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Around Town West Michigan is the hottest new magazine out there, focusing on all of the great people, places, events, and businesses that make West Michigan so amazing! 100% Local 100% Original 100% Michigan!TRANSCRIPT
2 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 3
On the Back Beat by Cheri Lucas The Verve Pipe!
Pg. 7
Staycation Destination by Chastity McKallister Discover Caledonia! katie chronicles zombies...? The Hot Spot with Nightlife Directory by Ashley Michaels Harmony Brewing Co in Eastown It Ain’t Easy by Johnny Young That’s What She Said! The Heart Beat by Jonathan Peerboom Next Step of West Michigan: Don’t Judge a Book by It’s Cover Kevin’s Journey with Body by Vi by Kevin Costello The First Month Radio Gaga by Ann Oakwood Gravy in the Morning Where It’s At Events Calendar & Shopping Guide Neighborhood Spotlight by Chastity McKallister Uptown Summer Series: East Hills
Pg. 8 Pg. 15 Pg. 17
Pg. 23 Pg. 30 Pg. 34 Pg. 37 Pg. 51 Pg. 56
Local Lit by Sara Taylor Peg Herring’s “Somebody Doesn’t Like Sarah Leigh” The DISH Restaurant Review with Dining Guide Florentine’s of Grand Rapids by Thomas York & Skyy Foster Reel to Reel Movie Reviews by Kevin Costello Double Feature: Brave and Ted
Pg. 11 Pg. 44 Pg. 49
Getaway Girl by Special Guest Writer Mike Norton National Writer Series Brings Literary Superstars to Traverse Download the Library Recommended Reading from KDL Real Estate 101 by Tammy Jo THe 10 Commandments of Home Buying Making Cents by Lu Paletta
Pg. 26 Pg. 13 Pg. 21 Pg. 42
4 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
Lentz USA Locations
Typical Store hours: Monday: 7:30am - 7:00pm Tues-Fri: 7:30am - 6:00pm Saturday: 7:30am - 3:00pm
Battle Creek Location 1249 W. Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49015 269.965.1241
Benton Harbor Location 1605 South M-139 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269.926.9800
Comstock Park Location 4411 Alpine Ave NW Comstock Park, MI 49321 616.784.4422
Grand Rapids Location 425 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616.243.4314
Grand Rapids Location 1227 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.451.8100
Grand Rapids Location 800 Michigan Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.742.0800
Jenison Location 7525 S. Main Jenison, MI 49428 616.457.1111
Holland Location 647 E. 24th Street Holland, MI 49423 616.395.9987
Kentwood Location 4633 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 616.940.3888
Kentwood Location 4762 S Division Kentwood, MI 49548 616.538.6999
Kalamazoo Location 2951 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269.349.1168
Kalamazoo Location 2351 Sprinkle Road Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269.388.8031
Kalamazoo Location 1001 Riverview Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49048 269.342.2131
Portage Location 6103 S. Westnedge Avenue Portage, MI 49002 269.323.0034
Wyoming Location 3603 Byron Center SW Wyoming, MI 48509 616.530.9518
For nearly 40 years, Lentz USA has been providing the highest quality automotive service to Michigan residents in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, Lansing, Comstock Park, Wyoming, Traverse City, Adrian, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, and more. No matter where you live in
Michigan, you can certainly find a Lentz USA location near you.
Lentz USA can help you with new brakes, oil changes, new mufflers, shocks, upgraded
struts, and more. Simply put, we want to be your complete auto service center!
www.lentzusa.com
30 DAYS TO 6 MONTHS TO PAY.
SEE STORE MANAGER FOR DETAILS!
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 5
Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been made to insure the accuracy of the information contained in Around Town West
Michigan Magazine. Freedom Ventures LLC and/or Around Town West Michigan Magazine accept no responsibility for any damages
arising directly or as a consequence of the use of publication or inaccurate information. Opinions expressed in the magazine are
those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management.
This publication is intended for parties over the age of 18. Some articles may contain language or content not suitable for all
readers.
The contents of Around Town West Michigan Magazine are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in part or whole
without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Around Town West Michigan Magazine is published monthly by
Freedom Ventures LLC. Parties interested in advertising email us at [email protected]. For a complete media kit go to
www.aroundtownmi.com.
PUBLISHED BY:
Freedom Ventures, LLC
EDITORS:
Kathy Henson, General
Kevin Costello, Music & Leisure
WRITERS:
Ashley Michaels
Ann Oakwood
Nic Gaines
Kevin Costello
Chastity McKallister
Thomas York
Skyy Foster
Shawn Peirce
Johnny Young
Tammy Jo
Lu Paletta
Sara Taylor
Cheri Lucas
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Jonathan Peerboom
Melissa DeWild, Kent District Library
Mike Norton, Traverse City CVB
LAYOUT/GRAPHICS/WEB DESIGN:
Kathy Henson
PHOTO CREDITS:
Cover Photo: Anthony Nowack
Downtown Caledonia: Ken Huisjen
Traverse City CVB
Kathy Henson
Kevin Costello
SALES: [email protected]
Phone: 616-755-8225
www.aroundtownmi.com
SPECIAL THANKS TO QUICK PRINTING
CO, THE OFFICIAL PRINTER OF
AROUND TOWN WEST MICHIGAN!
6 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 7
We really wanted to get an interview with The Verve Pipe, or frontman Brian VanderArk. Unfortunately, all of our attempts failed. That being said, though, we are thrilled to present a quick profile of the band! Formed in 1992, The Verve Pipe featured Brian VanderArk, Brad VanderArk, Donny Brown, and Brian Stout all of whom came from other local Michigan bands. The Verve Pipe began playing all over Michigan, quickly gaining popularity on college campuses for their high-energy live performances.
They released their first album, I’ve Suffered a Head Injury, in November 1992. This first album and the second album, Pop Smear, released in 1993, (where Donny was replaced by A.J. Dunning), sold more than 40,000 copies (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/verve_pipe/artist.jtml) It took another four years (1996) for the band to have their first major label release, Villains. Villains featured Photograph and The Freshmen, the only hit the band ever had (Wikipedia).
I was surprised to learn the name of the song The Freshmen was inspired by the movie The Freshmen starring Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick. The song itself, however, has much more personal meaning to Brian VanderArk. As he shared on the band’s bulletin board in 2001, he wrote the song in ‘91 about his ex-girlfriend having an abortion. “"Stop a baby's breath, and a shoe full of rice, no" - First of all, forget the NO. Stop a baby's breath is just that. Abort the baby. A shoe full of rice is a result of a wedding. So - stop a baby's breath AND then you stop a wedding. She's pregnant, get her to abort, and then there's no wedding.”
During an interview with MTV in 1997, the guys were asked who their major musical influences were. Donny Brown responded the Beatles; others also said the Beatles, but also mentioned XTC, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello, and Elton John. What is their advice for upcoming bands from small towns? “There’s always a chance. Just keep writing songs.” “If you got no chance, forget about it” “write, write, write…then steal all you can…or get some cool pants” and “…listen to great music and steal liberally from it” (5/7/97 The Verve Pipe in the MTV Arena).
*****
8 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
Instead of taking that weekend trip out of town, why not take a
day trip to visit one of our own great towns right here close to
home? Explore your own backyard, no hotel required!
I’m excited to launch this new column by introducing you to, or reminding you of,
Caledonia—a beautiful little village in Southeastern Kent County, about 20 minutes
from 28th Street off Broadmoor in Grand Rapids. This is a charming small town which
somehow is both a little bit country and a little bit city. I think that stems from it’s
history as a farming community, which is still prevalent today. A fun fact: In an effort
to attract New Yorkers to move to Michigan, Caledonia Township was named after a
city in New York!
Caledonia has a quaint Downtown area, with several charming small businesses. There
is plenty of available parking, and everything on Main Street, or in the plazas off
Broadmoor, is within walking distance of your car.
As my mom was a knitter and crocheter, I found myself wandering into
Henny’s Yarn Shop. This is a cute little shop carrying high-end, high-
quality, imported yarns. I had the chance to meet Henny, the owner.
After retiring from teaching, she took several trips to Africa, teaching the
women and children to knit. She also brought back some custom
yarn baskets made by women to support their families which she
sells in her store. Henny is very passionate about knitting, and
teaches classes at the shop to share that passion.
10 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
While you’re in Caledonia, you have to stop in at Caledonia Station, an
adorable train-themed ice cream shop on Main Street. It’s a great place to
cool off on a hot day. If you’re a golfer, plan a visit to Briarwood Golf
Course, which is open to the public or it’s sister course at
Broadmoor Country Club. Offering beautiful courses and
affordable rates, it’s a good time.
One of my great finds was Cherry Valley Hot Dawgs on Cherry Valley
Avenue off Broadmoor. It’s not your average hot dog! First off, their
dawgs are always oven roasted, never steamed or boiled, giving them a
better flavor. And, they pile on the toppings.—what are
you in the mood for, maybe roasted onions, cole slaw, a bit of BBQ
sauce? They have it! If you’re not feeling a dawg, they have other
yummy options, like chilighetti, meatball subs, soups, and more.
After lunch, I decided to do a bit of shopping. Just down the road I found
Urban Threads, a trendy upscale resale store. I love clothes, and I
was so impressed with their selection and quality. Name brand
clothes in “like new” condition. Not only did I find cute clothes in my size,
they were “budget-friendly”...which is my way of saying I could afford to buy
more:-)
In that same shopping center, I found Cali Fitness, or what I like to call
“my new gym”. It’s a 24-hour fitness center, so I can use it on my own
schedule. It’s locally owned and operated, and the owner
actually knows my name when I come in, making me feel
welcome. But I really like the equipment— Nautilus machines, lots of
cardio options, and a separate area if you want to do some circuit
training.
I only scratched the surface of Caledonia, but there is so much more to see, do, & taste!
Check it out, and let me know your favorites!
*****
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 11
Peg Herring is a well-known Michigan author who has written such
novels as The Dead Detectives, Paranormal Mysteries, and the Simon
&Elizabeth Historical Novels. She is a former teacher at Onaway Area
Community Schools (1975-2002, English, Communications, History,
and Drama) and an Alumni of the University of Michigan in Flint
(1972-1974). She is a member of multiple groups and associations.
Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and EPIC are just a few.
To view more on Ms. Herring’s background, check out her Linked in
Page.
Somebody Doesn’t Like Sarah Leigh is set in Aldridge, Michigan
which is in the northern part of lower Michigan and Ms. Herring’s
home town. The main characters are very well developed and quickly
become familiar friends. The story draws you into the friendship and
changes, twists and turns lives take from the very beginning. Ms.
Herring does an amazing job at keeping the story light while
making it interesting. The mystery itself has multiple surprises that
will keep you up until it’s finished.
To follow is an excerpt from
“Somebody Doesn’t Like Sarah
Leigh”. Enjoy!
*****
Michigan Writers Spotlight: Peg Herring’s
”Somebody Doesn’t Like Sarah Leigh” By Sara Taylor
12 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
CHAPTER 1
Darkness masked the face of the terrified woman beside me, but her labored breathing matched my
own. Stumbling blindly through the dark woods, we ran into tree trunks and tripped over mounds, each
of us occasionally gasping from pain at the lash of a branch across the face or stubbing a toe on an
unseen rock or root. I sensed her waning spirit and flagging energy. I was not much better off. And why
should I care if she fell behind?
We had to stop running soon. For one thing, we had pushed ourselves farther than I would have
thought possible for two women in the fifth decade of life. In addition, our hippo-like crashing through
the woods made so much noise that our flight had to be easy for pursuers to track.
And worst of all, we had no idea where we were going. We could end up circling back to the very
people we now sought desperately to avoid. Ahead I saw an earthy space just wide enough for the two
of us, a nest half filled with old leaves that were almost compost. We lay down, struggling to quiet our
exhausted lungs and staring into the black around us as if through sheer will we could see danger
approaching.
In minutes, we heard them. One was some distance off but noisy. The nearer one moved stealthily,
listening for movement. When I realized how close he was, I could have reached out and touched the
fluorescent white strip on his sneaker.
The two men took their time. Each second’s passing felt like a year off my life. Any noise meant death
in a place where no one would find our bodies for years. Our only hope for life was complete silence.
“They’re here somewhere,” the noisy one called.
“Quiet.” The reply was barely a sound.
The men stood for a long time, waiting for us to betray ourselves with a shift,
cough, or cry. Some say it is impossible for two women to keep silent for
long, but neither of us so much as twitched. While my body remained tense
and still, my mind worked overtime.
How had this happened to me, middle-aged Caroline Batzer, the Bilbo
Baggins of Aldridge, Michigan? What had I done to deserve this? Until two
years ago, I had been Sarah Elizabeth Leigh’s best friend.
*****
Excerpt from Pat Herring’s “”Somebody Doesn’t Like Sarah Leigh”
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 13
Kent District Library offers thousands of eBooks you may download for free! Check out our website
for more information. Here are a few staff recommendations to get you started:
Never Tell by Alafair Burke
While investigating the suicide of 16-year-old Julia Whitmire, whose famous parents believe that she was
murdered, NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, drawn into Julia's inner circle, discovers that Julie was engaged in a
dangerous game of cyberbullying against an unlikely victim.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
When a beautiful woman goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary, her diary reveals hidden turmoil in
her marriage and a mysterious illness; while her husband, desperate to clear himself of suspicion, realizes
that something more disturbing than murder may have occurred.
Wayne of Gotham by Tracy Hickman
When the Batman begins to investigate the events surrounding his parents' murder, he will also uncover the
darkest secrets of his family's past. No fan of the Dark Knight will want to miss this one-of-a-kind window
into Gotham’s dark protector in this fast-paced thriller from New York Times bestselling fantasy writer Tracy
Hickman.
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
A governess to three highborn young ladies, Anne Wynter, who is not who she claims to be, is tempted by
the dangerously handsome Earl of Winstead, who relentlessly pursues her despite her social station.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
The award-winning author of The Financial Lives of the Poets presents his most romantic and enjoyable
novel yet that follows a young Italian innkeeper and his almost-love affair with a beautiful American starlet,
which draws him into a glittering world filled with unforgettable characters.
These eBook titles are available to Kent District Library cardholders. If you live outside the KDL service area, please check with your local library for information on available eBook
resources from your library.
*****
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zombies...
I’m sure you heard about the “zombie-like” attack on a homeless man last month. It was gruesome, and horrible. The authorities say it was due to a drug called “bath salts”, and users tend to get a bit berserk, acting wildly out of character, sometimes nearly killing their friends/family, sometimes full of rage, sometimes full of despair, begging to die.
having just recently watched the movie “zombieland” with my sister, and introducing her to “firefly”, it dawned on me how much some kind of “zombies” or “undead” cannibalistic creatures tend to be in a lot of our end of the world scenarios. it can be due to a virus, like in “i am legend”, bad/tainted food, like in “zombieland”, or from a variety of other “conceivable”, “plausible” sources.
i find this somewhat fascinating. it seems we, as a culture, are terrified of reverting to some crazed, cannibalistic, unthinking creature. why is that? is it possible? i mean, that guy in florida was obviously eating the other guy’s face—the attack lasted something like 19 minutes—and even being shot several times didn’t seem to deter him. upon doing a little research, I found that apparently the zombie legends in america are felt to have derived from the tales passed down from the african slaves, voodoo legends from haiti of people being resurrected from the dead as pale shadows of their true selves. i have noticed a trend that zombies are moving away from their standby feast of brains and are moving on to include the entire body now. Our modern zombies seem to be very cannibalistic, eating any body part—take the reevers in firefly, or the undead in “
16 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
the road”. think there just isn’t enough left of the modern brain to stave off zombie starvation, so they were forced to adjust their diets? :-)
personally, i think the zombie/cannibal future we envision is just our way of reacting to a horror we just cannot imagine; of how we are afraid that we are literally killing ourselves—thru drugs, illnesses, pesticides, warfare, etc—and losing our humanity in the process.
what do you think? email [email protected] and let me know!
until next time katie
*****
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 17
1551 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI
Neighborhood microbrewery with a relaxed & friendly vibe. It’s bright and cheery, with plenty of natural light. It feels more like a family-friendly beer café than a pub or bar.
Harmony Brewing Co. is a casual place. Kick back & feel free to be comfortable in your shorts or jeans.
Harmony is more than a name, it’s the theme of their selection of beer. They feature their own beers, brewed in-house, on site. Their selections change as they create new brews. When I talked with Jackson, one of the owners, he said they have a home brew mentality, and they craft beer they are interested in trying, or that they enjoy. Some of their featured brews include Grapefruit Moon-Shandy -6%, Golden Lion Tamarin-4.7%, Double Eagle-Munich Pale Ale-5.1%, Black Squirrel-Smokey Peated Porter-4.4%, Oh Be Joyful-Cranberry Wheat-5% and Crossroads Rye IPA-6%. I have to say I am a fan of the Grapefruit Moon Shandy and the Oh Be Joyful Cranberry Wheat!
Harmony puts a unique spin on Happy Hour, featuring Beer Cocktails such as the “Beergarita”—their house IPA with Tequila lime juice & triple sec or the “Ladies Man”—Aphrodisiale Honey Chocolate Porter with Amaretto and Courvoisier. They also offer Signature Cocktails, my favorite being Harmony’s version of the Appletini called “the Vandertini”—Vandermills Cider, Vodka and a splash of lemonade. So good!!
18 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
A must try is Harmony’s thin crust, wood-fired pizza. It’s more of a gourmet-style, unlike any pizza I’ve ever tried. They have a variety of topping options that you might not find elsewhere, such as goat cheese, prosciutto, Kalamato Olives, artichokes, fresh asparagus, and Jarlsberg cheese. I had the Good Earth—Jarlsberg cheese, mushrooms, carmelized onions and fresh spinach, drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar. There was plenty of cheese and toppings without being overpowering, and the Balsamic Vinegar added a wonderful dimension of flavor! I do want to say how impressed I am with their support of local growers and other local businesses. They bring in much of their produce from local farms, offer beverages from other Michigan companies, such as Vandermill ciders and soups from Uncle Cheetah’s.
Every Tuesday Harmony Brewing has “BSU: Black Squirrel University”, where you can see a guest speaker on their upper level . According to their Facebook page, “Our town's thinkers, poets, craftspeople, movers and shakers, activists, and dreamers will have the stage. It will be a great time to hang out, drink some beer, and engage in community. “
Harmony Brewing Co. is owned by Heather VanDyke-Titus, and her brothers Jackson and Barry VanDyke. It actually took about 2 years from conception to open, as they did most of the work on the building themselves, taking it from a condemned, run down old liquor store to the warm, comfortable beer café it is now. The family also owns Bear Properties, a property management company that owns the buildings where Meanwhile, Electric Cheetah, and Brick Road Pizza are now. When I spoke with Jackson, he said that they are always very hands-on in the renovations & planning, but once it’s time to open, they’re work is done. They wanted to open Harmony and experience the other side. Harmony Brewing Co. is a nice addition to Eastown, and the neighborhood suits them well. Let them welcome you with their friendly atmosphere, great beer, twisted cocktails, and unique flavors!
*****
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 19
TRES LOBOS MEXICAN GRILL &
BAR 825-28th St
616-245-5389 Treslobosrestaurant.com
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36TH ST LOUNGE 945 36th St
616-608-7206
GIPPERS SPORTS BAR & GRILLE
2929 Kraft Ave SE 616-551-0841
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616-949-9322
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BOB’S SPORTS BAR
725 Michigan St NE
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MAGOO’S 2759 44th St SW
616-538-0450
20 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
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THE VENUE 3750 E Kilgore Rd
269-345-1608 Thevenue.biz
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 21
The 10 Commandments of Home Buying
Clients always ask me, “Tammy Jo…. Can’t I see a home before I am approved? Don’t I want to find one I like first? And if I do, then I can get approved!” The answer is “NO! NO! NO!” Please follow these: 10 COMMANDMENTS WHEN BUYING A HOME
1. You MUST be pre-approved for a mortgage PRIOR to viewing even one home. 2. DO NOT buy the first home you see. 3. DO NOT fall in love with the décor and turn that into the reason why you love the home. 4. YOU SHOULD understand the entire purchase agreement, don’t just sign the pages. 5. DO NOT be your homeowner inspector, or try to find the cheapest one. You don’t want
“cheap” results on this inspection. 6. DO NOT squabble with the seller over minor repairs. This can turn a good transaction into a
difficult one and when you need a little give on your side, they will not be willing to help. 7. DO NOT spend money you have saved for your down payment. 8. DO NOT spend money that you have saved for you closing costs, inspections or appraisal. 9. DO NOT change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job during the transaction. 10. DO NOT be late on any payments, apartment, house, credit cards, etc.
Now I could have made this into a list of 25 commandments of what to follow when you are buying a home, but you would have probably spaced out by item #10. Just always remember, buying a home is the BIGGEST purchase and investment that you will probably every make. Always remember to consult your realtor and lender whenever you have a question about the transaction or potential change in your finances. Perhaps you are also in need of a new car and found a great deal with low payments …. The answer will probably be, “No, absolutely not.” At least NOT until you have CLOSED on your home!!!
Questions? Feel free to drop by my Facebook page and ask: www.Facebook.com/RealEstatebyTammyJo
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 23
That’s what she said!
Paul is my best friend. I've only spoken to Paul about three times in my life. But still, he retains the top spot for having saved my life last week. After college it seems hard to rediscover your identity. You work, you sleep , sometimes you can actually pay the bills. If you’re truly lucky you have time to go out and do something with your friends once in awhile. It seems as though it gets harder as time goes on to stay in touch. Sometimes it falls to tradition to keep you all together. One tradition that I always make time for is the birthday bar crawl. Second only to practical jokes, it’s perennial nature makes it a much anticipated event. In recent years my friend Jason's birthday party has become a mad roving band of ever increasing numbers. Jason has never been one for gifts, he likes stuff but he is hard to shop for and he would rather share a good time with friends than get things. It’s a personal triumph for Jason if the number of party goers is greater than the year before. The problem is now that we are responsible adults not all of us can always go on a great bar crawl. So what do you do for a guy who doesn’t want anything for his birthday if you don’t want to get wasted? Only one recourse, that’s the most sacred practice amongst friends, the practical joke. I really didn’t know what to do for a joke, I mean I'm pretty creative but sometimes you just need help. Things like this are always more fun if a bunch of people are in on it. Fortunately Jason has pranked enough people that people where lining up to help. Always harmless pranks sometimes they go a little too far. Paul had been pranked one time too many. Evidently two years before after Paul's birthday, Jason took him home, dropped him in bed and then filled his bedroom with balloons. Little did anyone know but Paul had an irrational fear of balloons and couldn’t get out of bed, and was evidently stuck for a day and a half before someone checked on him.
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Everyone thought Paul was over it and had worked it out of his system. Shortly thereafter Jason was out of town and Paul being a little OCD labeled everything in his apartment with permanent markers. That doesn’t sound bad but he labeled EVERYTHING. On the walls he wrote wall, every utensil was labeled spoon, fork, knife. A book of matches every match said match. Even Jason’s pet rabbit had the word “Bunny” in big black letters across his side. A long time had gone by but Paul holds a good grudge. When the call went out for help pranking Jason, the first one to step up was Paul and he masterminded a great plan. We made Jason think I was dating his little sister. Ashley was a few years younger than Jason, so it worked out great. No guy ever wants to think of one of his friends dating his little sister, but having just graduated high school she had the appearance of being young and innocent. As an added bonus, Ashley and her real boyfriend had been progressing along as couples do, so Ashley had been asking her big brother questions about sex and relationships. It was a perfect storm. It took a few weeks to lay the ground work. She would pop by and say hi when I was around. When she called him she would ask if I was with him or how I was doing. I did the same. Anytime someone had Jason on the phone I would ask if he was with Ashley. Once in a while I would give her a ride home or to work when we knew Jason would be able to see my car driving by. We didn’t even try to be discrete and would honk and wave. Eventually Jason started asking around if something was going on, of course no one would confirm or deny it. The night of Jason's bar crawl all the pieces were in place. Everyone was in on it. Ashley couldn’t go on the bar crawl with us but she was by the phone and made sure to have me paged at every bar we were at, and would call everyone’s phones asking what I was doing, texted etc. Finally Jason couldn’t take it. He was weaving a little, and may have slurred his speech some but finally he decided he would have the talk with me. You know, the one where as my friend he as to tell me he is supportive of my relationship with his sister, but as a big brother he has to threaten my life. “I can handle you dating my sister, but you had better be good to her. If you ever hurt her in any way I will get you.” Jason said slowly. We both sipped our drinks and I looked at him and very matter of fact-ly answered, “It’s not like that man, we have a very loving relationship. In fact, its really sweet,” I paused for effect, “she even says ‘thank you sir’ after she sucks me off.” The next few minutes are kind of a blur what with my life flashing before my eyes and all. Jason came off his bar stool so fast I didn’t even have time to react. I could feel Jason’s fingertips barely graze my face as Paul grabbed Jason from behind mere moments before throttling me. It took nearly a half hour to calm him down and I'm not sure we are allowed back in that bar ever again. I don’t think Jason truly appreciated the work and sheer logistics of planning it all. I hope one day we can all look back on it and laugh, but right now? Jason isn’t talking to me...Can you BELIEVE THAT SHIT??? In the mean time I check my back seat and in my closet before bed. It ain't easy, but who ever said it would be?
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Doug Stanton remembers the first time he stood up in front of an audience in Traverse City’s opulent
19th century Opera House to talk about writing.
It felt surprisingly good.
“We talked, we had food, we had a few drinks,’” says Stanton, a Traverse City resident whose two
nonfiction books (Horse Soldiers, In Harm’s Way) were New York Times best-sellers. “I think I said,
‘Let’s do this again sometime” -- and a month later we were back again with Elmore Leonard.”
That evening in the spring of 2009 was the beginning of the National Writers Series, which brings a
steady stream of celebrity authors to this tiny Michigan resort town for “up close and personal”
readings and discussions. At least once each month, a prominent writer is brought to Traverse City to
present and discuss his or her work in an intimate and relaxed setting with plenty of audience
interaction.
“The aim is to have people lean in around the fire of a great
narrative, to connect with them,” says Stanton. “And that
means having conversation.”
Over the three years since it began, the series has featured
more than 50 writers like Mario Batali, Roy Blount Jr., Tom
Brokaw, Philip Caputo, Peter Mathiessen, Vince Gilligan, Jodi
Picoult, Anna Quindlen, James Bradley, Geraldine Brooks
and Natalie Bakopoulos. And it has boosted Traverse City’s
reputation as an unusually bookish town: Livability.com has
listed it among its Top 10 Cities for Book Lovers, and Publishers Weekly ran a full-page feature
entitled “Traverse City is For Book Lovers.”
Such salon-style encounters are expected at venues like New York’s 92nd Street Y, but the publishing
industry is fascinated by the success of the Traverse City venture. During the past year, the National
Writers Series has been featured in stories in several leading industry publications, including a piece
in Publishers Weekly entitled “Traverse City is for Book Lovers,” and a Publishing Perspectives
"Oprah" editor Susan Casey and author Anna
Quindlen chat onstage at a recent NWS session.
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article that called it "one of the nation's
leading literary series."
"When you put together a community that
cares deeply about reading and a staff that
cares deeply about writers, magic happens,
said Picoult, author of My Sister’s Keeper.
“The National Writers Series was one of the
highlights of my last book tour.”
The NWS organization provides scholarships to area high school students, and has just inaugurated a program called Front Street Writers, that provides a full year of advanced creative writing workshops (for credit) to qualified students. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that the Series translates directly into bigger book sales, so the supply of available authors doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Neither is the supply of audience members; most events are sold out fairly quickly, and it’s usually a good idea to reserve tickets four weeks ahead of a scheduled appearance. Tickets for the monthly events are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, but Stanton and his crew haven’t jacked ticket prices through the roof to take advantage of their success. They offer discounts for book clubs and students (who get in for only $5) – and there’s a great program called “Whatta Book Deal,” where patrons can get a premium seat, a signed book copy and admission to a pre-show author reception for $38. Announcements of coming writer appearances are made twice a year, in June and in February, and the most recent slate is already causing excitement. The big event of the 2012 summer season will be a July 9 benefit appearance by Janet Evanovich, author of the New York Times best-selling Stephanie PlumandLizzy and Diesel series, including her most recent book, Wicked Business. The program, offered during Traverse City’s annual National Cherry Festival, is a fundraiser for the NWS’s annual summer scholarship program. Other writers for the rest of 2012 include thriller writer Lee Child (Sept. 18), young adult fiction author Maggie Stiefvater of Shiver, Linger and Forever (Sept. 27), Somalian human-rights memoirist Ayaan Hirsi Ali (Oct. 11), actor-author Benjamin Busch (Nov. 8), and mystery novelist Michael Connelly (Nov. 29).
To learn more about the National Writer Series, and for ticket information, check out the group’s website at http://nationalwritersseries.org/. For information about other activities and attractions in Michigan’s scenic Traverse City area, and assistance with lodging, dining and other activities, contact the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.traversecity.com or 1-800-
TRAVERSE.
*****
Authors Jodi Picoult and Paula McLain during a 2012 session for the National Writers Conference
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Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover By Jonathan Peerboom
The Story
Robert is out on the streets. You see him every day when you drive by for work. He is homeless, just released from an
alcohol rehab program. It was his third time through, and this time he is resolved to do the right thing, to really work
his recovery. But here he stands, wondering in which direction he should walk. He needs to find work, housing, and a
community of people that will be a positive influence. He also has in the back of his mind the up-hill battle to get his
driver’s license back, and the repayment of his child support that has grown to levels that he will never be able to pay
off. After seeking work for a month, the discouragement, depression and temptation to drink are creeping in.
All of us know someone who has made some mistakes, and has been down the road described above. There are many
in our community that are in need of a new start, but do not know how to begin. This is can be a hopeless place to be,
and the reason why so many return to prison/jail, or continue the cycle in different types of rehab programs. The cost
in human potential is significant, as well as the cost to the community to house these men and women. The tax burden
to house just one person in the State of Michigan is $34,000.
Our Response
Next Step of West Michigan has been offering employment, encouragement and hope since 2008. Our call at Next
Step is to provide the means by which men and women have the opportunity to be successful. When they walk
through our doors, their past poor choices do not influence how we see them. We are concerned with the direction in
which they want to go, and how hard they are willing to work to get there. The primary way that we accomplish this is
through employment, actually putting men and women on the payroll.
1. Construction/rehab/lawn care division: We have relationships built with the City of Grand Rapids,
individuals, and the county to do all types of projects. These range from managing full rehab projects, to home
additions, to our 2 fully equipped lawn crews that are out mowing every day.
2. Assembly/manufacturing: Through a recent partnership with Starbucks, we have now diversified our
workforce to include a light manufacturing/assembly team. We were able in 2011 to hire over 35 people. This includes
the ‘Indivisible Bracelet’ sold in over 7,000 Starbucks locations. All of these were assembled right here in Grand Rapids.
The other critical part of our work is to walk along side, and to encourage the men and women who we are
blessed to work with. They often come to us with a lot of baggage to sort through, and need help to make a plan. This
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is one of the main ways that people can get invested in this work with us… to be willing to mentor a member of our
team, and to offer support, encouragement and friendship.
