Tag Archives: entertainment

Pigeon Creek Park hours extended, LED lights added

Entertainment,
Pigeon Creek Park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. (Ottawa County)

By Jessica VanGinhoven
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission voted to extend park hours at Pigeon Creek Park at their monthly meeting on Dec. 2.

“Regular winter park hours (7 a.m. -8 p.m.) begin on Oct. 16 each year,” said Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Director. “Although, with three miles of lit trails and no snow to begin our winter operations, the commission agreed to extend the park hours for hikers and bikers to 10 p.m.”

As usual, when winter operations begin and trails are groomed for cross-country skiing the park will close to hikers, dogs, and mountain bikers.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this adjustment at Pigeon Creek Park, especially during these stressful times,” said Shamblin. “By the time many of us finish with our work day, myself included, it’s too dark to get out for a hike. Between turning on the trail lights and extending our operating hours, we hope to help more individuals and families spend more time outside.”

After publishing its first Sustainability Plan in 2017, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department began to transition to LED trail lights. Making this switch has allowed the lights to remain on more often without additional cost.

Pigeon Creek Lodge & Equipment Rental

Ski and snowshoe rental will be available at the Pigeon Creek Lodge this year. We believe getting outside is more important to our health and wellness than ever. Although, visitors should expect some adjustments to our operation this year:

  • Masks/face coverings will be required everywhere except out on ski/snowshoe trails, including the sledding hill.
  • Rental equipment is only available during satisfactory snow conditions and our rental hours have changed. Before you visit, check our trail conditions page for lodge and rental information: miOttawa.org/trails
  • Ski and snowshoe rental will be available in the lodge. Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors.
  • The Lodge will not be open for warming or concessions. Please bring your own snacks and beverages, and be prepared to use your vehicle as base camp.
  • Modern restrooms in the lodge will be open.

For more information, please visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/winter-rec.htm

Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series concludes with virtual holiday concert

Entertainment,

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Lance Luce (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) concludes its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts with a virtual Holiday Classics concert performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.

Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ performed by an internationally acclaimed theatre organist.

Lance has played hundreds of concerts across the U.S., Canada, England and Australia. While at the Organ Grinder in Toronto, Ontario, he played for well over a million patrons within eight years. In 2014, he was awarded “Organist of the Year” by the American Theatre Organ Society. He has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society, other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs, and for the national and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia.

Recently, Lance became the head organist for the Detroit Red Wings at the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. He was also the house organist at several family style restaurants, with two of them being located in Michigan. He has been a church organist for 43 years and is currently at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills.

Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting the organist playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys.

The Holiday Classics Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link is needed per household or group. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.929.1700.

Feel Like You Belong: Sharing the passion for the rhythms of life

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Alan Headbloom
Feel Like You Belong

At an early age, singer/songwriter Netty Bruce Manga, stage name Ney-T, discovered he had a knack for music as he was able to distinguish the different parts of harmony.

From the West African nation of Senegal (bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Gambia, and Mauritania), Manga recently sat down with Feel Like You Belong host to talk about his home country and his “passion for the rhythms of life.”

Netty Bruce Manga (WKTV)

Manga said that his mother was directing him more to what people call “respected jobs” such as a lawyer or engineer.

“But when I discovered my passion for music, it was a very big discussion,” Manga said during the interview.

Manga continued to head down a different career path until he bought himself his first guitar while in college. It was with that guitar that he discovered just how much music meant to him and that he needed to follow the calling.

For more of Manga’s music, visit nettybrucemanga.com. For more from Feel Like You Belong, visit feellikeyoubelong.com.

Exploring Michigan’s spooky side in the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s podcast

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In the Halloween episode of the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast, guests and hosts dressed up for the season. (WKTV)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

Hosting Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and Cryptic Frequencies Blog Talk Radio show has introduced me to the spooky, weird, and strange world that surrounds us here in our Great Lake State.  Michigan measures very high on the mysterious meter with Bigfoot, Dogman, and lake monster sightings, significant UFO sightings, haunted ships and lighthouses, roads, cemeteries, libraries, and museums.  We profile mysterious people and places, authors and investigating teams and it’s my pleasure to share some supernatural insights, starting with one of our all-time favorite guests, Shetan Noir.

Noir recently joined us for a special WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast Halloween episode #34 where we discussed urban legends and superstitions.  We opened with the poem “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by A.H. Schacknofsky and co-host Brandon Hoezee offered insights into the half-truths and his own family connections to the legend of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

Guest Shetan Noir dresses as a green mermaid during the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast special Halloween edition. (WKTV)

Co-host Kim Kolean presented evidence of the Allegan County “Melon Heads” with a disturbing photo image of what they might have looked like.  The show also featured two of Noir’s books, “Lake Monsters and Odd Creatures of the Great Lakes” and “Mothman and Other Flying Creatures of the Midwest.” She shared an incredibly fascinating story of the Lake Superior Mermaid while dressed in costume as a shimmering green dragon lady.

My first encounter with Noir was during the 2018 Michigan’s Ghost Coast Paranormal Convention in Grand Haven. Noir was one of the featured speakers and during the day she asked to interview our team for her podcast Into the Liminal Abyss. Noir is an author and a journalist who has spent 25 years researching the paranormal in the field of cryptozoology, the search for or study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated.

Currently Noir is the lead investigator for the Michigan Chapter of the North American Dogman Project as well as research into Lake Monsters, Mothman, Bigfoot, Nain Rouge. While ghost hunting might have been enough to keep most people busy, Noir found time to author several books.  Noir’s amazing research chronicles actual eye witness accounts, historical testimony, real world explanations, hoaxes, fossil evidence, and artistic renditions of what these monsters might have looked like with detailed descriptions. Noir’s extensive research documents evidence of hundreds of people experiencing strange creatures at the same time with very similar descriptions by reputable well respected citizens, police, sea captains and crews, and collectively challenges the true definition of cryptozoology.

For more about Noir and her work, listen to the Grand Rapids Ghost hunters Paranormal Podcast at the WKTV Journal or on Facebook at The Whole Picture Podcasts.

GR Museum offers winter break programs

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
This year’s Snowflake Break and Digital Discover Sessions will have some LEGO brick fun. (WKTV)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be offering new educational programs for first through sixth graders available in-person or virtually during the holiday break in 2020.

Educational offerings will be available on a limited capacity basis for in-person Snowflake Break Camps and online Digital Discovery Sessions from Dec. 21 – 30, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions will offer a variety of topics from holiday traditions to space exploration and LEGO® brick fun to watershed science.

 

“The Museum is looking forward to offering fun, educational programs for kids during their winter school break, whether in-person or virtually,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “These programs create environments that encourage students to get excited about learning, resulting in better content retention and curious minds that are eager to further explore history, science and culture.”

To register, visit grpm.org/EduClasses. There is limited capacity for both Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions; early registration is recommended, discounts available for Museum members.

Digital Discovery Sessions

 

Online Digital Discovery Sessions are designed for kids to explore science, history, culture and more online and from the comfort of their home. Museum educators will lead digital learners through themed projects using Zoom and the platform SeeSaw. Digital Discovery Sessions are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 21-30, and run for two hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. These sessions are designed for kids to work independently. 

Participation will require access to the internet and the use of a device to watch presentations and complete activities. A recommended materials list is provided with each session description.

Digital Discovery Sessions are $20 per child, with a reduced rate of $10 per child for GRPM members.

Snowflake Break Camps

Beginning Dec. 21, kids can partake in small-group, in person camps at the GRPM to use the Museum as a learning lab, while interacting with artifacts and specimens, and conducting experiments to explore science, history, culture and more. Museum educators will lead small-group, hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum objectives.

Classes are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Snowflake Break from Dec. 21-30, and run for three hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. Capacity is limited to eight students per session, to ensure a low risk environment. Students will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening prior to attending the session.

Snowflake Break camps are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. 

Popular holiday activity continues to light up the season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Found William “Bill” Schrader was inspired to create the Christmas Lite Show from a friend’s display. (Supplied)

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles. 

“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader. 

After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.

“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.

Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.

The Christmas Lite Show features more than 50 displays. (courtesy Christmas Lite Show)

Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.

Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.

Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.

Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.

The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at  Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.

Hempy Keyboard concerts return in virtual format

Citizen Journalism,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Maestro Robert Nance (supplied)

Each winter, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) offers a curated selection of intimate piano concerts presented in its lobby. More than just a concert, these world-class musicians perform classical, modern, and jazz works; along with sharing stories and engaging with the audience.

This year the SCA is bringing the Hempy Keyboard Series performances straight to your living room through an exclusive livestream experience filmed from the Bertha Krueger Reid Theater in Saugatuck. After the performance, patrons can participate in a virtual Q&A session with the performers. Unable to watch the live show? A recorded version of the show will remain active for (72) hours after the live performance.

Tickets can be purchased individually or bundled together as part of a special Full Series Pass.

Every VIP package includes e-ticket access to each Hempy Keyboard Series concert plus a unique musical gift created by Maestro Robert Nance. During his Thursday, March 11, 2021 performance, Maestro Nance will debut a composition dedicated to and orchestrated around the names of Full Series Pass holders.

Individual and season passes may be purchased online at www.sc4a.org/hempy-keyboard.

Snapshots: Shopping, concerts and more

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By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Photo courtesy sphere.com

Time for some Holiday shopping

This weekend take the opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. The Holiday Market on Main will take place in downtown Lowell within walking distance of parking, restaurants, and breweries. Shoppers will have the opportunity to visit a variety of stores from antiques to candy to clothing. The event begins on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit https://www.discoverlowell.org/christmas-through-lowell/ 

The Grand Rapids Symphony has a virtual concert set for Friday, Nov. 20. (Supplied)

Listen to a Virtual Concert

Join The Grand Rapids Symphony for their virtual concert “PathWaves- A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy”. The concert will feature themes from Final Fantasy and have surprises, battles, and characters from throughout the entire series. The concert will be directed by Eric Roth and feature the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu. This takes place on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. This event is only available live and not available for replay. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase here.

The “Wild Connections” is now open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Anna Johns)

Visit the Public Museum

Take a chance to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museums’ new exhibit “Wild Connections”. This exhibit features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit is interesting for all ages and connects art and science. In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. They can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/. 

The Michigan Triangle (mysteriousfacts.com)

Fun Facts: Michigan Triangle

You may have heard of the Bermuda Triangle – but did you know the Great Lakes has its own mysterious triangle? The Michigan Triangle spans from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, and south to Benton Harbor. Numerous unexplained shipwreck have occurred in this area dating back to 1891. In addition to the disappearances, there is even an area where divers discovered strange Stonehenge-like rock formations. Some say these tragedies are caused by high winds and rough weather while others claim paranormal forces are at work. 

This weekend the last one for the John Ball Zoo’s 2020 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
The Canadian Lynx is getting ready to for its winter home at the John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

Only three days left for guests to enjoy John Ball Zoo for the 2020 season. Guests can get their last visits for the year to see the red pandas, along with the chimpanzees, meerkats, lions, bears, tigers and the other amazing animals from Friday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 22.

Along with many new babies, including red pandas, armadillos, Canada lynx and others, the Zoo had had other exciting additions for the 2020 season. Guests are now welcomed by a new front entry valley, which includes a winding ADA compliant entry pathway, along with new restrooms, concession stand and groundwork to bring new animals into the Zoo family.

With the increased cases of COVID, the Zoo will require all guests ages 5 and older to wear a mask at all times and everywhere in the Zoo, including outdoor spaces. They also have again reduced guest capacity within the Zoo to allow space for social distancing.

With limited admission tickets available, guests are highly encouraged to reserve their timed tickets ahead of time to guarantee their preferred date and time. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org. John Ball Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about the John Ball Zoo, visit jbzoo.com.

Applications now open for the 2021 Collegiate Vocal Competition

Entertainment

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Applications for the Collegiate Vocal Competition are available. This competition is an opportunity for college-level voice students to compete for cash prizes and receive feedback from acclaimed opera artists.

Applications are now available for the Collegiate Vocal Competition hosted by Opera Grand Rapids. (pxhere.com)

The competition offers the second-largest purse in the nation with nearly $25,000, awarded. First place receives $10,000, second place receives $5,000, third receives $2,500, and the winner of the Friends of the Opera Award will receive $1,000.

For the first round of the competition, applicants will submit their performances online. The top ten finalists will perform in the final-round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids on April 3, 2021.

Those who are interested in competing must be enrolled as an undergraduate at a higher-education institution in the United States and be under the age of 21 as of February 1, 2021. Applications are due by Feb 1, 2021. For more information on auditions visit https://www.operagr.org/collegiate-vocal-competition/ 

St. Joseph lights luminaries to kick off the holiday shopping season

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
St. Joseph hosts its Luminary display Nov. 20. (West Michigan Tourist Association)

By Amy Zapal
St. Jospeh Today

The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Holt Bosse, creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales/promotions, specialty items, drawings/giveaways, free gift wrapping and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.

“All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, grab a sweet treat, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”

Additionally, St. Joseph Today will kick off the holiday music a little earlier this year. Zapal says, “SJT added holiday music throughout downtown in 2019 as part of Window Wonderland.” Zapal goes on to say, “This year we wanted to start the holiday festivities a little earlier during the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We’re hoping to spread a little extra cheer this year!”

Participating locations include 221 Main, Baroda Founders, Caffe Tosi, DK Boutique, G&M Variety, Grins, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, ReVive Spa, Silver Harbor Brewing, State Street Stuff, The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Natural Gem, Third Coast Surf Shop, and White Pine Winery.

NEW THIS YEAR: St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.

Through this partnership, new winter lights will be placed downtown along State Street (from Elm Street to Ship Street) as well as Broad Street and Ship Street (Lake Boulevard. to Main Street) and Pleasant Street (Lake Bpi;evard. to Court Street). The winter lights will kick off Friday, Nov. 20, Luminary weekend, and remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.

“Our hope is to make outdoor spaces more inviting during the winter.” Zapal goes on to say, “Downtown St. Joseph will transform into a winter wonderland, enticing visitors, shoppers and diners alike, for the holidays and throughout the winter. We invite the community to enjoy this winter season and support local businesses.”

For more information on Luminary visit stjoetoday.com/luminary.

Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:

  • Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov. 28 (all day)
  • Window Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 4 (7 – 8:30 p.m.)
  • Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)



For more information, call St. Joseph Today at 269-985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.

Amway Grand Plaza opens Spanish-inspired restaurant with a side of dazzling views

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Alyssa Snyder
Amway Grand Plaza

AHC Hospitality announces the opening of MDRD, a Spanish-inspired full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton Thursday, Nov. 17.

MDRD (Amway Grand Plaza)

Located on the 27th floor of the recently renovated glass tower, MDRD (pronunciation: Madrid) will bring a vibrant all-occasion dining option to Grand Rapids, with modern Spanish cuisine, lavish libations, an energetic atmosphere and unobstructed river and city views.

“With its upscale yet comfortable ambiance, MDRD will offer an exciting new dining concept in Grand Rapids’ Hotel District,” said George Aquino, vice president and managing director of AHC Hospitality, the management company behind Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD. “With the most coveted city views in Michigan, MDRD will be a fun and intimate spot for date nights, evenings out on the town and special events—for locals and visitors alike.”

