Jazz at the Zoo – Grand Rapids Monday Nights 2011

Jazz at the Zoo – Monday Nights 2011

Begins Monday June 13, 2011 runs through August 15

From 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the The John Ball Park Band Shell,

The West Michigan Jazz Society will be featuring local bands

and talent Monday nights.  Free admission, although the hat

is passed for donations because the park is requiring liability

insurance for the group to perform and parking attendants.

So, grab a blanket, food, or purchase food at the event, and

enjoy local jazz at its best.

 Grand Rapids Michigan Jazz at the Zoo – Monday Nights 2010

The 11th Jazz at the Zoo Summer 2011:

June 14, 2011 –River Rogues

June 21 2010 – Doug Horn Quartet

June 28, 2010 – Paul Vornhagen Quartet

July 4, 2010 –    Kathy Lamar with Bob VanStee Trio

July 11, 2010 –  Mary Rademacher

July 18, 2010 –  Steve Hilger Quartet

July 25, 2010 –  Edye Evans Hyde with Quartet

August 1, 2010 – Rick Reuther with the Tom Hagen Septet

August 8, 2010 – Fred Knapp Quartet

August 15, 2010 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Grand Rapids Michigan 2011 Local Farmer’s Markets

Grand Rapids Michigan 2011 Local Farmer’s Markets

Michigan is an agricultural state. In fact, in agricultural products,

Michigan is second only to California among the diversity of its

products.  Agriculture and farming is a large segment of our local

West Michigan economy.

West Michigan is nationally known for its fruit production, including

blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes and peaches.  Add to this local

organic farmers that sell to local restaurants and grocery stores and

you can see how important growing food is to our local economy.

We like to support local businesses and farmers. Local produce

is the best!  So visit your local farmers’ Market, taste locally grown

food and support your local economy.  Fresh produce is here in Michigan

and available in most areas near you.

corntomaotes thumb Grand Rapids Michigan 2010 Local Farmer’s Markets

Ada MI Farmers’ Market – Community Church Parking Lot

Tuesdays June 21 – Sept. 27, 2011  12:00 – 6:00 pm

Project FRESH accepted

“Chef in the Market” cooking demonstration program, also accepting

food basket donations for delivery to food pantry

Allendale Famers’ Market6101 Lake Michigan Dr – Heritage Town

Square Parking Lot ( North side of Lake Michigan Dr)  June 10 – Sept 30

Tuesdays and Fridays  11:00 am – 4 pm  Project FRESH accepted

Byron Center Farmers’ Market – Pathway Church Parking Lot or

grassy area north of the Post Office – 8350 Byron Center Av.

May – October Saturday 8am-1 pm Project FRESH accepted.

Caledonia Michigan Farmers’ Market – 9944 Cherry Valley Plaza

Saturday  9am –  1 pm  May 14th – until mid Oct  2011

Coopersville Farmers’ Market – North Main St parking lot pavilion

May 25 – Oct 2011 Wednesday 8 am – 1 pm  Project FRESH accepted

Veteran’s Memorial Park  Friday 2:00 – 7:00 pm   May 27 – Oct 2011

Fulton Street Farmer’s Market – 1147 E. Fulton St Grand Rapids MI

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday  8:00 am – 3:00 pm

May to Christmas

busymarket thumb Grand Rapids Michigan 2010 Local Farmer’s Markets

Grandville Farmers’ Market – Parking lot next to the Grandville Library

June –  mid Oct  2011   Tuesdays  8 am – 1 pm

Hudsonville Farmers’ Market & Crafts – 3302 Prospect St  corner of

Prospect and School just off Chicago Dr.

June 1 – October 5, 2011   Wednesdays 8 am – 2 pm

Project FRESH accepted

Lowell MI Farmers’ Market – 2111 W Main St

Tractor Supply Parking Lot

Thursdays June thru Sept 2011   12:30 pm – 6 pm 

Pet Friendly (on a leash)

Metro Health Hospital Farmers’ Market– Metro Health Village

5900 Byron Center Ave Wyoming MI – easy access off M-6

May 5 – Oct 13 2011  Thursdays 9am – 1 pm

Project FRESH accepted; weekly events

Plainfield Township Farmers’ Market – 4411 Plainfield Ave NE

(corner of 5 Mile Rd and Plainfield Ave) adjacent to Fire Station # 3.

June 14 – Oct 28 2011 Tuesday & Thursday   2 pm – 7 pm

Walker Farmers’ Market – 4300 Remembrance Rd at Rylee’s Ace Hardware??

Saturday June 15 – Sept 14  2011   8am – 2 pm

YMCA Farmers Market – 475 Lake Michigan Dr

Thursdays  3 –7 pm  June 2 – Sept 29  2011

Link to Michigan Farmer’s Market Assoc

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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. We believe:

Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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What IF a Grand Rapids Disaster Strikes? Why C.E.R.T. Training Makes Sense

What IF a Grand Rapids Disaster Strikes?  Why C.E.R.T. Training Makes Sense

We see natural and man–made disasters happen on the news:

tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, chemical spills,

oil spills, & fires.  We always think: How terrible!  What would we do if

this happened to us and our loved ones?  It can, in a heartbeat.

