Foto Friday – Having Fun at ArtPrize 2010

Foto Friday – Having Fun at ArtPrize 2010

ArtPrize 2010 Wooden cone Hi

ArtPrize 2010 has Grand Rapids  residents and visitors out on the

streets taking in the more than 1700 art exhibits around the city and

at Meijer Gardens.  You might expect an art extravaganza like this in a

large cosmopolitan city, not nice Midwestern  Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We previewed some of the larger outdoor pieces on Sunday before

the big opening Wednesday night.  We hope to see a lot more art in

the next few weeks.  If you are considering a trip to our fair city,

this is a perfect time.  ArtPrize 2010 will run until October 10.  Anyone

who attends can vote for the winners.

Photo: Shout Hole by George Schmidt -Van Andel Museum grounds.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan M-21 Bridge Construction Scheduled

Ada Michigan M-21 Bridge Construction Scheduled

The beginning of construction of the new bridge over the Grand River

approach in Ada Michigan will begin this fall.  MDOT will have a public

open house to keep interested parties up-to-date on the progress on

October 4th, 2010  7:00 pm at Community Church.

M 21 bridge over Grand River Ada MI

Bridge Information over the Grand River in Ada

M-21 Bridge Construction Update:

To view a PDF of MDOT’s M-21 Bridge Construction Update, please click here.

To view an aerial view of the project, please click here.

MDOT TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE IN ADA FOR THE NEW M-21 BRIDGE

WHAT:The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting

an open house-style meeting to provide an overview of the M-21

(Fulton Street) bridge replacement project over the Grand River in

Ada Township. Interested parties will have the opportunity to learn

details and ask questions about upcoming construction.

WHO: MDOT staff; residents and interested stakeholders.
WHEN:
Monday, October 4, 2010
WHERE:
Community Reformed Church, 7239 Thornapple River Drive, Ada, MI 49301
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: (616) 464-1800

BACKGROUND:
Scheduled for construction in 2011, the project will reconstruct the

M-21 bridge over the Grand River in Ada Township. MDOT has been

working with township officials, residents and businesses to find

the most effective way to safely maintain traffic through Ada

Township during construction. This marks the first reconstruction

project of this bridge since it was originally built in 1957.

● Work on the project should begin on or about October 11. This will

require reducing traffic to one lane in each direction on the existing

bridge, while preparations are made to construct the temporary bridge,

immediately south of the existing bridge.
● Progress deadlines contained in the bid specifications for the project

include the following completion deadlines:
– Traffic will be diverted to the 2-lane temporary bridge, with one lane

of traffic in each direction, in April, 2011.
– The new replacement bridge is scheduled to be open, with one lane

of traffic in each direction by October 21, 2011.
– The new bridge will be completed and fully open to 4-lanes of traffic

plus pedestrian/bicycle lane, by November 30, 2011.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Parks October 2010 Programs – Spooky & Batty

Ada Parks October 2010 Programs – Spooky & Batty

 

Bats of the World 

Thursday Oct. 21  6:30 – 7:30 pm

Ada Township Park Learning Center  Ada MI

$4 Adult   $3 Child

A special presentation by the Organization for Bat Conservation

with live bats and an exciting multimedia presentation about bats from

around the world. Learn about the benefits of these fascinating creatures,

their unique adaptations, sound waves, ecosystems, food webs,

conservation and world geography. Live bats to be shown including

a local  brown bat and large fruit bat – known as the “ Flying Fox”

with a 4 foot wingspan.

Reservations required – space is limited.  Ada Parks & Recreation Dept.

616-676-0520 or email mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

 

Baby Bat, Vlermuis by Peet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peetvs/2457201198/ 

 

Creatures of the Night Hike

Saturday October 23   Start times from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Ada Township Park – $3 per person

Sign up your family or a group for a start time between 6:30 and 8:00 pm,

one departs every 15 minutes. Arrive at the Shelter at Ada Park to be

guided through the trails where you will “ encounter” a series of spooky

( and some not so spooky” creatures who will tell you in a fun way about

their lives in the wild.  Snacks and a craft included after the hikes.

Pre-registering with the Park office for a designated start time

recommended. Ages 4 through adult suggested.  Costumes optional.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Art Prize 2010 Opens

Grand Rapids Michigan Art Prize 2010 Opens

We went on an early preview on Sunday afternoon. We thought some of

the large installations would be up and available.  Many were and some

were still under construction.  We had a hike around the city and saw

lots of other people out and about looking at the awesome artwork.

Here’s a brief preview:

Claws sculpture ford library

Asian children painting

Metal flower basket

Our ArtPrize 2010 Flickrphotostream.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Township Michigan Parks Planning Sessions

Ada Township Michigan Parks Planning Sessions

Ada Township has scheduled open public planning sessions

to get input on their future Recreation Plan for Ada Township Parks.

The strategic plan is updated every five years.  This plan will be a

guide for master park plans, land acquisition goals, recreations

programs and use.

Roselle Park trails Ada MI

If you have any suggestions, observations, or ideas, please attend one

of the public sessions:

Thursday September 23, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 pm

At the Ada Learning Center in Ada Township Park

1180 Butterick Ave. Ada MI

Saturday October 2, 2010  11:00 am  and 1:00 pm

At Roselle Park during River Festival

1010 Grand River Dr. Ada MI

A copy of the current 2007 Recreation Plan is available at

www.adatownshipmi.com

Comments may also be sent by direct mail to: P.O. Box 370,

7330 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI 49301,

or emailed to:mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell MI – Fallasburg Fall Festival Sept 25, 26 2010

Lowell MI – Fallasburg Fall Festival Sept 25, 26, 2010

If you want to see fall arrive in style, you might want to attend

the annual Fallasburg Fall Festival at Fallasburg Park in Lowell

Michigan.  The park is located on the Flat River off Lincoln Lake

Road about 4 miles north of Lowell.

The Lowell Area Arts Council feature 105 artists and their work,

raffle a quilt, live music, live demonstrations of crafts, food, and

children’s activities are offered.

A video tour of 2008 Fall Festival gives you an idea of what to

expect:

Hope to see you there!

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Grand River Grandeur

Foto Friday – Grand River Grandeur

grand river south at knapp st

The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan, running from Hillsdale

near the Indiana border, up to Lansing, and then turning west towards Grand

Rapids and eventually emptying into Lake Michigan.  Its watershed drains an

area of 5,572 miles including 18 counties and 158 townships.

The native people who lived here called the river  O-wash-ta-nong, meaning

“Far-away-water” because of its length, 260 miles.

With fall fast approaching, scenes such as the one above are common here

in West Michigan.  This photo was taken on the Knapp Street bridge in Ada

township.

_

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Roselle Park River Festival – Ada Michigan Oct 2, 2010

Roselle Park River Festival – Ada Michigan  Oct. 2, 2010

Saturday October 2, 2010  10:00 am – 4:00 pm   Free

Ada Township is celebrating!  There will activities for all ages,

plus food, music, and river stewardship information.

The new park – Roselle Park is a 247 acre nature preserve with

paths along the Grand River and flood plain.

Silos at Roselle Park

Special Activities for the Day:

  • Exhibits by local conservation organizations
  • Hands on and discovery activities for kids
  • Kayak and canoe information
  • Live Music
  • Walking, Hiking, and Biking
  • Snacks Available
  • FREE ADMISSION
Map picture

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan Ada Park Youth Programs Fall 2010

Ada Michigan Ada Park Youth Programs Fall 2010

Fall is a wonderful time to explore nature and the creatures that live here

as they get ready for winter.  Ada Township Park is offering Youth Programs

for Fall 2010.  Please contact mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com or call

676-0520 for pre-registration information.

Ada park Ada MI entrance

Discovery Days  – Ada Park Learning Center

10:00 am – 12:00 noon   Age 3-5 yrs.  $4.00 per youth

Be a Nature Detective

Wednesday & Thursday, Sept. 15 & 16

Use your senses to learn about the natural world, Look for shapes

and colors in trees and flowers. Listen with ears like a rabbit for

sounds in the woods and field.

Go Batty

Wednesday & Thursday, Oct. 13 & 14

Find out why bats are so important, lean about their  amazing

adaptations and make a bat finger puppet.

Super Squirrels

Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov. 9 & 10

Learn about 4 different types of Michigan squirrels and their

chipmunk cousins. Take a walk to look for squirrel homes and

make a chipmunk nest.

Visit Ada Michigan Newsletter to see other Park Programs.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan – Annual Clean Up Day Sept 18, 2010

Ada Michigan Annual Clean Up Day Sept 18, 2010

Caring for our local waterways is important if we want them to remain clean

and pristine. Annual Clean Up Day in Ada Michigan will host

volunteers to clean up the two rivers that flow through our township.

Grand River Ada MI

Meet at Leonard Field Park Saturday, Sept. 18, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

by the Covered Bridge for check in.  You can join a “land team”

[on the shores] or  a “Water Team” [canoes, kayaks] to collect trash

along the Thornapple and Grand Rivers.  Supplies, gloves, snacks and

lunch provided. Pre-registration required by contacting the Park office.

616-676-0520

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM