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Archive for the 'Community Events' Category
“Home for the Holidays”… Grand Rapids “ToDo’s” for the Season
December 22nd, 2011
thanks to Suet Emma for photo
1. Watch, Re-Watch, Memorize - It’s a Wonderful Life -
Oh My, there are so many similarities between George and his trials and us in today’s world – It’s hard to believe it’s the 65th birthday of this movie – every time I hear a bell ring I think of an angel getting it’s wings – still!
2. Visit Frederick Meijer Gardens
…and be taken back to childhood among all the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees from all over the world. It’s a magical land for children of all ages…don’t miss it!
3. Drive your family through the 5/3 Ballpark and see the Nite Lite Holiday Light Show.
You drive through an area set up just for you filled with thousands of lights – one of the largest displays of lights in the Midwest!! Hours are 6 – 10pm through January 1.
4. Spend some time with your family -
a. Talking: ask the older ones to tell you stories of their Christmas experiences as they were growing up – get some good conversation going – it will warm your hearts and warm the hearts of those with something to tell (besides you might find out some really interesting things about folks you thought you knew well).
b. Singing: those old Christmas Carols (even Jingle Bell Rock) that everyone knows can be a very cohesive bonding time for families when they come together.
c. Playing: Hopefully a few feet of snow will fall before Christmas (I know – I know – we probably will just get a flurry or two) and everyone can go sliding, skiing, or just having fun making snow angels. If no snow – oh well – walks, playgrounds or games in the park get your feet going and your heart racing!
Wishing All of You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Feliz Navidad
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MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL DEDICATION!
October 15th, 2011
Martin Luther King Memorial Dedication! My personal viewpoint…
It was in late August – the 28th to be exact - in 1963 – when Dr. Martin Luther King gave his “I have a Dream” speech in Washington DC – 43 years to the day the Memorial on the Mall in DC was to be dedicated. As all of us have learned over these past 43 years – a lot of things can happen that are out of our control – that turn the tide of history forever.
On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King was shot by James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee.
On August 27, 2011 Hurrican Irene blew it’s way into the Eastern Seaboard and for three days terrorized the Northeast portion of the USA – in fact causing the cancellation of the Dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial.
Well, everyone has regrouped and despite an earthquake that week in DC and a hurricane that weekend – plans do go on – so, I’m proud to say I’ll be attending the re-scheduled Dedication of the Memorial. I will be at the evening Gala on Saturday, the 15th of October and then attend the actual Dedication on Sunday morning.
The Dedication should be a celebration and a moving testimony to Dr. Martin Luther King and the legacy he left behind for us all.
I will try to keep everyone updated with photos and updates as I attend. What are your memories of Dr. Martin Luther King?
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ArtPrize 2011 – It’s Back in Full Force…Come Join the Fun!!!
September 14th, 2011
I can’t believe this is the third year for ArtPrize. I wrote a blog on ArtPrize last year which was very well received…so it’s time for the 2011 ArtPrize Blog and a big Hip Hip Hooray for all the folks putting this together for our great city of Grand Rapids.
First of all – Check out their website for all the activities, voting, tickets, and really…just anything you might want to know. Make sure you make plans to get to “Town” and soak up all the fun, food, art and GR Pride you can. Now – let me introduce you to three wonderful artists:
1. Christy Vredevoogd (yes, she is related)
Last year I had a chance to re-connect with a long lost niece (who I have not seen for over 25 years) – Christy Vredevoogd grew up in GR and now lives in Arizona. She entered a fabulous piece in ArtPrize last year (loved those vivid colors) and is back this year at the Huntington Bank venue with what looks to be an amazing project…can’t wait to see the Cows and the Moon…Check it out and vote for Christy!
2. Georgia Taylor – Client and Fellow Supporter of Baxter Community Center
Georgia is a special lady – who has participated in ArtPrize last year too – with an amazing painting on the wall of a retail shop on Division Ave. The year before she also had a painting in the same spot. The store has since closed and Georgia has moved on – this year collaborating with a group of young folks – Believe 2 Become – a mural at DeVos Place Convention Center – I’m looking forward to taking a look and enjoying Georgia’s talent along with the crew who put this all together. Good Luck Georgia…take a look and vote for Georgia!