Grand River

Would you be prepared if a policeman knocked on your door and

said  you had to evacuate NOW – no time to gather a few things, no

time to get essentials, leave right now or your life would be in imminent

danger?

 

That is one of the scenarios we were faced with on our first night

of Community Emergency Response Team training.  We were encouraged

to pack a “GO BAG” with necessary items, like a toothbrush, set of

clothes, a CD or zip file with our insurance information and important

financial account information, in case we couldn’t return home for an

extended time.

 

Just weeks ago, this seemed like a far-fetched, worst case fantasy.

Now, with the tragic news of Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear

reactor meltdowns, it doesn’t seem so unlikely. 

 

firetruck_Terry

 

In our C.E.R.T. classes, we are learning how to be a citizen emergency

response team.  Basic safety, hazardous materials, medical emergency

response, basic search and rescue lessons are taught by a C.E.R.T.

instructor through the Homeland Security Agency and in

partnership with the Grand Rapids Fire Department.  We are learning a

lot about emergency response and disasters we might be asked to

assist on if we join the local team.  Even if we just use this information

for ourselves, our family, and our neighbors it will be worthwhile.

me and  dummy

The local C.E.R.T. instructors are trying to build a local C.E.R.T. Team

for the Grand Rapids area.  Did you know we have a population of about

1.5 million in the Greater Grand Rapids area?  Did you also know that

we have about 10,000 policemen, firemen, and EMT’s to respond

to an epic disaster?   Hmmm…

 

putting_out_fire

If you would like to take this training, contact:

Kent County Volunteer C.E.R.T. Team

About C.E.R.T.

Kent County Preparedness Facts

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

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SugarBush Time at Blandford Nature Center

SugarBush Time at Blandford Nature Center

March is sugarbush time in Michigan.  Blandford Nature Center 

is located at:   1715 Hillburn Ave NW  Grand Rapids MI 49504

616-735-6240

 

Saturday Program: Sugarbush Tours

March 5, 12, and 19, 12pm – 4pm, $3

Sugarbush programming all month long. Saturday tours from 12pm – 4pm.

Come see the history of syrup making and taste the results of

Blandford’s syrup production.

Beginning March 3, weekday group tours available on Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 2:30pm – 4pm. Reservations are required.

Please arrive early; programs begin promptly at 2:30pm.

For Saturday tours you will be placed within a group.

Large groups (10+) on Saturdays should RVSP.

Tours are $3 per person.

Syrup and maple candy are available in our General Store. 

Weekday store hours in March are 10am – 4pm, Saturdays are 12pm – 5pm.

 

Blandford Nature Center

The Interpretive Center is open free of charge, Monday – Friday

from 9am to 5pm and  Saturday from 12 to 5pm.

Trails are open every day from dawn until dusk.

____________________________________________

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

Wordless Wednesday – Sno-tastic Michigan

Front_walk_and_driveway

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

February-March 2011 Programs at Ada Township Parks, Ada Michigan

February/March Programs at Ada Township Parks, Ada Michigan

Ada Township Parks has just posted their 2011 winter schedule

of  programs for families and youth.

Family Events: Inside the Ada Township Park Learning Center.

“Feed the Birds” – Make your own Bird Feeder              

Saturday February 5       10:00 a.m. – 12 noon  

               $5/adult $3/youth

Learn to identify local winter birds and how to attract and

support them. Then build a bird feeder to take home and

put in your yard. Also, find out how to participate in the

Great backyard Bird Count!

Courtesy of Rhys’s Piece is on Flickr

Rulers of the Sky – Birds of Prey”

Wednesday March 16    6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

$5/adult $3/youth

Join us for a special Birds of Prey presentation by John Ball zoo

with live birds. Raptors are magnificent creatures admired for

their strength and beauty. Get an up-close view of some of

nature’s incredible feathered hunters and learn about their

amazing adaptations.

**Pre-Registration required as seating is limited.               

Youth Events: With inside and outdoor activities so come

dressed to be outside!

Discovery Days (pre-school & parent)

Build a Bird Feeder       

Wednesday February 16 & Thursday February 17   

         10:00 a.m. – 12 noon          $5/youth       

Parents and preschools come together to learn what birds

eat in the winter plus take a walk outside to look for birds

and make 2 different bird feeders to take home.

“Whooo are you?” Owls in Michigan

Wednesday March 9 & Thursday March 10       

  10:00 a.m. – 12 noon        $5/youth

Learn about owls and their amazing adaptations.

Pretend to be an owl or a mouse while you play “Hide & Squeak”.

Young Explorers (ages 5-7):

Similar to Discovery Days, but geared for older age group.

Parents may drop off youth or stay to assist.

