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

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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.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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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

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Forest Hills MI – Fine Arts Center 2010-2011 Entertainment Schedule

Forest Hills MI – Fine Arts Center 2010 –2011

Entertainment Schedule

We are fortunate to have a wonderful entertainment venue

in our Forest Hills Area.  The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this

coming season have something for everyone. The entertainment this

season has 6 stage shows you won’t want to miss!

Fine Arts Center Forest Hills MI

Friday, September 24, 2010The B-52’s

The B-52’s will have you singing along to their punk, new wave,

vintage sound.

Friday October 1, 2010Leann Rimes

Two time Grammy Award winner and country legend, LeAnn Rimes

Monday, December 6, 2010A Chorus Line

The longest running American Broadway musical of all time.

Saturday, January 22, 2011Naturally 7

With phenomenal talent and incredible stage presence, this

international a cappella group is considered to be one of the

best in the world.

Monday, February 7, 2011Drumline Live!

Witness the explosive choreography, music , and feats of

athleticism in this show-style marching band performance.

Wednesday March 23, 2011Michael Bolton

See the multi-Grammy Award winner sho gave us hits such as

When a Man Loves a Woman.

Season Tickets  on sale NOW! Closes Sept 23rd, 2010

Single tickets on sale Oct. 4, 2010 at FAC or any Ticketmaster outlet

for all shows except B-52s and LeAnn Rimes, which are available now.

Note: We volunteer at the Fine Arts Center and find it a very entertaining

and rewarding way to give back to our community.  We have ushered

shows, taken tickets, handed out programs, placed posters and guided

people to their seats for over 2 years.

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 – Fishing Pond at Ada Park Ada Michigan

Fishing Pond at Ada Park Ada Michigan

Scenic pond

The Fishing Pond at Ada Township Park is available for children under 12, senior

citizens & handicapped persons when the park is open.  Provide your own poles

and tackle.  Four fish per day is the limit.  Ada Township Park is located on the

corner of Buttrick and Grand River Drive at 1180 Buttrick Avenue.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Thornapple Daily Grill Ada Michigan

Thornapple Daily Grill in Ada Michigan

Nov. 2010 Update:  The Thornapple Daily Grill is  no longer in business,

construction on a new restaurant is under way.  We’ll let you know

when it is up and running.

It is located at 445 Ada Drive, Ada, MI nestled in the  back of the

commercial development on the banks of the Thornapple River  in the heart

of Ada and less than 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.

The Daily Grill is now part of The Gilmore Collection, a group who owns

and operates many restaurants in our area.

The Daily Grill Ada MI real estate information blog

The restaurant boasts a wonderful bar, several dining rooms with

different views, an intimate wine cellar, and outside dining on the patio

in summer. Serving lunch or dinner, this restaurant has been a favorite

of ours for over 25 years.

The Daily Grill restaurant Ada MI

The daily grill bar - lounge ada mi

the daily grill restaurant ada mi

We were first introduced to White Chicken Chili here and the TBA

sandwich,  both favorites of ours. The menu offers simple fare and also

complex delights …….always delicious.  The wine list always has some-

thing to offer that is new.

The chef prepares dishes with locally grown products which is a

plus for us.  We live in a diverse agricultural area and there are many

small farms supplying  food to our local restaurants and populace.

We have many memories of dinners, lunches, and good times with friends

at this  local eatery. Please try it if you are in our area.

Look around, I might be sitting near by enjoying some chili and a

night out with friends.

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved                  

Photographs by Bonnie Westbrook

No remuneration, value, or consideration has been received for advertising

The Thornapple Daily Grill on my blog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Vitale’s Restaurant & Pub Ada Michigan

Vitale’s Restaurant & Pub   Ada Michigan

Located at 425 Ada Drive in the heart of Ada.

A bright and airy atmosphere with all the traditional Italian favorites

Vitale’s is known for: spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and all-American

favorites also. They have been satisfying customers for many years

in the Grand Rapids area, though the move to new digs in Ada has

been recent.  The new restaurant and Pub has lots of room for

dining and the Pub in back has room for a good sized crowd.

Vitales Bar & Restaurant Ada Mi 49301

Vitale’s Restaurant and Pub is a great place to have lunch or dinner.

Vitales Restaurant & Pub Ada Mi 49301

My wife likes the grilled salmon salad and I like just about

everything. If it has PASTA in it, I  like it!  Or you can meet

your friends for a beverage of choice in the pub and watch

your favorite team claim victory on the large TV screens through

out the Pub area.  They also have a pizza bar for lunch that has

lots of food options.

Vitales Restaurant & Pub Ada Mi 49301

Grab a burger & fries and spend an evening with the guys.

PHOTOS BY BONNIE WESTBROOK

More articles about Ada Michigan

No remuneration, consideration or value was received for advertising Vitale’s Restaurant & Pub on my blog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Zeytin Restaurant Ada Michigan ~ Turkish Delight

Zeytin Restaurant Ada Michigan ~ Turkish Delight

Zeytin means “Olive” in Turkish, and on the olive tree, the branches

and fruit present peace   and goodwill. Please enjoy our friendly hospitality

and authentic Turkish-American Food – quoted from the Zeytin Menu

zeytin restaurant ada mi 49301 ada mi

zeytin turkish american restaurant ada mi

Zeytin is a restaurant in Ada, Michigan. The atmosphere is warm

and inviting, the food is marvelous and in case your cardiologist never told

you, Middle Eastern food is very heart-healthy food.

They have Kebabs,  gyros, meatballs, lamb shank, Seafood, Vegetarian

choices, Salads, many Appetizers, a children’s menu with gyro, cheeseburger

or chicken nuggets served with fries.  Wraps and Sandwiches are available also.

I usually order the Chicken Shish Kebab and my wife loves their Lentil Soup.

We like to finish our meal off with the traditional baklava, rice pudding or a

caramel baked custard dessert with a cup of Turkish coffee.

Aaahhh! That’s  it!  I’m heading out for dinner tonight at Zeytin’s.

Maybe I’ll  see you there.

ZEYTIN RESTAURANT 400 ADA DR. SE

ADA, MICHIGAN 49301 PH. 616-682-2222


Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Zeytin photographs by Bonnie Westbrook

No remuneration, consideration or value was received for advertising

Zeytin Turkish Restaturant on my blog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Foods ~ Community Hub

Forest Hills Foods ~ Community Hub

Forest Hills Foods is THE Local Gathering place for snacks, coffee, lunch,

and your weekly groceries. Located at 4668 Cascade Road, at the

intersection of Forest Hills Drive and Cascade Road in Grand Rapids,MI

Forest Hills Foods is more than a grocery store.  It has become a fixture

in the community. We have been frequenting this store for over 30 years

and have seen its grow from a small local grocery to its transformation into

a community center place.

forest hills foods grand rapids mi

It is a friendly store with just about everything you could need.

The grocery  store is small enough that you can get your groceries in about

20-30  minutes, if you don’t run into any friends, which is just about impossible.

On a recent visit for a quick pick up of some fruit, we saw our daughter’s

former teacher, a fellow golfer, one of my clients (and a fellow golfer), and a

former neighbor.  So much for the quick trip to the store!

The groceries are always excellent. They have organic & local produce,

a fresh meat & fish department, a great wine & beer selection, fresh, locally

roasted coffee available, fresh flowers and many specialty items.

forest hills foods produce aisle grand rapids mi

forest hills foods deli cafe grand rapids mi

Besides the groceries, they have a bakery, a pharmacy, a local bank

ATM Machine, a Deli, a Soup & Salad Bar and Cafe with WIFI, of course.

The soup  & salad bar and deli are always busy at lunch. They also have

a US Post Office branch at the customer service desk which is very handy.

It seems we are there about  every other day buying stamps or mailing a

package.  The Foods will also cart your groceries out of the store and put

them in your car for you.  This alone brings many customers back.  In fact,

about the only time the parking lot is empty is when they are closed.

forest hills foods check out aisle grand rapids mi 49546

forest hills foods us post office grand rapids mi

Let me tell you a little story about “THE FOODS” that gives you a glimpse

into its popularity.  When we first moved to this community back in the

late 70’s, my wife went to get groceries. We had 2 small children and had

just moved – you can imagine the chaos in our life. Well, she had a whole

cartload of food to restock our larder and when she got to the checkout,

she realized she had run out of checks. For you young uns’, this was before

credit cards and cell phones, she was near tears as she told the check-out

lady she had no checks and would they hold her groceries till she went home

and got one?

The kind lady at the check out said, “OH, that’s OK. You can bring it in

when you have time.” and continued to check her out. Handed her the

receipt, asked her to check in at the service desk, and that was that.

She was flabbergasted! 

Well, let me tell you, they won a loyal customer that day.

(And yes, she took a check to them right away.)

If you move to our area, I can promise  ~ we’ll see you at The Foods!

Forest Hills Foods Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

I have not received value or consideration for advertising Forest Hills Foods

on my blog or stating my testimonial.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada/Cascade Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebrations


Ada/Cascade Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebrations

Ada MI July 4th Celebration

Friday July 2, 2010 Ada Park – Bike Decorating Day

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

$4  kids 4-12 yrs who show up with parent or guardian

[fee includes supplies and helpers]

Copy of fireworks Evanston close up2

Saturday July 3rd, 2010:

Parade Line up 9:30 AM   Parking Lot near McDonalds

4th of July Parade 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Entertainment/Activities 11:00 AM- 6:00  PM  Ada Village Green

“On the Green Activities”

New Classic Car Show  Thornapple River Drive

Fireworks Dusk    7590 E Fulton @ Ada Drive  In the Village

Cascade Library

Cascade Township July 4th Celebration

Saturday July 3rd 2010:

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM          Friends of the Library Book Sale

Cascade Public Library

9:45 – 10 AM                            Bicycle Parade Staging

Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church

**Parade Participants must wear a bike helmet

10:30 AM                   Main Parade Cascade Rd SE to 28th St, west

up 28th St to Jacksmith

11:30 AM – 3:30 PM    Street Fair Begins Free Games , Rides for kids

& adults, elephant rides, train rides, animal

petting zoo, Food Booths, Clowns & more…..

Cascade Library Grounds

12:-12:45 PM           Live Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds

12:55 – 1:15 PM        Ronald McDonald Stage at Library Grounds

1:15PM-2:00PM      Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds

2:10 PM – 2:30 PM   F.H.Y. Cheer Pomms Stage at Library Grounds

2:30 –3:15 PM         Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds

3:30 PM                  Closing of the Celebration

Fireworks Dusk    7590 East Fulton @ Ada Drive ( Downtown Ada Village

Green across from Amway)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan – City of Bridges

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM