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Archive for the 'Community Events' Category
It’s May! It’s Spring! – Grand Things to do in Grand Rapids
May 8th, 2013
It’s May! It’s Spring! – Grand Things to do in Grand Rapids
All we can say is - Finally, it is warmer and Spring is here – I’m not sure the record books have shown it, but it sure feels to me like this was the longest Winter on record. Now the wonderful news – Spring has sprouted some Grand things happening in Grand Rapids. Here are some of my favorite things to to in May.
5TH/3RD RIVERBANK RUN - Saturday, May 11, 2013
I attended the very first Riverbank Run in 1978 mostly out of curiosity – We had 2 daughters at the time and decided to drive to downtown Grand Rapids to take a look at what was happening in our City and find out what all the hoopla was surrounding this new idea of a road race in Grand Rapids. There were 1,000 participants in the race and I can still recall standing on Calder Plaza looking out over Monroe and seeing one lone runner coming down Monroe heading for the turn and the finish line under the Calder – Wow!
Over the years I’ve watched friends and family complete in both the Riverbank Run and in the 5K’s. I even walked the 5K myself a few years ago – it is so moving to be in downtown Grand Rapids or anywhere along the race route and see the enthusiasm and excitement generated during this race. It’s amazing and I highly recommend you either participate or take an early drive downtown to watch the race take off or finish.
If you think you want to participate you can register here.
2. Heritage Hill Tour of Homes – May 18 & 19, 2013
The history of Grand Rapids is alive and well in Heritage Hill – the historic home center of the Grand Rapids area. The 44th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes is so special – it features elegant turn of the century homes that are amazing in their workmanship and style. The hours are 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday/Noon – 6 on Sunday. The tour used to be done in the Fall – which was also beautiful – but seeing them in the Spring really gives a lovely overview of the gardens and showcases these grand homes perfectly.
Come down and stroll along the tree lined streets and enjoy the step back in time – you won’t be disappointed! Advance purchased tickets are $15 and can be ordered here.
Enjoy Spring in Grand Rapids!
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Three Warm Things to do indoors in GR while the snow swirls
January 3rd, 2013
Three Warm things to do indoors in GR while the snow swirls
1. Visit the Titanic Exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
I don’t know about you – but I’m still intrigued by anything Titanic. It was a by-gone era which seemed very proper and romantic compared to today’s standards, so to see the artifacts and stories behind the Titanic – it’s glory and downfall – will be really cool (in warm surroundings, of course)
Check out all the information for this exhibit which will be February 9 – July 7, 2013. Tickets range from $10 – $17 depending on age and membership status. This might be a good time to become a member and save yourselves entrance fees for the Titanic Exhibit (plus be ready for some of the other great exhibits coming your way this year).
2. Unwind on a Friday night at the GR Art Museum - grab a little wine and some art talk
Come in out of the cold this winter and warm yourself with a glass of wine and some Art discussion – Friday nights are special at the Art Museum. You’ll learn something, meet folks and enjoy our town.
3. Check out the Great Lakes Shipwrecks at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
This is closer to home…lots of stories, photos and artifacts from shipwrecks right here on our Great Lakes. This exhibit will run until November of 2013 – so put your new “member” status to work for you and check this out as well.
PatsPlace Grand Rapids Real Estate
ArtPrize 2012 – TOP TEN ANNOUNCED!!!
September 10th, 2012
ArtPrize 2012…Be There or Be Square **TOP TEN ANNOUNCED**
Click HERE to see the list of the Top Ten for Artprize 2012.
It’s coming…It’s here…It’s gone… That’s about how fast ArtPrize will seem if you jump in with both feet and enjoy this wonderful Art Extravaganza right here in Grand Rapids from September 19 – October 7, 2012. Check out the schedule of events here.
Highlights for me are:
1. 10 day public voting period (September 19 – 29).
Here is your chance to walk around downtown, take the ArtPrize bus, check out the venues, talk to the artists and get a feel for all the phenominal art all around GR – then take your smart phone and give the art and artists your votes as you take in everything. I love that you have 10 days to do this – you won’t feel rushed (although it’s really hard even in that amount of time to see everything). Plan your visit here.
2. Announcing the Top Ten - September 30, 2012
This announcement in Rosa Parks Circle steps the competition up a notch. The public has spoken with their voting – (in other words – YOU have spoken with your voting) and the top ten vote getters are the finalists. Once these are announced you can only vote for one of the Top Ten – and if you have not already seen all of the Top Ten – it’s time to get out and make it a point to see them all! Grab dinner at one of our great local restaurants and make it an evening with friends and family. Now it’s down to 5 days to cast your finalist vote!
3. Grand Prize Winners Announced
This year there are more prize winners than ever – both the Juried and the Populous Prizes will be announced on Friday the 5th of October at 7:30pm (location to be determined). Check out the difference in the two prize categories. Lots and Lots of $$$$ to the winners – it’s the largest Art Prize in the WORLD…and it’s right here in Grand Rapids!
Let me know what your favorite part of ArtPrize is – I’m loving the showcase of Grand Rapids and all it has to offer.
PatsPlace Grand Rapids Real Estate
2012 FALL County Fair Schedule – Yippee and Yeehaa!!!
August 24th, 2012
2012 Western Michigan County Fair Schedule – Yippee and Yeehaa!!!
It’s mid-summer in the mid-west – time to think about heading out to the Fair. It’s Hot Hot Hot too – so dress the part and enjoy.
If you’re living in West Michigan – these are the MUST VISIT fairs;
August
6-11 Kent County Fair: Here’s the place to find all the scoop on this great local fair: Within 30 minutes of downtown GR – great talent contests – food galore – rodeo and horse shows
20-25 Hudsonville: Yippee – Click Here for more information. School is back in but the corn is still growing tall – take a look at the pigs and cows shown by the local talent!
September
7-15 Allegan County Fair: The last Fair of the year – If you haven’t attended any of the others – here’s your chance. Click here for more info. Can you say KISS and MOTLEY CREW???
Enjoy the summer and enjoy all the Fairs – Let me know which one you like the best and send some photos along if you’ve stopped by any of them!
PatsPlace Grand Rapids Real Estate
Grand Rapids is in the News…and in a GOOOOOD Way
May 7th, 2012
I’m so proud to be from Grand Rapids. I was born here. I have been working here as a Realtor for over 40 years. I’ve raised my children here. It is a great place to live and work – and finally it is getting the great positive press it deserves:
Forbes had a wonderful article on Grand Rapids being the best place in the USA to raise a family. It is true that I have been selling homes to many children of friends who are all moving “back” after taking their first jobs in Chicago or New York – now married and beginning to start their families are coming “home.”
We have some really cool festivals and community events coming up in the next few months that will draw a lot of “out of town” visitors – who might want to make Grand Rapids their home. Here are a few you don’t want to miss:
1. Heritage Hill Home Tour
May 19 and 20 – This is a “must see” if you appreciate quality and spectacular historical homes. Check here for further information.
2. Festival 2012
June 1,2 and 3 – Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids is FREE!!! Stop downtown (where the streets are blocked off and walking is encouraged) over this weekend and grab some homemade food – listen to the bands – watch the dancers – participate or be an observer. You’ll have fun either way. Check here for the schedule of events.
3. ArtPrize 2012
September 19 – October 7 – Unbelievable is the first word to come to you when you experience ArtPrize in Downtown Grand Rapids. Art of every form, shape, size, type – thousands of pieces all within walking distance – indoors and outside – and YOU are the judge. Check it out here and participate (as an artist, a volunteer or a spectator – it’s your choice).
These are just a few of the upcoming events in Good Ole GR – let me know which ones are your favorites!
PatsPlace Grand Rapids Real Estate
“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?