God’s grace to us has been so full and complete, that we are called to be agents of hope. To help men and
women who are seeking restoration to be successful takes a lot of creativity, and the willingness to develop a
workplace environment that will both challenge and encourage them on the road to recovery.
How can you help?
Help us to make the right connections in the community, and to secure more work. We are always looking for ways to
hire more men and women who need a chance. Especially now, we are looking for connections in the manufacturing
sector to do any sort of assembly, packaging, etc. Let us bid your project!
Help to support our work financially. Your dollars will help us to:
Continue hiring men and women that others will not or cannot hire.
Help us to provide the support and mentoring needed to continue down the path to wholeness.
You are welcomed to join us any Wednesday morning at 6:30am at 906 S. Division for our weekly Bible study to learn
more, and to be encouraged
And visit our website at www.nextstep-wm.org
*****
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I'm just one month into my body by Vi 90 day challenge, and so far so good. I’ll admit I’ve had a few
days I've slipped and still feel I’m making great progress.
First off my weight: I’m down 22 lbs in my first month! Despite overdoing it a few days,
I’ve still lost quite a bit. I started out the gate like gangbusters and lost a lot of
weight. Then I lost some weight, and it sort of trickled down to a little weight.
At first I was kind of sad, because I really hoped I would keep losing a lot of weight each week. I really
could have. I didn’t lose a ton each week because I didn’t do a darn thing good for myself. Even some
simple walking is great exercise, but in the last three weeks of the month I made excuses. I was too
busy, too stressed, too tired. Really, I was just too lazy. I hate to put it that way but that’s what it was.
The Body by Vi system is great, without doing a darn thing I have lost 22 lbs in one
month. That’s great, but I can do better. One of the things I like about the system is
that if I do get lazy or have a bad meal, it’s pretty forgiving. Body by Vi is so easy, and I
can make it easier on myself. I don’t have to count calories, points or eat special
foods. I can eat any darn thing I want to, I can choose not to work out, but those
choices have a real noticeable impact on my success.
Still I'm impressed. I've never really been super hungry and the shakes actually taste
good. Its so easy to do things right that I really feel silly when I do something
wrong. Heck ,last week I found myself taking the stairs up and down four flights at school
rather than take the elevator. Baby steps ,but its great how easily good behavior is re-
enforced.
I find I want to go for a walk. With the weight I've lost, a trainer I know told me
that I have taken off 65 lbs of pressure from my knees with every stride I take. I
can honestly say I do feel better moving around and that makes me want to do
it more. More impressive to me is that I am wearing clothes I haven’t worn in a
while. I did a quick measure and I have lost 5 inches off my waist, and 4 inches
After 90 days on the Body by VI Challenge, Lynda Kosiur, Visalus Female Challenge Champion
Finalist winner, lost 40 pounds, 21 inches and transformed her life. Kevin is determined to
CRUSH those numbers in his 90 Day Challenge. With Lynda's help, it is absolutely possible!
Follow his Journey..... Stay tuned for a very exciting 90 days ahead!
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off my chest. And I can wear the nice dress shirt I meant to wear to a friends wedding a couple weeks
ago but couldn’t fit into comfortably.
One of the best things is others are starting to see it too. People at work have
commented on how much slimmer I look. I'm still a big guy, but I'm only one third of
the way on the challenge, and I find it gets easier and more fun as I go. The Body by Vi
program itself hasn’t been very challenging. The hardest part for me has been
remembering to have my shakes, snacks, and meal when I’m supposed to, and as often
as I'm supposed to. I actually made myself set an alarm on my phone to remind me to take my
vitamins and eat snacks. I know, how bad can a diet possibly be when you have to remind yourself to
eat!
Please follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or just come and cheer me on and give me encouragement:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003894045499&sk=info
Twitter: @kevin91841823
*****
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Gravy in the Morning By Ann Oakwood
If there is one morning radio station you should be tuning into when you are
stuck in construction on 131, it should be Grand Rapids Hot FM 105.3’s
“Gravy in the Morning.”
Gravy was born and raised outside of Joliet, Illinois in a town called
Braidwood, IL. At the age of 20, he was the youngest insurance agent at
Prudential. He did quite well, and was asked to record a commercial for
them. When it was heard, the station asked him if he ever considered being
in radio. As a kid, he played DJ all the time, but didn’t think it would
become his career. This led him on his path—He quit insurance sales and
went to trade school for the next 9 months at the Illinois Center for
Broadcasting.
After a plethora of internships, Gravy moved to Beeville, Texas to Kicker 106, a country music
station. Although this was his first full-time gig, “the pay was horrible” Gravy says. A year
later, he went to Corpus Christi for 102.9 Da Bomb, a hip-hop station, which is where he got
the nickname “White Boy.”
After two years, he quit that job, and came back to the Midwest to work
in Decatur, IL, working part-time at Hot 105.5. He would drive over two
hours there and two hours back to the job, while just earning minimum
wage, but took that station to number one being the Program Director as
well as hosting the show. But it was time for a change, and Gravy made
his way to the other side of the lake.
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Since “White Boy” wasn’t going to fly for 105.3, it was time for a new nickname. One night,
he and his new co-workers from Hot FM went to McFadden’s in downtown Grand Rapids. He
ordered some Guinness Beer gravy on the side to try it first, and it was actually pretty good.
That’s how he became “Gravy” and it has stuck ever since.
On most weekday mornings, his day starts at 4am. The show flows so well
since they outline what is going to be talked about the day before. At 5am,
it’s time to prep for the show, and at 6am it’s go time. The show is a
great mix of music and antics by Gravy and his firecracker side-kick and
co-host Rachael Gray. He needed “a female that could be as blunt and honest as him” Gravy
adds. They gel really well together. Gravy pokes fun at her a lot, especially when it comes to
her and her boyfriend, but it’s all in good fun.
The 6-10am morning show also includes various contests and quiz questions, all of which are
mostly planned a day ahead of time. If you tune in, you won’t get bored in these four quite
entertaining hours. Relationships are being talked of most, if not all the time, Rachael lets us
know what’s going on in the celebrity gossip world, and Gonzo chats up TV. Throw in some
traffic and weather updates and you got one heck of a morning cast of characters!
When Gravy isn’t on the radio, he stays busy. He is the spokesperson for
York Creek Apartments off of Plainfield Avenue, & has lost about 30 pounds
with the help of at Anytime Fitness, another local business he promotes off
of Northland Drive. Recently, he teamed up with fellow
Cumulus Radio cohort and March’s issue of Radio Ga-Ga, Flounder from
Thunder 94.5, at the Mattress Sale Grand Opening contest. He has met a lot
of famous people along the way, such as the dance pop-band of Cobra
Starship, R&B/dance/pop artist Jason Derulo, and the ever-entertaining
Snoop Dogg.
If there is any advice from Gravy, it would be to “never say that it’s not your job.” He can
attest that “you should learn everything you can, and the more you know the better.” That’s
how he got to where he is today, adding Assistant Program Director at Hot FM 105.3 to his
long, yet impressive, resume. He really does bring a wealth of experience to Grand Rapids, a
market that really needs it and appreciates it very much.
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WWW.MONSTERENERGY.COM
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 41
Gravy has come a long way from selling insurance. Gravy dons more of the jeans and t-shirt
look today, which after meeting me for coffee, it fits him much better.
At the end of our interview, I asked Gravy if he had a “bucket list”. He mentioned that he
partied a lot when he was younger, and is pretty happy and quite content with his life right
now. Truly he loves what he does and loves Grand Rapids even more. It’s now been about 5
years with 105.3 Hot FM. The same goes for living in Grand Rapids and he has no plans of
leaving anytime soon. “It takes people awhile to get to know you on the radio,” Gravy states.
Thank God, because I need my side order of Gravy in the Morning! I guess he really is pretty
fly for a white guy.
For more information, check out:
http://www.1053hotfm.com
https://www.facebook.com/GravyInTheMorning
Or you can contact Gravy in the Morning at 1-888-451-1053
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As we parents know, it can be very expensive to raise a child in the United States. According to one online calculator, it costs almost $200,000 US Dollars (USD) to raise a child from birth to age 18. Other sources estimate the cost at $250,000 USD or more. For those of us who put their kids through college, add $25,000 USD or more to that estimate. While this may seem like an unaffordable amount of money, there is a silver lining as the cost is spread out over almost two decades. If you divide equally by 18 years that will cost you roughly $12,000 USD per year; multiple children would be double or triple the estimate. Some experts say that the first 11 or 12 years of each child’s life will most likely be more expensive than the teen years, because daycare expenses usually go away at age 12. However, as the parent of an 18-year old, I can say that is not necessarily true; you just incur different expenses. Fortunately, many of these expenditures are ones that smart families can dramatically lower what it costs to raise a child. Each category of expense (housing, transportation, medical, groceries, recreation/entertainment, education) can be tweeked to help save money. Just applying a few sound principles can help stretch your budget dollars. One area in which you can save and not compromise, especially in these summer months is entertainment. We in West Michigan are blessed with many free or low-cost ways to entertain your kids. Trips to the park, picnics, school, church and community events are all great free or low-cost outings for you and your child. Many community parks offer concerts or movies. KDL has many programs for kids and teens in addition to books and “free” DVD rentals. Buy an annual membership to the John Ball Zoo ($75-$125); the Children’s Museum ($50- $150); GR Public Museum ($65-$95). Also, don’t forget that children have great imaginations, and can easily entertain themselves with the toys they already have. Backyard or neighborhood playdates can become great events. Why not take a day trip to the many great lakeshore recreation areas for a memorable family activity? How about just spending a “technologyfree” day, leaving behind the cell phones and pcs and doing something with fun with your kids that doesn’t involve them looking at a screen instead of at you? Although at first glance it seems very expensive to raise a child in the United States, in reality, many of the costs are unnecessary, and can be avoided by financially savvy parents. By cutting or eliminating some of the expenses as described here, you should be able to cut the cost of raising a child in half. My practice is in part, built on helping families plan and budget for living in the now and in the future. I can show you how to manage and guarantee an income for life (through life insurance); find ways to save and protect. Together we can plan for your and your children’s futures and not burden them with additional expenses, especially based on the projections from Washington. I often sit with kids and talk about budgeting and how to save – I would be happy to sit with your kids and do this, I’ll even suppyly the lemonade! Enjoy the Summer. Enjoy our community. Enjoy your kids.
About the author: Lu’s passion is helping families and small businesses make positive, smart choices about their money through educating them on the financial issues that are important to them. [email protected] 616.617.1411 Website:
www.lupaletta.com
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The Dish
A He Said/She Said Restaurant Review By Thomas York and Skyy Foster
He Said… Cuisine – Bar and grill with an Italian connection
Atmosphere and Décor – While Florentine's is a sports bar with multiple big screens, and bar seating, you will also find many tables to accommodate any size party, booths and a quieter dining area. Suitable
for a fun night out, exciting date or even an lunch meeting. Service – We like to pop in on off times to get the best view of the service and we where pleasantly surprised. Our waitress was fun and up beat and gave us plenty of time to look over the menus with out being
too far away if we had questions. Food and Drink – Full bar with many Michigan favorites as well as import and domestic fair.
We started with an appetizer, and it was difficult to decide what to try so we went with the Teaser Platter - a combination of mozzarella sticks, Santa Fe chicken rolls, potato skins and chicken wings. Usually when I try a combo platter of any kind I'm a little worried. Something will be good, something won’t. I was thrilled with everything. It’s like each appetizer was perfectly made, nothing under done, over done and personally the very best potato skins I have had in years. I very easily could have ordered whole appetizers and made them a meal on there own.
For my entre I choose the Asiago Bowtie - Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, ham and bacon in an Asiago cream sauce. After all, Florentine's is famous for the Italian food, I couldn’t
just get a burger or pizza. The portions where large and yummy. I literally had to force myself to stop eating, it was so good I would have continued to stuff myself If I didn’t have some self control.
FLORENTINE’S 4261 Kalamazoo St, Grand Rapids
616-455-2230
She Said… Cuisine – Sports Bar & Neighborhood Restaurant Serving Italian, Mexican, and American Fare
Atmosphere and Décor – I had never been to Florentine’s before, but I had the pre-conceived idea that it was more of a fancier, romantic restaurant. So walking in to a very dark restaurant with 12 large t.v’s and
a long bar was a bit of a surprise. Once I got past that, though, it does have that neighborhood restaurant appeal. Service – Overall, the service was good. Our waitress made great suggestions, and our food was very fast. We did find ourselves with empty glasses, waiting for refills though.
Food and Drink – They have a fully stocked bar with a variety of beer on tap. Like most restaurants, they offer Coke products, so I decided to stay with ice water.
They have a pretty large menu as they offer a variety of food styles. Although they specialize in pizza and Italian cuisine, they also offer subs, burritos, burgers, steak & fish options. All of the appetizers sounded tempting, I have to admit. I really figured Thomas would opt for the Boursin Dip, but instead we went with the Teaser Platter—Mozzerella Sticks, Santa Fe Chicken Rolls, Potato Skins and Chicken Wings—so we could try a little bit of everything. For my entrée I was a bit torn between a few options, so I asked our server for her recommendation. She said her favorite thing on the menu is the Ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese. Taking her suggestion, I ordered that with the meat sauce on the side. I have to say that I was pleased that the appetizers were very hot and fresh, and we didn’t have a terribly long wait for them. Although I really wanted to try
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Again I overdid it and didn’t have room for dessert. I will be back to sample again and this time I vow to make sure I have something on the sweeter side to finish things off with.
Entertainment – Being a sports bar they have lots of TV’s with every kind of sport imaginable, as well as Keeno, pull tabs and
Buzztime . If you’re in the mood, there are pool tables, weekend evenings karaoke and Djs depending on the night. Price - $$$+(On a range from 1-5 $) – $$$ Great value, generous portions and everything was made like the kitchen was cooking only for me. Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars – Probably one of the best sports bars I have been to in the area. Great food, good service. Did have to wait a bit for refills, but our food was fresh and perfect. Our server was fun and helpful. I’ll be back soon
*****
each appetizer, I didn’t want to ruin my appetite for the ravioli, so I just tried a bite or so of each offering. I started with the Mozzarella sticks, then the Chicken Wings. Both were good—typical bar fare, I thought. However, the Potato Skins are what Potato Skins SHOULD be...all gooey and smothered in bacon, onions, sour cream and lots of cheese. Hands down the very best potato skins I’ve ever eaten! The Santa Fe Chicken Rolls were also a nice surprise, as they seemed to be hand-rolled. In fact, both the potato skins and Santa Fe Chicken Rolls were so tasty, I almost chose to have that for my meal and take my ravioli home!
There wasn’t any delay in getting our food. Actually, I think we got the entrees before we could finish the appetizers. Again, especially given that we were there in the lull between lunch and dinner, all of the
food was freshly made, hot and delicious. I was very happy with the portion size of the spinach ravioli. It did come served with garlic bread, which is why I ordered my sauce on the side. You have to dip the garlic bread:-) While the bread wasn’t really that different than what I’d had elsewhere, the ravioli and the meat sauce were incredible. They didn’t skimp, the ravioli were each large and plumply stuffed with spinach and cheese. I ate the first bites wihout the sauce, and found it to be quite good. I’m a lover of meat sauce, so probably could make a meal off that alone, and there’s was one of the better ones I’ve tried. It was thick and meaty, rich with flavor but not overwhelmingly so. I really wanted to try dessert, but couldn’t even finish my entrée...I had most of it packed to go. Next time, it’s just drinks and desserts:-)
Entertainment – They feature 12 big-screen HD t.v.s throughout the bar and restaurant. Price - (On a scale from 1-5 $) – $$$. I felt
the pricing was pretty fair given the quality and portion sizes. We spent just over $35 before tip. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars – For me, the atmosphere was just a bit too dark and bar-like, and I felt the server could have done a better job keeping our drinks full. However, overall I would highly recommend Florentine’s for Happy Hour after work, a casual date night, or even a family-get-together.
*****
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BOSTWICK LAKE INN
8521 Belding Rd Rockford
616-874-7290 Bostwick-
lakeinn.com
CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL
2770 E Paris SE 616-949-9120
Cantinamexicangrill.biz
OUR TOWN DELI
2873 E Paris SE 616-940-3349
ourtowndeli.com
TRES LOBOS MEXICAN GRILL &
BAR 825-28th St
616-245-5389 Treslobosrestaurant.com
OUR TOWN DELI
15 44th St SW 616-249-8288
ourtowndeli.com
JASMER BAKERY/RESTAURANT 34-44th St SE 616-249-0032
Authentic Bosnian Delites, Traditional
Diner Favs
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
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VILLAGE INN 1520 Lincoln Rd,
Allegan 49010 6am-9pm M-S 269-673-2317
PAPA VINO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
4570 28th St SE 616-285-5004
Qdi.com/papavinos
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
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Aroundtownmi.com
AUTHENTIC CHINESE
FOOD
DIM SUM
BREAKFAST EVERY DAY!
3338 EASTERN AVE SE
PH: 616-805-5964
Sunnykitchengr.com
663 10th St, Plainwell 269-685-1077
fourrosescafe.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 47
LENNY’S SUB SHOP
3290 Stadium Dr
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
7039 S Westnedge (269) 323-7427
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
VILLAGE INN 1520 Lincoln Rd,
Allegan 49010 6am-9pm M-S 269-673-2317
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
MENNA’S JOINT 3501 Stadium Dr (269) 908-4035
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
THE PITA PIT
2913 Howard St (269) 343-7482
THE BIG BURRITO 5036 W KL Ave (269) 372-2442
thebigburrito.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
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YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
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YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
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Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!! CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
663 10th St, Plainwell 269-685-1077
fourrosescafe.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 49
Brave
Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is the wild spirited daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) who is quite certain she doesn’t need a handsome young prince to make her whole. Defying age old custom, Merida inadvertently unleashes chaos on the kingdom and then turns to an eccentric witch (Julie Walters) for help she is granted an ill-fated wish. Merida has to discover the meaning of true bravery and finds that mothers sometimes do know best to undo the curse before its too late.
Brave seems to do everything right, and yet the end result is good but not great. While I cant find anything wrong with Brave I didn’t relate so well. Mostly because the story centers above all else on mothers and daughters and as a male I can appreciate it but not really get it.
Overall Brave is a fantastic Disney movie, not so much Pixar. Finally we see a Disney princess that’s a believable character full of humor, fear and tradition with a wicked cool Celtic flare. Young girls will identify with Merida’s feisty spirit and mischievous nature. Overall I enjoyed it . B-.
Ted
Seth MacFarlane’s big screen debut as writer, director and voice star of Ted has put the R in Toys R Us. The idea that a toy comes to life, and then won’t go away is a riot. If you check commonsense at the door and just go with it , you’ll find an unapologetically obnoxious, vulgar, ridiculous and offensive movie that will make you laugh so hard you’re in danger of wetting your pants.
It’s a goofy premise. A boy makes a wish that his childhood best friend was real and could talk. Somehow his wish comes true. Somewhat of an homage and satire of the old buddy movies, Ted is an over-the-top comedy with true heart. The camaraderie of an oversized man-child and his little sentient bear shows genuine heart.
Totally original, and unlike Seth MacFarlane’s work we have seen in the past. While it has a bit of the flare of Family Guy, you’ll be disappointed if your expecting a live action version. I loved it. B+
*****
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 51
JULY 2012 EVENTS
DATE TIME WHAT WHERE
Every Friday 5pm - 7pm Cascade Winery Pasta Dinner $12 for a plate of Pasta w/1st glass of wine/beer Cascade Winery
Every Friday 7pm Brann's and The Murder Mystery Company
7pm $55 for dinner and show Brann's 401 Leonard St, NW
Every Friday 9:30pm Live music at The Twisted Bull Twisted Bull, Grand Rapids
Every Saturday 7pm Brann's and The Murder Mystery Company
7pm $55 for dinner and show Brann's 401 Leonard St, NW
Every Saturday 9:30pm Live music at The Twisted Bull Twisted Bull, Grand Rapids
Every Sunday 8:30pm Sunday Night Funnies! Free Admission Radisson Hotel River Front 470
Ann St NW
Every Thursday 7pm Belly Dance Performances - Shiraz Grill - no
cover charge with purchase of entrée Shiraz Grill - 2739 Breton Rd
SE, Grand Rapids
Every Thursday 6:30pm Pasta Making & Complete Dinner Class
(Please Call to Register In Advance) The Local Epicurean, Eastown
GR
Every Tuesday 9pm Open Mic Night - Founders
Founders Brewing Co 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand
Rapids
Every Tuesday 9pm Open Mic Night - Jukes Jukes Bar 506 Leonard NW
Grand Rapids
7/3/12 evening Friends Good Will Tall Ship - Passenger Sails
and Dockside Boarding
South Haven - For more information, call (269) 637-
8078 or (800) 747-3810.
7/4/12 10am - 4pm Craft and art show, and parade- Mio
Downtown Mio - For more information contact the
Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County at (989) 826-
3331.
7/5/12 9pm Flosstradamus + Alexis + Tunde Olaniran The Pyramid Scheme!
7/5 - 7/8 Call Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Pow Wow
and Summer Gathering
Kewadin Casino Hotel - For more information contact (906)
632-0530.
52 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
NAKED PLATES STUDIO
3945 Rivertown Pkwy #500
616-805-5326 Nakedplates.com
JAN ATWOOD, LLC
Reiki Master/Cranio Sacral Therapist
801 Broadway NW, Ste 436
(616) 915-4144
THICK-N-THIN TRAINING
616-589-2760 thicknthinfit-
ness.com
Your Skinny Jeans
PAIN FOR SALE 5256 Eastern SE
616-249-9410 Painforsale.net
NAKED PLATES STUDIO
1860 Breton Rd SE 616-975-9650
Nakedplates.com
GRAND RAPIDS BOOT CAMP 616-240-7747
Grandrapidsbootcamp.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $12.50/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
MAGNUM TATTOOING
2317 S Division 616-245-1880
Magnumtattoo.com
NIC’S KNACKS Custom, Hand-crafted Gifts of
Leather, Wood & Metal
Nicsknacks.com
BOOK SWAP USED
PAPERBACKS 4360 S Division (616) 534-8284
Tues-Fri 10a-6p Sat 10a-3p
YOUR AD HERE For Just $12.50/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
LITERARY LIFE 758 Wealthy St. SE
616-458-8518 Literarylife-
bookstore.com
MVP METRO CLUB
33 Fountain St NW 616-254-8600
Mvpsportsclubs.com
TAMMY JO Your Realtor for
Life 616-292-4400
Tammy-jo.com
CASCADE WINERY JADEN JAMES BREW-
ERY
4665 Broadmoor SE
616-656-4665 Cascadecellars.com
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
KENDALL CENTER BOOKSTORE
17 Fountain St NW 616-458-0921
WOLVERINE WORLD-WIDE FAMILY YMCA 6555 Jupiter Ave NE
616-363-3000 Grymca.org
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $12.50/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 53
JULY 2012 EVENTS
DATE TIME WHAT WHERE
7/6/12 8pm The Pharcyde + Convotronics + Dante Cope +
J Scott The Pyramid Scheme!
7/7/12 8pm Raido Moscow + The Dirty Streets The Pyramid Scheme!
7/7/12 day Drum Corps International Kalamazoo
Waldo Stadium - Kalamazoo For more information, call (317)
275-1212.
7/7 -7/14 daily National Cherry Festival 2012
Traverse City - For more information call the Cherry Festival office at (800) 968-
3380.
7/12/12 9pm GR Roller Girls - Rolling back to the 90's The Pyramid Scheme!
7/13/12 9pm LOMOBB + AOK + The Seventh The Pyramid Scheme!
7/13 -7/14 day Grand Haven Beach Vault - Worlds largest
outdoor pole vault event
Grand Haven - For more information, call (616) 560-
7204.
7/14/12 8pm Electric Six + Carjack + The Dockside Fever The Pyramid Scheme!
7/14/12 Day Pentwater Fine Arts and Craft Fair
Pentwater - For more information call (231) 869-
2215.
7/15/12 8pm Dent May The Pyramid Scheme!
7/15/12 day Banana Split Eating Contest - Creating a new
worlds record
Cromwell's Trukeyville, USA. Marshall - Phone for more
information at (800) 228-4315.
7/18/12 10am Odyssey tour - Oceana County - Shelby
Genevieve Case Nature Sanctuary For more
information, call (866) 223-2231.
7/18 - 7/21 daily National Baby Food Festival Fremont - for more information
call (231) 924-0770.
7/19/12 8pm Hammers Of Misfortune + Gates of Slumber
+ Flood The Desert The Pyramid Scheme!
7/19 - 7/28 daily Ionia Free Fair - This ten day regional fair has non-stop free attractions and entertainment.
Ionia County Fairgrounds - For more information call the office
at (616) 527-1310
54 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
NIC’S KNACKS Custom, Hand-crafted Gifts of
Leather, Wood & Metal
Nicsknacks.com
KAZOO BOOKS
Excite Your Mind 407 N Clarendon
269-385-2665 Kazoobooks.com
Aroundtownmi.co
KALAMAZOO ATHLETIC CLUB
100 W Michigan Ave
269-226-3184 Kalamazooathleticclub.com
TIFFANY’S WINE & SPIRIT SHOPPE
1714 W Main 269-381-1414 Aatiffany.com
INK’D UP 425 W Crosstown
Pkwy 269-341-9700
Inkdupzoo.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
KAZOO BOOKS II Excite Your Mind
2413 Parkview 269-553-6506
Kazoobooks.com
SWAT FITNESS CLUB
5053 Sports Dr 269-544-5000
Swatfit-nessclub.com
DRAKE PARTY CENTER
4717 W KL Ave 269-372-5879
Drakespar-tycenter.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
BOOKBUG 3019 Oakland Dr (269) 385-2847
Bookbugkids.com
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
MICHIGAN NEWS AGENCY
308 W Michigan Ave
269-343-5958 Michigannews.biz
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
REPETITIONS GYM
300 E Centre Ave 269-327-7097
Repetitionsgym.com
NICK PRATT RE-AL ESTATE
1601 W Centre 269-207-5742 Nickpratt.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
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Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE For Just $20/
Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
YOUR AD HERE $20/Month!!
CALL TODAY 616-755-8225
Aroundtownmi.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 55
JULY 2012 EVENTS
DATE TIME WHAT WHERE
7/20 -7/22 Daily Muskegon Bike Time
Main Street - Muskegon - For more information call (231) 727
-8463.
7/20/12 8pm Bottom 40: Tight n' Bright The Pyramid Scheme!
7/20/12 7:30pm South Haven In Story & Song
Foundry Hall - Free Admission! For more information, call (269)
206-3059.
7/21/12 8pm Invincible + The Fist Coalition + B-Girls of
Michigan + Sarge the Dame + dj K2Roc The Pyramid Scheme!
7/21/12 9am - 9pm Marshall Blues Festival - 9th Annual Marshall
Main Street Blues Festival!
Marshall - For more information call (269) 209-
7979.
7/22/12 7pm Planned Parenthood Benefit show The Pyramid Scheme!
7/22/12 9pm Retro D'Luxe: JULY! The Pyramid Scheme!
7/25 - 7/29 daily
Cost Of Freedom Tribute - One of the largest travelling tributes to the United States
Military in the country
Kentwood - The replica will be on display at Veteran's
Memorial Park; 365--48th Street, SE; Kentwood, MI. For
more information call (616) 656-5276.
7/27/12 9pm Grand Rapids Soul Club The Pyramid Scheme!
7/28/12 8pm Midnight Ghost Train + Haunted Leather +
Buffalo Witch The Pyramid Scheme!
7/28/12 day
Take a Kid Fishing Day - This year's Take-a-Kid Fishing Day is open to children between the
ages of 10-16 years old
Hart, MI - For more information call (231) 425-7866 or (231) 873
-2129.
7/30/12 9pm Shonen Knife + White Mystery + Doctor's
Wifes The Pyramid Scheme!
56 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
Thank you for joining me as I continue our Uptown Summer
Series. The four neighborhoods share more than proximity,
having a great spirit of community, while still each
maintaining a unique charm and appeal.
Where Cherry Street, Diamond Avenue, and Lake Drive meet, you’ll find East Hills. This is a
friendly area with a great entrepreneurial spirit. It’s considered one of the “crown jewels” of
GR!
In exploring East Hills, I found it to be a very walk & bike-friendly area. I parked
my car on the street, and was able to walk throughout the area, popping into the
shops and eateries. One of my favorite discoveries in East Hills
is Under the Vines, a beautiful shop on Cherry Street, 2 doors
down from Cherie Inn. The store offers a great variety of
chocolates, coffees, wine accessories and other great gift items.. They like to
support the small, locally and/or family owned businesses, and carry a lot of
products from those businesses.
As I mentioned, it’s 2 doors down from Cherie Inn, one of my
favorite places to relax over a good meal. The staff is warm and inviting,
and the food is tasty. They offer a large menu, with some old
favorites and some unique tastes. I highly recommend their Crab Cake Benedict
with fresh spinach. It’s your usual Eggs Benedict with a crab cake between the
eggs and the English muffin.
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 57
58 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
As this is a very “green” community, you can’t visit without visiting the award-
winning Clothing Matters on Diamond. They carry eco-apparel—clothing made
from soy, organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fibers. I fell in love with several
things in the store, and am continually surprised at the quality and comfort!
Are you familiar with Brewery Vivant? It’s cozy neighborhood pub with its
own microbrewery.
The building has a cool backstory. Apparently, at one time it was a funeral
home, and the hearses were garaged in what is now the brewing room! In
renovating the building, Brewery Vivant incorporated many things to help
reduce, reuse and recycle and went for LEED certification. Making it not only pretty cool digs
but environmentally friendly too! Walking in, it’s almost like a cozy little pub with great
microbrews.
While you’re in East Hills, you can also check out some of the other great shops, like Nourish,
Blu, Global Infusion, Serendipite Organique and more. Or try some of the local eateries, like
Marie Catribs, Gaia House, Mangiamo, The Green Well...Let me know your favorite finds!
.
Join me next month when I explore the Fulton
Street neighborhood:-)
*****
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 59
60 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
Gifts and Products for the Body, Mind & Soul
Your Eastown shop specializing in unique gifts, jewelry, stones and crystals, natural aromatherapy and body
products, candles, books, music, cards, incense and art with something for everyone.
1430 Lake Dr SE, Eastown GR
616-456-9889
www.spiritdreamsgr.com
Spirit Dreams ...The Store with a Conscience sd
www.yesterdog.com
Mon-Sat 10:30-2:30 a.m. Sun 10:30-9:00 p.m.
Closed Holidays
$2.00
$2.20 $2.50
$2.30
$2.20 $2.30
(616) 776-1076
SMITTY’S SPECIALTY BEVERAGE “YOUR ONE STOP PARTY SHOP”
1489 Lake Dr SE, Eastown GR
www.smittysspecialtybeverage.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 61
Since 1975
1509 Lake Dr SE Eastown GR 49506 (616) 454-9666
62 Issue 7 July 2012 www.aroundtownmi.com
www.aroundtownmi.com Issue 7 July 2012 63
