Grand Rapids Magazine November/December 2021 by Grand Rapids Magazine

CELEBRATE LOCAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS PLUS TERRI DEBOER

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DANZÓN

Lucy’s Café

CRESTON AREA RESTAURANT BECOMES A SOURCE OF COMFORT

Buffalo Traders’ The Blinker martini

COCKTAILS& BEER WINE CIDER WE DIVE INTO GRAND RAPIDS’ DRINKS SCENE AND SHARE HOW IT’S CHANGED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS

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10/21/21 9:40 AM

STAY IN

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Our chauffeur lets you enjoy the best of Grand Rapids dining without looking for a parking spot.

GO OUT

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10/12/21 7:35 PM

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For reservations call 616.776.3230 or visit opentable.com

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contents NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 58, ISSUE 8

Long Road Distillers Michigan Negroni

FEATURES

HOLIDAYS IN WEST MICHIGAN A P EEK I NTO DIFFER E NT CELEBR AT I O N S ACR OSS T H E R EGIO N. BY SAM EASTER

THE BEVERAGE EVOLUTION OF GRAND RAPIDS AFT ER FO U R Y EAR S , A BEER AUT H O R R ET U R N S TO A CH AN GE D C I T Y. BY PAT EVANS

P H O T O G R A P H B Y S TA C Y F E Y E R - S A L O

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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COVER STACY FEYER-SALO

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P R O M I N E N T LY R E P R E S E N T I N G T H E F I N E S T I N G R A N D R A P I D S R E A L E S TAT E F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S

K ATI E - K T E A M | 6 1 6 . 2 9 1 . 3 5 52 | K ATI E@ K ATI E- K .CO M | W W W. K ATI E- K .CO M 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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contents • novembe /decembe

every issue 8 editor's letter 133 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

168 gr gems

Sledding into Grand Rapids history

people + places 12

city

issues

Death cafe, cemetery trees and Native American art Chat with the GRPS

16 18 20

superintendent

voice

Radio DJ switches careers

spotlight

Bela Fleck returns to Grand Rapids

profile

Former NBA player comes to town

guide

New mobility options

look + feel 26 29

32 35 38

home

The Hygge life

experience

RheaAnn Booker thinks different

expert

A look at holiday bell-ringers

wellness

Local meteorologist writes a book

style

Keep home cozy for the holidays

food + drink 90

table

create

96 6

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96 98

A chef gives back A twist on pumpkin desserts

cheers

Espresso martinis are back

on-the-go

Grab a great bagel in EGR

must-try

Latin American excellence

100 top picks

Best beers for winter gatherings PIE STACY FEYER-SALO BAGELS BRYAN ESLER TERRI DEBOER MICHELLE CUPPY

10/14/21 4:28 PM

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: John Balardo | Associate Publisher: Jason Hosko

We asked our staff: Tell us about the worst gift you’ve ever received. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

While living in North Carolina, which I should mention has very mild winters, my mother in law sent me a Russian fur, mink hat. We’re talking ear flaps and all. LINDSAY RICHARDS

The worst probably had to be a pajama onesie I got for Christmas one year. It really wasn’t a bad gift, but I don’t like onesies, so I never even wore it! BART WOINSKI

Editorial Gemini Media Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Pat Evans Digital Editor: Ehren Wynder Contributors: Ann Byle, Sam Easter, Megan Sarnacki, Pasha Shipp, Julie Tabberer, Rachel Weaver Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Associate Art Director: Keagan Coop Editorial Designers: Michaela Bunger, Robin Vargo Contributors: Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, James Heimer, Ashley Wierenga Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Todd Anderson, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Maddy Messerly Office Assistants: Elissa Stong, Katrina Peshka To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545 Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artists: Stephanie Daniel, Robert Gorczyca Advertising Coordinators: Ramona French, Ava Majoros Integrated Design Lead: Alex Shammami PRS Graphic Designers: Jim Bibart, Julia McGillicuddy Web Digital Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski

I have to admit, I can’t remember a “worst gift” but I can remember a “worst Christmas.” My 8-year-old self snooped around endlessly until I found all my gifts. Everything I asked for, but so disappointing knowing ahead of time! Mom saw right through me Christmas morning. JENINE RHOADES

SHAPING BRIGHT FUTURES A very sweet relative once gifted my daughter a pop-up play tent and a bag filled with about 300 plastic balls so she could play in her own ball pit at home. If you’re a parent, you’ll get why this was the worst thing to come into our house ever. STEPHANIE DANIEL

IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247 Marketing Marketing & Events Manager: Melissa Novak Marketing & Events Coordinators: Kelsey Cocke, Drake Lambright Marketing & Events Interns: Ahmed Aljanabi, Dana McDonald, Maryan Toma

From Care to Careers www.GildenWoods.com

Frustrated with your web site’s search results? We have ideas that work.

Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Publishing and Sales Coordinator: Kristin Mingo Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian Accounting Associate: Estefano Lopez Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 1965 E Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

For digital advertising solutions call 248-268-8026 COMPASSMEDIA.COM

GR M AG .CO M

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10/13/21 3:37 PM

editor's letter / connect

Home for the holidays Hi, I’m Pat Evans. You might remember me (but probably won’t) from my five years as a reporter at the Grand Rapids Business Journal and beer columnist in the back pages of this very magazine. Four years ago, I left my position at the Business Journal covering so much of what happened in this city as the real estate and development reporter — among other beats — and moved to the very bright lights of Las Vegas. I left behind a hometown I love and one in which I saw so much potential. Well, I’m back now. And I’ve taken over the role of managing editor of Grand Rapids Magazine, a publication that helped shape my career as a national food and beverage writer and the author of two books. I changed a lot over four years and so did Grand Rapids. Some things are much better here, but others could use some help. I am excited for the future of this magazine and what we can do with it. I want every issue to have something for everybody, so please reach out and let me know what you’d like to see! Let me know when we strike a wrong chord. I promise to listen. But also feel free to chime in when you really like something. It goes both ways. As luck would have it, the November/December issue is the annual drinks issue — right in my wheelhouse! Included in this issue is a retrospective on the things I missed while I was away, as well as changes that occurred during that time in West Michigan. We also have some great features on various holiday celebrations in Grand Rapids and how you can participate. Another highlight is a new book by longtime WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer. Her choice of topics might surprise you! We also catch up with a former radio personality about his new life in the marijuana industry, chat with the Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent about the challenges facing students in an uncertain school year and introduce the city’s new NBA G League coach, former NBA player Jason Terry. Somehow, 2022 is right around the corner, so let’s enjoy the holiday season. But trust me when I say I can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for the new year!

Next issue

Nobody knows Grand Rapids better than you, the reader. So we left it up to you to give us the best of, well, everything in Grand Rapids. We'll tally those votes, share the winners and offer glimpses from the Best of Grand Rapids.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Pat Evans Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Pasha Shipp shares the cozy Christmas style of the director of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in Byron Center in this edition. So, Pasha, what’s your favorite holiday tradition? “My husband and I always watch ‘Die Hard’ or ‘Die Hard 2’ on Christmas Eve — they are totally Christmas movies!” As for goals in 2022, she’s got an ambitious one: “I’m finally going to start working on my fantasy fiction novel. I have put it off for way too long!”

There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: pevans@geminipub.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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EDITOR COURTESY PAT EVANS CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY PASHA SHIPP

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9/15/21 1:07 PM

CONGRATULATIONS to our President and COO, Sal Semola, on being named one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s Top 200 Business leaders.

We are inspired by your dedication to our Guests, Team Members, and community as we launch our new expansion!

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10/11/21 8:30 AM

people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

VOICE

High times page 16

» PLUS: GRPS SUPER ON THE CHALLENGES SCHOOLS FACE BEL A FLECK FOR MER NBA PL AYER COMES TO GR TO COACH

Former radio host Drew McCarthy is anything but bashful about the marijuana lifestyle

P H OTO G R A P H BY AS H L E Y W I E R E N GA GR M AG .CO M

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10/13/21 2:52 PM

people + places / city

Cemetery becomes West Michigan’s first arboretum Keeping with the mortal tone, Oakhill Cemetery, 647 Hall St. SE, became the first accredited arboretum in West Michigan. There are more than 400 arboreta globally. A Level I arboretum requires at least 25 tree species and at least one opportunity for public learning to help promote tree diversity, conservation, research and history.

CITY

Michigan’s first death café opens in Grand Rapids Grand Rapids now has a death café. The Mortals, 111 S. Division Ave., opened in September and offers up coffee and pastries, all while letting people explore the topic of death. The concept originated in London, allowing people to gather and talk about mortality. The Mortals is the first death café in Michigan — there about 60 across the globe. “Familiarizing ourselves with death allows us to live a more fulfilled life,” The Mortals owner Abbey Hunter said in September. “On one hand, you have people who don’t accept death and live as though they will never actually die, and on the other hand, you have people who are so afraid of dying they never actually live. The more we talk about it, the more comfortable we can be with it and find a balance in living.” There is a monthly session called Café Mortel allowing conversations of death and dying, with free coffee and snacks. 12

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The Mortals, above, is a safe place to talk about death; Top right, Oakhill Cemetery offers a place to learn about trees; Right, the Grand Rapids Art Museum displays intricate baskets from the Gun Lake Tribe.

Michigan Artist Series highlights tribal art

The Gun Lake Tribe’s black ash basketry is on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, until Feb. 26, 2022. An Interwoven Legacy: The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish features 20 new works highlighting the centuries-old art form. COFFEE ISTOCK/ RAWPIXEL CEMETERY CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ART GRAM

10/13/21 3:44 PM

ISSUES

Classroom lessons GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby talks masks, vaccines and a welcoming atmosphere for all. BY SAM EASTER

// ILLUSTRATIONS BY JAMES HEIMER

It’s not easy to be a teacher right now. A debate over masks, vaccines and more has put students and educators in the midst of an intense political debate over how to handle COVID-19. Health experts almost universally say immunization, face coverings and more are helpful ways to stop the spread of the disease; the public doesn’t always see it that way. Enter Leadriane Roby, Grand Rapids Public Schools’ superintendent. In leading one of the state’s largest school districts, she’s had to contend with the virus, with the challenges of distance learning, and a year of political tumult that’s gone far beyond just the virus. Roby spoke by phone to Grand Rapids Magazine in early September. Here’s what she had to say. GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / issues

Grand Rapids Magazine: Can you take us to the first day of class this year? What kind of emotions were there in the school district — fears, hopes, etc. — for the start of this new school year? Leadriane Roby: High energy. I would say we noticed that across our district, and we were in all of our schools, our teams spread out to greet students, check in with teachers, check in with building administrators and secretaries. There was a lot of excitement. There was a little bit of trepidation, I think, because it’s like, what is this going to look like and feel like, but people were genuinely happy to be in-person, lots of smiles, and even bigger smiles from parents as they were dropping off. Because it’s been a challenging 18 months, right? Let’s talk about masks. GRPS first said there wouldn't be a mandate but changed course days before classes started. Why the change? Looking at our numbers. We have consistently watched what was going on in our county, just tracking that. We also had information that the projections were that we have a group of young people who cannot be vaccinated. And so, it was like, we need to be smart about this, and we want to make sure that we can stay in school. It made sense for us to just go ahead and move forward with trying to make sure that everybody was masked, regardless of your vaccination status. Because that took away the stigma and the pressure of ‘who’s vaccinated, who’s not.’ That becomes a logistics issue — of somebody having to check and verify. So, it’s like, we’re all just going to be masked that way. We’re protecting one another. Given that health experts say masks and vaccines help make us safer, what does the debate about them look like from your office? With technology, people can find information and resources all over the place. For administrators such as myself and even at the building level, people will send them information, which is fine, of course — I’m a learner — but I also have my own sources of information, and I go with credible sources. Just because something is put on Facebook or somebody is stating something and it’s not a credible source of information — ( from) our health department, our state health department, the CDC, it’s someone outside of that realm — it’s like, OK, it’s information, but it doesn’t mean that it should go into 14

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consideration of how we make decisions. And we want to be really consistent, so we’re not going with the wind around people’s opinions, and we’re really using data. I am not an expert on epidemiology, or pandemics. I’ve learned to be one in a lot of ways (laughs), but I know teaching and learning. I trust my health experts and scientists to tell me, to give me information. It doesn’t mean that I just accept it right at face value. I ask questions, and I want to make sure that I have an understanding. As educators, we are trying to make sure that we have information and that it’s factual and we can verify it against something else. Can you speak to what kind of stresses this broader debate is putting on classroom teachers? It seems like they’re caught in a crossfire of sorts. “I will say, teachers are phenomenal as a group, and certainly as individuals. Teachers want to teach. Their goal is to create a welcoming environment, building environments with their kiddos first and foremost so you can get into instruction. I’ve seen our teachers do a phenomenal job of saying, ‘This is our classroom community, and you are important here, and this is what I’m going to do to keep you safe.’ And so setting the tone around that. Again, I think our teachers try to stay away from the, as a whole, the politics around the other pieces around the mask controversy. And it’s like — this is what we’re doing here, and I want you to be safe. And when you’re in room 101 or 225 or whatever it is, you’re going to be safe, and we’re going to protect and keep each other safe here.” Every school district in the state and country has plans for how it will grow and get better. If it were not for COVID19, what would be your top concern for GRPS, and how has COVID-19 changed your approach? I want kids to always have a positive, robust, rigorous experience, academic experience. And I want it to be fun. The two can be welded together like peanut butter and jelly. You can learn and still have fun. Always my top concern is, are kids learning, and are they enjoying the experience? Because learning is not just about, ‘I’m just teaching you stuff.’ You’re growing from it. We can disagree and still be appropriate and kind to one another. We don’t have to resort to name-calling or finger-pointing, blaming. And to me, that’s the work of an educator, to kind of look at things that may be going on, and talk with your young people, your LEADRIANE ROBY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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scholars, to say, ‘You know what, how would you have a discussion with somebody who may be diametrically opposed to something that you believe in? How do you have a discussion with someone and still maintain the relationship?’ I think that’s a life skill. It’s a life skill that, I think, sometimes, the adults have lost.

"I want kids to always have a positive, robust, rigorous experience, academic experience. And I want it to be fun. The two can be welded together like peanut butter and jelly. You can learn and still have fun. Always my top concern is, are kids learning, and are they enjoying the experience?" Leadriane Roby

So, the death of George Floyd or partisan politics. Are those the kind of things you mean? Absolutely. I’m from Minneapolis-St. Paul and was in Minneapolis when George Floyd — when that happened. I remember it very clearly, just because of where I was living at the time. If you look at ... how we’ve kind of devolved, so to speak, as a society, where we don’t necessarily have discourse, (it’s disappointing). We can have disagreements without being disagreeable, and we look at solutions. How do we help our young people understand that there are other ways to disagree and even be empowered, that you don’t have to resort to causing harm or namecalling or pointing fingers at other people? I worry as we are getting our newcomers from Afghanistan — how are we going to welcome those refugees into our communities? And how do we make sure that we’re not politicizing people who have come here seeking safety and asylum? And how do we welcome newcomers into a community? In a classroom, you have newcomers come all the time. A kid may move from one side of the city to another and building that classroom community — which teachers do a phenomenal job doing — we also want to make sure that we’re also modeling that as adults. When you look ahead, knowing what you know about local data on COVID-19, and schools and vaccination rates, etc., what is your expectation right now about what the rest of the school year is going to look like? Safety is always first and foremost. I want to make sure that the people who come through our doors feel like we are going to take care of them, not only physically but protect them socially and emotionally as well. Looking ahead, I want this to be a positive school year for every young person who crosses the threshold of our district schools, and that they feel like this is their place to be, and that they’re welcome, and that they can be free to be who they are. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. GR M AG .CO M

10/13/21 3:44 PM

From music to sports, Drew McCarthy was a big name in Grand Rapids media. Now he's made a career switch.

VOICE

From DJ to MJ Former radio host Drew McCarthy joins the cannabis movement. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

For years, Drew McCarthy was “Big Droo,” a big-time radio personality in West Michigan. As McCarthy continued to establish himself as one of the premier sports radio hosts in Michigan, he also took on a very public bariatric surgery process. Then, during the pandemic, the charismatic host changed careers and jumped in as general manager of Gage Cannabis, 3075 Peregrine Drive NE. McCarthy talked about the career switch and using marijuana in his healthier lifestyle.

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10/13/21 3:43 PM

people + places / voice

less big-idea oriented. And that was a challenge for me. I had gotten through life using my words and my ability to talk to other people and now it’s a combination of that but acting and leading a team of people. Now it’s great to make that sale, help that customer, but also, “Wipe down that case if you have some time.” It really came about organically. It was mid-pandemic and there were no sports, no appearances, no endorsements, and I looked at my wife, what would you think of me picking up a part-time job in the weed industry? She said dip your toe in. I took a part-time job as a budtender, and I really enjoyed it and the people I was working with; just being part of an industry that was finding ways to grow while everything else was stalled.

"I had gotten through life using my words and my ability to talk to other people and now it’s a combination of that but acting and leading a team of people." Drew McCarthy

(I’m) watching this industry continue to evolve to provide people with an alternative. And I say that as an alternative to medicine, to how you relax. It’s an alternative. And the amount of effort the industry took is a place I wanted to be. How do you handle people who aren’t pro-cannabis? I like to be up front about it. I have a 13-year-old son, who I talk to about cannabis, about what Dad does for a living. There is no reason to lie to everybody. Lying wastes time. The biggest thing: marijuana is legal. Some of my friends and family, you light a joint and they worry if someone will smell this? I hope so, I spent money on it. First time I lit one of our Cookies Georgia Pie, my wife, she went, “Oh, my God, that smells like a cigar.” That’s where this industry is going. Talk about it like it’s a normal thing, just like it’s beer.

Grand Rapids Magazine: You were a radio personality many in Grand Rapids knew, but now you manage a marijuana store. How did that change happen and how has it gone? Drew McCarthy: It has been more jarring than I expected. I thought I’d be able to make this seamless switch going to work every day. That was in my head, not realizing the difference between managing 30 people and managing three major sports franchises or different story angles. I will say it is a lot more detail oriented and

McCarthy with some of his GAGE staff members. (top) Gage's storefront (above) offers a variety of marijuana products, ranging from edibles to flowers and prerolled joints.

How have you made it part of your healthy lifestyle? It was one of those things, do everything the doctor tells you if you’re going to do bariatric surgery. I did, other than not smoking marijuana. I admitted it to my doctors, that’s how you get hurt medically. For me, I like to use it as a reward. When I was in the process of losing weight, I lost 100 pounds before the surgery and 100 pounds after. When I was starting at 420 pounds, it felt like this Herculean thing. The first thing was my doctor saying it’s not a big deal, make a small change. I thought he meant like walk a mile. He said, ‘That’s excessive. Stand up while you watch TV. Park further from the grocery store. You admitted you smoke weed, stand up and go for a walk when you smoke.’ That’s now one of my favorite things in the world is lighting a joint and going for a walk. Munchies are a real thing, but a big thing is what you’re munching on. It’s about what you choose to do. It helped me be OK that I could keep this thing from my fat life. I got rid of a lot of things. What sets Gage apart from other dispensaries? The thing that sets us apart, some places you don’t know what you’re getting. It’s that (marijuana brand) Cookies relationship. When your store can carry the Nike in your industry, that’s a win. And when you’re one of the only stores in the city carrying Nike, that’s an even bigger win. We also want to sell weed with kindness and empathy. Going into a store for the first time can be scary. We want to make sure people feel welcome and you’re being taken care of. GR M AG .CO M

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10/13/21 3:43 PM

people + places / spotlight

SPOTLIGHT

He keeps plucking away Banjo star Bela Fleck is comfortable in many genres. BY PAT EVANS

Bela Fleck has changed the way many in the world look at banjo music. He visits Grand Rapids in November.

The 15-time Grammy Award winner has spent his career flowing between genres, ranging from that original bluegrass to others including classical, jazz and world music.

For more than 30 years, Bela Fleck has helped redefine how listeners across the globe think about the banjo. Touring to support his newest album, “My Bluegrass Heart,” Fleck will make a stop in Grand Rapids with a show Nov. 27 at DeVos Performance Hall. The album is Fleck’s first bluegrass album in more than 20 years, following 1988’s “Drive” and 1999’s “The Bluegrass Sessions.” The album comes a year after he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as a member of New Grass Revival, a long-time band he joined in 1981 and played with until 1989. “They nearly always come back, all the people that leave bluegrass,” Fleck said. “I had a strong feeling that I’d be back as well.” The 15-time Grammy Award winner has spent his career flowing between genres, ranging from that original bluegrass to others including classical, jazz and world music. Perhaps best known for his own band, The Flecktones, he’s helped meld genres and introduce several generations to the world of banjo. Along the way, Fleck said he doesn’t change how he plays all

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that much. “My dirty little secret is that I don’t play that differently from genre to genre,” he said. “It’s all about the musicians I surround myself with. Bluegrass though — it’s central to everything I do.” The Flecktones are made up of incredible musicians in their own right: Victor Wooten, Roy Wooten and Howard Levy. They play a range of music from jazz to funk, interspersing it with world music. Fleck’s other collaborations include duos with jazz artist Chick Corea, his life partner Abigail Washburn, the Brooklyn Rider String Quartet, and more. He also made the documentary, “Throw Down Your Heart,” which explores the African origins of the banjo. BELA FLECK ALAN MESSER

10/13/21 3:42 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

TRAVEL TIPS & TECHNIQUES Q&A

Q: Ludington is a well-known summer destination. What is there to do in the winter months? A: Ludington is an ideal winter destination filled with special events and DIY activities. Locals and visitors can look forward to Aglow on the Avenue the last Saturday of November, which coincides with Small Business Saturday and officially kicks off the holiday season. There’s also the ticketed Downtown Ludington Cookie Walk — a sweet way to check out downtown merchants while picking up a cookie at each participating stop. New Year’s Eve is also a big draw for locals and for visitors, with a host of festivities. There’s live music, a beer tent, and the famed Ball Drop at the stroke of midnight, followed by a fireworks display over the downtown. Visitors

are advised to check the status of events before traveling. Beyond downtown, Ludington State Park offers a number of groomed trails for crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing(bring your own equipment). Ludington State Park also hosts daytime guided snowshoeing walks and evening lantern-lit snowshoeing/crosscountry skiing events on select weekends in January and February. Visitors can borrow snowshoes free for these scheduled events on a first-come, first-served basis, or guests can bring their own. Follow the Friends of Ludington State Park Facebook page for details on park happenings this winter!

Brandy Miller

Executive Director Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 5300 W. U.S. 10 Ludington, MI 49431 800-542-4600 pureludington.com

Q: What travel trends are you seeing for 2022? A: People are booking early! As more people get vaccinated and the world continues to open back up, Shelley Kohtz, of Witte Travel & Tours, says she’s seeing a huge travel boom — both from rescheduled trips as well as new bookings. “Throughout the summer, we’ve had people

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already booking their trips for 2022 and 2023,” Kohtz says. “Spring break, in particular, will be a very busy time for travel, so if you haven’t made those plans yet, now is the time. Mexico and Caribbean destinations are extremely popular, and we’ve also seen a lot of continued interest in Florida, Alaska, and Hawaii.”

Shelley Kohtz, CTC

Manager of Vacation Travel Services Witte Travel & Tours 3250 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-942-5112 wittetravel.com

10/14/21 4:08 PM

New Grand Rapids Gold Head Coach Jason Terry at the team's open tryouts in September.

Here to win PROFILE

Jason Terry knows how to have an NBA career, complete with an NBA Championship. BY PAT EVANS

Jason Terry brings that knowledge this basketball season as the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold, the NBA G League team formerly known as the Grand Rapids Drive. No longer affiliated with the Detroit Pistons, the Gold still will please plenty of Michigan expats as the affiliate of the Denver Nuggets. The team tips off this season in a new era, but it’s in good hands with Terry. The first home game at the DeltaPlex is Nov. 23, after the team opted out of the 2020 season. Terry spent 19 years in the NBA — the No. 10 draft pick in 1999 — and is perhaps best known for his time in Atlanta and Dallas, the latter of which he helped win an NBA Championship in 2011. 20

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During his career, he was well-known for his high socks and mid-range jumpers, yet he also ranks sixth all-time in 3-pointers made and won the 2009 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. His No. 1 goal whenever he laces up his shoes as a player or suits up as a coach and steps on the court is to win. Winning will be welcome for Grand Rapids G League fans. The team has never made it past the first round of the playoffs, despite finishing with a winning record in four of its six seasons. “Competition is still what drives me,” he said. But now, Terry’s secondary goal is to help young, developing players in the G League reach the ultimate goal of playing in the Association. His proven track record — which also includes an NCAA Championship at the University of Arizona — suggests he is well-suited for the task. “We want to develop the total athlete, not just physical skills, but the mental skills as well,” he said. “Those are what separate the guys who last in the league, the Hall of Famers, from others. It’s the mental ability to overcome adversity. That is a tremendous skillset that’s often overlooked. “We’re always evolving and trying to get the physical and mental to align.” Despite retiring from the NBA in 2018, Terry is no newbie when it comes to coaching. For 15 years during his playing years, he coached girls AAU basketball during the offseason. He prepared his teams with detailed scouting reports, in-depth game planning and intense practices. “I prepped them, ran them as though they were high-level college teams,” he said. By 2015, his second season as a Houston Rocket, Terry was watching film and in coaches’ meetings with Kevin McHale and J.B. Bickerstaff. “That’s what lit the fire for me, that’s when I knew,” he said. Following his retirement, he was named assistant general manager of the G League’s Texas Legends. He spent a year there before returning to his alma mater last season as an assistant coach in Arizona. He’s pushing past the Xs and Os as a coach, he said. “One thing about basketball as a coach, JASON TERRY COURTESY KYNDA

10/13/21 3:42 PM

people + places / p ofile

Terry chats with hopeful attendees at the open tryouts for the NBA G-League's Grand Rapids Gold. Terry won an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

for me, is it’s all about people and relationships,” he said. “It’s about being able to aspire to something and be something greater than where they are in the present moment. “I want to mentor the next generation of hoopers.” That was a little easier at Arizona, where he was back on a campus with which he was familiar. In the G League, a level that did not exist when he transitioned from college to the NBA, things were a little bit more unusual. But he said his time with the Texas franchise was great for trial and error in the trenches as an assistant general manager. “If it didn’t work out, it wasn’t the end of the world,” he said. But at each of those stops, the players had the same mentality as the ones he’ll work with in Grand Rapids: hungry to get to the next level. He’s also hungry to get to the next level. While he said he lives in the moment and wants to make sure the Gold thrives in its first season, he still has an eye forward. “I’m definitely an in-the-moment type guy, I’m in that day-today grind to see where it takes us,” he said. “But eventually, I’d like to be at the head of an NBA bench or Division I college. But I’m here at the task, ready to get to the grind.” A push to either of those two levels isn’t unheard of for a player like Terry. Plenty of current and former coaches took over the bench after lengthy playing careers. In particular, there are several players Terry crossed paths with during his playing days at the helm of teams now. Former Detroit Piston Jerry Stackhouse, a close friend of Terry’s, had a quick stint with the Toronto G League team before finding his way up the ladder and landing at Vanderbilt University. Other coaches from his era include Jason Kidd and Damon Stoudemire. “I lean on them for advice all the time,” Terry said. “There’s a myth about former players that had long careers and NBA success and coaching: That they don’t want to work. “I’m a worker. That’s how I made my career and I’m going to TRYOUTS COURTESY KYNDA

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“We want to develop the total athlete, not just physical skills, but the mental skills as well. Those are what separate the guys who last in the league, the Hall of Famers, from others. It’s the mental ability to overcome adversity. That is a tremendous skillset that’s often overlooked.” Jason Terry

keep working.” Joining Terry on the Grand Rapids coaching staff will be Travess Armenta, Tamisha Augustin, Nathan Babcock and Jim Lyman Jr. Augustin is a highlight, as it shows the growing trend of woman coaches in men’s professional basketball reaching West Michigan. Grand Rapids Gold President Steve Jbara said at the time of Terry’s hiring, “His body of work in the NBA, his body of work in the community, things he does on and off the court fits in perfectly with what we are trying to do in Grand Rapids. He is not only going to be a huge benefit to our players and our staff but to the community as a whole. “We’ve been able to spend some time together, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to get him in the market and get him ingrained into the community. He is such a gift to the franchise. Hats off to everyone who got this done. His pedigree speaks for itself, and we are excited to chase a championship here with the Grand Rapids Gold.” In chatting with Grand Rapids Magazine, Terry said he was not too familiar with the city. He believes at one point in his career he played a preseason game at a convention center in town. He did play his final two years in Milwaukee, so he knows the winters can be cold. Despite the chill, he’s heard great things about Grand Rapids — even before he came to town for the Gold’s tryouts in September. A Seattle native, Terry spent time with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets along with his stops in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Milwaukee. “The people are friendly and there’s a great fanbase and a good community,” he said of the market that regularly supports the Grand Rapids team with several thousand fans per game, compared to some markets that see fewer than 1,000. As he tries to prepare players to make the jump to the NBA’s Nuggets, Terry also is set on trying to turn some Pistons fans into Nuggets fans. He hopes the transition from a Pistons affiliate to a team more than 1,000 miles away doesn’t deter spectators from the trek to the DeltaPlex. “We’re in the market to entertain,” Terry said. “We want to win, and we want to be competitive. Every time you show up to the game, you’re getting your money’s worth. “I’m hoping we see some of those Pistons fans change their colors to the blue and gold of the Nuggets.” GR M AG .CO M

10/13/21 3:42 PM

people + places / guide

Downtown residents and visitors alike can hop on any number of growing mobility options in Grand Rapids.

GUIDE

Gettin’ around town Explore downtown with these mobility offerings. BY MEGAN SARNACKI

DASH — Whether you need to go to work, want to grab a bite to eat, or are heading off to a concert, the Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH, offers residents, workers and visitors complementary routes to various downtown destinations. Operating seven days a week, every eight minutes, the DASH also provides motorists and commuters a place to park before exploring the city. The Rapid’s Silver Line and Route 19 on Michigan Street connect with DASH routes as well, making for even more mobility options around town. Driverless cars — Embarking on the next phase of the Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative, May Mobility teamed up with Gentex to create a new on-demand service for autonomous technology. Operating within a 1.36-square-mile 22

service zone that includes more than 20 designated pickup and drop-off areas throughout downtown Grand Rapids, this new offering includes four Lexus RX450h vehicles and one wheelchair-accessible Polaris GEM. Riders can request services by downloading the May Mobility mobile application. The May Mobility AV shuttles also offer free rides Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Rental scooters — Rising in popularity among adults, scootering is not just for the young. Now, anyone can have some fun while traveling to their favorite hotspots around town. Covering a 12-mile radius of greater downtown, these electric scooters by Spin can be rented for $1 to unlock, plus 25 cents per minute.

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Intended to improve transportation access using environmentally friendly options, this scooter-share pilot program connects with other transportation services like transit, parking, park-and-ride and ride sharing. With approximately 175 designated parking zones around the city, the Spin scooters make short-term distances quick and easy. Not only does Spin provide both English and Spanish language options for its users, but reduced rates are available for lower-income residents. Bike share — As a part of the city’s ongoing shared micro-mobility pilot program, bike sharing also is available for residents and visitors of Grand Rapids. Distributed by Lime, the bike-share program goes at the same rent as the scooters ($1 to unlock and 25 cents every minute). Reduced rates for lower-income residents as well as access for nonsmartphone users can be found by checking out the Lime Access program. Be sure to use them while they last! Both the scooter and bike-share micro-mobility programs will conclude at the end of 2021 for evaluation of the programs’ success. Community pilot surveys can be found on the city of Grand Rapids’ website. BIKE, SCOOTER MICHAELA BUNGER

10/13/21 3:41 PM

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9/28/21 11:22 AM

look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

STYLE

Comfort & joy page 38

Holiday decorations can liven up any room, so dive into how one West Michigander keeps her living space bright and cheery.

» PLUS: A SOAP'S IMPAC T ON A HEALTH C AREER HYGGE COMFORT HEALTHY SCHOOLS

P H OTO G R A P H BY AS H L E Y W I E R E N GA GR M AG .CO M

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10/13/21 4:17 PM

look + feel / home

HOME

Hygge The secret to creating a cozy atmosphere through the holidays and beyond. BY RACHEL WEAVER, LAUREN FIGUEROA INTERIOR DESIGN

Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish word that has been gaining recognition of late, and it’s one we find especially important in the design world. Hygge is a quality. It’s about a sense of comfort, peace and togetherness. According to Meik Wiking, the author of ‘The Little Book Of Hygge,’ hygge is about “an atmosphere and an experience. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe.” Hygge comes from the Danes' world, one suffused in fuzzy rugs and candles; a place where comfort and coziness are essential in order to survive the dark winter days. And we find it the perfect way to survive a moody Michigan winter as well. That might all sound a little abstract, but we promise: There are real and physical ways to practice hygge in your home, both during and after the holidays! Today, we’re sharing our favorites: Add houseplants

Incorporate soft lighting Lighting is key to hygge. The Danes know all about long, dark days, and their answer is to fill their homes with cozy lighting. Think candles, fireplaces, warm table lamps and twinkle lights: anything that creates a rich and inviting glow, rather than a harsh, intense light.

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Houseplants can help you destress, add life to your home and help purify the air. Just make sure to choose easy-care ones that aren't going to add to your workload. This also is a great way to help tide you over until the warmer months if you’re missing the great outdoors.

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Winter decor over Christmas decor Instead of holiday-focused decor, try purchasing items that can be used all throughout the winter. Opt for thick, but neutral, blankets and throw pillows over holiday-themed choices so that they can be left out all season. Use white twinkle lights around your favorite houseplants or string them across a shelf; they'll look festive for Christmas, but they won't look odd if left out afterward. By choosing flexible, winter-themed decor, you'll extend your use of items and keep your home cozy all season.

Plan a post-holiday gathering Family and friends are a huge part of hygge. It can be hard coming down from the sense of togetherness that the holidays bring, so if this is the case for you, plan a relaxed gathering in advance to look forward to in the mid-winter months. Plan a game night or to simply sit by the fireside and chat over wine. Whatever you do, keep it cozy and relaxed.

Slow down and be present One of our favorite tips is to simply slow down. Turn off your phone. Put on your favorite slippers. Have a long conversation with a loved one over a mug of tea. Creating hygge isn’t just about your environment, but also about what you're doing. If you’re not choosing to be in the moment, you could have the coziest house ever and still not enjoy it at all. Choose to be present, and that alone will start you down the path to hygge. DECOR ISTOCK/ DORALIN TUNAS PLACESETTING ISTOCK/ MUENZ

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GR M AG .CO M

10/13/21 4:16 PM

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9/21/21 7/21/21 10:11 2:21 PM AM

look + feel / expe ience

EXPERIENCE

Change of thinking RhaeAnn Booker uses role at University of Michigan Health-West to embrace different. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

haeAnn Booker always knew she wanted to work in a hospital, it just took her a while to get there — and not in the position she thought. Today, she’s a nationally recognized diversity, equity and inclusion executive in her role as vice president of DEI at University of Michigan Health-West, a job she started in 2019 after nearly a decade in a similar position at Davenport University. As a child, however, she saw herself at a hospital for two main reasons. One was serious (to help her blind mother see), and the other a bit less so. “It’s a reflection of what I was exposed to; what I was seeing in media was there was prestige associated with becoming a medical doctor,” Booker said. “Along with that, based on what I saw on TV, at the time one of the most popular shows was ‘General Hospital.’ I remember all the drama and the love and relationships that were happening in a hospital setting. “Today, when I speak to youth groups about how I ended up working in health care, I tell

RhaeAnn Booker and Thomas Pierce (DEI program coordinator) check out paperwork at Metro Health.

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10/14/21 4:24 PM

look + feel / expe ience

them I thought I was going to find my Luke.” She speaks, of course, about Luke Spencer, one of the most famous daytime soap characters of all time, a bad boy who ended up with the daughter of a nurse. But her path did not take her directly to health care. She went to Calvin University (then still called Calvin College), and looking back on her time in school, she realizes how narrow her perspective on health care was. “After a while, I learned I really feel called to administration within organizations, but because of that narrow understanding of how I can contribute, I didn’t envision administration in health care,” she said. She worked for several years at Calvin, before moving on to Davenport, where she was executive director of DEI. In May 2019, she moved to Health-West, into a newly created position to lead the health system’s DEI initiatives. While the position itself was new, its ethos was not new to the organization. “This was a new position at the hospital, having recently formalized a DEI department,” she said. “But its commitment to DEI did not begin with the formalizing of an office. “I was able to pick up the baton of work that hadn’t been titled DEI but undergirds the very foundation of this organization from the beginning.” Before Booker joined Health-West, the hospital had a health equity committee and an external organization working on DEI. A major initiative then was to make sure the hospital was meeting the needs of the growing Latinx population in West Michigan. “It’s great to have people who are hired in different roles in the organization serving as part of a committee leading that work,” Booker said. “But as they were better understanding and meeting the needs of the Latinx community, they realized you have to put resources and staffing behind this work. That led to the development of this department and my hiring.” Now, in her role at Health-West, Booker sees her job as making sure DEI is a thread that runs through all aspects of the organization, impacting the work done by every person in the hospital. She knows she needs to ensure employees see how they work together to serve patients and the broader community members. “There is certain work that happens out of this department,” she said. “But it’s also about informing the work of other departments as that thread is threaded 30

Booker's career has taken from higher education to health care, coming full circle to a childhood dream.

"DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] is absolutely critical, absolutely essential in health care. I think most every individual would agree with that statement." RhaeAnn Booker

throughout the organization. Part of my daily work is monitoring of work to ensure people are fulfilling the goals and building competencies, skills and knowledge where needed as we seek to understand diverse communities. “That can include robust learning, development and training programs offered to the employees and physicians.” She also makes sure individuals throughout the organization, whether its patients, employees or external community members, are being treated well and to address the situation if they feel they are not. That unfair treatment, perceived or real, might stem from a person’s race, sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs or any number of other reasons. It’s Booker’s job to explore the situation and develop and implement a solution. She also analyzes data the hospital uses to understand equity within the organization and figure out how to track progress and identify how to close whatever gaps there might be. Coming from higher education, Booker acknowledges DEI is important work regardless of the industry. But it reaches a step further in health care. Everyone in a community deserves the same level of care and treatment at a medical facility, she said. “DEI is absolutely critical, absolutely essential in health care,” she said. “I think most every individual would agree with that statement. But sometimes, to agree with that statement, you have to apply that statement to yourself. “Lots of times when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, individuals think about the ‘other.’ How you might define the ‘other.’ Rarely does someone point to themselves and say ‘other’ is inclusive of me. That’s also how I approach my work, making sure everyone sees themselves as a beneficiary and a contributor of DEI.” She said every person can think about some aspect of their own identity that would lead to avoiding or delaying health care. Maybe it is because they’re uninsured. Maybe they’re concerned they won’t

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10/13/21 4:13 PM

White gold opal doublet necklaces by Parlé In her role at HealthWest, Booker wants to help think about the community differentlly and how that affects health care.

receive quality health care because their religious beliefs differ from the majority of employees at that organization. Often, difference is something a person doesn’t choose, she said. Sometimes that difference is something even removed from their own personal identity. “Maybe it’s based on ZIP code,” she said. “I have no choice of my neighborhood I’m born in, but maybe there is a higher rate of folks experiencing asthma or cancer in that neighborhood. “By something like ZIP code, we can better understand the needs of a community and proactively develop strategies for equitable care.” Outside of any organization, Health-West or otherwise, Booker said it is important for individuals to assess how DEI plays into their life. “In a person’s everyday life, No. 1, just be self-aware,” she said. “We all bring ideas, lived experiences and different world views about ourselves and others. So just be selfaware in your own identity and increase your understanding of others, especially those different than you.” For those different than you, she said, recognize diversity is not bad. “Learn to not view diversity as negative,” she said. “A lot of us, people in general, have placed a value on diversity and on differences

and, typically, that value is negative. “That means unless you fit in my bubble, look and think like me, you are less valuable than me. It should just be viewed as different. It’s not good, bad, worse or better. It’s different.” With different in mind, it’s about applying that view on the rest of life and figuring out how to harness the diversity for better. “How do we leverage those differences for maximizing organizational capacities and for building unity across our communities?” Booker said. “I would encourage people to also, if they have the opportunity, to participate in some continuous learning as it relates to selfawareness in diversity and biases. It takes a commitment to continuous learning, and I hope people will access the rich learning opportunities in our community. “And I hope that people in our community become more aware of inequities. We need more people to become more aware and more uncomfortable with the inequities we see and calling them out and affecting positive changes. That’s what we need everyday people to do in whatever they do.” One might wonder if an end goal for DEI work is ever achievable. “For those committed to DEI, it is achievable,” Booker said, “especially if you make the appropriate commitment on the front end. When you commit to DEI, you are committing to addressing, responding and understanding human diversity in its many forms and responding to issues of inequities in many representations. “Once you understand that, you can reap opportunities and the benefit of inclusion in the long haul. This is a journey. When you talk about achieving DEI, it’s through everyday practices and though processes.” At Health-West, Booker said there have been great strides in DEI and part of that success is ensuring buy-in from employees by making sure employees commit to helping build and support an infrastructure for DEI. A good sign for Booker that the organization has achieved that? DEI is one of 13 key performance indicators the hospital tracks as an organization, across all departments.

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10/13/21 4:15 PM

look + feel / expe t

EXPERT

Sounds of joy Salvation Army bell-ringer Lori Layne relishes her role. BY PAT EVANS

Lori Layne always threw her extra change into the buckets of the Salvation Army bell-ringers each holiday season, so when she saw a call for the organization last year, she jumped at the opportunity. “They didn’t have enough bell-ringers,” she said, of what has become a common sight around West Michigan during the holiday season. “I have a servant heart, so I said that’s something I can do and an experience I haven’t had, so why not give it a try? “I really believe in what they’re doing, and they help people so well.” She signed up for 10 sessions to test the waters. In her time out ringing a bell, she said she was jumping around, singing and dancing, enticing people to throw whatever change they could into the bucket. She said she thinks people enjoyed the entertainment. It turned out to be a very gratifying experience for Layne, who said she’ll be back out with a bell and a bucket this year. The one major difference this year? A bigger bell. “Theirs is so little, it was hard to ring it and it’d hurt my wrist to really ring it,” she said. “It wasn’t enough noise to help me out.” Layne worked in a ministry during her career, and she said she constantly had the opportunity to share joy with others, even outside of the holiday season. That’s why the transition to bell-ringing, something 32

“I have a servant heart, so I said that’s something I can do and an experience I haven’t had, so why not give it a try?" Lori Layne

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she simply never thought to do, was easy. While a mask obscured her smile, she said her enthusiasm won out and she hoped her happiness spread to others as they passed by. But she wants to spread the holiday cheer beyond her bell station. “It would be nice to raise a small army of people that want to do this with me and we’d be able to raise more money,” Layne said of trying to recruit fellow bell-ringers from another organization she works with, Pilots for Christ. The organization participated last year in the Salvation Army’s Golden Kettle Contest, which goes to the service club that raises the most money. Pilots for Christ came in second, raising $3,288 in 28 hours of ringing. To ring the bell, Layne had to step outside her comfort zone a little bit. That’s something she’d like to see more of out of people. “I had fun. It was more fun than the people who just go ‘ding-ding,’ and it almost seems like forced labor,” she said. “I took it an extra step — bloom where you’re planted. It’s like that old hippie song goes, ‘Try everything once, and things you like twice.”

Bell-ringers are a familiar sight across West Michigan during the holidays.

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10/13/21 4:12 PM

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Would you consider donating to Exalta Would you consider donating toExalta Exalta Would you consider Would Would you donating consider you consider toseason donating Exalta donating Would you consider donating to Exalta Health during the of to giving? Please Donate to Exalta Health to to Exalta Health during the season of giving? Health during Health theHealth season duringwho during the of giving? season theyour season ofsupport. giving? of giving?Health during the season of giving? assist those need For more information call us at For more information callour us at 616-474-8475 or visit For more information For more For call information more us at information call us at us at For more information call us at 616-474-8475 or visit ourcall website at exaltahealth.org 616-474-8475 616-474-8475 or visit 616-474-8475 or visit or ourvisit our 616-474-8475 or visit our website atour exaltahealth.org

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website at exaltahealth.org

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10/12/21 10:12 AM

WELLNESS

Weathering the storm WOOD-TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer opens up in new book. BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE CUPPY

West Michigan knows Terri DeBoer as the morning meteorologist on WOOD-TV8, letting us know each day about the rain, wind, snow, storms and sunshine coming our way. Now she can add “book author” to her weather report with “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest,” releasing in early November and published by Morgan James. She’s been forecasting the weather for decades, but she couldn’t forecast how she’d feel when her last child left for college in 2016. After 30 years of raising kids — attending their numerous school, church and sports events — and being there for them 24 hours a day, suddenly she went from too many responsibilities and too little time to too much time on GR M AG .CO M

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look + feel / wellness

her hands with too few things to do. “The empty nest was a punch in the gut. I didn’t expect to feel so sad,” she said. “I thrive on having a lot of stuff to do, but I felt like nobody needed me anymore.” So, as all avid readers do, she looked for books on the topic of dealing with the empty nest. She wanted to know if her feelings were normal. Did other mothers feel this way? Would the sadness end? Would she ever feel normal again? She found some comfort in a few of the books she read, but they weren’t what she wanted. “I set out to write the book I wanted to

read,” said DeBoer, who confesses to having started writing maybe 10 books over the years that all had offered metaphors on weather and life. “But I didn’t really have a driver for those books. I needed to have a pain point, something personal.” The feelings of loss, loneliness and lack of purpose provided the pain points DeBoer needed to finally get serious about writing. She attended an event in 2018 at Baker Book House featuring author and actor Candace Cameron Bure, where she met several local authors and Tom Dean, Zondervan publicist for Cameron Bure. She took Dean’s card and set it on her

DeBoer holds a photo of her children, now all out of the nest.

“The empty nest was a punch in the gut. I didn’t expect to feel so sad,” she said. “I thrive on having a lot of stuff to do, but I felt like nobody needed me anymore.” Terri DeBoer

desk, where “it stared at me every day I went into my office.” Finally, in January 2020, she decided to write the book and contacted Dean, who explained the publishing process to her. He eventually brought the proposal to Zondervan, which offered her a contract. But because of changes within the company, DeBoer’s contract was canceled (along with a good number of others) and she got the edited manuscript and rights to the book back. Dean, meanwhile, had left Zondervan and started the literary agency A Drop of Ink. He helped DeBoer secure a publishing 36

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Empty nest: What’s next? Terri DeBoer, author of “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest,” offers advice to others experiencing the ups and downs of a newly empty nest. 1. Know that the children you raised to be independent, selfconfident adults will likely leave you. But when they leave, they aren’t going away from you but toward their new lives. “If we do our jobs right, they are becoming independent adults,” said DeBoer. 2. Give yourself a whole year — go through all the stages and seasons — to experience the emotions that go with an empty nest, knowing that after about a year you’ll come to a new reality. “I had such deep emotions because I loved being a mother,” she said.

DeBoer sits at her computer, "Brighter Skies Ahead" is a look at her new life as an empty nester.

agreement with Morgan James. “All the relationships I made along the way made the book better,” said DeBoer. “Everyone who touched it had a new insight.” DeBoer, thanks to a suggestion by Baker Book House Executive Vice President Sue Smith, also has written the “Brighter Skies Ahead Companion Journal,” releasing at the same time as the book. The journal is divided into three sections: 50 pages of journaling prompts that coincide with the 50 chapters in “Brighter Skies Ahead,” prompts to write letters to yourself at different ages, and a Why I Write section in which guests talk about the importance of recording the moments of your life. There is much space to write and record thoughts throughout. She’s also working on a devotional to accompany the book and journal. Naturally, the book contains much symbolism related to weather, something DeBoer realized early on is a metaphor for life. “There is a rhythm to life like there is a rhythm to the weather. The atmosphere is in a state of constant change and sometimes storms happen. Most of the time we see them coming, but sometimes not,” she BOOK COURTESY OF MORGAN JAMES PUBLISHING

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said. “Life is that way, too. We can plan and prepare and think we’re ready for what’s next, but sometimes we’re not ready.” She’s eager for readers to understand that “when you feel sad or empty, it’s a temporary time of transition. Life is so much like the weather — it can be stormy, rainy, windy or just great. You’re not going to like every kind of weather, but it’s always temporary,” said DeBoer. “I also want readers to reconnect with who they were before they filled up the nest. To not let those empty nest days turn into empty weeks, months and years.” She also points out that people have the tendency to look back on life and think it’s better or easier than it really was. “If we spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror, we don’t experience life in the present,” she said. Which is why she focused on writing “Brighter Skies Ahead.” “I just couldn’t let another year go by without writing it,” DeBoer said.

Join the party WOOD-TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer will talk about and sign copies of “Brighter Skies Ahead” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Baker Book House, 2768 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Books and the companion journal will be available for purchase. DeBoer also will greet readers and sign books on Nov. 16 at Myrtle Mae’s Chic Boutique Ladies Night, inside Harder & Warner Landscaping, 6464 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Caledonia. Visit www.terrideboer. com for more details on upcoming events.

3. Ask yourself what you like to do and what you have always wanted to learn. “I always wanted to write a book, learn to play the piano, learn to juggle and do the Rubik’s cube,” DeBoer said. Think about volunteering at a church, a preschool, a nursing home, etc. 4. Get moving. DeBoer encourages emptynesters to take long walks, go to the gym and walk the many trails in the area. “When you’re out there walking with the many people on the trails, you realize you’re not alone,” she said.

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look + feel / style

Sara Bower takes a cozy approach to her Christmas decorating —while keeping an eye on her rescue cats.

STYLE

Cozy holiday style Soft French décor gets an upgrade for the holiday season. BY PASHA SHIPP

// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

For Sara Bower, managing director of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, it’s all about aesthetics. No matter the season, her home is bathed in shades of ivory and warm, earthy tones with charming accents scattered throughout. But come Nov. 1, Bower is armed with balsam scent sticks and glitter, ready to adorn every nook and cranny in her chic space with Christmas cheer. Bower dishes about her holiday hacks, personal style and more: How would you define your style? I gravitate toward a lot of white and that femme, French, cozy aesthetic, and definitely for Christmas I’m the same way. Christmas 38

is like, ‘Oh, yeah, another excuse for gold glitter everywhere — yes, please!’ What are you most inspired by when decorating for Christmas? It’s the fantasy of ‘The Nutcracker,’ but you probably wouldn’t guess that from the way I do my decorations. Someday when I have a beautiful manor house that I inherited from a mysterious wealthy uncle in Germany, then I will go all out, like, ‘Wow, this is certainly very Nutcrackeresque.’ There’s that Old World mystery of somewhere between fantasy and curated, dramatic, theatrical brightness that I really like.

What are your favorite holiday hacks? I own two very naughty little rescue cats who are my angels in every regard except when it comes to Christmas setup. I read once that if you have pets that like to get into Christmas décor, the best thing to do is not put things up around them. It makes them curious about the process of it all. Instead, remove them, get everything decked out and then bring them back a day later, and it works! Once in a while, they go over if I keep something really tempting at the bottom of the tree, but otherwise it’s like they go, ‘Oh,’ and then they move on. Any go-to destinations for gift-getting? There’s one in Hastings called Alfresco. They sell coffee and the most wonderful little books and kitchenware — just adorable gifts that bring a certain romanticism to whatever it is you’re doing. It’s been a real major goal of mine the past couple of years, as I’ve started new chapters, to live out small moments in beautiful, curated ways and try to bring that level of artistry and appreciation to everyday life.

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EXCELLENCE HAS A NEW NAME

Sara Bower aims to keep things bright while the winter outside stays dreary. For gifts, she heads to Alfresco in Hastings.

"I gravitate toward a lot of white and that femme, French, cozy aesthetic ..."

Upholding our legacy of innovation, we deliver progressive healthcare to our patients that best serves our community. As part of one of the nation’s top-rated health systems, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is now University of Michigan Health-West.

Sara Bower

UofMHealthWest.org

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10/14/21 9:38 AM

C E L E B R A T I O N S Whatever your beliefs or ethnicity, there’s something for you in Grand Rapids.

By Sam Easter

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is important to almost everyone in West Michigan, but not everyone celebrates in the same way. The term “holidays” means different things to different people, but for the most part it’s a chance to enjoy the company of family and friends while honoring traditions and making lifelong memories.

Christmas (trees) around the world

Roberta Craig has been volunteering at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park for 17 years and has helped with Christmas celebrations for most of them. In fact, she remembers when the menagerie of Christmas trees — a holiday staple at the Gardens — were still real, actual trees. They’d get dry and brittle, and they’d have to be swapped out during offhours to sustain the hot, bright lights. “I don't know if it was a fire code, but they wanted them taken down and put back up with a fresher, live tree," Craig said, recalling a flurry of prep work to make sure they were changed on time for the next round of guests. “So that was always quite a hustle.” This holiday season, the trees — now artificial — are back for yet another year at the Gardens. The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions returns, with dozens of themed Christmas trees from around the world and more — set to run from Nov. 23 to Jan. 2 at the Gardens’ campus on East Beltline Avenue. “We have a beloved railway garden, and we have a spectacular outdoor light display,” said Lisa Roo, lead designer and project manager with the Gardens. “And then we have the Christmas trees and cultural displays — 27 Christmas trees and 15 cultural displays.” As usual, they run an impressive gamut. Roo passes along a list of expected trees at this year’s event, including an American Indian tree, a Canadian tree, trees decorated in the style and culture of Lithuania, Ireland, Spain, the Middle East and Belize. Cultural displays, likewise, are set for Kwanzaa, Eid ul-Fitr and more. Set for the spotlight, Roo said, is the tree from Austria. “A lot of famous composers came from TREES, TRAIN DEAN VANDIS

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The Christmas tree exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an annual staple for many in West Michigan.

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Mel Trotter Ministries provides hundreds of people with holiday meals during November and December.

Austria, and so we have objects that represent music,” Roo said, like music books and violins and an ornament honoring the Austrian chapel where Silent Night was first sung. “And a lot of gold and gilding to be reminiscent of some of the architecture there.” Another beloved tree is German-themed, in honor of Lena Meijer, a matriarch in the Gardens’ namesake family. Roo recalls it has a small pickle ornament, according to German tradition — in which the first child to find it either receives a special gift or opens the first Christmas present. Marge LaBreck is another longtime volunteer with the Gardens. Among her favorites is the Ukraine tree, which in past years has referenced an Eastern European folk tale of an old widow and her children. In the hours before Christmas morning, the story goes, a spider draped the tree in webbing that turned to silver at first light — lifting the family out of poverty on Christmas morning. LaBreck said she particularly likes the cobweb decorations that have often marked the tree at the Gardens. But, she said, she also likes plenty of other parts of the celebration that range far beyond Christianity — to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. "If we understand other cultures, how they celebrate, then we have a better way of communicating with them,” she said. “I think it's important for us to learn more about other cultures, and then we can be more understanding.” Special events and performances are 42

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DINNER COURTESY MEL TROTTER MINISTRIES

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scheduled at the Gardens on Tuesdays leading up to Christmas, like Dickensera carolers and visits from Santa Claus. Samuel Nalagria will perform Ugandan music on those evenings as well. More information on the displays and event schedule are available on the Gardens’ website, meijergardens.org. And, as always, LaBreck said, one of the best parts of helping make the event happen is seeing what it means to its youngest guests. "It's magical,” LaBreck said of the Gardens’ celebrations. “That's the only way I can describe it. “To watch the children's faces, when they come in and they feel the lights and all the trees.”

Mel Trotter’s feast for all

If you’d like to know how Mel Trotter Ministries pulls off its annual Thanksgiving dinner — filling up a huge space at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids — you could do a lot worse than the classic iceberg metaphor. There are months of preparation beforehand that guests never see, including an all-consuming push that marshals hundreds of volunteers to set hundreds of tables for hungry guests. Dawn Kaltenberg-VanHorn, a volunteer coordinator with Mel Trotter, knows all about it. She’s worn different hats over the years but has helped make the meal a success since 2019. “The event itself is really two hours — not even a full day,” she said of this coming year. “But it’s months of planning ... as it gets closer and closer, we’re meeting every two weeks, every week. The event coordinator and I are kind of behind the scenes, working endless hours on it from about August on.” This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 25, served to members of the community free of charge. The event is designed not just for the needy, but to help build a local sense of community, too; no registration is needed, and guests can simply show up at DeVos Place. “It’s amazing. It takes up almost the whole DeVos Place,” Kaltenberg-VanHorn said, describing about 144 tables that cover the main concourse plus nearby space as well, ready for a parade of volunteers. “If you’re ever in a room with 600, 700 (people), with everybody wearing the MENORAH COURTESY CHABAD HOUSE

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same outfit — it was just a sea of blue of everybody in these volunteer shirts. It was a really fun experience,” KaltenbergVanHorn said, recalling earlier years. “And then to see the guests, the community people, coming in, and volunteers serving and interacting (with them) — it’s a really neat time to be a part of.” Mel Trotter also is hosting its annual Turkey Drop on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — that’s Nov. 17 — where people can come to Celebration Cinema’s north and south locations and donate frozen turkeys to help feed the community. The annual DeVos Place dinner fills an important need in Kent County — one that COVID-19 has only deepened. The most recent federal statistics put the childhood poverty rate at nearly 15% pre-pandemic. Since then, the virus has brought nearly 18 months of economic tumult. Job loss has been followed by stimulus and boosted unemployment, but as Mel Trotter Chief Advancement Officer Beth Fisher points out, the end of a federal eviction moratorium will pose an extraordinary challenge for a number of local renters.

Last year, the dinner had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus infections spiked to all-time highs during last year’s holiday season, forcing the event to stay at the Mel Trotter mission’s downtown location along Commerce Avenue, directly serving food to a much smaller group while working with Kids’ Food Basket to get donated food to pantries throughout the area. And concerns about COVID-19 still, of course, persist. Michigan’s coronavirus numbers had tapered with the rest of the country’s this spring but have surged in recent months. In the early fall, those figures were still far below last year’s spike — but a spike in infections could still force changes in the event. “Our expectations, I would say, are laced with an underlying sense of hope,” Fisher said. “We hope that we absolutely will be back in person this year, as we greatly missed it last year. “What we expect, I think it’s what everybody else does in West Michigan. We expect that we should probably plan for a contingency plan, hoping that we won’t

Each year, the Chabad House of West Michigan lights a giant menorah to celebrate Hanukkah. GR M AG .CO M

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The last candle on a kinara shines bright.

need to use it.” The day is an opportunity not just to meet a material need, Fisher said. It’s also a chance to connect with people who might not always have the opportunity — especially amid the isolation of a pandemic. So even though COVID-19 looms, she’s hopeful the event can go off at DeVos Place as planned this year. “It would provide an incredible sense of continued hope,” Fisher said. “I think it would restore hope, and so many of us who have potentially struggled to have it throughout last year, and I think it would provide us with a sense of normalcy, and ... a chance to reconnect in ways we were unable to last year. “And ultimately, that’s why we exist. We exist to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus every single day. We know that Jesus 44

spent time in community with people. That’s what we’ve all been longing to do, and hopefully we’re able to do it.”

Hanukkah on the Calder

The menorah is big. Extremely big. It’s in two pieces but put together it's easily four times as tall as Rabbi Yosef Weingarten, who's sporting a white beard and a yarmulke in the lot behind Chabad House of West Michigan, where the menorah is stored behind the parking lot. The synagogue — and the decades-old gigantic menorah — are tucked along Michigan Street in northwest Grand Rapids. But come November, Chabad House will haul it out to Calder Square, where they'll mark eight days of Hanukkah in the city's most public space, reminding

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the community what it means to celebrate the Jewish holiday. In case you don't recall: Hanukkah marks the “miracle of the oil,” after Hebrews successfully revolted and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem in the 100s B.C. One day of oil to light lamps miraculously lasted for eight — hence the days-long celebration observed today. “Everybody should learn that God can perform miracles then and even now,” Weingarten said. “That's why we light it on public property.” It's a years-old tradition. Sitting with his daughter Rivka, Chabad's program director, the two remember that their menorah dates to the 1980s. Rivka has pictures of its early days, and she laughs together with her father when they point to him, sporting a much darker beard, in fading pictures — the menorah tilted on its side in what looks to be a sepia-toned machine shop. This year, the menorah is scheduled for a "grand lighting" at 5 p.m. Nov. 28. They're hoping it's just as memorable as years past. For the last six or seven years, Rivka recalls, Chabad House has held an annual Hanukkah event at Calder Square — with music and entertainment and more — alongside observances and lamp-lightings lasting the duration of the holiday. The mayor has offered remarks; firefighters have climbed to the top of their tall ladders and tossed gelt (chocolate coins) and small toys to kids. Yes, Rivka confirms: This public display is a huge hit with the children. The pandemic has made for strange times at Chabad House, though. The rabbi, standing in the back lot, points over to parking spaces where he said the very first COVID-era service at Chabad was held in a parking lot full of cars. The Torah, he remembers, was brought out to meet them. As Weingarten says: It's important to adapt. The same is true of Chabad House's Hanukkah service. In 2020, the synagogue had all its attendees line up in a row of cars decorated for Hanukkah. One of them, Rivka laughs as she remembers, had a huge inflatable dreidel on top. With a police escort, they all paraded down to Ottawa Avenue —across from the Calder and City Hall — and tuned their radios in to a tiny local broadcast. Such is adaptation in the age of COVID-19. Rivka was speaking months before the holiday season, but she said it was already time to get ready. There’s plenty to get done ahead KINARA ISTOCK/ AVAILABLELIGHT

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of a big event — coordinating the donuts and the latkes (oil-fried treats, in observance of the holiday) and booking musical acts and all the other details that make an event a success. During COVID-19, Rivka said, it’s hard to know who will be available. It’s a special joy to see the event succeed amid the pandemic, though. Last year’s event, which brought out maybe 150 people, stands out. “It was amazing. It was amazing to see people. It was amazing to get out, to celebrate the holiday and celebrate Jewish pride,” Rivka said. “Because that's what I consider that event downtown as — Jewish pride. And I think it's amazing to see how many people come out to that. Last year especially, but in past years, too. “And to see non-Jewish people out there to support us and showing that they care and that they're proud to be friends of Jews. That means a lot.”

Kwanzaa celebrates community

The “one-stop culture shop,” as Jewellynne Richardson calls it, is nestled along Eastern Avenue in southeast Grand Rapids, stuck to the side of a hair place. It’s full of the passion she has for Black and African culture — a stack of drums, earrings splashed with green, yellow and red, and a small poster of broken shackles. “No child under 13 shall be handcuffed,” it reads, “unless under extreme circumstances.” She’s sitting down to explain it all after tending to clients next door. “What I’ve learned is, for Blacks, the only two safe spaces that have been traditional over the years have been churches and hair shops,” she said. “That’s where we can go and we can be who we are.” Richardson is the artistic director and a founding member of West Michigan Jewels of Africa, one of multiple groups helping bring Kwanzaa to life in Grand Rapids this year. To hear Richardson tell it, it’s a week of celebrating Black identity and building Black community. “Juneteenth is (not just) a holiday, but is a way we live,” she said, referring to the annual celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. “Kwanzaa is a holiday, but it’s not a religious holiday. “It’s a celebration, it’s a festival.” Richardson said this year, a concert kicks off the week of Kwanzaa on Dec. 26 at St. Mary’s Temple of Peace Spiritual

Church, at 1106 Sheldon Ave. SE. The night starts at 5 p.m. with an artists market, followed by a soul food dinner, and capped with a concert at 7 p.m. Donations are encouraged at the concert. Throughout Kwanzaa, Richardson said, there will be a continuing celebration of Black businesses along the Eastern Avenue corridor, with a regular fellowship at 6 p.m. nightly outside the culture shop at 1541 Eastern Ave. SE., with a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony. This year, after the tumult of 2020, there’s a special historical resonance to Kwanzaa. The holiday was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a Black Studies professor at California State University, in the wake of the Watts Riots — a Black uprising that began with a police traffic stop that consumed Los Angeles for days. Kwanzaa, created to help unite the African American community, revolves around seven key principles and seven symbols celebrated across seven nights — like unity, self-determination and creativity, or an ear of corn, crops and seven candles. Richardson calls it an affirming event for Black Americans — an act of reclaiming common culture. That’s just as much true after last year’s difficult season of uprisings after the murder of George Floyd. Within a week of Floyd’s death, for example, downtown Grand Rapids was convulsed by rioting (the aftermath has seen Grand Rapids police promise reforms meant to make the department more community-oriented). “The importance of this concert is to let (people) know that we are forever surviving and evolving,” Richardson said. “Kwanzaa lives beyond us. That’s what it’s about. It’s about living beyond the tragedy of George Floyd. Standing up proud and saying ‘We know these tragic things happen … and we have always been overcomers. And we will overcome this.” “Baba” Kevin Collins is CEO of the African Drum and Dance Parent Association, a Flint-based group. WMJOA is a subsidiary, he said; the association, of which Richardson is also a leader, is helping make Grand Rapids Kwanzaa celebrations happen. "it has really grown (over) many years,” he said. “We know a lot of people didn't used to celebrate Kwanzaa, but it's growing. You've got a lot of churches and organizations finding out that this brings people together.” GR M AG .CO M

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The

beverage evolution of Grand Rapids by P A T E VA N S

photography by STACY F EY E R- SA LO

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Four years is a long time in the world of beverages

