper sheets with colored illustrations and embossed borders. Fancy, yes, but functional, too: When folded and sealed with wax, the sheets could be mailed.
But what would a sweet, innocent tradition be without exploiting it? New England resident Esther Howland received an English Valentine one year and thought, “Hmmm.” She then began making her own cards and sold them in her father’s store. Daddy was a stationer.
The rest is history. If you really want to know all the details, go here. Fascinating stuff. Too many fun factoids to include in one essay.
Leaplings, rejoice!
Now, a little bit about Leap Year Day because it’s important, may be the answer to many a spinster’s wishes and it also falls in February.
Leap Day was introduced more than 2,000 years ago to keep the calendar year synchronized with the seasons. The Earth turns roughly 365-and-a-quarter times on its axis by the time it has completed a full year’s orbit around the sun. That means periodically the calendar has to catch up. A Leap Y
ear contains one extra day—February 29—for a total of 366 days.
Not very romantic, but it gets the job done, plus it gives people an excuse to celebrate yet another thing during dreary February.
Indeed, what is a once-in-four-years day without something special attached to it? Some countries have a tradition—quite popular, I understand—called Bachelor’s Day, which gives women the opportunity to propose marriage to men on February 29. The hitch is that if the man refuses, he has to buy the woman a dress or give her money. The European upper-crust had different consequences: If a man refused marriage, he was obliged to purchase 12 pairs of gloves for the woman.
I can see great potential in this custom for the entrepreneurial female, especially if she knows for certain the man will not accept her proposal, but only if he pays her handsomely or she gets to pick out the dress. Gloves I (er, she) can do without.
On the flip side, people in Greece considered marrying on leap day unlucky because they believed the couple would be likely to get divorced. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Greeks are overly superstitious. As I am of Greek descent, I can say this with impunity. While it is part of our charm, it can–and often does–wear thin. (But to be doubly safe, I do have an evil eye destroyer at home always at the ready.)
Those sneaky Victorians
The Victorians have a bad rep for being repressed and prudish. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is much to be said about playing coy and leaving everything to the imagination. One Victorian courting custom in particular allowed a woman to signal various emotions without making a fool of herself. Yes, a woman was allowed certain liberties: She could flirt with her fan, as this behavior was within the protocol of accepted behavior. Here are what different signals meant aka Exhibit A:
Fan fast–I am independent
Fan slow–I am engaged
Fan with right hand in front of face–Come on
Fan with left hand in front of face–Leave me
Fan open and shut–Kiss me
Fan open wide–Love
Fan half open–Friendship
Fan shut–Hate
Fan swinging–Can I see you home?
The last one implies that the woman will see the man home, a true role reversal if I ever saw one. Could it be–indeed, dare I hope–that equality among the sexes was evident at least a little bit during Victorian times?
Looking for a Parish to enjoy a fried fish dinner with friends of Christ this Lenten season? Look no further than St. John Vianney Parish on Clyde Park Ave.
Starting this Friday, February 12, and continuing for the next five weeks, St. John Vianney Parish will be hosting their annual fish fry dinners from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
It’s an all you can eat meal consisting of fried pollock, baked Icelandic cod, baked potato or fries, coleslaw, rolls, drinks and ice cream. Macaroni and cheese is available for children, and takeout is also available! Cost is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (60 and older), $5 for children 12 and younger, and free for those under 4.
St. John Vianney Parish is located at 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW in Wyoming. Those attending are asked not to park in the handicapped parking spots, or enter the building, until 4 p.m.
Treat yourself or your loved one to an unforgettable night of food-focused entertainment. Enjoy the classic romance film, Like Water for Chocolate in the UICA Movie Theater. Then, head to the Downtown Market where market chefs will put together a delectable six–course dinner inspired by the food featured in the movie complete with drink pairings.
