Kent District Library – First Stop for Resources

Kent District Library – First Stop for Resources

In hard economic times, the public library becomes a very important

reference tool and resource for the community.  The Kent District

Library system is no exception.  Anticipating its users needs, the

KDL has added new resources that are available to all online – IF you

have a library card.  September is Library Card Sign Up Month!

Boy-dog reading

The newest resources available from KDL:

Consumer Reports.org – Read reviews before you buy.

Heritage Quest – Research your family history with census

records, local history documents and more.

Mango Languages – A fast, easy, and effective way to  learn

to speak a foreign language.

CultureGrams – Learn about different cultures from around the world.

ReferenceUSA – Extensive corporate and residential contact information

Freegal – Download 3 free music files each week.

Cascade Library

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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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Foto Friday: LZ Michigan – Vietnam Vets Honored

Foto Friday: LZ Michigan – Vietnam Vets Honored

flags of soldiers not returned

This photo was taken on July 3, 2010 at Fifth Third Ball Park in Grand Rapids, MI.

The LZ Michigan Event was held to honor and thank the Vietnam veterans for

their service to their country.  Only the second event of its kind to be held in

the US, the first was held at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, we found it moving

and very therapeutic.

Which proves it is never too late to say “Thank you.”

The flags in the photo represent the 2654 soldiers killed or MIA from the state

of Michigan in the Vietnam War, the highest count of any state in the entire United States.

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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!

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.

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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!

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

Foto Friday – Grand Rapids Garden of Glass

Foto Friday – Grand Rapids Garden of Glass

Glass trumpets

Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has the awesome exhibit

of Chihuly sculptured glass and poly towers all over the garden grounds this

summer.

If you haven’t been out to see it yet, you are missing a real treat.

This will be gone before winter, so take advantage of the summer weather

and the summer blooms at the gardens.  When a world renowned glass artist

and a world renowned garden get together – it is a garden of glass.

More Meijer Garden photos on our Flickr photostream.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

New Kentwood MI Library Set to Open 8-24-2010

New Kentwood MI Library Set to Open 8-24-2010

Construction is almost done on the new library for Kentwood Michigan.

We stopped and took a few photos so you can see the new facility

for the city of Kentwood.

new kentwood mi library

kentwood library bldg

Having been on hand to help move the books and materials from the old

library into the present facility back in ‘70s as a Kentwood Jaycee, we

realize what a job it is to get everything moved and into place.

The new library will be a welcome addition  for Kentwood.  Our libraries

are getting more use with the strained economy – all branches are noting

increased traffic and use.

An Open House is scheduled for 8-23-2010 so get over to see Kentwood’s

newest addition.

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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!

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

Kentwood MI New Library Open House 8-23-2010

Kentwood MI  New Library Open House 8-23-2010

Kentwood Michigan is celebrating their new KDL library branch this month.

Monday, August 23, 2010 from 12pm-4pm.  The new branch library

building is located at 4950 Breton SE Kentwood, Michigan.

The special Open House planned will feature live music, refreshments,

prizes, activities for children and more.  Katie L., Clifford, and other popular

children’s characters will also be stopping by.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollyalida/2742791776/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Please note that regular branch hours will begin on

Tuesday, Aug. 24.

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

Michigan Day Trippers – Saugatuck Michigan

Michigan Day Trippers – Saugatuck Michigan

This issue of our Michigan Day Trippers is about Saugatuck, Michigan.

If you haven’t made a visit to the quaint and historic village of Saugatuck,

you are missing an experience. Saugatuck is a popular resort and shopping

destination since the late 1800s.  Saugatuck has a small town feeling,

interesting architecture, an active artist community, unique shops, and

all within walking distance.  You can play golf, lay on the beach, go sailing

or just walk around town and enjoy the atmosphere.

Saugatuck hasn’t been “malled.”  The restaurants and local pubs serve up

great fare, whether you want a cup of soup, a full course dinner, or just

want some ice cream to wash down that fudge.

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

Grand Rapids Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebration

Grand Rapids Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebration

Grand Rapids July 4th Fireworks and Celebration will be held at

Ah Nab Awen Park along the Grand River in downtown Grand

Rapids.  The evenings entertainment will start at 6 pm and

conclude with the fireworks display at 10:30 pm.

Blue Bridge Artwork

Schedule of Free Events:

6:00 pm – Octaglee Vocal Octet sing patriotic selections

6:15-6:45 pm – Spittin’ Image – 8th & 9th grade students  play

contemporary and classic rock

7:00 –7:30 pm – Gabriel James – Alternative style

7:45 – 8:30 pm – Silversmith – Group plays original music from

blues to classic  rock

8:30 – 9:15 pm – Four Finger Five – Band plays a unique mix of rock and blues

9:15 – 9:30 pm – Ralston Bowles – Popular West Michigan entertainer

9:30 – 10:30 pm – Natchez Trace – One of Michigan’s favorite Vocal Bands

10:30 pm – FIREWORKS!!!!

fireworks

GRNOW Fireworks information

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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!

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

Michigan Free Fishing Weekend June 12-13, 2010

Michigan Free Fishing Weekend  June 12- 13, 2010

As summer in Michigan approaches, Michiganders start to

gravitate toward the 11,037 inland lakes, 36,350 miles of rivers

or streams, or the 3288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline available

for recreation in Michigan [ Included are 12,000 miles

of trout waters].  In fact, there is so much water

available, that wherever you are in Michigan, you are never

more than 6 miles away from a body of water.

Grand River 6th st bridge

If you have fond memories of fishing with your Dad or grand-

parents, then why not create your own memories this weekend?

The Michigan Dept of Natural Resources has declared that you can

fish in any Michigan inland or Great Lakes waters for all species of

fish – without a license – this weekend.

Please note that all fishing regulations still apply.

And don’t forget about safety.  You are still required to follow

all watercraft laws.  So, get out the poles, grab some bait,

and get fishing!
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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

East Grand Rapids Michigan Reeds Lake Art Festival – June 19, 2010

East Grand Rapids Michigan Reeds Lake Art Festival – June 19, 2010

From 9 AM to 5 PM, East Grand Rapids Michigan will transform its

Lakeside Park into a feast for the art lover.  The annual Reeds Lake

Clothesline Art Festival will be held at John Collins Park in East

Grand Rapids, Saturday, June 19th, 2010.

This juried art fair, put on by and for Grand Valley Artists is a

local favorite because of the picturesque lakeside venue and the

wonderful selection of jewelry, photography, glass, pottery,

painting, watercolors, sculpture  and more.

This year the festival is celebrating their 45th anniversary.

East Grand Rapids MI Collins Park

There is public parking in the ramp near the Regatta Plaza,

which is a short walk from the site and in the middle of the

Wealthy Street merchants and restaurants in Gaslight Village.

Held rain or shine.

Over 140 artists from all over the country. Some will be old favorites,

others will be new to  West Michigan.  If art tickles your interests, or

you have a blank spot looking for that special piece….come out on

Saturday, June 29th, 2010 to East Grand Rapids Clothesline Art Fair.


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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