Designed by global design firm Gensler, MDRD will provide a dramatic and energetic experience in an accessible, decidedly unstuffy environment. The fresh approach will allow diners to select from a variety of experiences depending on the group or occasion, ranging from the casual social lounge to the cozy, welcoming bar area and high-end dining room, where every seat is the “best seat in the house” thanks to innovative stadium-style seating. A custom tile installation will spill through the space, reminiscent of falling confetti and the classic costumes associated with Spain’s famous Carnival celebration. Custom lighting will hang above, a modern take on the hoops and batons of street performers, while bright murals of Spanish neighborhoods handcrafted by local artist Maddie Jackson will adorn the walls.

With accomplished Chef Stephan VanHeulen as executive chef, MDRD’s flavorful menu will be inventive yet approachable, including meat and seafood main dishes like fileta a la plancha, beef tenderloin steak with piquillo pepper and black garlic sauce, thumbelina carrot, wild mushroom, confit potato and anise jus; and bacalao al ajillo, lightly salted cod in garlic sauce with grilled scallion, chorizo oil and potato pave.

Spanish classics like patatas bravas and paella will also grace the menu, plus beautiful and decadent desserts by pastry chef Doug Orr, innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list with a focus on Spanish varietals.

“We can’t wait to see how diners at MDRD respond to Chef VanHuelen’s take on Spanish classics, his love letter to Spain,” said general manager Parker Bulliment. “Combined with our staff’s impeccable service and the space’s mesmerizing views, every dining experience at MDRD will be one to remember.”

MDRD will be open for dinner service from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Proper COVID precautions will be taken in accordance with state and local guidelines. For more information on Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD, please visit www.amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd.

Public Museum’s newest exhibit connects the viewer, nature through Lego creations

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern

The Fornosan Clouded Leopard looks mournfully at the passerby while in the distance a large yellow construction truck sits on top of the remanence of a forest; the forest that was once his home.

Today animals are going extinct at rapid rates. The Fornosan Clouded Leopard is an example of this as it was driven to extinction by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. According to the World Wild Life organization, over the past 40 years there has been a 60% decline in the size of animal populations. In Michigan, there are currently 25 species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).



The Grand Rapids Public Museum is working to being attention to this important topic in its latest exhibit “Wild Connections,” which features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature.

“In this exhibit you will be able to explore larger than life Lego creations such as wildlife, plants and insects, as well as how humans interact with nature, ” said GRPM Marketing Manager Alee’a Cherry. “This exhibit appeals to everyone of all ages and it also bridges art, creativity, and science,”

The artist behind the exhibit Sean Kenney, who uses the toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit highlights animals big and small and explores the balance of ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world.

Kenney lives in New York City and understands the importance of preserving nature. He believes that everything in nature is interconnected and this exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful. His goal is to celebrate the inherent beauty in nature and to protect animal habitats.

“Growing Ideas” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

Of the 20 sculptures, Cherry said she could see a couple become fan favorites.

“The bike because it is so large and you feel like you can get right on and ride it,” she said with a laugh.

Near the large red tricycle, is “Growing Ideas,” another piece that Cherry said she believes will also be a fan favorite.

“Being able to see all the intricate parts of the city created in Lego bricks is just truly amazing,” she said.

This piece, which is a large-scale city scape with a cloud of ideas hanging over, was built with more than half a million Legos and was one of the biggest projects Kenney and his team ever took on. The Legos represent ideas that fall from the tree raining down onto the city showing that inspiration and creativity have no limits.

“Deforestation” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. Guests can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt. They can also test their skills with challenges such as “How far can you jump?,” and “How tall are you in Legos?”

“We hope that people walk away with the inspiration to create something,” Cherry said. “We want to make sure people go home with the information they need to research more, make informed decisions, and also create.”

“Wild Connections” is open until May 2, 2021. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/.

Public Museum helps Santa go virtual this season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment
The Grand Rapids Public Museum Santa will be meeting friends and families virtual this year. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced a new family-fun experience with the Grand Rapids Santa virtually for 2020. Santa can visit families virtually through a LIVE Zoom chat or downloadable video message to the kids or entire family.

Santa will be making Zoom calls to families at a pre-scheduled time, or families have the option to receive a downloadable customized video message directly from Santa. Purchases of a Virtual Santa message or Zoom chat support the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be staying at the North Pole until Christmas Day but will be calling to visit with local children. (Supplied)

“Knowing that many holiday traditions will likely look different this year, the GRPM is offering a safe way for families to visit with Santa,” said Gina Schulz, vice president of development for the GRPM. “The entire family will have fun with either a call from Santa directly or a customized message to play anytime you’d like. Each purchase also supports the Museum’s ongoing exhibits and programs.”

Direct calls from Santa will cost $35. Calls will take place over Zoom. Downloadable videos will cost $30 and videos will be emailed directly from Santa to the purchaser. Videos will be available for purchase through Dec. 13, and for those looking for a last-minute gift from Santa, live Zoom calls will be available from Dec. 14 – 21 for $45. Virtual Santa messages and Zoom calls can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Santa or by calling 616-929-1700. 

Binder Park Zoo announces birth of Colobus Monkey

Citizen Journalism,
Binder Park Zoo’s newest addition is colobus monkey. (Supplied by Binder Park Zoo)

By Leslie Walsh
Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo recently announced that a baby black and white colobus monkey was born in the early hours of Oct. 31 at the zoo.

Parents Usi and Nairobi produced the offspring, whose gender has not been determined yet, upon a breeding recommendation of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. The event marks the first birth of a primate in almost five years at the zoo when a black mangabey monkey was born in October of 2015.

The “baby monkeys are born with their eyes open and a strong grip which they need to cling to mom,” said Kelsey Miller, lead keeper at Binder Park Zoo. “We’re really happy that this little one is alert, appears healthy and is demonstrating a good strong grip.” Other than observing and providing basic care, keepers maintain a “hands-off” approach with the new family to encourage their natural parenting instincts. “Nairobi is showing that she is a calm and attentive mom to her baby and we see Usi being protective of them both”– the behaviors we hope for, especially for first-timers,” Miller said.

Colobus monkeys have lived at Binder Park Zoo since 1998. The Monkey Valley exhibit opened in 1999 and remains an engaging “in-the-round” exhibit where two primate species coexist – the black and white colobus and black mangabeys. The current colobus troop consists of three monkeys; male Usi, his mate Nairobi and a female named Puddin’.  Rejected by his mother as an infant, Usi was hand-raised by his keepers, which included round the clock feedings and specialized care. An important goal was to rear him to identify as a monkey and not a human – a particular challenge of hand-raising primates. Zoo staff were successful and Usi was ultimately introduced, and accepted by the troop. Usi’s name means “eyebrow” in Swahili – in response to the pronounced eyebrows he was born with. Nairobi was born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2015 and came to Binder Park Zoo in 2018 together with her female companion/aunt named Puddin’. Puddin’s experience as a senior troop member places her in a guardian role, helping to protect Nairobi and care for the youngster – duties that troop members typically share.

“Usi didn’t necessarily have an ideal start in life,” said Kathryn Sippel, the zoo’s curator of collections . “When you hand-raise an animal you develop a special affection for them, rooting for the underdog.

“So, it’s been very rewarding for our Animal Care staff to watch him grow into the primate he was meant to be, and now become a father. Usi was born on April 16, the first day of the 2015 zoo season, and it’s interesting that five years later, his baby is born on the last day of the 2020 season! It shows how much time, patience and tenacity is often invested in these important programs.”

The eastern black and white colobus or Colobus guereza are native to equatorial Africa. The name “colobus” is from the Greek word for “mutilated,” because unlike other monkeys, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. One of only two colobus species, the other being the Angolan colobus, black and white colobus have shiny black fur and a white-framed bearded face. They are the most arboreal of African monkeys and spend most of their time in the treetops. Their long mantle hair and tails appear to act like parachutes during long leaps between branches in the tree canopy.

“It is an honor to be part of the extraordinary conservation work at Binder Park Zoo” said Binder Park Zoo President and CEO Diane Thompson. “Our zookeepers and veterinary staff, along with the other staff members, make a difference daily, and their work matters. Knowing that our conservation efforts have resulted in expanding the efforts of protecting this vital species is thrilling. We are genuinely excited to welcome the baby colobus to the zoo family.”

Gestation for colobus is approximately six months. They are born with a pink face and white fur. They begin to change color at around four weeks of age and acquire the characteristic black and white adult coloration at approximately three months of age. Guests can expect to see the youngster on exhibit in the spring.

Binder Park Zoo is closed to the public now for the winter months and will open again on April 15, 2021. Visit binderparkzoo.org for more zoo news and follow us on Facebook.

Public Museum’s Wurlitzer Theater Concert Series continues with Classic Melodies Concert

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
The Nov. 20 event will pay tribute to the Roaring 20s.
The next Wurlitzer organ concert pays tribute to the Roaring 20s. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concerts with a Classic Melodies concert performed by Brett Valiant, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.

Teleport back in time with the GRPM to pay tribute to the Roaring 20s, during a lively concert performed by Brett Valliant. Enjoy listening to classics such as Ding Dong Ding, Dream Lover, Bye Bye. Valliant is a popular American organist with the ability to perform different genres of music on the dynamic instrument. Critics across the world have defined his performances as “exciting,” “refreshing”, “unorthodox”, and “astonishing.” 

Valliant is currently the main organist at the famous Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, where he’s been for several years, playing the world’s largest Wurlitzer on a weekly basis. Valliant has played nationwide and at concert venues ranging from Australia to Russia.

Organ concerts are offered virtually and in person. Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting organists playing the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys. The in person concert experience allows attendees to immerse themselves in the dynamic sounds and acoustics of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Limited capacity; masks required for in person concerts.

 

The Classic Melodies Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link needed per household or group. In person tickets are $10 per member, $15 for the public. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616-929-1700.

Additional Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts – Virtual and In person! 

The third and final artist in the 2020 series will be Lance Luce performing a collection of seasonal favorites in a Holiday Classics concert on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. 

Move over Blue Moon, Jupiter and Saturn are planning a rare meet up

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
The above image shows where Jupiter and Saturn will be around 8 p.m. Halloween night in the southern sky (right side). In the eastern sky (left) is Mars and the Blue Moon. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While many people are discussing the Blue Moon happening this Halloween, there is even a rarer astronomical occurrence taking place right now: the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

“The last time that Jupiter and Saturn were this close was in 1623,” said Chaffee Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “That was when Galileo was alive and he was the first person every to point a telescope to the moon.”

According to earthsky.org, astronomers use “conjunction” to describe the meeting of planets and other objects in the sky. The term “great conjunction” is used to describe the meeting of Jupiter and Saturn, the two biggest worlds in our solar system.

Because Saturn and Jupiter are the slowest-moving visible planets in the solar system — it takes Saturn 29.5 years to move around the sun and Jupiter about 11.89 years —their conjunctions are the rarest. Jupiter and Saturn meet up on average about 19.6 years and the last time that happened was in 2000.

A closer look at Saturn and Jupiter on Halloween night. (Supplied)

However, what makes the 2020 meet up special is that the two planets will be about six minutes or .1 degrees apart. That distance is about a fifth of the diameter of a full moon. 

“So if people look to the southern sky, just after the sun sets, they will see Saturn and Jupiter,” Daleske said. The two planets will continue to move closer and closer until Dec. 21. On that date, astronomers will be able to point a telescope at Jupiter and see Saturn behind it.

“Unfortunately for us, the planets will be right on the horizon in our area, so it will be difficult to see,” Daleske said. “This means we will have to relay on others who have a better view.” 

This makes for a good reason for people to head out now to see the two big planets together.

“Even in the city with the light pollution making it difficult to see the stars, the planets are brighter and should be visible,” he said.

Also, local weather focusers and the National Weather Channel are showing Halloween to be a clear night, making it a great night —and also a COVID safe activity — to look at the stars.

Blue Moon and Red Mars

While outside, Daleske said people should be able to see that famous red planet, Mars, in the eastern sky.

And of course, there will be that Blue Moon.

“First, the moon won’t be blue,” Daleske said. “Because it is harvest season which means there is a lot of debris in the air which tints our atmosphere, the moon will be more orange.”

Mars and the blue moon will be visible in the eastern sky. (Supplied)

The cycle of the moon is how the current year-calendar was created with there being one full moon a month. A Blue Moon simply refers to two full moons in one month, which Daleske noted shows how the human calendar is not completely accurate (which is the reason some months have 30 days and others have 31 and one month can’t decide between 28 or 29 days). The Blue Moon, which has a host of names depending on when it appears, happens on average about 2.7 years.

What makes the October 2020 Blue Moon unique? Well, it happens on Halloween, the first time in about 76 years according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

 

“I’m sure it will make it more spooky this Halloween,” Daleske said with a laugh. The real truth? “To be honest, it is just chance. Pure chance,” he added.

Pumpkins on Parade in downtown St .Joseph

Citizen Journalism,

By Audrey Zapal
St. Joesph

Downtown businesses and restaurants in St. Joseph will host Pumpkins on Parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, Oct. 23 through Nov. 1.

Visit participating locations and vote for your favorite pumpkin online! Voting will be available at stjoetoday.com/vote from 10:00am October 23 to 11:59pm November 1. The top three winners will be announced on Monday, November 2 on the St. Joseph Today Facebook page.

Stop by these participating locations to check out their pumpkin display:  221 Main, Baroda Founders, Bistro on the Boulevard, Chartreuse, City of St. Joseph Public Works Department (located at City Hall), Edgewater Bank, G&M Variety, Grins of St. Joseph, Krasl Art Center, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Perennial Accents, Plank’s Tavern on the Water, ReVive Spa, Schu’s Bar & Grill, Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph Today, Statements Style Lounge, Sturgis Bank & Trust Co., The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Toy Company, Third Coast Surf Shop, Tim’s Too, Waterfront Framing & Design, and White Pine Winery.

Special thanks to Silver Beach Pizza and Prillwitz Fruit Farms for the coordination and donation of pumpkins for this event.

Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:

Luminary: Friday, Nov. 20 (5:00pm-8:00pm)

Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov. 28 (all day)

Window Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 4 (7-8:30 pm)

Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)

St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming fall and winter events and details call St. Joseph Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.

Pump up the volume as John Ball Zoo adds music to its IllumniZoo

Entertainment

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Starting this week, the John Ball Zoo has added music to its IlluniZoo — A Glenlore Tale!, which runs through Nov. 15.

The illuminating journey is designed to tell the tale of the connection between wildlife and wild places. Discover vibrant lighted creatures that come alive at night to help tell the tale and experience a magical show of lights and sounds. IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale is a mile-long, outdoor nighttime journey through the upper and lower realms of John Ball Zoo. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through.



All music nights are on Thursday and are from 9 p.m. to midnight. The schedule is:

Oct. 29: Electronic Dance Music Night

Nov. 5: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Music Night

Nov. 12: Tropical Calypso Music Night

For more information about IlluniZoo — A Glenlore Tale!, visit www.jbzoo.org/illumizoo.

Gun Lake Casino hosts movie night to help Toys for Tots

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Gun Lake Casino will host an outdoor family-friendly movie event that is designed to help collect toys for the annual Marine Corps Reserve’s holiday campaign, Toys for Tots.


“Gun Lake Casino has been an ongoing and loyal sponsor of Toys for Tots for many years,” said Jeff LaFrance, director of marketing for Gun Lake Casino. “In 2019, more than $35,000 in new toys were collected for children of Michigan at Gun Lake Casino.

“This year, the number of parents in need of support has grown tremendously. We are hopeful that through our ongoing efforts, Gun Lake Casino will be able to alleviate some of the stress local families feel this holiday season.”

To kick off the annual initiative, Gun Lake Casino will host “Wheels and Reels,” an outdoor fundraiser for all ages. From the comfort of their car, families may watch showings of holiday-themed movies, the first at 6 p.m. and the second at 9 p.m. The large, double-sided screen will be located at the west entrance of the casino where guests will be welcomed by the Marine Corps Reserve ready to collect new, unwrapped toy donations.

Starting this week, those wishing to support Toys for Tots may purchase tickets at gunlakecasino.com/toysfortots. Event tickets must be purchased online, prior to the start of the movie. For a minimum donation of $15 per vehicle, every ticket will include a package of concession-style snacks. All proceeds raised at the event will be used to purchase toys for this holiday season.

Following the family event, until the end of November, guests with new unwrapped gifts, accompanied by a receipt, may receive up to $50 in free slot play for their donation. Gun Lake Casino will participate in the collection of toys for local children until Dec.15. For more information, visit gunlakecasino.com/toysfortots.

Kalamazoo’s Farmers Alley Theatre presents an online production of ‘Lady Lorraine’

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Farmers Alley Theatre will feature the original one-woman show, The Conviction of Lady Lorraine, written and performed by Dwandra Nickole Lampkin. The play will be on the online streaming platform BROADWAY ON DEMAND, available thru Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and your PC beginning Oct. 29 and available for streaming thru Nov. 5.

Set in Memphis, TN near the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated—a writer has a brief but powerful encounter with a homeless woman, Lady Lorraine. She finds herself transformed by Lady Lorraine’s more than 20-year quest to right a social wrong. One year later, the writer returns to Memphis, hoping that Lady Lorraine will share her full story of conviction. But the writer quickly finds herself asking new questions about many things, and finding that Lady Lorraine is not the only one on a quest for recognition.

Dwandra Nickole Lampkin is as an associate professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University. Local audiences will remember her from the Farmers Alley stage in the productions of Doubt, a parable, The Christians, and Clybourne Park. Lampkin had previously performed Lady Lorraine, to a sold-out weekend of houses at Farmers Alley Theatre in January of 2018.

Tickets can be purchased for $19.95 by visiting www.farmersalleytheatre.com or going directly to Broadway on Demand at www.livestream.broadwayondemand.com/farmers-alley. Once purchased, you can view the program as many times as you like within the week of Oct. 29 -Nov. 5.

Sign up by Dec. 30 for ‘Kentwood’s Got Talent’!

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,

kentwoods-got-talentAre you a singer, dancer or comedian? Do you play an instrument, perform magic or have other talents?

 

Brush off those skills and start practicing for the Kentwood’s Got Talent, the talent show competition that features the best in the area.

 

The event will take place outdoors August 11, 2017, behind Kentwood City Hall at 4900 Breton SE.

 

The deadline is fast approaching — you have until December 30 to apply. Download the application here and send it in. Don’t delay!

 

For more info, go here.

Enjoy an evening of (mostly) Mozart at St. Cecilia Oct. 21

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allegro-con-spirito

 

Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, also known as the Haffner Symphony, began life as a serenade to be used as background music for the ennoblement (i.e., having nobility conferred upon) of Sigmund Haffner, a well-to-do bigwig back in the 1770s. It eventually morphed (with the help of Mozart) into the Haffner Symphony, which was first performed on March 23, 1783, at the Vienna Burgtheater.

 

ge1-mozartOn Friday, October 21 at 8 pm with John Varineau conducting, Rick Britsch on horn,  Erich Peterson on horn and Daniel Hass on cello, the performance will begin with a gracious earlier symphony written when Mozart was seventeen and had just started working for the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg. As a special treat, Israeli cellist Daniel Hass, winner of the 2016 Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo, will make a guest appearance.

 

Here’s the program:

Mozart Symphony No. 23 in D Major, K. 181
Boccherini Concerto for Cello in B-flat Major, G. 481
Mozart Horn Concerto No. 2, K. 417
Haydn Concerto for Two Horns (3rd mvt.)
Mozart Symphony No. 35 (aka Haffner Symphony)

 

BUY TICKETS

 

Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

 

 

 

Get ready for a whale of a party at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

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whales-of-the-deep

 

Before the advent of humankind, whales roamed the oceans unfettered by humans and dangerous, man-made noises. It is said that back then, a whale in the Pacific Ocean could hear a whale singing in the Atlantic Ocean. What a world that must have been.

 

Sadly, those days are long gone and we have become far removed from our huge mammal friends. But the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) wants to change that. The GRPM’s Whales: Giants of the Deep exhibition’s unique blend of science, storytelling, and innovative interactivity gives visitors the opportunity to discover more about the world of whales.

 

Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, including an impressive 58-foot male, Whales showcases amazing and rare specimens from New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum’s whale collection, one of the largest in the world. Visitors will see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.

 

They’ll also learn about whale biology, the extraordinary evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, and the history of whaling in New Zealand.

Children can even crawl through a life-size replica of the heart of a blue whale, the Earth’s largest living creature.

Interactive, immersive, and featuring the latest in international cetacean research, Whales: Giants of the Deep is an experience that brings adults and children eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures.

whale-skeleton

Here are some of the exhibition highlights:

  • See life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, including a beaked whale skull and a massive 58-foot, fully-articulated sperm whale skeleton.
  • Learn about the intricacies of whale biology, the history of whaling in New Zealand, and efforts being made by scientists and others to protect whales from threats of entanglement, shipping and sonar use, and the continuation of whaling practices in some parts of the world.
  • View casts of fossil whale ancestors, which show the evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.
  • Encounter whales through video portholes, be transported into their underwaterworld via two immersive projections, and enjoy a moving film experience that tells the stories of three whale-riding traditions in New Zealand, including the famous story of Paikea featured in Whale Rider.
  • See ancient and contemporary works of art and hear stories from people of the South Pacific illustrating the powerful influence these creatures have had on human culture.
  • Tune in to a range of whale sounds and discover how scientists and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.
  • Gain a true appreciation of the physical and behavioral traits that enable whales to make a living in the challenging and dynamic marine environment.
  • Walk among the giant—and not-so-giant—articulated skeletons of an astoundingly diverse collection of whale specimens, and then explore the evolutionary paths that gave rise to this unique group of mammals.

 

whale-bonesBeginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, Whales: Giants of the Deep tickets will be $2 for member adults and children, and $13 for non-member adults and $8 for non-member children. Admission to Whales: Giants of the Deep includes general admission to the Museum. Get tickets here.

Come to the Special Opening Party, Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Visitors of all ages will have first access to the exhibit at this party coming eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures. Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, visitors are able to see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, discover how scientists identify whales on their migration process and interact with a life-size replica of a blue whale, the world’s largest living creature.

Tickets to this event will include admission to the exhibit, as well as hands-on activities and performances including live animals from the John Ball Zoo, performances by traditional Maori dancers, admission to Dynamic Earth in the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium and lunch.

Use your ticket for lunch between 11 am and 1:30 pm to eat lunch at the Museum. Lunch will include hot dogs, chips, fruit with a drink and dessert.

 

TICKETS FOR THE PARTY ARE ON SALE NOW! Go here.

 

Non-members: Receive incredible savings for the Opening Party! Purchase a one year family membership plus 4 tickets to the event for only $80 (saving $57). To purchase a membership package call 616.456.3977.

 

Members are $10 for adults and FREE for member children. Non-member event-only tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Limited tickets available.

 

 

ArtPrize entry comprising 7.3 million dots makes Top 100 list

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

7-5-million

Pennsylvania-based pointillism artist Brian Delozier made the Top 100 for his 2-D ArtPrize Eight entry “Dot Nation” — a 3-by-17-foot banner that consists of 7.3 million colorful dots. The piece took 1,600 hours over the course of eight months to complete. You can see the piece at 99 Monroe Ave. NW.

More than 180,000 votes were cast in the first seven days of ArtPrize Eight.

“I am thrilled to be competing in ArtPrize this year and overjoyed to make the Top 100,” said Delozier. “Dot Nation is an ode to the unexpected events that shape our lives. This piece is my biggest accomplishment to date and no words or pictures can describe how challenging yet rewarding a process it was creating Dot Nation.”

 

Delozier has limited mobility due to a serious accident that left him paralyzed in 2002. Several years after Delozier’s accident, he went to Hawaii where he discovered pointillism and his passion for creating dots. Since then, Delozier has created dot art that consists of hundreds of thousands of dots, with some of his pictures having more than 600,000 individual dots.

 

 

“Instead of allowing my injury to become a barrier between me and pursuing art, I have used it to fuel my passion,” said Delozier. “I’ve met so many amazing people this first week of ArtPrize, and I hope that people who see Dot Nation will become inspired to follow their passions and become excited about art.”

 

“We are truly honored to have Brian’s work on display at 99 Monroe for this year’s competition,” said Jessica Geerling, Director of Marketing for Vision Real Estate Investment. “Brian has a unique story that I think a lot of people can connect with, and we encourage everyone to stop by 99 Monroe to view this incredible piece and learn about Brian’s story.”brians-dots
“Dot Nation” will be displayed at 99 Monroe Ave. NW through Oct. 9. Voting ends Saturday, Oct. 1 and his ArtPrize vote code is 62794. Delozier’s work has appeared in art competitions across the country. For more information about Delozier and his work, visit briansdots.com or facebook.com/briansdots

 

About Brian’s Dots

Brian Delozier, owner and founder of Brian’s Dots, is dedicated to spreading his love for art throughout the world. Brian discovered his passion for pointillism after a serious ski accident in 2002 that left him with limited mobility. Today, Brian’s Dots has appeared in art festivals across the country including the Parallax Art Fair in Manhattan, the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis and the Northern Tampa Art Festival. To learn more about Brian’s journey, visit briansdots.com.

 

 

Sensory Friendly Museum Night Oct. 4 at the GRPM

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sensory-friendly-museum-nightThe Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will open its doors free of charge to families affected by autism and other sensory-processing challenges on Tuesday, October 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors will receive free general admission on this night to explore the Museum’s three floors of core exhibits at no cost.

 

Visitors will enjoy a sensory-friendly museum environment, special ArtPrize-themed activities and a free planetarium show. The Museum and the Chaffee Planetarium will adapt sounds, lighting and activities within the current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for all.

 

“We are excited to be able to offer a night at the Museum to those with autism and family members to experience our exhibits in an environment comfortable for them. This allows more community members that wouldn’t usually be able to visit the Museum an experience to create lifetime memories from our sensory-friendly exhibits and artifacts,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM.

 

The Museum is able to host this Sensory Friendly Museum Night thanks to a sponsorship from Behavioral Health.

 

The GRPM offers fun, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages through a variety of core and traveling exhibits. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids; and West Michigan Habitats that showcase the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.

 

‘Rhapsody in Blue’ opens Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2016-17 season

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c1_rhapsodyRhapsody in Blue, which launched composer George Gershwin’s career, inaugurates the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2016/17 season, which welcomes to town Marcelo Lehninger as the new music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony. The Brazilian-born conductor will be on the podium later this season.

 

Associate conductor John Varineau will lead the opening concerts of the 2016-17 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series at 8 pm Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16th and 17th, in DeVos Performance Hall (303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Spectrum Health is the Concert Sponsor.

 

In its earliest days, jazz was the music of brothels and bars in the “red-light” districts of cities such as New Orleans. But in the Roaring 20s, bandleader Paul Whiteman commissioned songwriter George Gershwin to write a piece merging classical music with elements of the newly emerging sounds of jazz.

rhapsody_in_blue_cover

The sensational premiere of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in 1924 in New York City brought jazz from the streets and the speakeasies into the symphonic concert hall and elevated the song plugger from Tin Pan Alley into the ranks of serious composers.

 

That same year, George Antheil, the original “Bad Boy of Music,” caused a minor scandal when his propulsive A Jazz Symphony was premiered at Carnegie Hall. Hear for yourself what caused all the fuss in New York City in 1927.

 

Americana continues with Aaron Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring Suite, drawn from his music for the ballet that celebrates the simple life of pioneers in the 19th century as they build a house, witness a wedding and treasure the gift to be simple.

 

Rounding out the program is the Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloe by French composer Maurice Ravel, who later became a great admirer of jazz himself. Unlike Copland’s setting in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, Ravel’s musical tale is set in a country side in ancient Greece where the shepherd, Daphnis, woos his beloved Chloe with the help of the mythological god, Pan.

 

Tickets start at $18 and are available at the GRS box office, weekdays 9am to 5pm at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)

 

Tickets are also available at the DeVos Place box office, weekdays 10am to 6pm or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.

 

Full-time students of any age may purchase tickets for only $5 on the night of the concert by enrolling in the GRS Student Passport program. This is a MySymphony360-eligible concert.

 

https://youtu.be/eFHdRkeEnpM

Get your ‘boo’ on at Niles Scream Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

dsc_1937_reducedThe nationally renowned Niles Scream Park is ready to officially start autumn by scaring the “yell” out of you with six different haunted attractions. This year marks the 43rd consecutive year of their annual fright festival. The gates will squeak open on Friday, Sept. 16. Beginning in October, the Park will be open all weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) plus Monday, October 31st.

 

Celebrity guest, Eileen Dietz, will visit the Park on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1. Ms Dietz played the demon in the thriller classic The Exorcist. She will appear on the midway to sign autographs and be available for pictures. For full details on her visit, please go to the website.

 

The Niles Scream Park is not just scary, it is considered by many to be one of the top haunted attractions in the country. Certainly one of the largest, the Niles Scream Park offers 44 acres of blood-curdling fear! Unlike other haunted houses, Niles rebuilds each room of all three interior haunted houses each year to provide participants with completely new and unique shows. The professionally designed sets and ingenious scare-tactics led the Niles Scream Park to be recognized by Haunted Attraction Magazine as one of the “Top 31 Must-See Haunted Attractions” nationwide for the last three years running.

 

For those with the courage to tour all six attractions, here is the line-up for 2016:

  • Niles Haunted House — This season the main attraction features classic horror films from the 1930s. With over 100 possible routes, there is no telling just how final the final the act will be.
  • Krampus: A Christmas Curse — From German folklore comes Krampus, the evil horned helper of St. Nicholas. Naughty or nice, you may be on Krampus’ list this year as you tour this new attraction.
  • Cabin 13 — In 1962, the bodies of a group of friends staying in Cabin 13 were found scattered across the back woods. Every year courageous (or foolhardy) students attempt to stay a night in the same woods. Some never return to tell the tale of the Cabin 13 killer.
  • The Field of Screams — Considered one of the most popular attractions, even a GPS won’t help you find your way of out this outdoor maze.
  • The Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride — With a new route and new sets, this Fall ride through the woods will have puzzling mysteries, intense action and unimaginable creatures.
  • Zendor Presents: Murphy’s Law — A stage show where if something can go wrong, it will.

 

An improved midway will feature old favorites like “Fry Freddy” and the “X-terminator.” Back by popular demand, the “Scream Machine,” where you get to pick the next victim, and the popular buried alive simulator–the “Last Ride.” The midway also features several food concessions that provide enough variety to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The Gore Store will let you shop till you drop for the latest Halloween paraphernalia.

 

The Niles Scream Park is located on Mayflower Road, south of Niles-Buchanan Road just off Exit 5 of the US 31 Bypass. More information on prices, times and dates of operation can be obtained by visiting the Niles Scream Park website here or calling 269.687.FEAR.

 

Brewery Vivant’s 6th Annual Wood-Aged Beer Festival celebrates art of craft brewing

3-bottom, Beer, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Food, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

brewery vivant
Photo courtesy of Brewery Vivant

Brewery Vivant presents its 6th annual Wood-Aged Beer Festival (WABF) on Saturday, September 17th, 2016. Showcasing over 20 wood and wild beers, Brewery Vivant will take over its parking lot once again with tents, taps and two sessions. Beers range from light to dark, sweet to sour, and rest in wood from bourbon barrels, wine barrels, scotch barrels, cognac foeders and more.
This year’s annual autumn event not only celebrates the art of wood-aging beer but also serves to celebrate this past summer’s launch of the brewery’s Plein de Vie series.
 brewery vivant (2)

“It’s been so exciting to bring some of these wood-aged beers out into the Michigan and Chicagoland markets,” said Kate Avery, Abbess of Beer and Director of Sales & Marketing. “This festival is like a capstone to our launch and also it serves as a testing ground for what is to come in the series. Get your first sips here. Maybe get your only sips here!”

Several Plein de Vie beers got their start at WABFs of yore: Angelina, Habanango and most recently, Paris.

Brewery Vivant’s farmhouse tradition lends itself to exploring the complexities wood-aging beer. Since its very first year of production, the brewery siphoned off a few gallons here and there from batches of beer to experiment with wood aging. As the brewery grew in volume, so did the barrel program. Now in its sixth year, three 40-barrel wooden foeders, 240+ barrels, and three stainless wild fermentation tanks, the creativity brewing for this festival is boundless.

“Thinking up flavor profiles and the guiding the recipe from beer to barrel is part of the fun,” says Master of Wood, Brian Kuszynski, “Of course, drinking these wood-aged beers is the other part of the fun.”

brewery vivant funOf all the beer festivals in Michigan, WABF resonates with taste trippers, explorers and fans of community building. Recently voted “3rd Best Beer Festival” in West Michigan in a reader’s choice poll, Wood-Aged Beer Festival not only offers the unique beer tasting experience but also festival foods from the acclaimed Brewery Vivant kitchen.

The brewery will offer two identical sessions: Afternoon 12pm-3pm and Evening 5pm-8pm. Tickets are $35 and include 10 tasting tokens (good for food as well) and a collector’s tasting glass. Space is limited due to physical parking lot size and small-batch, rareness of beer. Get tickets at www.breweryvivant.com or WABF16.BrownPaperTickets.com.

Brewery Vivant is located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in a renovated funeral chapel built in the early 1900s. Its staff of around 60 employees specialize in Belgian/French-inspired beers and fare in a unique setting.

Husband and wife partners Jason and Kris Spaulding opened the doors for business in December of 2010. Vivant beers are distributed throughout Michigan and the greater Chicago area. It’s the first commercial brewery in the nation to receive Silver LEED Certification from the USGBC. Additionally they are 100% renewable powered, a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business, and are a certified B Corporation.

Beer the Change®!

Latin Grammy nominee, Mariachi Flor de Toloache performs Sept. 15 in Holland, Mich.

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

picture-712-320x320On September 15 at 7 pm, Tulipanes presents Latin Grammy Nominee, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, the first and only established female mariachi band founded in New York in 2008.

 

When: Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 pm

 

Where: Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland, Mich.

 

BUY TICKETS NOW: http://bit.ly/2bjVPJu
$15 Adult / $5 Student

 

Members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States. The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over their audiences not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion.

 

picture-698-320x320While working to preserve centuries-old traditions of Mariachi, their mélange of the traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mariachi music to new audiences. Sponsored by Hope College.

 

See more about Mariachi Flor de Toloache: http://www.mariachinyc.com/

 

El 15 de Septiembre, 2016 en la noche, Tulipanes presenta el grupo nominado por un Grammy Latino, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, el primer y único conjunto Mariachi de mujeres exclusivamente fundado en Nueva York, EU, en 2008. Miembros vienen de culturas diversas como México, Puerto Rico, Republica Dominicana, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Alemania, Italia, y los Estados Unidos. El resulto de este ramo cultural es una versión de música tradicional de México con un sonido nuevo y fresco. Se fusionan como una banda de hermanas con una belleza graciosa y vibrante que embruja sus audiencias como la legendaria Flor de Toloache que se usa hasta este día para ser una poción de amor. Mientras preservan las tradiciones Mariachi de cienes de años, sus mezclas de estilos tradicionales y modernos amplían los límites del género y lleva música Mariachi a nuevas audiencias.

 

 

You don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish Theatre

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

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Founded in 1992, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids (JTGR) is dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions with Jewish themes that are universal in appeal.

In doing so, JTGR hopes to enrich the Jewish experience in West Michigan, and inform, educate and engage both the Jewish and non-Jewish community with stage productions that will entertain, engage and enrich people of all faiths.

BRILLbrill

September 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 2016 @ 8 pm

September 11, 18, 2016 @ 3 pm

Written by David Wells
Directed by Jason Marlett

Brill is based on a building in New York that was a factory of popular music in the early ’60s. Carol King, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach and even Elvis, had offices and studios in that building. This play, with musical elements, is a fictionalized story of a 16-year-old girl who shares a studio with an older songwriter from the Tin Pan Alley days.

 

 

irenaIRENA’S VOW

January 12, 14, 19, 21, 2017 @ 8 pm

January 15, 22, 2017 @ 3 pm

Written by Dan Gordon
Directed by Jason Marlett

Irena’s Vow is the true story of a young Polish woman who is the housekeeper of a Nazi officer. She risks her life by hiding a couple of Jewish families in the basement of the Major’s house.

 

SENIORS OF THE SAHARAseniors

May 18, 20, 25, 27, 2017 @ 8 pm

May 21, 28, 2017 @ 3 pm

Written by Barbara Pease Weber
Directed by TBA

Seniors of the Sahara is a raucous comedy about an arthritic genie encountering the residents of a New Jersey senior’s apartment complex. What could go wrong? It’s a sort of “Golden Girls” meets “I Dream of Jeannie.”

 

You don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids!

Though the productions may have Jewish themes, they are always universal in appeal. The goal is to enrich the Jewish experience in West Michigan, while informing, educating and engaging patrons. It’s live theatre to learn, love and laugh with.

 

PERFORMANCES are on Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm. Due to the smaller venue, BRILL will also include 8 pm. Wednesday evening performances.

 

Tickets generally go on sale 2 weeks prior to a production. Call the Box Office at 616.234.3946. If the BUY TICKETS NOW button is enabled on the sidebar you may purchase tickets online for the current show.

 

Season Subscribers should always book through the Box Office in order to redeem their passes.

Season Brochure                          Purchase a Season Pass

Box Office: 616.234.3946
Mon- Fri 1-5 pm.

JTGR accepts VISA and MasterCard

 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical returns to Mason Street Warehouse

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

The Great American
What’s a girl to do? “The Great American Trail Park Musical” returns to Mason Street Warehouse Aug. 12 – 28.

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” is returning to Mason Street Warehouse (MSW) Equity Theatre from Aug. 12 – 28.  Back by popular demand, “Trailer Park” debuted on the MSW stage 10 years ago and is the most requested musical in Mason Street’s history. Tickets ($29 – $46) are available online at sc4a.org or by phone at 269-857.2399.

Called “…one of the most laugh-out-load shows in town!” by Broadway.com, the musical takes place in Armadillo Acres, the most exclusive mobile home community in Stark, Florida, where mullets, spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancies and mud flaps reign supreme.

This hilarious comedy follows Pippi, a stripper on the run, who comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her toll-collector husband, Norbert. Featuring tastefully distasteful songs, witty dialogue, and far-out situations, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” “is more fun than a chair throwing episode of Jerry Springer set to music!”

Broadway talent is coming to the stage along with MSW “alumni.” Chris Blisset, playing Norbert, comes from New York City and was on the national tour for “Stand by Your Man” twice and was the musical director for this summer’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Alyssa Malger is playing Pickles, and is making her Mason Street Warehouse debut. She performed in the national tour of “Hairspray.” Mary Mossberg, who is playing Betty, was awarded an “Outstanding Individual Performance” award for her role in the musical “What Do Critics Know?” in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.

“Both Broadway Equity talent and familiar faces are coming back to our stage, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Executive Director Kristin Armstrong.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be at Mason Street Warehouse from Aug. 12 – 28. Tickets are available online, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts box office, and by phone at 269 857 – 2399.

Mason Street Warehouse is located in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.

Visions of Venice

3-bottom, architecture, Citizen Journalism, design, Education, Entertainment, Local Faces, Travel, , , , ,

By Lynn Strough

Travelynn Tales

 

5

 

When words simply won’t do… Lynn Strough takes us on a visual journey of Venice.

 

 

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41About Lynn Strough

Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.

 

“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”

 

 

travelynnlogoAll images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales

Reprinted with permission

Mason Street Warehouse Finds Itself in the Middle of the Hilarious Whodunit that is Murder for Two

Citizen Journalism, , , , , ,

Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents "Murder for Two" starting July 22.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents “Murder for Two” starting July 22.

Mason Street Warehouse continues its 2016 season at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street, Saugatuck) with the hilarious whodunit musical Murder for Two. The show opens Friday, July 22 and runs through August 7. Tickets for adults, seniors, and students are available online at sc4a.org, at the SCA box office, or at 269-857-2399.

 

New York Times calls the show, “Ingenious! A snazzy double-act that spins out a comic mystery animated by funny, deftly turned songs.”

 

Murder for Two is the perfect blend of musical comedy and madcap mystery.  Every character is a suspect in this witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries.  90 minutes, 13 characters, 4 hands and 1 piano make Murder for Two “a giddy romp” (The Philadelphia Inquirer).  Don’t miss this killer musical that puts the laughter in manslaughter!

 

Mason Street Warehouse brings Actors Equity Union talent to West Michigan every summer, and Equity actors Tom Vendafreddo and Brian Walters bring the double-act of Murder for Two to life.

 

“I saw the show 2 years ago Off Broadway in New York and knew immediately that it would be a great show for Mason Street,” said Artistic Director Kurt Stamm.  “It’s the perfect family evening out because the show is appropriate for ages 8 to 80!”

 

“We’re thrilled to bring Tom and Brian to West Michigan for this wonderful Off-Broadway hit,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “Murder for Two is terrific summer entertainment with these two very talented professionals.”

 

The acclaimed The Great American Trailer Park Musical wraps up MSW’s sizzling summer lineup. For more information and tickets visit sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399. Tickets are selling as fast as the cast is able to find new suspects – grab yours before they’re gone.

 

MSW’s summer season is sponsored by Premiere Sponsor G. Thomas Boylan, plus Great Lakes Manor & Cottages, Edward Jones / George Stoutin, Coldwell Banker / Gregg Smith, Shoreline Realtors / Dan & Sandy Shanahan, Mill Pond Realty / Laura Durham, Holland Doctors of Audiology, Hilliard Lyons / Stephen Kiss, Cunningham Dalman, Coldwell Banker / Mike Bojko, Shoreline Realtors / Jim Sellman, Miller Johnson, Lakeshore Allergy / Julie Hutson, Frattallone Wealth Management Group / Carlton Technologies, and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

 

About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

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 about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.orgor call 269.857.2399.

Heavenly Hvar, Croatia

3-bottom, Education, Entertainment, Holidays, Local Faces, Recreation, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Lynn Strough

TravelynnTales

 

1

Welcome to this week’s chapter in the ongoing series by our world traveler, Lynn Strough. More Croatia is in store…

Hvar is glitzy and high-rolling, and it’s where the yachting crowd comes to see and be seen. On Hvar, you might go for a morning stroll and be so mesmerized by the scenery, that you’re still in the same spot at sunset. The Hula Hula Bar offers comfy lounge chairs for a pittance, with a view to die for.

 

I stopped for a breakfast orange juice, stayed for a salad for lunch, and found myself sipping a glass of wine watching the sun sink into the sea several hours later, and I wasn’t the only one. I met lots of people from all over the world who were also tethered to their chairs for the day, other than to periodically take a dip in the crystal clear, freezing cold water.

 

20

If you prefer to be on the water, rather than in it, there are plenty of opportunities, from ferries to water taxis, power boats to boats powered by wind. Sailing is my preference, so my new friend Roma (from California) and I headed out for a half-day sail. They take up to 10 passengers on this 35′ racing boat modified as a cruiser, but we got lucky as it wasn’t peak season, and had the boat and Captain Bronco all to ourselves.

 

The gods provided great wind, and at 15 knots we were sailing. It was blowing 30 knots farther out, but Captain B decided to keep it a little less exciting and more comfortable, as it turns out Roma had never sailed before.

 

We sailed to a nearby tiny island, to Palmizana on San Clemente, for lunch. It’s a gorgeous spot, with a beautiful harbor to protect the yachts, and a few small restaurants. It’s a real life Garden of Eden, where if you look carefully, you might even spot Adam and Eve.

 

15Back on Hvar, we got ambitious and climbed the hill to the fortress for some spectacular views of the harbor and rooftops below. Hvar is a medieval city, with walls started in 1278. There’s a strong Venetian influence in the architecture, as the Venetians ruled here on more than one occasion.

 

Besides the walled old town and famous harbor, Hvar is also known for its vineyards and wines, olive groves, and especially its lavender fields, and it’s one of the sunniest islands. With a population of over 11,000, it’s the fourth most populated of the islands of Croatia.

 

 

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As with all of the water I’ve seen in Croatia — inland lakes, rivers and waterfalls, as well as the sea — it’s crystal clear and the most breathtaking shades of blues and greens.

 

You can spend a small fortune staying at one of the fancy hotels, or a very affordable $50 per night for a good-sized room that sleeps three, if you’re willing to stay out of town and walk a bit. I stayed at an “apartman,” a room in a guest house, about a 15-minute walk from the center of town, but I didn’t mind as the walk was along the sea with scenic views the whole way.

18

 

And this location put me about half-way between the old town in one direction, and another fabulous beach in the other direction, also with a scenic walk to get there.

 

The town itself is filled with great little restaurants and shops, full of enticing things. Other than food, my one souvenir was a couple of little sachets of fragrant dried lavender to tuck into my well-worn hiking boots, a big improvement in their scent.

 

There are plenty of night clubs and bars if you want a vibrant night-life. And on Hvar, as in all of Croatia, I felt very safe, even walking around alone after dark, with the moon and stars and lamplight to guide me back to my temporary home.

 

31About Lynn Strough

Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.

 

“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”

 

 

 

travelynnlogoAll images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales

Reprinted with permission