Chef’s Dinner:
– Cocktail: Mezcal, pineapple, chile, honey, cinnamon, and lime
– Green salad with crispy pork, avocado, and tomato
– Vinho verde rose
– Chiles in walnut sauce
– Chateau L’Aqueria Tavel
– Quail in rose-petal sauce
– Adelsheim Pinot Noir
– Turkey mole
– Langmeil Shiraz-viognier
– Oaxacan cream fritters
– Cocktail: tepache, blanco tequila, wild thyme, and lemon
About Like Water for Chocolate:
The youngest daughter in her family, the beautiful Tita (Lumi Cavazos) is forbidden to marry her true love, Pedro (Marco Leonardi) because tradition dictates that Tita must care for her mother. So, Pedro weds her older sister, Rosaura (Yareli Arizmendi), though he still loves Tita. The situation creates much tension in the family, and Tita’s powerful emotions begin to surface in fantastical ways through her cooking. As the years pass, unusual circumstances test the enduring love of Pedro and Tita.
$75 per person
Includes six-course chef dinner, drink pairings, and movie.
Like Water for Chocolate
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Movie: 3:00 pm
Class/Dinner: 5:30 pm
For over 25 years the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council has underwritten efforts dedicated to rediscovering and crediting the rich past of area women, including the history of the 115-year-old Grand Rapids Study Club, the oldest African-American women’s club still in existence.
During the 1890s, local women’s clubs proliferated so rapidly, and organized women into such a social force, that newspapers were compelled to create new sections featuring their plans and activities. These early accounts revealed that all women, from Grand Rapids Jews to Polish Catholics, gathered for self-education and charitable purposes. Along with the African-American Married Ladies Nineteenth Century Club in 1898, they hosted state and nation-wide gatherings to publicly denounce racist articles.
In 1907, five local African-American women’s groups, representing a small percentage of the city’s population, hosted the Michigan Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Delegates were welcomed by the Grand Rapids mayor and treated to gracious receptions and trolley tours. Hosts included African-American women leaders like Emma Ford and Mary Roberts Tate who began speaking their minds in public, on area stages, and in newspapers.
On February 11, in a program series of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Yvonne Sims and Jo Ellyn Clarey will tell a fascinating story that corrects errors and fills gaps in Grand Rapids history. They will reintroduce the Beverly sisters, address misinformation about Hattie – the first African-American teacher in the Grand Rapids Public Schools – and introduce her longer-lived sister, Ethel, whose contributions to the community were much more extensive.
Ethel Beverly Burgess (left) and Hattie Beverly (right)
While women community builders, especially the African-American, have often been forgotten locally, ignored statewide, and dismissed nationally, Grand Rapids women have been breaking down barriers impeding them from the very beginning. Only now are women’s historians pulling their stories out of the rich social environment that fostered their emergence onto the public stage. And their histories are now challenging almost every generalization made about them ever since.
Event Details:
Date: February 11, 2016 at 7:00pm
Location: John F. Donnelly Conference Center at Aquinas College – 157 Woodward Lane SE, Grand Rapids
Co-Sponsors: Grand Rapids Study Club & the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council
About the Presenters:
Yvonne Sims has helped lead significant community events as the Forum on Violence and won the Giants Award in 1986 for community service. As a native Grand Rapidian, she has served as a Lifestyles columnist for the Grand Rapids Press and invested in projects of the Grand Rapids Study Club, the city’s longest-continuing African-American women’s group. Her historical programs and oversight of club archives have been a major addition to local women’s history.
By profession a literary scholar, Jo Ellyn Clarey taught at a variety of academic institutions before redirecting her path into the world of local women’s history. She has helped document the achievements of lost women and forgotten events, including those representing early African-American women in Grand Rapids. Besides winning the 1999 Albert Baxter Award in local history, she has served on the boards of the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council, the GR Historical Society, the GR Historical Commission, and organized women’s history research and programming statewide and nationally.
Deep in the underlying caves beneath Grand Rapids sits an oak bourbon barrel waiting until the right time. Greatness isn’t achieved quickly. No, it takes time and preparation, age and experience, to grab the world’s attention. After a years time, the bourbon barrel will be ready to take on the world and re-establish its contents as one of the highest rated beers in the world.
The Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) is coming, and Founders Brewing Co. is preparing for their third annual KBS week.
“Mike and I look forward to this week every year,” said co-Founder and President Dave Engbers, “It is fantastic working with our wholesalers and retail partners to create a community-centric week centered around the release of KBS. We are so grateful to our West Michigan community for the support throughout the years and it makes sharing KBS with all of them that much more special.”
KBS is an imperial stout brewed with massive amounts of coffee and chocolate and then aged in oak bourbon barrels for a year. The beer will be available statewide on March 14 and across the nation on April 1. However, those here in Grand Rapids will be able to enjoy the beer a week earlier from March 7 – March 12.
KBS Week began in response to the overwhelming notoriety KBS has developed over the years and a desire to share that with the West Michigan beer-loving community on a broader scale. During KBS week, fifteen Founders-supporting bars and restaurants in the Grand Rapids area will each tap a keg of KBS on a day and time of their choosing between March 7 and 11. KBS Week will culminate on Saturday, March 12 with the Founders taproom release party, where KBS will be poured all day.
Below is the full list of bars and restaurants participating, and their tapping time, during KBS week:
Monday, March 7 5:00pm HopCat 7:00pm Rockwell’s/Republic 9:00pm Derby Station
Tuesday, March 8 5:00pm The Winchester 7:00pm Monelli’s 9:00pm Z’s Bar
Wednesday, March 9 5:00pm Gravity 7:00pm The Score 9:00pm Uccello’s: Caledonia
Thursday, March 10 5:00pm Vitale’s: Comstock Park 7:00pm Buffalo Wild Wings 9:00pm The Cottage Bar
Friday, March 11 5:00pm Village Inn 7:00pm The Meanwhile 9:00pm J. Gardella’s Tavern
Saturday, March 12
Founders Taproom Draft Release – All Day
On top of the tap parties held around the city, bottles of KBS will be available for pickup in the Founder’s taproom. The bottles will be released using a pre-ticketed reservation process on Eventbrite. Bottles can be reserved beginning Saturday, February 13 at 11am. and they will be available for pickup March 8-12.
From out-of-town? A handful of area hotels will be offering KBS week packages. More information available at Experience Grand Rapids.
While the nation waits to get their hands on a delicious Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Grand Rapids will be ready for brunch.
Just think of it: Watching the sun set over Lake Michigan from a campsite, secluded from the madding crowd.
Just that one simple thought.
Idyllic.
The stunning beauty of Michigan continues to delight residents and visitors alike, and one of the most beautiful areas, Wilderness State Parkis about to get even better. On June 23, a new campground opens there, offering both full hook-up camping and rustic, tent-only camping along with amazing views of Lake Michigan.
Campers spoke up and State officials listened. More than 30 percent of the park’s campers use tents and wanted more secluded sites, fewer amenities and to be away from the sounds of larger campgrounds, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. The design of the campground came from campers’ input both at the park and online. Most visitors will be able to see the sun set over the lake from their campsites. One of the sites is barrier-free.
The tent-only campground has 10 sites on the Lake Michigan shoreline, designed for campers to walk a short distance to sites. There is no electricity, modern restrooms or shower, but campers will have access to a common water source and vault toilet in a central location. The cost is $20 a night, with each campsite provided a designated parking spot.
Wilderness State Park is on Carp Lake at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. It has wilderness areas, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, multiple campgrounds, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and year-round recreation.
There’s a full hook-up campground as well, with 18 sites on wooded dunes on Lake Michigan’s Big Stone Bay. All campers must be self-contained because there are no restrooms or showers. All sites include water, sewer and electrical. Lakefront sites are $45 a night while others are $40.
The park starts taking reservations Thursday, Feb. 4.
To check camping availability and make a reservation, go here or call 1.800.44PARKS (800.447.2757).
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market recently announced a once-monthly artisanal Michigan Pop-Up Marketplace, which will focus solely on Michigan-made and grown goods such as home decor, furniture and art as well as locally produced food and farm fresh produce.