3. Robyn Bomhof
Not only is Robyn a great artist (take a look at her ArtPrize entry at “The Spot” at the Federal Square Building) but she is also President of the Grand Valley Artists and during ArtPrize is in charge of the art at the Huntington Bank Building – whew, I bet she’ll be tired before this year’s ArtPrize is over. Robyn and her husband Jim are clients of mine and are fabulous folks to work for!
Make sure you get into GR the next few weeks – take in all the art – meet the artists – eat well – smile a lot – ENJOY!…and let me know what some of your favorites are.
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Step Back in Time – Heritage Hill Home Tour this weekend!
May 19th, 2011
Who said “walkability” is a NEW word? Stop by this weekend (11am – 5pm on Saturday, May 21 and 12 – 6 on Sunday, May 22) to “walk the walk” and see some phenomenal homes – take a step back in time!
I’ve been on the Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes many times and am always amazed at the ambiance of the beautiful homes and gardens, the beautiful decor, gorgeous woodwork and the time and energy owners have expended to make their homes so gorgeous.
Tickets are $15 in advance (www.heritagehilltours.org) and $18 the weekend of the tour – so hurry and save a few dollars.
Eight private homes and two public homes are on the tour this year – park your car and walk to them all enjoying the blossoming trees, tulips at their prime and a nice warm weekend (might want to pack an umbrella – sounds like some sprinkles are in the forecast).
Giggles and Grins…It’s time to laugh in Grand Rapids!
March 5th, 2011
What could make a better Mid-March break than over-the-top comedy? Grand Rapids is entering its first (annual I bet) Laughfest from March 10-20 – and I encourage you to attend. Here are three events I’ve put on my calendar – they look like a blast:
1. Pet-Look-A-Like Contest – Saturday, March 12 at Rosa Parks Circle 9am – noon – FREE
I can’t wait to see the jowly guy with his bulldog – and the frizzy haired granny with her poodle – I’m deciding how I should look with my Airedale – Klu – or maybe I’ll send my husband and see if he’s a match. Grand Rapid’s own Jimmy Le is presiding over this event and it should be a hoot (anybody with a pet owl?)
2. Laughter Yoga – March 14-19 10 am at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, 1806 Bridge NW – FREE
“Bend and Stretch, reach for the stars – there goes Jupiter – there goes Mars”
Yoga and Laughter, who knew health and exercise could be so much fun? Come on over and join Sue Ansari for a session of Laughter Yoga. I usually think of any sort of exercise as painful and not much fun, so I’m really looking forward to stretching and posing and laughing at the same time – no cameras allowed as both men and women take to the floor and crack up on the Yoga mats.
3. It’s a Tie for #3 – What do you think? Bra Auction? Or Headliners Betty White and Bill Cosby?
I really couldn’t decide on this – The Bra Auction is March 14 at Crush @ the Bob 6pm and is $32.50. My understanding is we have the opportunity to bid on unique artist designed bras at a silent auction. Of course, Gilda’s Club is the recipient of all bids – so it’s for a great cause! I think I’ll have to go just to see some of these artsy bras!
…and then there are the Headliners:
Betty White is Tuesday, March 15 from 5:30 – 8:05 at DeVos Place (I guess she’s on early because either the crowds to see her have to get home and get to bed on time – or she does).
Bill Cosby is on Sunday, March 13 from 4:30 – 7:30 in DeVos Performance Hall (oh man, even earlier – I wonder what the difference in Betty and Bill’s ages are?? Anyone want to guess?)
Both the Betty White and Bill Cosby Programs (and all other talented comedians) have tickets that can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com(search “LaughFest”).
Thank You – Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids - for putting this LaughFest together – What a worthy cause to donate to…and have some fun along the way!
Those are my 3 or 3.5 things that I want to see at LaughFest – What events are your favorites and what ones are you going to attend?
Unbelievable! New Helen De Vos Children’s Hospital in GR – Opens Today 1-11-11
December 10th, 2010
I had the pleasure of touring the brand spanking new Helen De Vos Children’s Hospital here in Grand Rapids a few weeks ago. I was totally blown away from the moment I parked my car to the last second when I crossed the bridge leaving the hospital.
