Jazz at the Zoo – Grand Rapids Monday Nights 2011

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

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.

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

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan Trail Closed near Paradise Lake

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Michigan Trail Closed near Paradise Lake

Ada Trail will be closed for construction starting 6-21-2011

fronting the Villas of Ada’s expansion on Ada Drive. Sewer

line and utility hook ups are being done. The Trail should be

closed for traffic for about 6 weeks.

Then sewer upgrades will be done to Ada Drive east of

Paradise Lake starting August 1st. The Ada Trail will be affected

and will be closed for 6-8 weeks. A new trail surface will be

put down on completion of sewer line upgrades. Time flies….

the current trail is 15 years old.

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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.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Held at the Kentwood Library Amphitheatre on Wednesday nights.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for the lawn and enjoy the shows.

The new Kentwood Library is located at 4950 Breton Road SE.

Shows start at 7:30 pm.

June 15 – Kentwood Senior Chorale

June 29 – Senior Valentine and Steve”Doc” Yankee – Local Blues Legend

August 3 – Foster and Popps – Comedic Music duo

August 17 – Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys – Classic Country

Alcohol and smoke free environment

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts

by Bonnie sand Terry Westbrook

Summer 2011 Schedule – Tuesdays 7:00 pm to 9:00 pmJune 14, 2011 – Harper and Midwest KindJune 21, 2011 – The Vincent Hayes ProjectJune 29, 2011 – Rob Blaine’s Big Otis Blues BandJuly 5, 2011 – BMF BandJuly 12, 2011 – Root DoctorJuly 19, 2011 – Steve Hilger BandJuly 26, 2011 – Thirsty Perch Blues Band

AFTER THE BLUES

August 2, 2011 – Mind’s Eye (Jazz)

August 9, 2011 – Red Sea Pedestrians (World Beat)August 16, 2011 – Small Town Son (Country/Rock)

Concerts are held at the Garden Park Stage along the dam and

White Pine Trail. Free event, bring your folding chair and enjoy!

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts

Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer FREE Concerts will run on Thursday

evenings June 16 through August 25 beginning at 7:00pm featuring:

June 16 126 Army Band Michigan National Guard Band

June 23 The Adams Family (50s / 60s)

June 30 Stolen Horses (Country)

July 7 Hank Mowery and the Hawktones (Blues)

July 14 Java Jive (Swing)

July 21 Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son (Country)

July 28 Thirsty Perch Blues Band

August 4 Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

August 11 4-H Fair week at Lowell Fairgrounds

music concert provided by West Michigan Bluegrass

(no music at Lowell Showboat)
Steam Powered Bluegrass Patchwork Bluegrass Band

August 18 The Trace (formally Natchez Trace) (Acoustic Classic Rock)

August 25 Tami Helm with MacNaughton Boulevard (Jazz)

FOOD & SPIRITS PROVIDED ON THE LOWELL SHOWBOAT BY

THE FLAT RIVER GRILL. Refreshments available on the Riverwalk

Plaza.

Admission to the concerts and parking is FREE. The concert venue

is wheelchair accessible and handicap/senior parking is available.

Bleacher seating is available or bring your own folding chair.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan 2011 Local Farmer’s Markets

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

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.

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’ Market – 6101 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

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

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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. We believe:

Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Pedal On – Bicycle Safety

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Pedal On – Bicycle Safety

Hey, hey, May is National Bike Month. Spring and summer are popular

bike riding times. Before you get on two wheels, take a moment to

review bicycle safety rules and have a safe and fun riding season.

Ride with traffic – Always be aware of the traffic around you and

be prepared to stop. Sliding through that corner without stopping

isn’t worth it if you are hit by a car.

Ride single file in a straight line when riding on the road. Riding

2 or 3 abreast forces traffic to swerve into the other lane, NEVER

a safe option.

Always obey traffic signals – Learn the rules of the road and

obey all traffic laws. This should go without saying, but every

year bikers are injured on the roads.

Bicycle Safety Rules

Kent Trails Info

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Trees + House = Tree House

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – Trees + House = Tree House

I admit I love trees and I love houses. What could be more perfect

than a darling tree house that looks like something Hansel and Gretel

would have stumbled upon in the big, dark forest?

I have been fascinated with this tree house in the our area for

some time. It can only be seen when the leaves are off the trees.

I wanted a photo of it and managed to remember that fact when we

were out driving in the area the other day.

If you are looking for a house in the woods, give us a call.

There are many homes available near Grand Rapids that are in a

heavily wooded area, with a little more square footage.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Check with your local building department before beginning

home improvement projects. Requirements vary, but many building

departments require permits for home improvement projects,

including electrical, mechanical, structural or plumbing work.

As a result of getting a permit, an inspector will check the work.

Inspections provide a measure of safety to protect your life

and property.

Projects That Usually Require Permits:
•     Re-roofing
•     Installing electrical outlets
•     Windows
•     Remodeling kitchens or bathrooms
•     Installing a pool, spa or hot tub
•     Building an addition, including seasonal rooms
•     Installing appliances and replacements such as furnaces, boilers,
water heaters, fireplaces and space heaters
•     Building a tall fence—over 6 feet in height

If you are planning to make home improvements, contact your local

building department (949-3765) to find out what building code

provisions apply in your area and if you need a permit.

Note: Many contractors will apply for the permit and schedule the

final inspections. Be sure to find out if your contractor supplies

this service.

Before undertaking a home improvement project, check out the

Cost VS Value 2010 Report From National Association of Realtors.

It will tell you local values on popular home improvement projects.

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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