The Michigan Pop-Up Marketplace will launch May 22, and take place on the fourth Sunday of every month through September under the Market Shed. Hours will be 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“There is no shortage of creativity in West Michigan, and as we look to build on the mission of the Downtown Market, we are working to create more accessibility to artisan products whether they be in the form of food, art or function,” said Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Downtown Market. “By launching the Michigan Pop-Up Marketplace, we can provide a strong platform, resources and opportunities to small artisans and artists who are looking for a low barrier of entry to consumers.”
In addition to the Michigan Pop-Up Marketplace, the Downtown Market will continue to host its other popular programming, including the Vintage Street Market, second Sunday of each month starting May 8, free “Chefs at the Market” and “Kids at the Market” summer activities each week, with the chef demos on Tuesdays and kids activities on Saturdays outside in the Market Shed.
Guests can also enjoy Downtown Market Happy Hour, an outdoor bar featuring cocktails and craft beer selections from 4:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday starting in June.
Grand Rapids has become recognized as a destination for makers, artisans and food entrepreneurs. The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is committed to providing resources and opportunities for those entrepreneurs, while ensuring consumers of all background have accessibility to healthy food options. The introduction of the new Michigan Pop-Up Marketplace aligns with this ideal.
Remember the playthings you had as a kid? That favorite toy you took with you everywhere, even to bed–like a teddy bear missing an eye and loved to tatters? I never had a teddy bear, but I did have a cute little red corduroy horse. I don’t recall his name.
Such simple things we appreciate much too late.
Until Feb. 27, you can find a glimmer of childhood past and wax nostalgic at Holland Museum’s “Toy Stories” exhibit, a fun-filled display with hundreds of toys dating back to the late 1800s. It’s the collection of Merrill Taylor and her late husband, Tom, who spent much of their adult lives collecting antique toys, games, decorations and advertisements.
You know what? The Taylors sound an awful lot like my Aunt Marina and Uncle Bob, who are now in their very late 80s. Maybe you have a family member like this, too. Aunt Marina and Uncle Bob collected everything—and I mean everything. Kewpie Dolls. Beanie Babies. Mickey Mouse figures and dolls. Vintage teddy bears. Glassware, magazines, lamps. My uncle had a penchant for Quaker Oat cereal boxes–his collection was stacked to the ceiling. He also had a collection of gem stones, cat whiskers… the list goes on. Wait. It was my aunt who collected the the cat whiskers.
One really cool feature of the Taylors’ toy collection is this: They will let you play with them. The exhibit also has an interactive “Toy Lab” that helps people learn about the mechanics and science of invention by building their own toys.
The collection has been featured in Country Living and other notable magazines. There is no apparent theme, just a chaotic and delightful mix of toys. The Taylors have never sold any of the toys from their collection.
“Toy Stories” will be on display through Feb. 27 at the Holland Museum, 13 W. Tenth St. in, of all places, Holland, Michigan. For more info, go here.
2015 Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance was a smashing hit!
The month of February has a strong connotation with love. A large reason for that is Valentine’s Day and it’s celebration of romantic love, but it’s not the only type of love that takes center stage here in Wyoming and Kentwood. Both cities like to celebrate parental love – a truly unselfish and unconditional love – during the shortest month of the year with a Daddy-Daughter Dance.
February 20 marks the special event for both communities.
The Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance, hosted by Wyoming Parks and Rec, will be held at the Wyoming Senior Center at 6 p.m. The dance features both dinner and dancing for girls ages 3 to 15. The cost is $8 per person and sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. About 150 people are expected to attend. Make sure to register online or call 616-530-3164.
Kentwood’s Daddy-Daughter Dance is being held at the Kentwood Activities Center from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The theme is A Night in Hollywood, complete with pictures on the red carpet. The cost is $20 per couple and an extra $5 per person after that. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so make sure you register online (code: #147033A).
Two decades ago, millions of readers worldwide thrilled to the story told in the international bestseller Not Without My Daughter—subsequently made into a film starring Sally Field—that told of an American mother and her six-year-old child’s daring escape from an abusive and tyrannical Iranian husband and father. Now the daughter returns to tell the whole story, not only of that imprisonment and escape but of life after fleeing Tehran: living in fear of re-abduction, enduring recurring nightmares and panic attacks, attending school under a false name, battling life-threatening illness—all under the menacing shadow of her father.
This is the story of an extraordinary young woman’s triumph over life-crushing trauma to build a life of peace and forgiveness. Taking readers from Michigan to Iran and from Ankara, Turkey, to Paris, France, My Name Is Mahtob depicts the profound resilience of a wounded soul healed by faith in God’s goodness and in his care and love. And Mahmoody reveals the secret of how she liberated herself from a life of fear, learning to forgive the father who had shattered her life and discovering joy and peace that comes from doing so.
Chick-Fil-A has had its eyes set on West Michigan for a little while. A potential Holland location brought elated joy to many, but no significant progress has been made bringing the fast food restaurant to a reality. However, Chick-Fil-A fans may soon have a reason to celebrate as developers unveiled plans to build a chain in Gaines Township.
The preliminary plan was presented at the township planning commission meeting on Thursday night. The plan calls for a 4,877 square-foot restaurant and drive-thru located at 1545 Edgeknoll Dr. just south of M-6.
While the unveiled plan for a Chick-Fil-A has been met with excitement, there are still some steps to take before the famous chicken sandwiches become a reality. Approval of the project centers around the planning commission rezoning a vacant 2.65-acre property from office to general commercial planned unit development.
The township planning commission intends to hold a public hearing sometime in February.
If the plans are approved, the hope is construction will start soon and be completed by early 2017. The Gaines Township location would mark the third Chick-Fil-A in Michigan. The others reside in Detroit and Rochester.
Chick-Fil-A currently has more than 1,900 locations in 42 states.
When Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley unveiled his “Fun 5” list to Wyoming/Kentwood NOW back in October of 2014, it included a list of five business he was hoping to bring to the Kentwood area. After successfully bringing in Dave & Buster’s and Trader Joe’s to Kentwood city limits, Chick-Fil-A is looking to fill a need in Gaines Township.
Sure, it’s not in Kentwood, but it’s close enough! Now all that’s left is a Whole Foods and a Cheesecake Factory.
We’ll wait patiently while inhaling a delectable chicken sandwich.
An Alpha Wolf is someone who stands out from the pack in everything they do. Not only is the Alpha Wolf a power by themselves, but they’re at their strongest when they can impact others. An Alpha Wolf is always proactive in helping others and strives to set the standard for those around them. On a scale of 1 to 10, the Alpha Wolf is an 11 in everything they do.
This Thursday – January 28 – for the first time, Wyoming High School will be honoring six students in an assembly as ‘Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character’ for their exemplary character inside the school walls. Every student is eligible for the award.
The award recognizes students for character and treating others with kindness and compassion at Wyoming High School. Being an Alpha Wolf 11 has nothing to do with what a student does in extracurriculars after school, but instead focuses on what they do during school hours, as people, to make the school a better place.
Wyoming High School faculty, support staff and administration all have a say in selecting six students, two from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes, to honor with the award. During the ceremony, the six winners will be introduced with a personal description of why they were selected. A banner will then be revealed in the gymnasium recognizing the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character winners.
The Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character award will be presented in front of the entire student body, special guests from the Wyoming community, school administration, and the Wyoming Board of Education Members in a ceremony at the end of each school semester. A special guest speaker will be there to commemorate the event.
Not only will the students be given recognition in front of their peers and school administrators, but each student will receive a framed Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character certificate, lanyard, and their name placed on two large banners that will be displayed in the gymnasium and near the main office entrance of the building.
It’s a way for students to be celebrated for the little things they do to make a school environment friendly and something fun to be a part of. When the world asks for a 10, step up and give an 11.
WKTV will carry full video coverage of the assembly.