I think I said “WOW” more times in one afternoon than I had said since my first child was born (a mere 37 years ago right there at Butterworth Hospital – sorry Leah – I gave away your age).
We started up on the 10th floor and worked our way down – we missed the 11th floor with the chapel and family rooms available for parents to stay when a child is in critical care – but understand that the chapel looks up to the sky – apparently a wish from Mr. DeVos. If you want to take a look on a floor-by-floor basis check this out.
The hospital will open on 1-11-2011 and is totally state of the art medical treatment for children. We are hearing that there is not another Children’s Hospital like this one anywhere. During our tour we were struck by all the new computers, chairs, desks, really – new everything -and were told that not one thing from the old hospital is going to be moved here except patient records. We even tried out some of the cushy lounge chairs and staff chairs – and pronounced them all exceptional (and most of them made in Grand Rapids too).
This is great for Grand Rapids in a number of ways:
1. Bringing in new Doctors and Support Staff to the Grand Rapids area:
We are busy working with new hires that are really excited about coming to the Grand Rapids area. This is wonderful for our real estate marketplace and the general well being of our City – and we love it!
2. Quality Medical Care for our Community
Many Quality of Life issues are rolled into decisions that folks make when choosing a City to live in. The job market is one of them – but the medical community and the quality of that medical community are high on the list. The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital will generate a lot of positive vibes for our City plus will give our citizens access to state of the art treatments that they would ordinarily have to travel great distances to get.
It looks like the tours are over – but the lobby is always open for you to wander around. It’s hard to choose my favorite part of the lobby – it’s maybe the stage where little ones can be the star, or maybe the wall of water with lots of color, or how about the wall of pool balls that you (and kids) can bat around with just the shadows of hands?? I don’t know which – and there is a lot more to choose from. The gift shop is certainly kid-centric (nice place to do some holiday or birthday shopping too) and the food court with over 100 flavors of ice cream and healthy pizza might make this a destination in itself.
My hope is that you never have to have a loved one here – but to know it is available and right in our own hometown – is pretty amazing! Let me know what you think the coolest part of this hospital is and I’ll post your results.
Betty Ford ~ Princess Diana – Two Groundbreaking Woman! See them Now in GR!!!
November 22nd, 2010
Make sure you spend some time in the next few months taking a look at two really impressive shows now front and center in Grand Rapids.
The Betty Ford exhibit is at the Gerald Ford Museum from now until February 27, 2011. It is a great tribute to a phenomenal lady who put Grand Rapids on the map. We are so proud of this straight speaking role model for many of us women here in the business world. There have been really impressive reviews of this exhibit and it makes good sense if you’re downtown Grand Rapids to see the Christmas Trees that you stop over and take a look at this tribute.
Princess Diana is world renown – who has never heard of her? A collection of her clothes and memorabilia is located at the Grand Rapids Art Museum from now unit February 16, 2011. Check the exhibit out and while you’re there take a look at the rest of the art – especially the winner of ArtPrize this year!
Although Princess Diana has never lived in Grand Rapids – her legacy and her philanthropy live on here as one of our West Michigan values. Now that another wedding is being planned in the UK – all eyes will be on Princess Diana’s wedding dress – so this is a good chance to see it first hand.
I’m planning on heading downtown just after the holidays to enjoy winter inside at both the Gerald Ford Museum to see the Betty Ford Exhibit and will move down the street to the GR Art Museum to see the Princess Di – A Celebration exhibit. Check them out and let me know what you think – I’m hearing rave reviews about both!
ArtPrize! ArtPrize! Whoo Hoo – It’s here in Grand Rapids!
September 24th, 2010
Unbelievable – that’s the word for it. Thousands of people (yes, 
ordinary folks just like you and me) are streaming into Grand Rapids for the next few weeks to view art – I said ART!
ArtPrize was founded last year here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. No one knew it was going to be so exciting, fun and yes…Unbelievable. You – as an observer of art in all forms through life – become an Art Judge – voting for your favorite art or artist – and You can affect the outcome of the ArtPrize.
