First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok

First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok

The First Wok Restaurant at 6740 Old 28th Street in the heart

of  Cascade is one of our favorite lunch spots.  We enjoy the pleasant

surroundings, the smiling service, but most of all, we love the food.

We aren’t adventurous when it comes to foreign specialties but we

have eaten Chinese cuisine for years all over the US.

First Wok is the best Chinese restaurant we have been to in the Grand

Rapids area.  The egg drop soup is not just a few morsels swimming in

broth, it is chock full of vegetables, shrimp, and seasoned just right.

A perfect appetizer for most people, it can be almost a whole meal,

along with an egg roll.

Since we aren’t big fans of hot, spicy foods we can’t testify directly

for those dishes, although our friends seem to like them.  We can say

we get lots of freshly cooked Chinese dinners, served with flair.  If you

haven’t been to First Wok, you should give it a try.  Note: there are

other First Wok locations in Grand Rapids, sadly, these don’t come up

to the standards we experienced at the restaurant in Cascade.

We snapped a few photos of the interior when we were at lunch last week.

First Wok Cascade MI set for lunch

interior of restaurant First Wok Cascade MI

booths First Wok Cascade MI

We have received no remuneration or compensation for our review of

First Wok Restaurant.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

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Grand Rapids Michigan First Snow of 2009

Grand Rapids Michigan First Snow of 2009

I guess I am still a kid at heart. What a thrill to wake up and see the

white crystals of snow coating everything in sight! Needless to say,

with the amount of snow we received, it is a “Snow Day” for most

of the kids in Grand Rapids area.  While it is not inconvenient for me,

it is for most people. Roads are slippery, traffic is slow and commute

times are much longer than our normal speedy travel.

I took a few photos so you can see what we woke up to in GR this

morning.

front yard first snow

back yard first snow

winter morning view

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Mandarin Chinese Spoken in Forest Hills School

Mandarin Chinese Spoken in Forest Hills School

Would your kindergartener come home and ask for a bowl of cereal

in Mandarin Chinese?  If you live in the Forest Hills School System

in Grand Rapids Michigan, this isn’t as far fetched as it sounds.

The Meadowbrook Elementary School is home to the Forest Hills

Chinese Immersion Program.  This program is the first of its kind in

West Michigan.  The program just received a Federal Grant of $238,000

for the first year.  If all program objectives are met, it will receive

additional funds for the next 2 years.

fhps meadowbrook school entrance

Leaders in Forest Hills educational community decided to add Mandarin

Chinese Immersion to their bilingual offerings with the assistance

of Michigan State University’s Confucius Institute.  Currently 2

Chinese teachers are  on the school faculty to give students in

the program an early start in bilingual education.

The Forest Hills District is continuing to expand Mandarin language

courses at middle and high school levels.  With 55 percent of the

world’s population speculated to be from Asia in the year 2025 and

5 percent from North America, being fluent in Chinese will be a real

asset in the future business world.

Forest Hills also has a Spanish Immersion Program running at the

Ada Vista Elementary School.

Additional Forest Hills Schools Articles:

Forest Hills Schools Post Outstanding MEAP Scores

West Michigan Schools  in Top US Ranking

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Dog Blood Drive at Cascade Animal Hospital Sat Nov 14 2009

Dog Blood Drive at Cascade Animal Hospital Sat Nov 1 2009

Cascade Hospital for Animals is holding a canine blood drive on Saturday,

November 14th, 2009 from 10am to 5 pm at their facility, 6730 Cascade

Road SE, Grand Rapids Michigan.

Blood donation is a simple procedure, taking less than 30 minutes, and does

not require anesthesia or sedation. Dogs must be healthy, friendly,

50 pounds or over, between one and six years old. parasite free, current

on vaccinations, have no heart murmur, and not taking the following

medications: thyroid, Phenobarbital, NSAIDS, steroid therapy, or allergy

injections.

Pigford

If accepted for the donation drive, the pet will receive approximately

$235 worth of blood work performed free.

If interested, call 949-0960 or mail chfa@chfa.net.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes October 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes October 2009

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Forest Hills Houses

( Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The homes listed below are probably dated and would need

updating with new carpeting, paint, and kitchen- bath redos

at a minimum to bring them to current market standards.

They might need major repair work done, such as new roofs

& mechanicals.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

Forest Hills Michigan neighborhood

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, not the

basement, even if finished.

The list for October 2009 is 19 properties, up from last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $39.17 to $137.56

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $59,900 and the highest list price is

$288,900 for Oct 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures, short sales

and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

8245 Fulton St E            $59,900      1124 Sq Ft    $53.29/SqFt

383 Pettis Ave NE         $79,900      2040 Sq Ft    $39.17/SqFt

6225 Acropolis Dr          $58,000      1114 /SqFt   $52.06/SqFt

6342 Wainscot Dr SE      $84,900      1224 Sq Ft   $69.36/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville SE     $84,900     1536 Sq Ft   $55.27/SqFt

6600 Cascade Rd SE     $89,900     1788 Sq Ft   $50.28/SqFt

6250 Architrave St      $ 90,000    1814 Sq Ft   $66.37/SqFt

1890 Leffingwell Ave  $105,400    2128 SqFt    $49.53/SqFt

1791 Grand Ct NE       $118,900     1600 Sq Ft   $74.31/SqFt

1789 Grand Ct NE       $119,900     1600 Sq Ft   $74.94/SqFt

1787 Park Trail NE      $119,900     1600 Sq Ft   $74.94/SqFt

6461 Cascade Rd        $139,900     2023 Sq Ft   $69.15/SqFt

2847 Winesap Ave      $139,900    1557 Sq Ft   $137.56/SqFt

6931 Sandy Lane Dr    $159,900    2600 Sq Ft   $71.90/SqFt

3206 Oak Hollow Dr    $169,900   2509 Sq Ft   $67.72/Sq/Ft

2669 Cascade Springs $ 179,900  2590 SqFt    $69.46/SqFt

4287 Woodside Oakes $189,741  2736 Sq Ft   $69.35/SqFt

2328 Dean Lake Ave    $199,900  2757 SqFt    $72.51/SqFt

8801 Fulton St E         $288,900   4132 Sq Ft    $69.92/SqFt

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills

Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Are You are BIG enough to Get the Little Picture?