Hey Dads! If you want to see a great big smile on your little girl’s face, tell her you are taking her out for ice cream, or to the new Disney movie, or to a Whitecaps game, dressed as a fairy princess! These are just a few of the events enjoyed by the members of Daddy Daughter Time.
Todd Chance, creator of Daddy Daughter Time (DDT), has made it his mission to provide information, share tips, and plan events for fathers with daughters, this includes facilitating networking with others dads. Chance, the father of a 5-year-old daughter, states his basic goal to “get dads to spend more time with their daughters.”
The role of fathers in today’s society is changing. Although the media continues to perpetuate the image of dads as the lovable, bumbling parent, while mothers are shown as the glue that holds it all together, many dads are now practicing “intentional parenting,” trading hours at the office to purposefully spend time with their families. This is especially important in the area of raising daughters. Studies have proven that fathers are very influential in their daughter’s lives, especially true when it comes to self-esteem and decision-making. Meg Meeker, MD, who has specialized in pediatric and adolescent medicine, states, “To become a strong confident woman, a daughter needs her father’s attention, protection, courage, and wisdom.”
In West Michigan, it is easy for moms to find resources and support systems. A simple Google search reveals groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Moms In Touch, MOMS (Mothers of Many Seasons), MOT (Mothers of Twins), and even such events as a “Mom-to-Mom” sale.
For dads, such resources barely exist.
Chance, facing a divorce, found himself raising his young daughter as a single father. “I was required to prepare three meals a day, know the ins and out of toileting and personal hygiene for a female, and to fix her hair in the morning,” he laughed, shaking his head. Other dads have faced the same issues, being a single parent or not. For example, five years ago there were rarely changing stations in the men’s room. “Men many times get the short end of the stick when it comes to raising kids.”
Chance began a blog about Daddies and Daughters to give fathers a resource on raising young girls. Dads “know they play a role on how her life will turn out,” states Chance. He found hundreds of fathers on the path of intentional parenting, working to play a vital role in the lives of their daughters.
The first DDT event was a free ice cream social at Jersey Junction in 2013. The daddy/daughter date night was a success! Another signature event was The Big Braid in which dads learned the basics of hair-styling and the girls got a mini-makeover. Princess Night at Fifth Third Ballpark drew flocks of princesses, and their daddies, to cheer on the Whitecaps in lovely gowns and tiaras. The need for dads to come together to share information and encourage one another was growing.
DDT began scheduling regular free events, one each month, for the first year. Chance, who was working with vendors to facilitate discounts, was paying for the excess out of his own pocket. As the project grew the blog became a Facebook page, and then a well-designed website. This year DDT received a sponsorship from the Bissell Corporation, allowing them to continue to expand. “We wanted the events to continue to be free or low-cost so as not to stop anyone from coming,” states Chance, “However, we have found that the cost is not the issue for many, it is the convenience of having an event planned for them in advance—all they have to do is register if it is something they are interested in attending.”
For the first time, DDT has a membership program which allows dads to choose individual monthly events they would like to attend or purchase a yearly membership with full access to the website, all events, and a monthly newsletter. The DDT website offers invaluable information such as a breakdown on every Disney princess (a daddy need-to-know), a list of monthly events and activities in Grand Rapids, books and resources for Dads, and at-home activities to do with your daughter. DDT is not limited to single fathers. It is open to all fathers who seek to show their daughters how special they are while networking with other men about being the best role model for their daughters.
Chance ends each event with a mission assignment for both dads and daughters. For dads, it is to spread the word about Daddy Daughter Time. For daughters, it is to thank their daddy, give them a hug, and tell them you love them. The big smiles and genuine hugs make it all worthwhile.
“Little girls learn by watching the example of their fathers,” states Chance. As the concept of intentional parenting takes hold, fathers are no longer driven to work 50-60 hours a week in order to spend valuable time with their families. It is Chance’s passion that fathers seek to raise their daughters with purpose and love. With time and wisdom, Chance hopes he will see DDT branching out to cities across America.
Todd Chance – Founder of Daddy Daughter Time
Coming events with DDT include:
February 20, 2016 – Sky Zone and Sundaes!
March 5, 2016 – DDT Chocolate Factory!
April 9, 2016 – Spring Fling Daddy/Daughter Dance at Noto’s Old World Dining
May 21, 2016 – DDT Night at the Movies – “Zootopia”
June 19, 2016 – Big Braid 4 (Times, dates, and events are subject to change. Please check website)
Daddy Daughter Time is continuing to search for sponsors. If you are interested in sponsorship or would like to explore membership with DDT, please visit the website DaddyDaughterTime.com.
The Rapid provides necessary public transportation for students and citizens in the Grand Rapids area. Recent developments with The Rapid, and proposed decisions from the board, are leading some community members, labor groups, and students to perform a day of action and fare strike on January 27.
The Rapid’s Board is proposing cuts that would strip transit workers of their pensions and also increase the fare price by 16 percent. These proposals, and the resulting angst and action from the community, comes after nearly a year of failed negotiations between The Rapid’s management and its workers.
Currently, the pension plan is set up where The Rapid puts $1 per hour worked by an employee into the pension system without the employees contributing anything. The Rapid has proposed putting 5 percent of employee pay into a 401(k) style retirement account that shifts the risk and reward of investment returns to the employee. The union wants a guaranteed pension with less risk and is willing to contribute money into the system.
The issues are forcing community members to speak out and take action.
“I have been involved because I know that what The Rapid is doing to its workers is setting a precedent all across Grand Rapids, a city that already has a 26 percent poverty rate,” said Lindsey Disler, a student and USAS member at Grand Valley State University. “What the Rapid is doing continues to increase the already huge wealth inequality in our country.”
Flyer handed out by bus drivers at Central Station
Union negotiators have said management is refusing to bargain in good faith. Back in 2015, some union bus drivers attempted to distribute flyers to the public in order to educate the masses on the dilemma the drivers faced. The Rapid quickly shut down the attempt and threatened drivers with discipline and arrest.
In September of that same year, U.S. District Judge Janet Neff found that The Rapid officials violated the bus drivers First Amendment rights by stopping the handouts of the publication.
The day of action and fare strike will focus on riders refusing to pay their fares for the day. Riders are encouraged to politely inform their driver that “The Rapid’s recent actions toward its workers and riders is a form of economic violence that I won’t condone. Because it is illegal for union bus drivers like you to go on strike in Michigan, I am doing the closest thing that I can as a rider by engaging in this one-day fare strike.”
While the fare strike is sure to ruffle some feathers, it’s final goal hinges on bringing together The Rapid and the union to meaningfully sit down and come to a compromise that works for both parties.
“We care deeply about the well-being of these workers, because they literally keep this city moving. Until they’re granted a fair contract, we won’t be silent and will not stop standing up for them,” explained Disler. “The Rapid can do better for its workers.”
Last year the Humane Society of West Michigan had a total of 3,038 animals adopted into loving homes where they can spend the rest of their lives in happiness and comfort. Many people could not imagine living without their furry companions, and the recently opened 616 Lofts, located at 740 Michigan Ave. NE, is happy to announce that it will be a pet-friendly community.
Come join 616 Lofts, in collaboration with Hello West Michigan and the Humane Society of West Michigan, on February 4th to celebrate the pets you can’t live without! The mixer will run from 5-7pm at 616 Lofts.
Courtesy of Humane Society of West Michigan
The collaboration of the two groups has both directors very excited about what each organization can bring to the table for the community and for each other. Humane Society of West Michigan Executive Director, Tammy Hagedorn, said in a press release, “It is our vision to build a more compassionate community where all animals are given the care they deserve. We are thrilled to partner with 616 Lofts, who shares in this vision by offering pet friendly homes in Grand Rapids.”
Likewise, 616 Director of Development, Monica Steimle shared nothing but kind words and excitement about animals in the community and the collaboration between 616 Lofts and the HSWM.
“We believe pets are family and welcome our resident’s furry companions at all of our 616 communities,” said Monica Steimle. “We wanted to partner with the Humane Society of West Michigan for this event to encourage pet adoption and assist residents in possibly finding their new best friend.”
The Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) will provide animals available for snuggling and for on-site adoption at the event. 616 Lofts will waive their pet fee to any residents who adopt an animal from HSWM.
Local First will host its 6th Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards on January 27, 2016, at the Goei Center. For those not well-versed in the subject, there are six LocalMotion Awards including the Guy Bazzani Local Legacy Award, Triple Bottom Line Award (one longstanding business and one up-and-coming business), Mover & Shaker Award, Local Hero Award, and Change Agent Award.
The LocalMotion Awards began in 2011 as a way to promote best business practices and recognize the achievements of local businesses and individuals in the community, such as outstanding work in sustainability and making the community more vibrant and resilient.
All awards will be given during the Annual Meeting. Tickets are $40 and available online here. For descriptions of these awards and previous winners, go here. The event takes place from 5-8 pm at the Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids.
Nominations for the awards were submitted by community members and businesses. Anyone could nominate a local business or an individual who exemplifies the qualities a specific award honors. Nominees then filled out an application and took the Local First and B Corporation’s Quick Impact Assessment in order to provide sustainability metrics. An award committee made up of business owners and community stakeholders selected the winners.
Nominees for the LocalMotion Awards include the following people and businesses:
616 Development
AL&S Green Solutions
Art of the Table
Black Heron Kitchen & Bar
Bob Schulze
Boxed GR
Brewery Vivant
Butch’s Dry Dock
Catalyst Partners
Community Automotive
Coppercraft Distillery
Dan Broersma
David Lokker
Eastown Veterinary Clinic
EcoBuns Natural Parenting and Baby Boutique
EPS Security
Furniture City Creamery
Gazelle Sports
Girlfriends Fit Club
Globe Design and Vision
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids Wellness GreenMichigan.org Harmony Brewing
Harmony Hall
Harvest Health Foods
Heather Vandyke-Titus
iChiro Clinics
Ken Freeston
Kylen Blom
Landsharks
Love’s Ice Cream
Luna Taqueria y Cocina
Madcap Coffee
Mixed Staffing
Salt and Pepper Grille and Pub
Shawn Mielke
Silkscreen Marketing
Simpatico Coffee
Sip Organic Juice Bar
SO Awesome
Swift Printing
Tacos El Cunado
Thad Cummings
The Meanwhile Bar
The Pyramid Scheme
The Rapid
Urban Roots Farm
Women’s Lifestyle Magazine
Praised for her powerful command of the piano, unique interpretations, and clarity of sound, international performance artist Alina Kiryayeva will open up the Hempy Keyboard Series this Sunday, January 24th, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
Kiryayeva treats listeners to her “Moving Pictures” program based on the classical music found in famous cartoons including works by Chopin, Liszt, Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven and much more.
Kiryayeva, a native of Ukraine, performed her first solo recital at age 8 and her first solo debut with an orchestra at the age 11. She was the first prize winner of the Senigallia International Competition, Italy. Kiryayveva has also claimed prizes in several international piano competitions in the USA, including the Grace Welsh International Competition and the California Young Artist International Competition. She is one of the few classical pianists to complete both a Bachelors and a Master’s degree at The Julliard School of Music on full scholarship.
“Moving Pictures” has received rave reviews. According to The Imperial Valley Press (California), “Kiryayeva’s every phrase shone through with crystal clarity, the piano sang to the audience under her delicate touch.”
Kiryayeva has toured globally and brought her musical magic to Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, and Japan. Recently she performed with the Kharkov State Philharmonic and State Opera Theatre Orchestras, The Imperial Valley Symphony orchestra and New York Symphonic Ensemble Orchestra.
The SCA’s Hempy Keyboard Series is sponsored by Rex Hempy, Alan McPhail, Friends of Amity Meadows, and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
The show will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street). General admission is $10 for Adults; students 18 & younger are free.
By Victoria Mullen