Artprize runs from September 22 – October 10. The venues (tons of downtown buildings, condos, lofts, public spaces, museums) are open (at a minimum) M-Th 5-8, Fri & Sat 12 – 10pm, Sun noon – 6pm. Many are open longer so check with the venues to see if they have extra special hours.
I will be showcasing some special people that I know at and around ArtPrize over the next few weeks and hope that everyone reading this will take the opportunity to join in the fun and attend ArtPrize…you will end up being the winner. Let me know what art you like the best…where the best food is…and I’ll keep you all updated on ArtPrize as we move through the weeks. ENJOY!!!
Top 3 Things to do on Labor Day in Grand Rapids, MI
September 5th, 2010
Proving that Grand Rapids is a COOL City – Here are my top 3 Things to Do around Grand Rapids this Labor Day:
1. Bridge Walk
In honor of the great Mackinac Bridge Walk, our very own Grand Rapids is having it’s Bridge Walk too. It starts at 8:00am at Ah-nab-Awen Park – is 5 miles long (same as the Mackinac Bridge Walk) – crosses over 7 of our famous Grand Rapids bridges – and will take about an hour and half.
What a great way to start the day – get some excercise, see the City and it’s Bridges – and prepare for the next school year with a positive attitude.
2. Meijer Gardens Chihuly Exhibit
You can’t let summer pass into fall without taking a look at the phenominal exhibit of glass art intertwined with the natural settings at Meijer Gardens – where Dale Chihuly has installed hundreds of his glass pieces in surprising, inspiring and somestimes shocking places. The exhibit is open until October 31 – but Labor Day is the perfect day to take it all in.
3. Go Play Golf – and support the Veterans Homes in Grand Rapids and Marquette
Play a round of golf on Labor Day – select one of 2o Courses in the area that are participating – and you’ll have the opportunity to donate some $$$ to benefit Veterans Homes in Grand Rapids and Marquette. Have some fun and help someone at the same time. Sounds like a good plan to me.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! Drive Safely and Enjoy this beautiful Water Wonderland we call Pure Michigan.
3 Cool Things to do on the “Dog Days” of Summer
July 24th, 2010
I don’t really know how the “Dog Days of Summer” came into use in the English Language – but they are defined by a number of sources as the hottest days of summer between the end of July and the start of September – so RIGHT NOW – we are experiencing those Dog Days. Some say they were named after some star constellations and others after very hot animals (specifically dogs) who couldn’t tolerate the heat very well – but wherever they came from – we all know they are HOT!…and when you’re hot, you’re hot, so here are 3 cool things to do during the Dog Days.
1. Go to your local County Fair
I know – you are thinking – how could that be cool?? While walking around looking at the “cool” animals (namely pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, goats (my personal favorite), you can be sipping a “cool” cup of homemade lemonade with a half of lemon still inside…mosey on over to the Midway and take a “cool breeze” ride on the tilt-a-whirl or sip a blueberry snow cone atop the ferris wheel! Cool off at night in the grandstands and watch your favorite country singer or a demolition derby while cooling off with ice cream drumsticks. Check this list for all the County Fairs in Michigan in 2010
2. Go look at some houses
OK – you should only do this if you want to get some “cool” deals on a home and “cool” low interest rates – the Dog Days of 2010 are going to be known for their great values. Traditionally, the real estate market slows down a little bit during the Dog Days – and this year is no exception. Our listings are getting fewer showings and the phones are not ringing as earlier in the year. Many folks are on vacation or just plain too hot to be motivated to look for a home. Check with us and we’re happy to get you in on some great values.
3. Go Jump in the Lake
Wow – this where Michigan, and especially West Michigan, really shines! Did you know Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes – this is in addition to our four Great Lakes! That’s a lot of lakes to jump into. Many of these lakes have public access where you can launch your speed boat, waverunner or canoe, and cool off from the heat of summer.
There are cottages galore on these lakes – some for rent – some owned by families for many generations – and even some to buy! Did you know there are more cottages for sale this year than in the past 10 years combined – and the prices are really affordable – so these Dog Days are good waterfront buying times also. Here’s a short list of the cottages for sale just in the Grand Rapids area