“Build a Bird Feeder“

Wednesday February 16              4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.                                                      $5/youth

“Whooo are you?” Owls in Michigan

Wednesday March 9                      4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.                                                      $5/youth

Junior Naturalist (ages 7 – 11)

“Snowshoes Stomp”                    

Saturday February 12     10:00 a.m. – 12 noon   $5/youth

Learn about the history of snowshoes and how some animals

survive with their own “built-in” snowshoes. Then venture

outside for a fun snowshoe walk through the Park.

Snowshoes provided. Parents may drop off youth or stay to assist.

 

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department is offering

a variety of half day programs for families and youth

in February and March at the Ada Township Park Learning

Center.   Pre-registration is requested for all programs

by callings the Parks office at 616-676-0520 or emailing mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

Payment is due on the day of the event.

Mark Fitzpatrick, Director

616-676-0520 office, 616-862-0584 cell, 616-676-5870 fax

mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

www.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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved

Foto Friday – January Series Beats Winter Blahs

Foto Friday – January Series Beats Winter Blahs

Covenant-FineArts_Center

The January Series hosted by Calvin College is one of January’s

bright spots on the winter scene in Grand Rapids Michigan.  Famous

authors, public figures, sports celebrities, and many, many other speakers

are brought in every year for the public’s  education and entertainment.

The above photo was taken last Friday at the Calvin College Covenant

Fine Arts Center waiting for Ensemble Galilei to perform.  What a treat!

 

The January Series runs until the 25th of this month, so check out the

remaining speakers for yourself.

 

An added bonus to this local feature is the archives, where many

 speakers from the past have been recorded, so you can browse the

list and listen anytime it is convenient.

Copyright 2011  All rights reserved.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Adult Community Band Hosts Winter Concert Sunday Dec 12th 2010

 

Forest Hills Adult Community Band Hosts Winter Concert

Sunday Dec 12th 2010

The Forest Hills Michigan Adult Community Band will present it’s winter

concert at Forest Hills Eastern High School Auditorium from 2:30 to 3:30 pm on

Sunday December 12th, 2010.  The auditorium is located at 2200 Pettis

Avenue Ada Michigan.

Forest Hills Eastern High School Ada MI 49301

 

The Forest Hills Adult Community Band is a 70 member band  made up

of former high school graduates or adults that have played in a concert band.

This Free Concert is open to the public.  Parking at the Knapp Street entrance

is closer to the auditorium and handicapped accessible.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

St Cecelia Music Society Free 2010 Christmas Concert

St Cecelia Music Society Free 2010 Christmas Concert

On December 19th, 2010, at 4 pm, the Winter St Cecilia Grand Band

and the St Cecelia Adult String Orchestra will hold a free Christmas

Concert in Grand Rapids.

Christmas tree ornaments

The Royce Auditorium is located at 24 Ransom St NE just north

of Fulton Ave and east of Division Ave.

See the link for more concerts coming up in 2011……

St Cecelia Music Society Free 2010 Christmas Concert

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!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

GRAM Sunday Classical Concert Series Fall 2010

GRAM Sunday Classical Concert Series Fall 2010

GRAM on the Green

Grand Rapids Art Museum is hosting a Sunday Classical Concert Series

for the Fall of 2010, where you can soak up the art and the music on Sunday

afternoons  2:00 -3:00 pm.

The Sunday Classical Music Series schedule is:

Oct 24 H2 Quartet

  • Award winning Saxophone Quartet
  • Jonathan Nichol (Faculty GVSU)
  • Geoffrey Deibel
  • Kimberly Goddard
  • Jeffrey Loeffert (Faculty – Oklahoma State University)

Oct 31 Trio Nouveau

  • Harp – Elizabeth Colpean (Principal Grand Rapids Symphony)
  • Viola – Leslie Van Becker (Principal Grand Rapids Symphony)
  • Flute – Edward Clifford

Nov 7 Giuseppe Lupis

  • Solo Piano (Faculty GVSU)

Nov 14 Seunghee Lee

  • (Concert Master – Lansing Symphony and Faculty at Central Michigan University)
  • Nariaki Sugiura (Piano faculty at DePauw University)
  • Violin and Piano

Nov 21 Castalia Quartet

  • Piano – Mary Scanlan
  • Violin – Jennifer Walvoord (Concert Master – West Michigan Symphony)
  • Viola – Leslie Van Becker (Principal Viola – Grand Rapids Symphony)
  • Cello – Alicia Eppinga (Associate Principal Cello – Grand Rapids Symphony)

Nov 28 Eric Tanner

  • (Principal Second Violin – Grand Rapids Symphony)
  • Violin and Piano

Dec 5 Gene Hahn

  • (Violinist – Associate concert master West Michigan Symphony)
  • Violin and Piano

Dec 12 The Merling Trio

  • Violin – Renata Artman Knific (Faculty – Western Michigan University)
  • Piano – Susan Wiersma Uchimura (Faculty – Western Michigan University)
  • Cello – Bruce Uchimura (Faculty – Western Michigan University)

Dec 19 Matt Albert (Violinist with “Eighth Blackbird”)

  • Andrew McCann (Violinist – New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago)

Dec 26 Robert deMaine

  • Cello – (Principal Detroit Symphony)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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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