Are you Big Enough to Get The Little Picture?

FH Foods family bathroom

You might have to really look at this picture to see the details.


When I went to our local food store recently,  I needed to to make a

necessary stop.  When I saw the bathroom, I had to go to my car and get

get my camera to take this shot above.  Our local grocery store is one of

the best I have ever been in.  They listen to their customers and try to

make life easier and more convenient for them.

We (and everyone we know) love Forest Hills Foods.  This is just one of a

dozen reasons.  If you have little children, would they like to go to the

bathroom where they can have a stool and sink at their height?

Would it make it a fun experience for them?  You bet!

Thanks again, Forest Hills Foods, for thinking about your customer’s

grocery store experience.

_____________________________________________

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 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

West Michigan has 4 seasons and fall or autumn is one of our favorites.

The foliage on the trees is yellow, red, orange, shades of green, and

brown.  It all combines to paint  lovely colors all over our landscape.

We captured a few photos of the fall season here in Ada Michigan

on the Thornapple River this last weekend.  All were take from

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club near the Gerald R Ford International

Airport, just southeast of Grand Rapids.

In fact, we joke that it is the TCPB course here…….trains, cars, planes, and boats

can all be seen and heard from the course.  We had an airboat travel down the

river while we were playing but I didn’t get my camera out in time to catch it in a photo.

Fairway on the river Ada MI

Sand Trap Scenery Ada MI golf club

Thoranpple Pte river view

Fall Maple refl water

_____________________________________________

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 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Fall Maple refl water

This was captured yesterday playing golf at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course

on the Thornapple River in Grand Rapids Michigan.

My friend, Paul, and I got in a quick 18 holes in the afternoon.

The golf course was pretty open which left me time to snap a few shots

of our local scenery.   This little maple is putting on quite a show!

_____________________________________________

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 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Are You Up for a Nature Safari Sept 19, 2009??

Ada Township Park Participates in Connecting Families with Nature Saturday Sept 19, 2009 ~ Free Ada MI Event

Ada park entr sign

The Kent Conservation District is holding a Kick Off Event for their

Nature Passport Program. These local events will be  held at local

parks and Nature Areas this fall.  The events are to encourage

families to enjoy outdoor activities and your local park resources.

Ada Township Parks and Recreation – Invites families throughout

Kent County to come out and enjoy a family day at Ada Township

Park.  You can pick up your “Passport for Adventure”.  Check in

at the Park Shelter to register and get your “Passports” and then

you can have a range of free activities for your day at the park.

Saturday Activities include:

  • Learning Center with nature artifacts and hands on science exhibits
  • Free racquets to borrow for tennis and pickle ball
  • Nature trails through woods and prairie with interpreters
  • Paved bike paths for walking & biking
  • Free fishing poles and bait to borrow at the fish pond
  • Scavenger hunts in the Arboretum
  • Balls for playing basketball & soccer
  • Plus additional fun ideas to help you enjoy your day at the park

Event Information :

Location Ada Park 1180 Buttrick Ave.  Ada MI 49301

Date/Time: Sept 19, 2009  10am to 2pm

Additional Saturday Sept 19 Events are planned at these Nature Centers:

Blandford Nature Center

Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve

Howard Christensen Nature Center

Wittenbach/Wege Agri-Science and Environmental Education Center

John Ball Zoological Park

Kent Conservation District Link

_____________________________________________________________________________

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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center ~ 2009/2010 Seasonal Entertainment Line-up

We are fortunate to have a wonderful entertainment venue in our Forest Hills Area.

The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this winter season have something for everyone.

The entertainment this season starts out with a bang!

Fine Arts Center Forest Hills MI

Saturday, October 17, 2009The Tap Dogs

The Tap Dogs are making waves with their unprecedented show that combines

strength and the power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing.

Friday November 6, 2009Poco, Firefall, and Pure Prairie League – 3 American

folk/rock bands that continue the iconic sounds of the 70s, remaining true to its founding vision.

Thursday, December 3, 2009 – Kool & The Gang –The famous & successful band

with the sound of jazz, R&B, funk and pop has produced a string of hits including

“Jungle Boogie, Lady’s Night, Celebration, and Get Down on It.”

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 – Band of the Irish Guards/

Royal Regiment of Scotland –

Thursday, April 29, 2010 – Whose Live Anyway

Season Tickets  on sale, August 10th – Oct 16th, 2009

Single tickets for Tap Dogs on sale Sept 14th, 2009

Single tickets for Poco, PPl, & Firefall on sale Oct 12, 2009

All remaining single tickets on sale Oct. 26, 2009 at FAC or any Ticketmaster outlet.

Special Event – Matt Giraud – Friday, January 29, 2010

American Idol’s Matt Giraud, Kalamazoo’s own who made it to the top 5 on

the hit show, American Idol. Ticketed Separate event

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking?

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM