Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony is Fun, Festive and Free!

November 30, 2015Holidays, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventscandy cane hunt, carriage rides, elves express gift shop, festive, free, fun, hay rides, kentwood public library, santa, tree lighting ceremonyJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

A lot of hard work goes into planning and executing a tree lighting ceremony.

We won’t go into specifics now (we will share some fun historical facts later), but do not miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Kentwood Public Library, 4950 Breton Rd. SE, on Wednesday, December 2 from 6-8 pm.

Please take note… this is a new location from years past.

Free for the whole family, the fun begins at 6 pm with a Candy Cane Hunt. Also beginning at 6 pm are Carriage Rides and Hay Rides, new this year. Enjoy light refreshments from 6-6:45, and then be sure to stick around for the main event at 6:45, the Tree Lighting Ceremony. It will put you in a festive mood, assuming you’re not already there mentally. And if you are, be prepared to get even more amped up, thanks to the music performed by the EKHS Jazz Band.

If you want photos with Santa–he’s a good sport, so be kind–bring your own camera. Even more fun awaits: From 4-8 pm, kids and adults are welcome to buy presents at the Elves Express Gift Shop where all gifts—suitable for all ages—are just $2 each.

Tree lighting ceremonies often go unappreciated, and that’s a shame. The custom harks back to 18th-century Germany when candles were used to decorate family Christmas trees in upper-class homes. I’ve often wondered how they got the candles to stay put without burning down the house. And then I found out: Those old-timey, creative geniuses glued the candles to a tree branch with melted wax or used pins to attach the candles. Still a hazardous proposition, in my opinion. It wasn’t until around 1890 that candle holders came into use and later, between 1902 and 1914, cute little lanterns and glass balls held the candles in place.

Christmas lights, holiday lights, twinkle lights, midget bulbs, Italian lights, mini lights (and in the UK, fairy lights)–a light by any other name still illuminates. Early electric Christmas lights came on the scene in the 1880s, no doubt preventing countless holiday fires caused by candles.

There is a dark side to holiday lights, alas, and it has to do with recycling. Amazingly, more than 20 million pounds of discarded holiday lights are shipped to the Christmas light recycling capital of the world, aka Shijiao, China. This unfortunate custom began around 1990 because of–you guessed it–cheap labor and dismal environmental standards. Details here.

We certainly don’t intend this as a downer, but it’s important to not take our holiday light consumption, er, lightly. Suffice it to say that safer techniques are now used to separate out the elements, and everything is recycled: Glass, copper, plastic and brass. Plus, each year, new-fangled, energy-efficient and even longer-lasting lights come on the scene. Perhaps there will come a day when very few need to be recycled.

It’s a pleasant thought, right?

Traverse City Companies Design & Publish Commemorative Book Highlighting the Super Bowl’s 50 Historic Years

November 29, 2015Citizen Journalism, Reviews, Upcoming EventsDianna Higgs Stampfler, Promote Michigan, Super Bowl 50, Traverse City BooksJoanne

“As a player, it says everything about you if you made the Hall of Fame.
But, then again, boy… there’s something about winning a Super Bowl.” – Terry Bradshaw

By: Dianna Higgs-Stampfler

The Super Bowl will reach a milestone on February 7, 2016 with the observance of its 50th “Golden Jubilee” game to be held at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California—home of the San Francisco 49ers. In celebration of this milestone, Traverse City-based JKR Ventures has released a commemorative book focused on the long-standing history of “The World’s Greatest Entertainment Event.”

Super Bowl 50: Celebrating Fifty Years of America’s Greatest Game is written by acclaimed sportswriter Bethany Bradsher, with a foreword written by Super Bowl Champion and retired San Francisco 49er Dwight Clark. With 344 action-packed full-color pages, including more than 650 photographs, the book is bound to score with football fans around the world. This must-have book unveils the whole Super Bowl experience, one that most fans could never access.

Jerry Jenkins, founder and CEO of the publishing services firm Jenkins Group, and colleagues Brett Karis and Ron Harris, are investment partners for the book, under the JKR Ventures brand. They in turn partnered with Greenlight Marketing in Traverse City to create the book layout and design.

“I’ve seen a fair number of Super Bowl books over the years, and most of them were written for the football enthusiast,” shares Jenkins. “Not many images, too many statistics, and somewhat bland design and content. We wanted to create a book that not only covers the games, but also captures the cultural celebration that the Super Bowl has become.”

Through never before released anecdotes, photos and facts, Super Bowl 50: Celebrating Fifty Years of America’s Greatest Game brings readers behind the curtain to experience this spectacle in an unprecedented manner. It highlights the games, players and coaches, as well as the diverse activities and fun beyond the gridiron.

Story headlines like “The Clydesdales,” “Super Bowl Party Food,” “Media Frenzy” and “The Evolution of Halftime” illustrate how this book showcases elements of the Super Bowl to which even non-sports fans gravitate. Every page in Super Bowl 50 is guaranteed to bring back a Super Bowl memory (heartwarming or heartbreaking).

“What I first envisioned was a book not just for a sports nut, but for every person who watches the Super Bowl for the halftime shows, commercials, and the ceremony of it all,” says Jenkins.

With over 500 images, “Fun Facts,” a multi-page timeline of all 50 halftime acts, and even a salute to the beloved Detroit Lions (a no-show at the Super Bowl, if you’ve been keeping track), the book content will stand out against any other of its kind on bookshelves.

“We typically collaborate with clients who need marketing assistance – advertising, websites, branding, and the like,” says Kevin Gillespie, owner and creative director of Greenlight Marketing in Traverse City. “But this was a once-in-a-lifetime project, and our entire team of designers and project managers were on board.”

The Super Bowl is much more than just a game, and Super Bowl 50: Celebrating Fifty Years of America’s Greatest Game covers them all:

The Games
◦ Super Bowl I (actually called “The AFL-NFL World Championship”)
◦ Last season’s breathtaking game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots

The Players
◦ The stars (Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers)
◦ The ones who never made it to a Super Bowl (Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions)

The Coaches
◦ Vince Lombardi (Green Bay Packers)
◦ Bill Parcells (New York Giants)

The Halftime Show
◦ Michael Jackson
◦ Janet Jackson’s “Wardrobe malfunction”

The Commercials
◦ Apple’s debut in 1984
◦ Mean Joe Greene for Coca Cola: “Hey, kid, catch!”

The “oddities”
◦ The Chicago Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle”
◦ The “Blackout” game at the Super Dome

The Audience
◦ The international appeal, making the Super Bowl the #1 sporting event in the world
◦ Super Bowl Parties

Author Bradsher comprehensively narrates details about the Super Bowl and all the festivities and pomp around it, offering all fans unparalleled access. In Super Bowl 50: Celebrating Fifty Years of America’s Greatest Game, she’s analyzed the unforgettable plays, players and coaches; even researching how much beer, chips and dips are consumed (and what the consensus is for “Favorite Super Bowl Snack.”)

Two editions of Super Bowl 50: Celebrating Fifty Years of America’s Greatest Game are available: a commemorative hardcover edition, with football grain textured cover material, gold foil, and laces embossed on the spine ($49.95), and a softcover edition ($29.95). Both editions are timeless keepsakes, and were released in September to coincide with the kickoff of the 2015 NFL season. They are available in bookstores nationwide and at www.SuperBowl50Book.com.

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!

Enjoy the Art of Giving at UICA’s 27th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market

November 28, 2015Holidays, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventsceramic art, fiber arts, Holiday Arts' Market, painting, Steelcase Town Hall, UICAJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

If you had the choice of receiving a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift or something that was mass-produced, which would you want? I know what I’d choose–something made from the heart, providing it is artfully made, of course. There is artful, and then there is “artful.” A family member once made me an “artful” sweatshirt. I still can’t talk about it.

Normally I make paintings specific to each gift recipient; it beats buying a soulless item from a big box store, although such gifts have their place. Back in the ’60s, my dad built a color TV from a kit–remember Heathkit?–but not everyone has the patience and expertise to do something like that. Plus, Heathkit is no more. And it wasn’t all that much fun for the rest of the family because Dad was overly picky and constantly adjusting the contrast and color on the TV even while we were watching it. This was especially devastating when Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom came on, and he wouldn’t quit until it was perfect. Which it never was.

Thinking back, I have a hunch he built his oscilloscope and tube tester from Heathkit kits as well. I was in love with that tube tester, but only rarely would he let me test any tubes, and only if I caught him testing some. He was so darn secretive about it.

Anyway, I digress. I usually make paintings for my special recipients, but this year I’m not; my paints and other art supplies are packed away because I’m moving soon. No problem, thanks to UICA’s fabulous Holiday Artists’ Market.

Here are only some of the cool things you’ll find this year: Beautifully crafted gifts and goods from dozens of regional artists—from jewelry, home goods, and fine art to holiday cards, accessories, and toys. Live music by The Kent County String Band Friday 6-8 pm for your enjoyment, and local food and beverage vendors both days while you shop… plus craft stations for kids and grown-ups, and a photo booth. You can even create your own gift wrap.

This year the UICA Holiday Artists’ Market is at the Steelcase Town Hall, 901 44^th St. SE, Grand Rapids so you can browse, meet the artists and have more room to stroll. Admission and parking are both FREE at this two-day event.

It’s a win-win-win: Not only will your gift recipient be pleased and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you made someone feel very special, but you’ll be supporting local artists, too. Here are even more cool things you’ll find… and this by no means an exhaustive list:

– Woodcuts

– One-of-a-kind assemblages

– Handcrafted leather work

– Sculpture

– Earthenware

– Bonsai plant balls

– Pewter works

– Fine-art photography

– Paintings

– Decorative ceramic art

– Fiber arts

– Illustrated paper goods

– Functional ceramic art

– Ecological art

– Organic jewelry

Two days only. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait another whole year.

Friday, December 4^th:
UICA Member Preview: 5:30-6 pm
Public Welcome: 6-9 pm

Saturday, December 5^th:
Public Welcome: 10 am-7 pm

A Christmas Story The Musical, Love and Laughter for the Holidays

November 25, 2015Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming EventsA Christmas Story, Civic Theater, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Susanne Albaitis, The MusicalJoanne

Our neighbors moved last summer. My children were very upset by the news, not because we were particularly close but because every December they put a leg lamp in their front window. The leg lamp, made famous in the iconic ‘80s movie A Christmas Story, symbolized victory for the little guy and also made us giggle every time we passed their house.

Civic theater has brought a spectacular rendition of A Christmas Story to its stage. From beginning to end, the audience was engaged, laughing and tapping their toes along to the music. The solos, ensembles and choreography blended well with the storyline. Each character was well played and so enjoyable to watch.

Ralphie (Alex Sullivan) gave such an impressive performance that although you know that he will eventually shoot his eye out, you still want him to get that Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun. When he sings “Ralphie to the Rescue!” he imagines himself saving his teacher Miss Shields (Aimee Workman) from a villain, classmates from bank robbers, and his brother Randy (Ben Lowen) from a prisoner. His daydream is a compelling display of the many reasons he needs a Red Ryder BB Gun.

Once again David Duiven impresses on stage as the Old Man, Raphie’s father. His mutterings about the neighbor’s dogs and the famous tire changing scene brought big laughs from the audience. When the leg lamp arrives, the Old Man sings “A Major Award”, beaming with pride and finding the perfect front window display for his prize. The audience went wild when the Old Man and the cast broke into a leg lamp chorus line with the children holding little leg lamps.

At school Ralphie perfects his Christmas list essay, hoping that if he impresses Miss Shields, she will convince his parents that he should have the Red Ryder BB Gun. His essay seemed to do quite the opposite. Miss Shields transforms from sweet teacher to Broadway starlet, singing “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”. The audience was dazzled as her big voice delivered the crushing news. The tap dance ensemble added extra drama to this already jazzy number.

A Christmas Story, The Musical combines love and humor, reminding us all of the moments that make the holidays special. This hilarious rendition of a Christmas classic plays on Civic Theater’s stage November 20 – December 20, 2015. Make sure to check out GRCT.ORG for tickets and more details.

LaughFest to Announce Headlining Artists on December 3

November 25, 2015Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming EventsGilda's LaughFest 2016, Headlining Acts, LaughfestJoanne

On Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 a.m. Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first ever community-wide festival of laughter, will announce a selection of artists performing at the 2016 10-day festival, which runs March 10 – 20. The announcement for the sixth annual festival will be held in the Cook Auditorium at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and is free and open to the public.

Ticket packages for LaughFest 2016 will go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Individual ticket sales will be available beginning Jan. 15. Individuals who purchase a $100 LaughFest Friends membership before Dec. 3 can purchase ticket packages and individual tickets before the general public. All ticket packages and LaughFest Friends memberships can be purchased at laughfestgr.org, or by calling 616-735-HAHA (4242).

WHAT:       LaughFest 2016 Lineup Announcement
WHEN:       Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:     Grand Rapids Art Museum – Cook Auditorium, 101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, Mich.
COST:          Free and open to the public

Holiday Prevue 2015: Thanksgiving & Christmas & STAR WARS, oh my!

November 24, 2015Citizen Journalism, Upcoming EventsBrett Wiesenauer, Christmas, Cinema, Coming Soon, movie preview, Pixar, Shakespeare, Star Wars, Tarantino, ThanksgivingJoanne

Before the summer blockbuster took over the box office in the 1970s with the likes of JAWS and Star Wars, Christmas was the big pull for movie-goers, and in many ways it still is. Most of the big awards contenders are sometimes pushed back to take advantage of the bustle of consumer behavior accompanying the holiday season. In recent years, at least since the successful debut of Toy Story in 1995, Thanksgiving has also become a hallmark holiday to milk for movie releases, often spawning plenty of family-friendly fare for the close-knit holiday. Looking ahead, this article is to spotlight big movies being released through Christmas.

CREED (Thanksgiving)

First up this Thanksgiving is a spin-off from the ever-popular Rocky Balboa franchise, this time focusing on the son of Rocky’s ally and rival from the first four films, Apollo Creed.

The movie follows Adonis, Creed’s son, who decides to step into the ring to prove something to his family, Rocky, and maybe himself. The films is being helmed by Ryan Coogler, who previously directed star Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station, a ripped-from-the-headlines tragedy about the last day of Oscar Grant, an Oakland native who became a victim of police brutality. The film is a different direction for the franchise giving Stallone’s Balboa a supporting turn in the vein of Burgess Meredith’s Mickey.

Reviews have been favorable so far, so hopes are this underdog can be the long shot to steal the weekend from the likes of Pixar and the monstrous Frankenstein reboot.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR (Thanksgiving)

Information is rare on this other Pixar movie being released on Thanksgiving. All we know for sure is that it revolves around a slightly altered pre-history where a meteorite didn’t wipe out the beasts that ruled the Earth pre-humanity and the interactions between a gentle dinosaur and his feral human companion. Trailers haven’t related much of a story, only images of beauty reminiscent of AVATAR and interactions reminiscent of The Land Before Time. Comic and social media artist Patton Oswalt seemed to enjoy it! The most likely winner of the Thanksgiving weekend, overall.

Saw THE GOOD DINOSAUR last night. Superb. Yummy cinematography, gut-punch laughs & heart, plus a trippy/hilarious "drug" sequence.

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 18, 2015

Victor Frankenstein (Thanksgiving)

This is a movie I don’t think anyone saw coming. A Frankenstein movie starring rebooted Professor X as a whimsical, rebellious Doctor Frankenstein and Harry Potter as Igor, the overwhelmed assistant. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious after seeing the trailer. Mayhaps it has a chance, gobble gobble…

Macbeth (December TBA)

Being released sometime in December, Michael Fassbender takes on the Bard in the upcoming adaptation of Shakespeare’s most notorious tragedy, The Scottish Play. -sorry, my theatrical background is keeping the superstition alive- While Shakespeare has proven to be hit or miss when it comes to film adaptation, this one has a quality actor at the front as well as a unique artistic approach to authenticity that could bring in the crowds.

Krampus (December 4th)

This will be the second horror film released this year featuring a cast of people known primarily for their comedic work: Adam Scott (Parks and Rec), David Koechner (Anchorman+2), Allison Tolman (FARGO), Toni Collette (United States of Tara)… all signed on for a film not about Santa, but the other supernatural creature associated with the Christmas season, that fewer people are aware of. That being is Krampus, a Christmas demon of sorts who does not come bearing gifts, but horror and terror. Hopefully, it’ll be in better taste than Silent Night, Deadly Night…

In the Heart of the Sea (December 11th)

Ron Howard makes movies that I enjoy watching, personally. His latest, RUSH, was an exhilarating drama about a rivalry that made me care equally for both parties. Now, he’s decided he wants to adapt the true-life tale that inspired Moby Dick, that contender for the title of The Great American Novel. And it’s got Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins). Even though it’s been pushed back multiple times this year, I really can’t wait to see what the mastermind behind A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 has in store for his audience.

Episode VII (December 18th)

Yes, yes, the movie we’ve all been waiting for is less than a month away. And it’s going to make more money than organized religion in general has seen in the last decade. Do I really need to add anything…besides the fact I already have my IMAX tickets? -sigh- I am a disgrace to objective cinema journalism.

Don’t disappoint us, Jar Jar Abrams. Some of us still remember what happened the last time you went into space…

*A brief mention regarding Sisters, the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler comedy vehicle that’s decided to challenge The Force Awakens for a spot on December the 18th: It Doesn’t Have A Snowball’s Chance…

**A word on The Road Chip: no.

Concussion (Christmas)

Will Smith’s controversial drama putting the NFL under the radar is aiming for the Christmas crowd. I guess it’s a better spot than Thanksgiving, considering…

My dad will wanna see this. A better pick than Draft Day, I suppose.

The Hateful Eight (Christmas)

Quentin Tarantino really has a thing for releasing his glorified exploitation films at Christmas. Since Jackie Brown in 1997, he has gleefully enjoyed subverting the typical Christmas fare with his bloody, ironic takes on cinematic language, genre, and uproarious content. His second western in a row, he has promised The Hateful Eight will be “the funniest snow western ever made.” Since his crowd-pleasing movies are ridiculous in content and often hilarious as well, don’t write off the holidays as completely in the hands of Jar Jar Abrams and his space opera playset.

Point Break (Christmas)

If it were up to the author, this summary would be limited to “No Keanu? No Swayze? No thank you!” Alas…

It looks like it’ll cater to the adrenaline junkies crowd with portrayals of extreme (!) action sports like quad racing against avalanches, wingsuits flying through mountain forests, and an epic bromance between Edgar Ramirez and Luke Bracey. Yeah, I never heard of him either. Don’t expect this one to sweep the audience from their Tarantino gunplay and the continuing adventures of Han Solo and Co.

It looks like it’s going to be a very Star Wars Christmas after all.

Be Thankful for Family, Food, and, of course, Shopping!

November 23, 2015Editorial, Local Business, Recreation, Tech Trends, Upcoming EventsBlack Friday, Cyber Monday, Deidre Doezema-Burkholder, Holidays, Small Business Saturday, technology, Technology Free HolidayJoanne

By: Deidre Doezema-Burkholder

No sooner did the ghost and goblins of Halloween get back to their homes to feast on their newly acquired sugar collection that Sleigh Bells started ringing. That’s right, the big push of the last holidays are upon us, and wow has technology changed the ways we celebrate.

The holidays seem to require three important ingredients – Shopping, Food, and Family.

First, let me start off by saying that I have never, ever participated in the Black Friday Madness. I have witnessed it but I haven’t woken myself up at 3am to make it to a store that was opening at 5am so I could buy a $50 Blue-ray player for $15. I will admit to looking through the black Friday ads and even looking them up online ahead of schedule. In fact, there is a website you can visit that is fully dedicated to Black Friday Ads that not only posts the ads for Friday’s event, but also the toy books that retailers put out and other deal specific items. Extra Kohls cash anyone?

While a lot of people still trek out on that Friday, more people are opting out and staying in for Cyber Monday. The first Monday after Thanksgiving is now dedicated to an online shopping bonanza of epic proportions. Many of your favorite retail stores will put on extra sales on Monday as well, but the online retail giants make a serious play for your holiday cash.

With Amazon being one of the biggest names in online shopping, the company makes Cyber Monday a big, big, BIG event. Certain deals highlighted and change hour after hour. It’s enough to make even the most seasoned shopper spin around with glee.

Smack in the middle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is now known as Small Business Saturday. A day in the weekend where your local small business owners hope to attract and entice you. This can be done in a physical location as well as through a website. Just a quick search using the “shop local” option on Etsy.com allows you to see what some of your own neighbors have brilliantly made themselves.

When all your shopping is done, the focus goes back on the two most important parts of the holidays, food and family! It seems like a no-brainer that you’re going to need food. Food that you can make while you host the holiday at your home, or something a little easier to transport as you go through the woods to Grandmother’s house.

If you happened to miss my article on technology in the kitchen, you can find it here.

Then there’s family. It’s suppose to be the most important ingredient in the holiday recipe. While technology can help, it can also hinder. Sure, through the power of Skype or FaceTime you can video chat with your niece or nephew who is serving overseas. However, is will also keep your 14-year-old niece or daughter from looking up the entire time you’re at Aunt Kathy’s.

So, a holiday challenge for you. Can you and yours set aside technology for the holiday gathering and have little to no smart phone or tablet use while you are surrounded with extended family? No Facebooking, no tweets to be sent, and no text to be read?

Some may find this hardly a challenge at all while others will struggle not to pick up their phone when there is lag in the conversation. Putting the technology aside might be tough at first, but the end result will be lifetime memories with family and friends!

Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West MI area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.

Secretary of State Offices to close on Thanksgiving Holiday

November 23, 2015Holidays, Upcoming EventsOffices Closed for Holiday, Secretary of State, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, ThanksgivingJoanne

A quick reminder that all offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed during Thanksgiving this upcoming week.

All offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and on Friday, November 27. SUPER!Centers will be closed on Saturday, November 28 as well.

Don’t worry if you need to renew any license plates or driver’s license over the weekend. The Department of State mails notices to motorists 45 days before those expire to give ample time to renew. If your license or license plates are set to expire on a date when the state offices are closed, like a holiday or weekend, they can be renewed the following business day without penalty.

Most people renewing license plates, driver’s licenses and ID cards can do business online at www.ExpressSOS.com or by mail. Online users renewing their tabs, driver’s license or ID card will find the system’s “Print ‘N Go feature” beneficial. It allows them to complete their transaction, print off a receipt and carry the receipt until their tabs, license or ID card arrives in the mail. Easy to follow instructions can be found with the renewal notice. Additional services can be done online as well. License plate tabs can also be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available around the clock. Visit the Branch Office Locator at www.michigan.gov/sos to find a Self-Service Station near you.

With the exception of holidays, offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smaller offices may close for the lunch hour. On Wednesdays, most offices  are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with those in city centers open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. SUPER!Centers also provide Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

15 Things to Make Your Thanksgiving Pure Michigan

November 22, 2015Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Local Business, Local Food, Upcoming EventsDianna Higgs Stampfler, Promote Michigan, Pure Michigan, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving in MichiganJoanne

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By: Dianna Higgs Stampfler

With Thanksgiving coming up, here are 15 great ways to take advantage of what this great state has to offer! Cook healthy, eat hearty, and enjoy family and friends.

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!

Four-Legged Friends will have Space to Roam and Play in Kentwood

November 19, 2015Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming EventsCity of Kentwood, Dog Park, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor Stephen KepleyJoanne

The City of Kentwood will officially have its first dog park this Saturday, November 21 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

The park, located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive, was an idea brought by residents to the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Together, the community was able to identify a need for a dog park and Kentwood Parks and Rec put together a business plan back in March to make it happen.

The park cost $15,650 and was funded through the park millage. Featured at the park are off-leash areas for both big and small dogs, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.

Mayor Stephen Kepley will give a speech at the grand opening. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m.

Don’t forget to bring your pooches and puppies!

Make sure to stop by the site next week to check out footage from the event.

Founders Set to Release Project PAM

November 18, 2015Beer, Local Business, Upcoming EventsBackstage Release, Black IPA, Founders Brewing, IPA, Project PAMJoanne

Black IPAs have been a staple of an annual tradition at Founders Brewing Co. – the Black Party – a celebration of experimental dark beers. Project PAM was born out of this tradition and is the third Backstage release of 2015; a Black IPA whose hop combinations and malts have been perfected and balanced over several years.

This beer is brewed with a cornucopia of hops including Chinook, Nugget, Centennial, Amarillo, El Dorado and Mosaic, balanced with Crystal and Midnight Wheat malts, then aged in maple-bourbon barrels.

“Project PAM refers to the code name we used in the cellar.” explains the head of the brewery’s barrel-aging program, Jason Heystek. “As with a lot of our barrel-aged beers, each one gets a code name to keep things fun and maintain some mystery. With Project PAM, the maple-bourbon barrels provide sweetness to keep the hop bitterness in check, but also impart the flavor complexity of an oak bourbon barrel.”

Founders’ Backstage Series is made up of boundary-pushing, experimental beers. They are the brewers’ playground. The intent of the series is to take the die-hard Founders fan experience to a wider audience—though all of the beers are released in limited batches.

Since its introduction in the summer of 2011, Founders’ Backstage Series beers have quickly become some of the most sought-after releases in the industry.

Project PAM will be available in 750-ml bottles in our taproom starting on November 20 and across Founders distribution network beginning late November 2015 with a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Sundance Favorite “Best of Enemies” next up in SCA’s Real to Reel Series

November 16, 2015Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBest of Enemies, Real to Reel, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, SCAJoanne

Featured at the Sundance Film Festival and slated as a contender for the 2015 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Best of Enemies is up next in the Real to Reel series at Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street) Thursday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.

The New York Post calls the film, “wickedly entertaining,” and Rolling Stone says, “modern television starts here.”

In the summer of 1968, television news changed forever. Dead last in the ratings, ABC hired two towering public intellectuals to debate each other during the Democratic and Republican national conventions. William F. Buckley, Jr. was a leading light of the new conservative movement. A Democrat and cousin to Jackie Onassis, Gore Vidal was a leftist novelist and polemicist.

Armed with deep-seated distrust and enmity, Vidal and Buckley believed each others political ideologies were dangerous for America. Like rounds in a heavyweight battle, they pummeled out policy and personal insult – cementing their opposing political positions. Their explosive exchanges devolved into vitriolic name-calling. It was unlike anything TV had ever broadcast, and all the more shocking because it was live and unscripted. Viewers were riveted. ABC News’ ratings skyrocketed. And a new era in public discourse was born – a highbrow blood sport that marked the dawn of pundit television as we know it today.

Click here to see the official trailer.

General admission is $5/Members; $7/Future Members.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information visit www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

The Great American Smokeout can help you Kick the Habit

November 16, 2015Community Health, Education, How-To's, Upcoming EventsGreat American Smokeout, quit smokingJoanne

It’s not easy to quit smoking. Studies show that cigarettes are more addictive than heroin, and the first three weeks after you quit can be the most difficult. If you stumble along the way to giving up smoking, don’t punish yourself. Just try again.

Now is a great time to kick the habit and celebrate more birthdays with the American Cancer Society during this year’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19. If you or someone you love needs help quitting this year, here are 10 tips on how to break free from a smoking addiction.

Don’t keep it a secret. Include your friends and family in your quitting process; they can offer much-needed support.
You’re not alone. More and more people are trying to break free from cigarettes and there are lots of support options available. Many communities, employers, and health care organizations have free or low-cost counseling and support available to help you quit. Call your American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 to find out what’s available in your area.
Consider using medication to help you quit. There are prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms or even help to reduce the urge to smoke. You’ll want to talk to your doctor first, but some medicine could help.
Dump the memories. Clear the places where you usually smoke of anything that reminds you of cigarettes – like lighters, ashtrays, or matches. Also ask other smokers not to smoke around you, and clean your house and car thoroughly to remove the smell of cigarettes.
Avoid places where smokers gather. Go to the movies or other places where smoking is not allowed.
Stay calm and stay busy. You may feel some nervous energy but it can be countered by physical and mental activities. Take long strolls and deep breaths of fresh air, and find things to keep your hands busy, like crossword puzzles or yard work. There are a lot of leaves on the ground at this time of year.
Talk to your doctor. Before you begin any plan for quitting smoking you should check with your doctor to see what might be the best approach for you. Remember, quitting smoking is very personal and there isn’t one perfect method.
When the urge to smoke strikes, do something else. If you feel a craving for a cigarette coming on, take a deep breath, count to 10 and then do something else. Call a supportive friend. Do brief exercises such as push-ups, walking up a flight of stairs, or touching your toes. Anything that will take your mind off your cravings.
One will hurt. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that if they only have one cigarette it’s okay. But even that one smoke can get you back in the habit of smoking full time. Keeping a supply of oral substitutes like carrots, apples, raisins, or gum handy can help.
Water, water everywhere. Drink lots of fluids to help curb cravings. Water is the best for this, and you’ll want to pass up on coffee and alcohol if they trigger your desire to smoke.

Cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths each year in the U.S. Because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society.

Contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1.800.227.2345, or visit their website here.

The Buck Stops Here: Opening Day Just Around the Corner in Michigan

November 13, 2015Recreation, Upcoming EventsDeer hunting, Firearm Season, Hunting, Michigan, whitetail deerJoanne

With the time-honored tradition of opening day just around the corner, sportsmen and women are gearing up for the hunt across Michigan. More than 540,000 hunters are expected to participate in the upcoming firearms season beginning Sunday, November 15.

While the sport is steeped in tradition and aspirations, it is also a driver of Michigan’s economy. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates hunting in Michigan generates more than $2.3 billion in economic impact in the state, including expenses related to food and lodging and $1.3 billion spent on equipment.

“Hunting is one more way that Michigan’s rich natural resources are helping to drive the state’s economy and contributing to our overall quality of life,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Steve Arwood. “With the opening of firearms season for deer we will see more than 20,000 licensed hunters from outside of the state come to Michigan and more than half a million residents traveling to get to deer camp or their perfect spot, providing a boost to local communities along the way.”

While the deer harvest was down in 2014 – following trends seen across the Midwest – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects 2015 to provide an increased success rate – especially in the Northern and Southern Lower Peninsula. To combat decreased deer herds across the Upper Peninsula, the result of several consecutive years of harsh winters, the DNR has brought together a U.P. Habitat Workgroup to develop detailed deer winter range habitat strategies including management plans for individual deer wintering complexes throughout the U.P.

The workgroup – comprised of natural resource professionals, private landowners and sportsmen’s groups – is led by Natural Resources Commission member J.R. Richardson of Ontonagon and Jim Hammill of Crystal Falls, a wildlife management consultant who is also a retired DNR biologist. With an estimated 80 percent of the winter deer habitat in the U.P. managed by entities other than the DNR, the U.P. Habitat Workgroup will work cooperatively with these other stakeholders to improve deer winter range strategies across all land ownerships in the region.

Helping to manage healthy herds and habitats to ensure a successful hunt has important implications for Michigan’s economy. In 2014, an estimated $85 million was spent specifically on leisure travel related to hunting activities in the state according to data from D.K, Shifflet. Hunting and fishing leisure travel spending combined for $342 million in Michigan last year.

“Deer hunting is an iconic and defining Michigan tradition,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “Whether harvesting a big buck in the woods or just spending time at camp, the deer season offers one more great way for people to experience Michigan’s world-class natural resources while connecting with family and friends. We hope hunters throughout the state have a safe and successful season.”

Currently, Michigan ranks No. 3 in the nation for the number of licensed hunters statewide and 650,000 hunters are expected to purchase a deer hunting license in 2015. The DNR estimates more than 90 percent of Michigan hunters will pursue deer this year, with hunters spending an average of 14 days afield during the season. In Michigan, 60 percent of hunters only hunt deer making the upcoming firearm season an especially important driver of the state’s hunting economy.

To promote the hunt in Michigan – both for deer and other species, including grouse – Pure Michigan and the DNR collaborated again this year on a targeted marketing campaign to reach hunters both in-state and in neighboring states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

“This year we were especially interested in targeting active hunters and active anglers that have the potential to crossover and participate in both sports,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan. “Ultimately this benefits the entire state by increasing hunting and fishing revenue – funding that goes back into efforts to create world-class recreational opportunities to be enjoyed by all residents and visitors.”

Explore the Reynold Weidenaar Retrospective, now through Jan. 17

November 12, 2015Education, Local Entertainment, Local History, Our Cities, Upcoming Eventsmezzotint, weinenaarJoanne

If you’ve not heard of Reynold Weidenaar, perhaps you can be forgiven, but if you miss this retrospective exhibition of the Grand Rapids native’s oil paintings, prints, and watercolors, you’re only cheating yourself.

Three local cultural organizations–Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), Calvin College, and Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD)–have joined forces to orchestrate this extensive exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of Weidenaar’s birth. Along with GRAM’s retrospective are exhibitions at KCAD at Ferris State University and Calvin College’s Center Art Gallery. KCAD provides an overview of the artist’s work in drawing and watercolor. Calvin’s exhibition investigates the artist’s working methods, including several states of individual prints.

The 100th birthday celebration began in spring of 2015 with Through the Eyes of Weidenaar, an exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which focused on his self-styled role of community chronicler. Nationally recognized, Weidenaar (1915-1985) had a noteworthy career, and he is one of West Michigan’s most talented and renowned artists. He studied at the Kendall School of Design, Grand Rapids and the Kansas City Art Institute. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1944 and traveled through Mexico creating gorgeous images in mezzotint.

With roots in 20th-century American Regionalism–a movement dedicated to representing rural and small town life–Weidenaar’s work is timeless, depicting West Michigan through a historical context and singularly personal perspective. His deep familiarity with the region’s places and people allowed him to mine a wealth of subject matter.

Restlessly creative and ambitious, Weidenaar continually worked to hone his skills and master new artistic techniques. Known for his technical virtuosity as draftsman and printmaker, he became successful in the 1940s exhibiting and selling his etchings. He began creating mezzotint prints in the 1950s, even though the technique was not widely practiced at the time. Especially well received, his work in mezzotint fostered a resurgence of awareness and appreciation of this distinctive method of printmaking.

In 1954 he took up watercolor painting, and in only ten years, he had created 1,300 watercolors of West Michigan subjects–enchanting landscapes and industrial scenes that pulsed with life. After mastering etching, mezzotint, and watercolor, Weidenaar began to paint in oil and explored the processes of the Flemish and Dutch Old Masters.

When scrutinizing Weidenaar’s work, take notice of the intricate detail with which he created his works. His works can be very dramatic, at times satirical–or eerie with a mystical quality–but they are always intriguing and never dull. There’s much more than meets the eye: Familiar West Michigan cityscapes and landscapes will be apparent, and you’ll want to get up close to appreciate the idiosyncratic and sometimes off-color (so to speak) sense of humor depicted in his work.

Don’t just take our word for it; experience it for yourself. Go forth, and discover the wonders of Weidenaar.

Veteran’s Memorial Garden hosts a Veteran’s Day Celebration

November 11, 2015Local Faces, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV ProjectsGrand Rapids Home for Veterans, Mel Flikkema, Veteran's Day, Veteran's Memorial Garden, Veterans, Wyoming Veterans Day CeremonyJoanne

Today is Veteran’s Day, and with Veteran’s Day comes Wyoming’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will host this years Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW).

The event will start off with the Lee High School Band performing the prelude at 6 p.m. The Lee Band will perform three more musical numbers throughout the Ceremony.

Guest speaker CH (LTC) Mel Flikkema, USAR (Ret.) will address the crowd with the focus being “On Remembering.” Flikkema served in Kuwait and Iraq during the Iraq war as the active duty chaplain of the 83rd Chemical Battalion.

On top of celebrating the Veterans who have served our country, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations throughout the month of November for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Important items for donation include the following:
•   New batteries: C, D and AAA
•   New release DVD’s
•   Gift Cards to: Meijer, Gordon Food Service, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.
•   New postage stamps (Forever Stamps preferred)
•   Bic Disposable Lighters
•   Large print paperback books
•   Recent magazines
•   New and gently used men’s and women’s clothing
•   Personal hygiene products

While the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations through November, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans will accept donations through December 30. Their doors are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

WKTV will provide a delayed broadcast of the Veteran’s Day Ceremony that will be shown on Channel 26.

Get into the Spirits During Cocktail Week GR Nov. 11-22

November 9, 2015Beer, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Upcoming Eventscocktail culture, cocktail week, cocktails, spiritsJoanne

Sip local! Join the fun as Michigan’s creative beverage capital celebrates the art of the craft cocktail.

The first-ever Cocktail Week GR toasts Michigan craft spirits from Nov. 11-22 with participating local restaurants offering two Michigan cocktails and a shared-plate appetizer for $25 or less. Also available are menu items paired with Michigan-distilled spirits.

“Cocktail culture has exploded right alongside beer enthusiasm here in Grand Rapids,” said Doug Small, President and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids. “Our area’s leading bartenders are using locally made artisanal spirits to enhance classic drinks and invent new ones. We are excited to celebrate this enthusiasm with the inaugural Cocktail Week GR.”

Get into the spirits (see what happened there?) with:

Pair and Share. Get two Michigan cocktails plus a shared-plate appetizer for $25 or less at participating bars and restaurants.

Daring Duos Dinners. Dine at local eateries pairing handcrafted distilled spirits with scrumptious local dishes.

Intoxicating Extras. Developed in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild, stay tuned for a full schedule of cocktail events.

Developed in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild, Experience Grand Rapids Cocktail Week GR coincides with additional celebrations of spirits at the annual Wine, Beer and Food Festival, taking place at DeVos Place Convention Center, November 19-22.

Cocktail Week GR events and happenings are updated regularly here. Participating restaurants and menus will be posted on November 4th with continued updates through Cocktail Week.

Reminder! Fall Yard Services Available to Wyoming Residents

November 6, 2015Our Cities, Upcoming EventsCity of Wyoming, Fall Yard cleaning, fall yard services, leaf removal, Wyoming, Yard services, Yard WasteJoanne

The City of Wyoming has several yard waste services available to help keep yards looking neat as leaves begin to fall.

The yard waste drop off-site at 2660 Burlingame S.W. is open to residents Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 12.

There is no limit on the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site. However, residents must be able to unload the yard waste themselves. If yard waste materials are delivered in bags, totes or boxes, the containers must be removed from the facility.

Leaf removal containers are available through November 25. A container is delivered to a home and picked up the next business day for a delivery to the yard waste site. Containers are 11 feet long, 6 feet wide and 3 feet high, or 7.5 cubic yards. The cost of container delivery and rental is $10 for a weekday and $20 for a weekend. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made by phone with a credit card by calling 530-7260. Residents may also visit the office to pay with cash or a check.

A curb-side leaf pick up will be held on Saturday, December 5. Leaves must be in paper yard waste bags by 6 a.m. Saturday. There is no limit to the number of bags residents can put out. Branches that are tied together in bundles less than four feet long will also be picked up.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260.

Local Business Helps Feed the Hungry in West Michigan

November 6, 2015Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsEastbrook Auto Wash, Eastbrook Oil and Lube, Feeding America West Michigan, Fundraising, Hunger, Janice LimbaughJoanne

By: Janice Limbaugh

The owner of Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil and Lube, Paul Coffman is dedicated to this community; most especially to those families in West Michigan who are going hungry.

“Everyone should be able to have food on the table not just during the holidays, but all days of the year,” Coffman says.

As a result, Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil & Lube are holding a month-long food drive and fundraising event for Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Now through November 30, these businesses will be collecting canned, boxed and bagged food staples, toiletry staples, pet food supplies and monetary donations to help offset the fight against hunger in West Michigan. And yes, there is hunger in West Michigan.

Each year it is estimated that over 492,000 people receive food from Feeding America West Michigan. Since 1981 this charity has served families in 40 counties by distributing 1,100 hunger-relief agencies.

“To be able to support this charity during a time when having food on the table has such a strong advertising message, yet others have nothing for their table, is not lost on us,” says Coffman.

To support the cause, Coffman decided that customers who make monetary or supply donations to Feeding America West Michigan during business hours (Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will receive discounted car washes and oil changes. Every dollar donated to Feeding America West Michigan will be multiplied by the food bank by 10, turning the donation into four meals for someone in need.

The most needed items for the food drive include: jars of peanut butter, canned beef stew, tuna, chicken, fish and meat, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, beans of all kinds and toiletries.

For more information about the event, contact Jana Schrier at eastbrookautowash@gmail.com or visit www.eastbrookautowash.com.

Set Your Beer Down, It’s Cocktail Week

November 5, 2015Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Upcoming EventsBacon Bloody Mary, Cocktail Week GR, Ganders, Ganders at DoubleTree by Hilton, Michigan Mule, Mike DeWitt, Tatiana Lamarr, William ReadJoanne

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By: Mike DeWitt

While Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, USA, it’s not the only beverage worth consuming around the city.

Experience Grand Rapids is celebrating Michigan craft spirits with the first ever Cocktail Week GR from November 11-22, and Ganders at DoubleTree by Hilton is ready for the opportunity to show off its newly remodeled restaurant, Michigan inspired menu options, and 3 specialty cocktails perfectly paired for the restaurant’s appetizers.

About that remodel, Ganders replaced the Spinnaker seafood restaurant with a new, causal dining flavor focused on Michigan based products and meals made from scratch. Find your spot at a table, a high-top, a booth, or pony up to the bar if you’d like!

While the inside renovation is inviting, the food will keep you coming back for more.

Ganders is offering two shared-plate appetizers during Cocktail Week to choose from. The first is a roasted red pepper hot sauce shrimp risotto. “All of the ingredients, from the arborio rice in the risotto to the bliss hot pepper sauce, to even the shrimp from a local farm in Okemos, is all locally produced,” explained Executive Chef William Read.

The second appetizer Ganders is offering is a twist on their specialty Ganders tots, with bacon and Michigan bleu cheese, and served with a beer-braised pork belly. Talk about delicious!

However, it’s not called Cocktail Week because of the food! Ganders has put together three specialty cocktails to go with their delectable appetizers.

First up is the Michigan Mule, a take on a Moscow Mule. It starts with a copper mug – do not forget the copper mug! – some New Holland Dutchess Vokda, and a smooth ginger beer to wash it down nice and easy.

Next up on the list is a New Holland Zeppelin blend ol’ fashioned. If you like it strong, this is your drink.

Last, but certainly not least, is a Bloody Mary that pairs up well with the bacon Gander tots appetizer because they’re both bacon infused! That’s right, the Bloody Mary is made with bacon vodka from Chelsea, Michigan! This also happens to be the personal favorite of restaurant manager Tatiana Lamarr, “I love Bloody Mary’s, it’s always been a profile for me that I’ve enjoyed. I love the addition of the bacon vodka. I think people are going to be very pleased with it.”

Come visit Ganders at 4747 28th St. SE during Cocktail Week GR and can delight in a wonderfully crafted appetizer and two Michigan inspired cocktails for only $25.

Model Railroads and the Track to Being a Child Once Again

November 5, 2015Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming EventsGrand River Valley Railroad Club, Ken Skopp, Model Train, Train showJoanne

By: Ken Skopp

I was 5 years old visiting my grandparents in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where a train track sat next to the farm. One day as I was playing near the track, a steam engine began moving freight cars back and forth. After some time had passed, the steam engine stopped. The engineer leaned out of the cab and asked me if I would like to take a ride in the engine.

“YES!” I screamed in the excitement that can only come from a youthful boy looking for an adventure. I was taken 5 miles down the track and back.

I didn’t realize it right then, but I was bitten by the “train bug” and there is no cure.

Now fast forward 60 years, my wife bought be an HO scale train set for Christmas made by the Bachmann Company. It came complete with a steam locomotive, three passenger cars, a small DC power pack, and a loop of track. I owned model train layouts before, but it had been 20 years and it wasn’t nearly as sophisticated as my new layout. My previous layouts mainly consisted of a track with some buildings and a sheet of plywood.

After being an “armchair railroader” thinking and dreaming about building a model railroad, I decided it was time to start working on a brand new layout! Purchases of Model Railroader magazines was only the first step in getting information on all that was currently available in the model railroad hobby. I wanted my track to be more than just a piece of plywood. It needed realistic track work and scenery.

One day, I visited Rider’s Hobby Shop and found a flyer listing a local train show. I started going to train shows to see what new products were available in locomotives and cars. I was amazed at how many shows there are here in Michigan, as well as in Indiana!

I spent a year visiting hobby shops and going to local train shows. Two years ago this past November, I attended a train show right here in Wyoming at the Home School Building hosted by the Grand River Valley Railroad Club (GRVRRC). The club had a test track at the show and invited me to visit their club! Once there, I realized just how real this hobby can be and decided to join the club.

Over the past three years, I’ve been working on a model railroad layout in a 9′ x 10′ room in our condo basement. Roger Fenske, former president of the GRVRRC, helped me build the bench work, lay the track, wire the layout, and create realistic scenery and backgrounds.

The GRVRRC has been an amazing resource for myself and other to share and exchange skills and information about our model railroad enthusiasm. From creative design to electrical engineering, there’s always something to learn and improve on.

The model train industry has come a long with the Digital Command Center (DCC) tracks. Up to the advent of DCC control, trains ran on electrical current from a DC transformer that powered the electrical motor in the locomotive. You could only run one locomotive at a time on your layout. If you wanted to run more than one locomotive, you had to divide the layout into isolated electrical blocks or segments. The wiring and controls for that kind of undertaking is complicated and not very flexible.

With the advance in computerization and miniaturization provided by the DCC, each locomotive has a computer chip in it with an individual address. With a DCC control cab, you can send signals to each individual locomotive address. This allows you to control the direction of motion for that particular locomotive address, plus speed and sound functions.

Having the ability to run multiple locomotives around a track is really something, but the biggest advancement to the model trains are the sounds. You can hear the sound of your steam locomotive as it moves, ring its bell, and blow its whistle just like a real train.

I now have a Pere Marquette Railroad Steam locomotive chugging around my train layout. At the same time, I can have a diesel switcher locomotive switching cars in the train yard, both at the same time, and both with realistic sound effects.

My knowledge of model railroads grew when I visited the GRVRR Club’s train show here in Wyoming. This past August, I became the Club’s Train Show Coordinator! We have a show this Saturday, November 7th and invite everyone to come join! It’s a great way to learn about the hobby, meet new people, and bounce ideas off one another.

It’s not just for adults either, there will be LEGO Train layout and LEGO play area for children!

When the train bug catches you, there’s no escaping it. We hope to see you there!

Grand River Valley Railroad Club Fall 2015 Train Show

When: November 7, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave, Wyoming, MI

Cost: $5 (Kids under 12 are free)

Operating Layout: LEGO Layout, Thomas the Train layout, G scale, S scale, HO scale, N scale, Z scale

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State Games of America are Coming to Grand Rapids in 2017

November 3, 2015Area Education, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsState Games of America, State Games of Michigan, West Michigan Sports CommissionJoanne

Officials with the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) held a campaign kickoff party to premiere the 2017 State Games of America promotional video, Bring Your Game. The video – produced by Antix Creative – release marks the start of a national marketing campaign for the 2017 State Games of America that will be held in Grand Rapids, Mich. August 3-6, 2017.

Grand Rapids was selected by the National Congress of State Games (NCSG) to host the 2017 State Games of America. The NCSG board heard presentations from four cities vying to host the pinnacle of more than 30 individual state game competitions. In addition to Grand Rapids, competing cities included San Diego; Lincoln, NE; and Hampton Roads, VA.

“It was a tough decision by our board, as all cities proved their ability to successfully host these games,” stated Dan Duffy, President of the National Congress of State Games. “Ultimately, the board felt that Grand Rapids offered the most compelling bid based on their successful Meijer State Games of Michigan, quality venues and the many community and local sport partnerships involved in the bid.”

The WMSC, Experience Grand Rapids, and the Meijer State Games of Michigan partnered to bid on and host the State Games of America in 2017. The 2017 State Games of America is expected to bring $5.6 million in direct visitor spending to Grand Rapids.

“Our community continually supports public/private partnerships, which helped form the West Michigan Sports Commission and contributes to our success in promoting sports tourism,” stated Mike Guswiler, President of the WMSC. “This support is also reflected in the success of our Meijer State Games of Michigan. Due, in part, to the strength of the state-level event, the NCSG board trusted our ability to host a successful State Games of America in 2017.”

“I am very excited to begin planning for the 2017 State Games of America,” expressed Eric Engelbarts, Executive Director of the Meijer State Games of Michigan. “The growth and success of the Meijer State Games have prepared us to host these national games. I am thankful for the corporate and sport tournament committee support that have made our state games what they are. We will be ready to host the nation’s athletes in 2017.”

The State Games of America is an Olympic-style event featuring competition between State Games gold, silver and bronze medal winners from across the nation. Currently, 30 states conduct or organize statewide sports festivals known as State Games.

The national games are held biennially, with the 2017 games set for August 3-6. The 2015 State Games of America were held in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Gilda’s ‘LaughFest’ Preparing for 2016 Festival

November 3, 2015Community Health, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsFUNderwear Run, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, Gilda's Club Laugh Fest, Gilda's LaughFest 2016, Gildas LaughFestJoanne

Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, announced that they are now accepting sign ups for its Community Showcases, 5k FUNderwear Run, and LaughFest Friends memberships.

Individuals of all ages, and groups of all sizes, are encouraged to apply for the Community Showcases. During LaughFest 2015, officials hosted more than 100 community showcases and other free events at various locations in downtown Grand Rapids, Lowell, and Holland. The categories for these showcases included stand-up comedy, music, short-film, sketch/improv, dance, and kids’ jokes. Applicants chosen for the 2016 festival will be notified in January.

Runners, joggers and walkers interested in participating in the third annual 5k FUNderwear Run can sign up for the FUNderwear Run now! This walk/run will be held on Sunday, March 13 in downtown Grand Rapids and racers are encouraged to wear their finest (and funniest!) underwear over their running clothes to create a hilarious and one-of-a-kind moment in support of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Registration is $30 prior to February 19, and $35 until the run on March 13. Registered participants will receive an official race t-shirt and finisher medal.

In addition to these events, LaughFest organizers also announced that LaughFest Friends memberships are now available. LaughFest Friends memberships give fans of LaughFest opportunities to connect with the festival year round, and are available for purchase online, at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (1806 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) or at LaughFest Central when it opens mid-February.

There are three levels of memberships available, starting at $25. Level one includes an exclusive tee shirt designed by The Mitten State, High Five button and donation, exclusive content and experiences, and early access to Fast Passes for free events. Fast Passes guarantee holders a seat for free showings as long as they are seated 15 minutes prior to the event start time.

The second level costs $50 and includes everything in the $25 level, plus a Mitten State Smile Decal, a 20 percent discount for merchandise at LaughFest Central and online, and a $5 off coupon for LaughFest Central for anyone who signs up before Thanksgiving.

The third membership level is $100 and includes all the items at the $25 and $50 levels, plus pre-sale opportunities to purchase ticket packages in December 2015 and individual tickets in January 2016 before the general public, and two VIP passes to Headliner’s Club at the BOB during the festival.

Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFest features free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. Past LaughFest headliners include Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Bill Cosby, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Brian Regan and Anjelah Johnson. An announcement regarding the 2016 festival headliners is expected later this year.

The sixth year of the festival is scheduled for March 10 through March 20, 2016.

Should You Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

November 2, 2015Community Health, Education, Upcoming EventsLung cancer, lung cancer awareness month, Radon, SmokingJoanne

November is lung cancer awareness month, and now’s a good time to be honest and ask yourself some tough questions:

Do you smoke, or did you quit smoking less than 15 years ago?
Do you have at least a 30 pack-year history of smoking? To find your pack-year history, multiply the number of packs you smoke each day by the number of years you have smoked. For example, 1 pack a day x 30 years = 30 pack-years, 2 packs a day x 15 years = 30 pack-years
Are you 55-80 years of age?

If you answer “yes” to these three questions, the American Cancer Society suggests talking with your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer screening means getting a CT scan of the chest. A CT scan is a series of computerized x-rays that gives better views of an area within the body. If the screening results are a concern, you may have more tests or procedures to determine if you have cancer. This helps you get the best treatment. Contact your health insurance company to find out your coverage and any costs you would have in relation to a lung cancer screening test such as a CT scan.

As with any procedure, there are some risks. The scan involves a low dose of radiation, similar to a mammogram or x-ray. Exposure to radiation, including x-rays and CT scans, can increase your risk of cancer in general, although this risk is low. Other risks could include the stress of having abnormalities detected and follow-up procedures associated with your CT scan, such as additional scans or biopsy.

You have a greater chance of having lung cancer if you smoke or used to smoke, have moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), or if you have a parent, sibling, or child who has had lung cancer.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer

Not everyone who breathes radon will develop lung cancer. Risk is determined by such things as how much radon is in your home, or other indoor environment, the amount of time you spend in that environment, and whether you smoke or have ever smoked. Think about getting your home tested for radon.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for lung cancer and also the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke. For more information, go to the Michigan Cancer Consortium website.

Source: Michigan Cancer Consortium

Top Ten Finalists Announced in Saugatuck Shorts Competition

October 30, 2015Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projectsfinalists, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, SCA Saugatuck Shorts, short film, top tenJoanne

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts announced the top ten final films for its 2015 Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition. A panel of judges from the entertainment industry scored all entries, whittling the field down to five films in the student category and five in the adult category.

The top ten short films will be screened at the award ceremony at the SCA on Saturday, November 7 at 6:30p.m.

This year’s top ten short films are a mix of cinematic drama, comedy, and lifestyle stories. The films are all under five minutes and each has a “Michigan-flavor” (filmed in Michigan, filmmaker hails from Michigan, story line about Michigan, etc.). At the November 7th screening the winner of the juried student film will receive a $500 prize, the juried adult category winner will receive a $1,000 prize, and the audience will vote on its favorite film for an additional $1,000 prize.

Finalists in the student category include filmmaker Jared Friedrich from Aurora, Illinois. Friedrich’s film James Cagney Junior is a comedic look at the art of storytelling with subtle references to work by the late actor James Cagney.

From Holland, Michigan comes the film People Like Us by CultureWorks’ Legendary League of Leaders exploring the tremendous challenges of teen mental illness. Holland Christian student Ben Eizenga created the short film Ben there. Done that. highlighting the little moments that make up a day in his life.

Dario Lirio, of Hudsonville High School, submitted Grand Rapids Junior Rowing, showing the team’s hard work and spirit. Mitchell Ross created We Are Hudsonville, Michigan, a short film highlighting the Hudsonville community, specifically referencing the Hudsonville Football program and their “Eagle Pride.”

The winners in this year’s adult category are all West Michigan locals. Alex Bolen is a Grand Rapids native and the owner of Opensail Production Company who made the top ten with his film Sleeping Bear Dunes, a time-lapse of the dunes and surrounding area shot over the course of a week.

Zachary Clark of Clark|Camera|Cinema created the film Lay with Love, a dramatic interpretation of the song “Lay with Love” by fellow Kalamazoo-based band The Go Rounds.

From Grayling, Michigan comes filmmaker Nicholas Gascho with the film Locked. The short film was conceived and shot in 60 hours and tells the tale of a family social issue.

Ron Lechler’s (Fennville, Michigan) top ten film explores how people use comedy and humor to overcome the hurt in their lives in his short film The Best Medicine.

The Outdoor Discovery Center (Executive Director Travis Williams) of Holland, Michigan made the top ten with its film Little Hawks Discovery Preschool about the Hamilton Community Schools’ nature-based preschool.

“It’s always an exciting event, particularly since the winners go home with generous cash prizes” said Kristin Armstrong, SCA Executive Director. “Plus, this year’s media partnership with WKTV is really going to make people feel like stars. The station’s mobile unit will be on site getting all the action – it’s really going to be an exciting evening of media magic.”

Tickets to Saugatuck Shorts are $20 for adults and $10 for students and include light appetizers and the chance to cast your vote for the “Audience Favorite” Award at the show. A cash bar is available from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. with the screenings begining at 7:15 p.m. More information and tickets can be found at sc4a.org or at 269-857-2399.

District Again Seeks Approval for $65 Million Security & Technology Bond

October 30, 2015Area Education, Education, Hard News, Upcoming Events65 million bond, Bond, Kentwood Public Schools, November 3Joanne

By: Erin Albanese – School News Network

Community member Jim Swoboda’s children had a great experience at Kentwood Public Schools. He said they benefited from the diversity of the student body and passionate teachers.

“Our kids got a great education here,” said Swoboda, whose children graduated from East Kentwood High School. He now chairs the Kentwood Friends of Education. “We want to make sure all the kids coming behind them have an equal or better opportunity than they did.”

So, Swoboda and other district parents and community are rallying to get word out on a $65 million bond request on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 3. It is the district’s second attempt to pass the proposal to fund security, technology, new buses and facility upgrades.

After a similar proposal for the same amount narrowly failed in May with a vote of 4,407 to 4,055, parents rallied to try again. The district has also worked to better communicate details of the bond.

“We felt we owed it to those parents,” Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff said.

A community survey paid for by Kentwood Friends for Education showed support. “People overwhelmingly said, ‘put it back on,’ and that’s why we we’re back,” Swoboda said.

The survey sought to capture a cross-section of registered voters and parents to guide the district leadership’s decision to bring another bond proposal to the board, Zoerhoff said. It was mailed, emailed and posted on social media to solicit feedback from staff, parents and community members. More than 1,000 people responded.

The proposal remains nearly the same as in May, although new athletic turf on the football and soccer fields has been removed from planned bond-funded projects.

The 30-year proposal would cost about 72 cents per week for the owner of a $100,000 home. The district recently refinanced existing debt, which reduced the 2014 millage to 3.5 mills. The proposed bond issue will raise the millage rate 0.75 mills to a total of 4.25 mills. This new rate is lower than the 4.6 mills that were levied in 2014.

If approved, bond projects would occur over the next 10 years. About 25 percent of bond funds are planned for technology; 27 percent toward safety and security and 48 percent toward improving operational efficiency, including building renovations.

A Breakdown of Projects

In the area of safety and security, bond projects would include:

•   Remodeled school entryways creating limited access to students and classrooms
•   Improved traffic-flow measures at buildings to create safer, more efficient environments for traveling to and from facilities
•   Updated building-wide communications systems
•   The gradual replacement of an aging school bus fleet
•   Playground upgrades to meet current safety guidelines

In the area of technology, projects would include:

•   New computers and devices, purchased gradually over 10 years, allowing the district to implement a long-term technology plan
•   Upgrades to network infrastructure and modernizations at each school location to support and serve more technology
•   Remodeling media centers into flexible “collaboration centers” throughout the district. The spaces would be outfitted for technology and used for large-group instruction

In the area of operational efficiency, including building renovations, projects would include:

•   Elementary media center renovations with new technology and furniture
•   Meadowlawn Elementary School renovations including the addition of a gymnasium to bring it up to the district-wide standard
•   A new secure community entrance for after-school and recreation programs (youth arts and athletics) at Valleywood Middle School
•   Locker room remodeling and upgrades at Pinewood and Valleywood middle schools for use by students and community.
•   Fine arts classrooms at East Kentwood High School would be renovated

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

Every Vote Counts: Cast Your Ballot on November 3rd

October 28, 2015Politics, Upcoming EventsMichigan's Secretary of State offices, November 3 election, Ruth Johnson, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, VotingJoanne

Attention to all eligible voters, don’t forget to cast your ballots in local elections Tuesday, Nov. 3!

“Voting for schools and libraries, cities and townships, means your voice is being heard right in your community,” Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said. “If your municipality is holding an election, please take a few minutes to cast your ballot.”

The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 74 counties in Michigan are holding elections.

To find out if there is an election in your respective Wyoming or Kentwood precinct, and to view your sample ballot, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center. The website is a great online resource for voters. There you can find your polling location or track your absentee ballots to confirm it has been received by the local clerk.

There is still time for voters to obtain an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are:

-Age 60 or older.
-Physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
-Expecting to be out-of-town for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day.
-In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
-Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.
-Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday must fill out the ballot in the clerk’s office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on Election Day.

Residents who registered to vote by mail or via a voter registration drive and have never voted in Michigan are not eligible to vote by absentee ballot in their first election. They must vote in person at their precinct. This restriction does not apply to voters who are overseas, disabled or 60 or older.

Voters must fulfill identification requirements under Michigan law. They will be asked to present valid photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID ,or failed to bring it with them, may still vote. They will sign a brief affidavit stating that they’re not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

Voters obtaining absentee ballots in person must meet the same photo identification requirement as voters who cast ballots in the polling place.

Under Michigan law, voters will also be presented with an application at the polls. By signing the application, the voter certifies that he or she is a U.S. citizen.

A specially equipped voting station called the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal is also available at each polling location for use by voters with disabilities.

Trunk-or-Treat gets accessorized with the Fall Festival (Note: Location Change!)

October 23, 2015Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsFall Festival, Kentwood Parks and Rec Department, Mike DeWitt, Trunk or TreatJoanne

Children in costumes, candy coming through their ears, and laughter and smiles that can be seen from space!

Trick-or-Treating is an annual tradition around the nation on Halloween, but the City of Kentwood adds a little twist, instead of going door-to-door, the children go trunk-to-trunk. Why trick-or-treat when you can just as easily trunk-or-treat?

Trunk-or-Treat has become a holiday staple for the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department. It gives children an opportunity to dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat in a safe environment. The event is also a chance for those children who don’t live in neighborhoods to have a neighborhood brought to them!

This year, with a whole new staff running the event, the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department decided to add a little more fun to Trunk-or-Treat. Don’t think of it as a face-lift or a makeover, it’s more along the lines of accessorizing.

“We are excited about the new addition of the Fall Festival in conjunction with the Trunk or Treat event!” explained Lorraine Beloncis of the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department, “We’ve added hayrides, games, a bouncy house, music, cider & donuts and face painting along with our sponsored trunks handing out candy.”

The addition of the Fall Festival should only add more smiles to a fun-filled day that families and children of all ages can enjoy. On top of all the fun events previously mentioned, there will be pumpkin racing, Halloween Plinko, and pumpkin ring toss.

Oh! I almost failed to mention, the children aren’t the only ones who get to dress up and show off their creative side. It’s encouraged for all participants to decorate and vote on their trunks as well!

Don’t miss out on all the fun of the Fall Festival! This years event is Saturday, October 24 from 10am-noon. Because of the weather, Fall Festival has been moved from its original location at Veteran’s Park to the Garage at Kentwood’s Public Works Department. The address is 5068 Breton Road, between 44th and 52nd Street.

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: Northern Michigan

October 23, 2015Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming EventsChateau Chantal, Crystal Mountain Spooktacular Saturdays, Halloween, Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan, Shorts Brewing Company, St. Ignace, Traverse CityJoanne

There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Northern West Michigan finishes the series. If you missed part one or part two on Southern Michigan and Central Michigan, be sure not to let it Fall to the wayside!

As Halloween approaches, all the little ghouls and goblins have one thing on their minds: Trick-or-Treating! To keep the kids’ minds off candy just a bit longer, kick off your Halloween fun early in West Michigan! Whether it’s family fun at the corn maze, or Halloween-themed pub crawls for the grown up ghouls, there are plenty of Halloween activities for all ages around West Michigan to get you in a Halloween mood!

Northern Halloween Fun in West Michigan

Chateau Chantal’s Naughty Apple Hard Cider

For those adults looking to pair their Halloween fun with a seasonal brew, you’ll want to check out Chateau Chantal’s Naughty Apple Hard Cider. Their brand new & wonderfully tantalizing Naughty Apple Hard Cider is fermented from a duo of Michigan Golden Delicious & Gala apples. Slightly sweet, serve chilled. Purchase in their tasting room or online at the Chateau Chantal web store.

While you’re visiting Chateau Chantal, enjoy a beautiful & elegant 7-course meal perfectly paired alongside a Chateau Chantal wine & created by the talented in-house chef. Learn from their knowledgeable staff about food & wine pairings while savoring exquisite creations & making new friends. Bring an eager palate, an inquisitive mind & an empty stomach! Your experience begins with an informative winery tour at 6pm with dinner seating in the winery’s beautiful dining room, with panoramic views of both bays, at 6:30pm. Seating is limited so book yours before it’s too late! Reservations & payment are required at least a day in advance. Reserve online here or call (231) 223-4110.

Short’s Brewing Company

Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire is hosting a Halloween Party on October 31st. The Private Stache bottle release will start at 11:00 am with other events like the costume contest taking place in the evening. You’ll also get to enjoy Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers play live on the pub stage (beginning at 9:00 pm), spooky food specials, a costume contest, Halloween themed draft beer, and a Bourbon Evil Urges Private Stache bottle release.

St. Ignace

St. Ignace puts a unique spin on Halloween fun at the annual St. Ignace Trunk or Treat on October 24, 2015. Parents decorate their ghoulish vehicles and dispense candy to those in costume directly from the trunk of the car. It’s tailgating for Halloween! Afterward, ride the hay wagon to the Haunted Woods and take a tour if you’re brave enough, or simply enjoy games and music. It all starts at the lot behind the Quality Inn. Prizes awarded for best costume, scariest costume and most original costume. Everyone’s invited!

Crystal Mountain Spooktacular Saturdays

Take in the autumn air during Spooktacular Saturdays on October 24th at Crystal Mountain. The whole family is sure to have a good time with activities for all ages to enjoy. Take advantage of specialty Fun Pass prices that provide a bundle of activities at a discounted rate. Participate in apple bobbing, wagon rides, face painting, and unlimited marshmallows at the campfire! Take in the leaves from the chairlift, or carve pumpkins to get into the Halloween mood. Bring your best costume for the Costume Parade at 5pm, with free entry and candy for all participants! If you’re feeling brave, head over to the Haunted Forest at the end of the night (recommended for ages nine and up).

Downtown Traverse City

October closes with a parade of little ghosts and goblins as Downtown Traverse City hosts costume clad children and their parents to trick or treat at participating stores throughout the Downtown area on Halloween. The event kicks off at 3:30 until 5 pm. For more information call (231) 922-2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com. While you’re there, watch out for running zombies, as the Zombie Run takes place that morning!

Mackinac Island

In the Celtic world, Samhain marks the end of summer and the beginning of the new year and a time to commemorate the souls of the blessed dead. With the rise of Christianity, it was changed to Halloween and remains a joyous time of family reunion.

On Mackinac Island, they celebrate both traditions with their Halloween Weekend October 23rd through 25th. Have fun with the kids Trick or Treating downtown, take the Haunts of Mackinac Tour and then gear up for some great grown up Halloween parties at the downtown pubs. This is also the time of year that the Island shops work hard to clear out their inventory with great discounts and sales. Be sure to browse on Main Street, Market Street and at the shops at Grand Hotel. This makes a perfect weekend to skip out on Black Friday and get a head start on holiday shopping.

For up to the day room availability, just call the Tourism Bureau 906.847.3783, and they hope to see you join in their tradition to pull out all the stops and celebrate the end of the Island’s main season.

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: Central Michigan

October 22, 2015Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBlandford Nature Center, Central West Michigan, Chocolates by Grimaldi, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Halloween On Ice, Halloween West Michigan, John Ball Zoo, LowellArts!, Opera Grand Rapids, Our Brewing Company, Pentwater, Play Bytes by PlaywrightsJoanne

There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Next up is Central West Michigan. If you missed part one on Southern Michigan, be sure not to let it Fall to the wayside!

Central Halloween Fun in West Michigan

Opera Grand Rapids

Opera Grand Rapids is ramping up for its annual Night With The Opera fundraiser on October 30 surrounding the company’s season opening concert of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem.” Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in an evening of unique cuisine and libations, live performances, and plenty of ghosts and ghouls at this year’s Halloween-themed event. All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids’ mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for high quality, live opera in West Michigan.

In keeping with tradition, Night With the Opera will treat guests to a festive evening packed full of live performances, along with the opportunity to join other advocates in support of live opera in the community. More information can be found here.

Pentwater

Pentwater has a number of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the Halloween season! October 31st heralds Halloween on the Green & the Spooktacular Parade! From 1pm through 5pm, bring the kids out in costume for fun activities, trick or treating with downtown merchants, the parade, and more Halloween fun.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Bring your little ghouls and goblins in for a night of Trick or Treat fun at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum! Visit on Thursday, October 29th, from 5:00-8:00pm to create Halloween art, decorate a treat bag, and trick or treat throughout the museum! Entry is just $1.75 per person, and don’t forget your costume!

LowellArts! King Gallery

On display in the LowellArts! King Gallery is an exhibition titled “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” The exhibit is a group show of dark and mysterious themed artwork that was submitted through an open call for artists. Artwork on display embraces the concept of darkness, mystery, and fear in a thoughtful way. The show was juried to ensure that artwork fit the theme, and is appropriate for all viewing audiences. The exhibit will be on display October 1st through 31st. The gallery is open Tues-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 1-4pm.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is getting in the Halloween mood with “Hallowee-Ones”! Hallowee-Ones takes place on Friday, October 23, from 10 am through 12 pm. Dress your child in costume and enjoy this special event designed for the youngest visitors. Children are invited to join in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.

Chocolates by Grimaldi

Few things can compare to a crisp autumn apple grown in Michigan’s fertile glacial soil, but if you’re the kind of person that likes your Halloween apples dripping in an extra layer or two, of deliciousness, then Chocolates by Grimaldi has the treat for you.

For a limited time the Grand Haven-based chocolate factory, is offering a special chocolate caramel apple. Their chocolatiers use complementary ingredients that allow the customer to experience layers of flavors. They start with crisp, hand-picked apples and drench them in their buttery, and creamy caramel. Next they coat them with their own delectable chocolate. Finally, the apples are dusted them with a layer of crunchy nuts or other toppings.

If you want one, you had better hurry, because the apples won’t last long. The limited edition apples will only be available through the fall at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven or on their website.

Our Brewing Company

Our Brewing Company is hosting their annual Anniversary/Halloween Party on Friday, October 30, 2015. This will be their 3rd Anniversary party, as they opened November 1 of 2012. There will be live music, great beer, everyone dressed up in costumes, and great merchandise for sale, including their custom Anniversary shirts which will only be sold at this time! Party will start around 8:00 and go until Midnight.

John Ball Zoo

Visit West Michigan’s favorite trick-or-treat spot at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, where you’ll find over 20 booths, over-the-top decorations, and costumed characters! Your visit will include games, prizes, magic, music, special animal activities, and so much more. Bring your bees, pirates, princesses, and bears to Zoo Goes Boo on October 23rd-25th!

Play Bytes by Playwrights

Play Bytes by Playwrights is a production and competition of a collection of eight 10-minute plays written by playwrights and performed by emerging and established actors at LowellArts! Either drama or comedy, all the plays fit the theme: Things That Go Bump in the Night. A panel of judges will select one of the competing playwrights to win a $500 cash prize. Audience members will be invited to vote for their favorite short play, and the playwright winner of the People’s Choice and Juried Cash Award will be announced at the final production.

The Dinner Theater productions are held at Larkin’s Other Place, 301 W. Main Street on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30pm–October 23, 24, 30 & 31 with a Sunday matinee at 1:30pm–October 25. Show only tickets are available–play begins at 7:30pm on Fri & Sat and 2:30pm on Sunday. Advanced tickets are required for Dinner Theater ($25), and show only tickets ($13) can be purchased in advance or at the door. For ticket information, call 897-8545. More info here.

Lowell

What could be more fun than Lowell in October! They have a host of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the autumn air while visiting all the events throughout Historic Lowell! Participate in or view the Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk or the Outdoor Chili Madness Chili Cook-off at Larkin’s Restaurant, plus join them at the fairgrounds for the Autumn Marketplace, which will feature Arts and Crafts, Farmers Market, Flea Market, Pet Expo, Scarecrow-Building hoedown and live entertainment!

Halloween On Ice

Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween On Ice is coming to Van Andel Arena on Friday, October 30th at 7:00 PM. Get ready for a night of family fun with Halloween-themed figure skating performances by a star studded cast of Olympic, World, and US National medalists including Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Johnny Weir and many more!

The line-up of skaters is subject to change. Tickets are on sale now at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Groups of 12 or more save by calling 616-742-6185, emailing GroupSales@smggr.com or online.

Blandford Nature Center

Celebrate Halloween and the great outdoors at the same time at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Visit on October 29th at 6pm for the “Beasts of Blandford” program. As the sun sets and the night animals become active, come creep through the enchanted Blandford forest. Enjoy a Halloween treat and participate in a craft.

Make sure to check out part 3 on Friday for Halloween activities in Northern West Michigan!

Bluegrass Concert to Benefit Education Foundation

October 21, 2015Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming EventsBluegrass, Downtown Market, Downtown Market Education Foundation, Education Foundation, Mark Lavengood, MipsoJoanne

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will host a bluegrass concert featuring the Chapel Hill, N.C. band Mipso on October 22 at 7 p.m. to benefit the Education Foundation’s individual scholarship program.

Mipso is a southern bluegrass trio featuring fiddler and vocalist Libby Rodenbough along with Jacob Sharp on mandolin, Joseph Terrell on guitar, and Wood Robinson on bass.

Mipso’s 2013 debut album, with a mix of three-part harmony and Appalachian influences, rose to #8 on Billboard’s bluegrass charts. The band is currently touring the country in support of their newly released album, “Old Time Reverie.” Local bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood will open for Mipso, and perform with them throughout the evening.

The Downtown Market Education Foundation is a non-profit organization created to offer culinary and nutritional education, entrepreneur opportunities and a place for local food production. With the goal of creating a healthier community lifestyle, the organization supports access to, and promotion of, fresh healthy foods for all, including disadvantaged families and children.

To date, the foundation has given more than 3,000 scholarships and brought in nearly 40 community organizations for nutrition education, culinary and gardening classes, and training in entrepreneurship and food production. The Mipso concert will help fund additional individual class scholarships, and is underwritten by David and Judy Frey.

WHAT: Bluegrass concert featuring Mipso and Mark Lavengood to benefit Downtown Market Education Foundation. Cash bar will be available.

WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Rapids Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, second floor

WHO: Mipso and Mark Lavengood

TICKETS: Purchase online for $10

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: South Michigan

October 21, 2015Beer, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming EventsColdwater Country, Cornwells Turkeyville, Crane Orchards & U-Pick, FireKeepers Casino hotel, Franke Center for the Arts, Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular, Henderson Castle, Journeyman Distillery, Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven, Stokes Homestead Farm Market, The Inn at Harbor Shores, West Michigan, West Michigan Beer ToursJoanne

There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Part one and Southern Michigan comes down as the first leaf to hit the ground.

South Michigan Halloween Fun

Stokes Homestead Farm Market

Stokes Homestead Farm Market in Grand Junction is kicking off fall fun this season with their Shadow Hollow Haunt, a one-of-a-kind haunted trail, that will run every weekend in October! They’ll be throwing in some new twists, turns and scares this year. Check out all the details at stokeshomestead.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall is preparing for their family friendly Fall season of fun, frights, and memories. Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly “Haunted Adventures,” open from 12pm-8pm on Saturday’s and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Some of the activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. Each year the owners alter the theme of the Haunted Barn to explore all of the aspects Halloween has to offer.

This year’s theme is reminiscent of the things that caused your imaginary night time fear of monsters: shadows! All of the walls have spooky shadows thrown across them; but participants be warned, there are things lurking in the shadows, so prepare to be spooked. The haunts found in the barn are appropriate for even young children, and employees willing to help out the most scared of kids. Wristbands last all day and include all activities. The cost for a wristband is ten dollars per person – excluding babes in arms. Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre will be performing Abra Cadaver, an interactive murder mystery, on October 30 and 31 for more spooky, entertaining, & delicious Halloween fun!

Franke Center for the Arts

Plan to visit the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall on Saturday, October 24th at 8pm for a performance by Mind Reader & Illusionist Christopher Carter. Carter is recognized as one of the world’s greatest “mind-readers,” but he’s not psychic. He’s just an incredibly skilled observer of human behavior.

Starting at the age of eight, when an uncle allowed him to sit in on a poker game, Christopher began to realize that people broadcast their thoughts in ways beyond words. This led to a lifelong interest in non-verbal communication and ‘people reading.’ Although he pursued dual interests in psychology and theater in college, it wasn’t until he was doing graduate work that Chris finally put it all together: he blended his fast-paced, humorous theatrical style with stunning displays of psychological ability. The ovations and accolades have been coming ever since.

As an entertainer, Christopher has earned feature appearances on “The Martin Short Show” and the “Donny and Marie Show.” As one of the most popular performers on college campuses, he has been awarded the highest honor in the Campus Activities industry: Entertainer of the Year. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $22 at the door.

West Michigan Beer Tours

Get in the Halloween mood with West Michigan Beer Tours and their spooky tour featuring a brewery with a haunt, and of course, some great fall seasonal beers. Be prepared for a night of frights, flights and fun.

The Halloween tour will begin at Shakespeare’s Pub in downtown Kalamazoo where pumpkin ales, hard ciders, and other autumn classics will be on tap. The group will then make the short jaunt west to Paw Paw Brewing Co. where the crew will get you in the spirit of the season with fall ales and perhaps a few scary surprises.

From there, you’ll make way to Psycho Ward & Nightmares, one of Kalamazoo’s best haunted attractions tucked into the woods behind the Kalamazoo Speedway. Enjoy steeply discounted prices and VIP access to the freak fest. You’ll then conclude with a quick ride north to Plainwell’s Old Mill Brewpub. Owner and brewmaster Scott Zylstra plans to serve some of his first beers and offer a tour of the more than 100-year-old building known to be inhabited by a few ghosts. The Halloween Beer Tour takes place on October 30th and lasts for five hours. Book your spot directly through West Michigan Beer Tours.

Journeyman Distillery

Journeyman Distillery will be hosting the Three Oaks Pub Crawl on Halloween (October 31st) from 2-10. Tour the town’s drinking establishments and compete for a chance to win coveted Pub Crawl t-shirts. Costumes are encouraged and the best ones will be rewarded. Watch out for the spirits this Halloween!

Henderson Castle

Prepare for an evening of intrigue, lies, and deception at Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo as you try to unravel all the clues and solve a case of murder. All this while socializing with the cremé de la cremé of this city’s high society, friends, loved ones.

During the dinner, you get to know everyone, share what you know and find out what you can… you will need this to establish a motive… for murder. Who knows, you may be the murderer and not know it! The October Murder Mystery Dinner takes place the night before Halloween, on October 30th at Henderson Castle. The cost is $69 per person.

Michigan Maritime Museum

The Michigan Maritime Museum will host a free trick-or-treating event at the Museum for children ages toddler to 10 years on October 31st from 4pm-6pm. The event will have trick-or-treating stations around the Museum campus and aboard tall ship Friends Good Will. Children must be in costume to participate. Bring out the whole family! All children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Join FireKeepers Casino Hotel this Halloween for a weekend of fun and entertainment, including the annual Halloween Costume Contest, Here Come the Mummies Concert, and Halloween Slot Tournament!

The festivities start Friday, October 30th with the Halloween costume contest at 7pm on the casino floor. All those interested in participating in the costume contest will need to join the parade line beginning at 7pm. At 7:45pm the Top 10 will be announced and asked to come to the Money Keepers Mainstage for the next round of judging, where the top 3 will be selected for audience voting. All of the top 10 costume participates will receive a prize.

The 1st place winner will walk away with a cash and Red Hot Credit prize of $5,000! Continue the Halloween excitement with Here Come the Mummies. The concert will begin at 9pm in the event center and ticket are just $25. The Halloween Slot Tournament will begin at 10am on October 31st. To qualify, simply earn 31 points on your Red Hot Rewards Club Card starting at 9am on October 31st. The tournament will run from 10am-3pm with the top 4 from each hour advancing to the final. The top 20 finalist will share a total prize pool of over $40,000 in prizes, with the 1st place winner receiving $20,000 cash!

The Inn at Harbor Shores

The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph invites you to celebrate this Halloween with them in a variety of ways! Visit the weekend of Halloween for Happy Halloweekend at The Inn, which will incorporate a series of frightening events for all ages, beginning with pumpkin carving and ending with a costume bash to end all others!

On Wednesday, October 28th, the local library will present Scary Stories, and Artist Pumpkin Carving Begins. Vote for your favorite pumpkin in person or on The Inn at Harbor Shores’ social media. On Halloween, the pumpkin carving winners will be announced, and the Costume Ball will kick off at 8pm! Enjoy dancing, a DJ, snacks, a cash bar, and prizes for the best costume! Tickets are $20, or can be included in your overnight stay package.

Crane Orchards & U-Pick

Crane Orchards & U-Pick in Fennville offers a 20-acre Corn Maze through October 30th. A lot of creative energy goes into this project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere! Adults are $7, Ages 6 years to 10 years are $5, and kids 5 years old and below are free! This is a family friendly corn maze, and be sure to catch a hayride or Cowtrain ride while you’re there!

South Haven

If you’re in the South Haven area on Halloween, dress up, come out and join all the witches, goblins, vampires, superheroes, princesses, skeletons, and all the scariest costume in between for a fun filled candy gathering extravaganza! South Haven Trick-or-Treating will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Halloween. Be sure to have a big container to hold all your candy, and don’t forget the three magic words: “Trick-or-Treat!”

Coldwater Country

Celebrate Halloween in Coldwater Country with costumes, scares, and a parade! Adventure out for a spook-tacular time in the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater on October 29th. The younger crowd will enjoy the less scary time from 6pm-7pm for the true Haunted Forest, scare time is 7pm-9pm. Don’t miss out on the Haunted Halloween Parade on October 31st! The theme changes every year, and you’ll see entries from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular

The 4th Annual Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular will take place at the Museum on Thursday, October 29th from 4:00-7:00pm! Fun for the whole family, the Spooktacular will feature cool cars throughout the Museum, trick-or-treat throughout the galleries for children 12 and under, a featured film in the theater, and special treats and samples from local businesses! Costumes are encouraged! Kids 12 and under are FREE – Adults $5.00/person (children must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

Make sure to check out part 2 on Thursday for Halloween activities in Central West Michigan!

Runaways and Homeless Children Tell Their Stories

October 21, 2015Area Education, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming EventsArbor Circle, Deb Havens, homeless and runaway kids, National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, The Bridge, The Green Light ProjectJoanne

By: Deb Havens

West Michigan is known as a great place to raise kids, but every year an average of 2,000 young people run away from home. When you’re a homeless child, streets in West Michigan towns are as dirty and dangerous as any in a big city. As the weather gets colder, somewhere around 200 kids will be looking for food and a warm place to sleep every night. Chances are, wherever they land, safety may be a last consideration.

Fortunately, the non-profit organization Arbor Circle provides counseling and support for up to 21 days for young people ages 10 to 20 years old at the only emergency shelter in the community. Jenell Hill, Arbor Circle Community Engagement Coordinator says, “Many people don’t believe it.” So to spotlight these issues in honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Arbor Circle, located at 1115 Ball Ave NE in Grand Rapids, will host the Green Light Project in November:

The Green Light Project, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 – 5:30pm–8pm

Young people who have experienced living as a runaway and homeless who found shelter either at The Bridge or other service programs will host facility tours and share their stories. “Sometimes it’s not only therapeutic for young people but they are also a voice for their peers,” adds Hill. “Maybe other young people won’t have the same struggles.”

Without Arbor Circle, homeless, runaway, and street youth often become victims of abuse and neglect, sexual assault or trafficking, and get involved in substance abuse. They also tend to suffer from both physical and mental health issues, failure in school, and trouble with the law. These are the stories that Hill says are often overlooked when people think about the good life in West Michigan.

Hill stresses that all minor youth tour guides participate with permission of their parents, and those under 18 lead tours accompanied by Arbor Circle staff members. Hill says that budget cuts in Washington, D.C. have affected Arbor Circle resources. “We used to have a 15 seat bus to transport kids, but that broke down and we haven’t been able to replace it,” notes Hill. “We also rely on volunteers to help us cook meals.” Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information on services for homeless or runaway children, contact Arbor Circle / The Bridge.

‘Sleepy Hollow, a Musical Tale’ puts a modern spin on a spooky classic Oct. 23-Nov. 1

October 19, 2015Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming EventsGR Civic Theatre, Halloween, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Sleepy Hollow, stage play, youth musicalJoanne

By: Victoria Mullen

A haunting classic has been updated and set to music. With a limited run from October 23-November 1, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (GRCT) presents ‘Sleepy Hollow, a Musical Tale.’ The audience will find a lot to love about this stage play as it combines comedy, drama, and music.

Based on Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow—originally published in 1819 with a collection of other short stories—the stage play, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Freedman promises fun for everyone. Tickets are $10-$16.

“Our cast has approached this show as a blend between a Tim Burton film and a Scooby-Doo episode,” said Associate Director Allyson Paris. “The music in this play is outstanding, filled with modern pop-themed songs. Families can expect to see some of the most talented young people in West Michigan singing and dancing. You will be singing and dancing too!”

Set in New York within a 1790s Dutch settlement—nicknamed ‘Sleepy Hollow’—the original story’s protagonist is Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who meets up with the Headless Horseman after unsuccessfully proposing to a young lady. The Headless Horseman chases Crane through a haunted forest, only to be stymied by the river—ghosts cannot cross water. Instead, the horseman takes up his severed head and throws it at Crane, hitting his face. Even after all these years, Crane’s fate remains unknown.

As legend has it, the Headless Horseman was a Hessian soldier who was killed during the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Decapitated by an American cannonball, his body was whisked away by his comrades; the remains of his shattered head were left on the battlefield. Each Halloween night, he rises as a malevolent ghost, furiously seeking his lost head. For the sake of additional gruesomeness, modern lore has the ghost riding headless with his severed head resting on the pommel of his saddle.

GRCT’s updated spin begins in the present day on Halloween night as three modern-day children find themselves thrust into the mysterious village of Sleepy Hollow, in Colonial New England. The children encounter a variety of colorful characters and even have a confrontation with the infamous Headless Horseman himself. As the children sing and dance their way through the world of the 18^th century, they find the origins for traditions that are celebrated today as they unveil the haunting allure of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Recommended for children ages seven and older, Sleepy Hollow, A Musical Tale is great family fun with just a bit of a Halloween edge. Kids attending the October 31 matinee (2:00 curtain) performance are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes. Special treats will be given to the first 200 children.

Go here to purchase tickets or call 616.222.6650.

Hispanic Chamber After-Hours Event to be Held at WKTV

October 19, 2015Area Education, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, WKTVJoanne

Afro-Caribbean artist Erick Picardo talks with FLYB host Alan Headbloom at WKTV.

It’s time to fix your hair, check your make-up, and get ready to go under the television lights!

This October’s After-Hours networking event for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be co-hosted at WKTV with Alan Headbloom and his show Feel Like You Belong. WKTV is located at 5261 Clyde Park SW in Wyoming, MI.

In addition to networking, appetizers, and drinks, Chamber members and their guests will have a chance to learn about community access television from WKTV General Manager Tom Norton. Attendees will learn how to create Spanish-language content for local broadcast and get tours of the facility by WKTV staff.

To conclude the evening, a Chamber member will be interviewed in front of guests on the set of Feel Like You Belong, a program that tells immigrant stories. Afterwards, guests will have a chance to take photos on set with FLYB host Alan Headbloom.

The October 22 event kicks off at 5:30 and concludes at 7:00. Chamber members should RSVP online at www.hccwm.org. Potential members can call the Chamber office with questions at 616-452-3960.