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itch Ermatinger has been a pretty solid indicator of the Grand Rapids beverage scene, at least for me. In 2017, Ermatinger opened the doors to Speciation Artisan Ales, a brewery that helped push Grand Rapids to a new level of Beer City. His business model was one seen in other more developed beer communities. Speciation’s sour beers and monthly releases attracted interest from beer lovers across the globe. It also spurred some doubt from people who already were worried Grand Rapids’ beer industry had, perhaps, jumped the shark. At the time, I was roughly two years removed from writing “Grand Rapids Beer: An Intoxicating History,” and regularly covered the industry for the Grand Rapids Business Journal and hosted a segment on WZZM 13. Ermatinger’s arrival back to West Michigan — he had moved to and worked in the thriving beer industry in Denver — excited me. While I loved the breweries and beer available in West Michigan, his push to bring a hypegenerating brewery to Grand Rapids was a piece of what was missing to spur even more attention locally. “I see successful breweries in California and Colorado booming with a focus on sour and wild beers,” Ermatinger told me when he first moved back in 2016 with plans for Speciation. “I saw a super-passionate customer base in Grand Rapids and a hole in the market, with no one focusing solely on wild and sour beers, and that’s what I’m going to do and hope that works out.” Sure, I was certainly one of its biggest fans; the city had been declared Beer City USA and was home to one of the nation’s largest breweries, but I knew there could be more. I even wrote in the pages of this magazine how I thought there was too much focus on Michigan-made beers at GR bars and if we were to know where we really measured up, we needed to try the best from the rest of the world, too. Speciation opened, and Ermatinger’s beer hit many of the right notes. It opened the eyes of beer lovers in the city to a creative brewer and beers, it helped shed light on the city for some in the world who felt West Michigan didn’t have breweries already pushing boundaries (hint: it certainly did) and won awards like many others in the city already had. “The future of craft beer is in small breweries that either focus

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Baseball & beers Mitten Brewing: "Three Strikes, You're Oat" brown ale, "Basil's Loaded" sour ale with strawberry, watermelon, and basil, "Ty Cobbler"sour with peaches, cinnamon, and vanilla.

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on one or two styles or serve the local population with a good variety of quality beers,” Ermatinger told me in 2017, when I wrote about his business and the state of Grand Rapids beer for GRBJ. “Not every new brewery needs to have a niche business model or product, but I think it’s kind of inevitable that it will happen in the bigger cities. “You can already see this happening here and other beer cities like Denver, San Francisco, Portland and Asheville.” As he was pushing his brewery to great heights and other breweries in West Michigan kept pace, distilleries, cideries and cocktail bars all started to thrive in the market as well. It also was in 2017 when I uprooted my life and moved to Las Vegas. That summer, I embarked on a life of freelance, mostly about the food and beverage industries — including beer — across the country.

A beautiful shade of red. Eastern Kille: "Beets by Sean" Ingredients are Eastern Kille Dry Gin, beet, Fuji apple, savory syrup, lemon, smoking rosemary

A LIFE WITH LIGHTS Las Vegas was a fantastic place to live, a surprise to me. I was never one to wish for a trip to Sin City, so when my girlfriend (now wife) got a job with the NHL expansion team the Vegas Golden Knights, I thought I was set to move to a place with little that could excite my passions. Before leaving Grand Rapids, several farewell meetings with GRBJ sources led to questions like, “What are you going to do for beer?” Suffice to say, Las Vegas does not have the best reputation in the beer world. Before moving, however, I signed a book deal to write about Nevada’s beer history. It quickly ingratiated me into a beer scene that might be tighter than the one here. Its reputation undersells the amazing beer being produced in the barren state. For the most part, southern Nevada lacked the familiar atmosphere of the traditional brewery taproom seen in Michigan and other top-tier beer markets. The friendly nature of brewers in the city made me miss the brewing industry of Michigan from the early 2010s. When I left GR, I felt the city becoming elitist, with arrogant and sometimes dismissive cliquishness. It made me long for when I first started exploring the world of beer. I quickly became a fan of Nevada’s beer scene and a voice advocating for the state’s brewers in national publications. I also had the privilege of writing a chef Q&A column for a local magazine and traveling the country to various breweries and distilleries, seeing some of the best producers and establishments in the world. When we moved westward, we had no idea when we’d back to Michigan. We figured it’d come eventually, and if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, it still might not have happened. This spring, however, we decided it was time to come home. The four years were incredible. It included a very hard start (I moved to the city a month before the worst mass shooting in U.S. history), but the Golden Knights’ magical first season helped bring that community together in an incredible way and ensured I’ll never be without a piece of Nevada in my heart. It was hard to peel ourselves away from the world-class cocktail bars and restaurants in Las Vegas (seriously, if you need recommendations, feel free to reach out! Stay off the Strip!), but it was great to be headed home.

BY N O M E A N S I S THIS A DEFINITIVE NEIGHBORHOOD DRINKING GUIDE TO GRAND RAPIDS, BUT I T L AYS O U T Q U I C K ST O P S I N T I G H T ST R E T C H E S AC RO S S T OW N W I T H S O M E O F T H E F I N E ST E STA B L I S H M E N T S W E ST M I C H I GA N HAS TO OFFER.

Fulton Street A quick trip to the neighborhood by the Fulton Street Farmers Market can be a great place to catch a pre- or post-dinner drink. You can even start the day with a trip to the Madcap facility. For one of the best cocktail lineups in the city, stop by Buffalo Traders Lounge. For a unique look at wines and amaros, step next door at Post Off. Head down Fuller Avenue for a visit to Pux Cider.

BAC K T O W E ST M I C H I GA N Along with occasional trips back, I had been paying attention to the West Michigan beverage scene and how it was evolving. Of course, when you’re not somewhere regularly, it’s hard to really know what’s changing, particularly for the better. GR M AG .CO M

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Local showcase Sovengard: "Walk in the Woods" Ingredients are Long Road Aquavit, Montenegro, Creme de Cassis, blackberry shrub, dill garnish

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Michigan take on a classic Long Road: Michigan Negroni Ingredients are Michigan Gin (juniper harvested on Beaver Island), Amarro Pazzo, Nocino (green walnut liqueur similar to sweet vermouth), orange peel garnish. All ingredients are Long Road products. GR M AG .CO M

Wealthy Street A stone’s throw from Cherry Street, The Meanwhile starts a westward push to some tasty stops. Speciation Artisan Ales and Native Species Winery call this stretch of Wealthy home, helping push West Michigan beverage makers to innovate. Down a bit further, Donkey mixes up tasty margaritas and palomas, while The Winchester is a nice place to cap a night off with a pint.

Michigan Street

Logan’s Alley maintains one of the best beer lists in Grand Rapids, which is crazy because just down the street is 7 Monks Taproom, also carrying some of the best beers in town — and a tasting room for Detroit’s Two James Distillery. Pop down the block and you’ll fine some of the coziest bars in town, especially on football game days, at spots like Duke's Bar, Bob’s Sports Bar, Farah’s and Birch Lodge.

So, I figured it’d be a good time to explore how the city has changed in the past four years. I made some calls, sent some messages and connected with some of the people I trust most when it comes to drinking in Grand Rapids. Of course, the first call went to Mitch Ermatinger. His drinking habits, while still owning Speciation, have completely shifted. Despite the brewery’s world-renowned reputation, he no longer drinks beer. He’s shifted to wine and cider, thanks to a celiac diagnosis in 2019. He had largely moved off of beer production at Speciation, so little changed in the excellence of the beer. But he also shifted Speciation into wine production, and thus Native Species Winery was born. He hasn’t had a “proper glutenous beer” since 2019, but that’s OK because of how the city is evolving. “The biggest thing is the offerings have diversified a lot, even outside of beer,” he said. “Whereas seltzer was completely frowned upon by beer people, it’s widely embraced now across the spectrum of brewers and consumers. But also the general interest in non-beer stuff has increased, with wine being one of those. And non-alcoholic things, like THC-infused and CBD drinks. “Those have all kind of surged and gained a lot of attention lately.” Ermatinger told me about his favorite places to drink now, one of which is a cidery I was very high on as I left Grand Rapids: Farmhaus Cider. The old farmhouse setting in Hudsonville is an incredible place to enjoy a hard cider. “Such an amazing location, a great job with service, styles and the cider is just ridiculous,” he said. He also likes Pux Cider, a nice little spot on Fuller Avenue NE, near Michigan Street. It’s been a nice stop for me in close proximity to my house. “It reminds me of the classic brewpub taprooms that made me fall in love with craft beer … small, intimate and doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Ermatinger said. But then he mentioned a place I had yet to visit: Post Off, a natural wine and amaro bar connected to Buffalo Traders Lounge on Fulton Street. Buffalo Traders was new as I was preparing to leave West Michigan.

Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant: "Brambles" Blackberry Lactose IPA and "The Highlands" Saison with lemon peel and cherry blossom

P O ST O F F A S A N I N D I C AT O R Following dinner one night in September, my wife and I made an impromptu stop at Post Off after my chat with Ermatinger. Behind the bar was Rob Hanks, director of operations for a group of establishments that includes Post Off, Buffalo Traders, Side Bar and Big O’ Café. Hanks was once bar manager at Reserve, where I first met him and wrote about a looming cocktail renaissance for GRBJ in early 2017. That initial push was in part heralded in by the emergence of two great distilleries within the city: Long Road Distillers and Eastern Kille, both distilleries making delicious spirits and serving them up in-house with incredible cocktail menus. While in Post Off, Hanks was succinct in his summation of how he felt the drinks scene had changed the past four years. He compared it to the natural progression of what people historically made, and then drank, and related it to that. It starts with fermented products: In the simplest terms, beer and wine. Then we go to distilled spirits. And then bartenders can play with different ingredients to create. All of these are a form of art in their own right. And for Grand Rapidians, that all tracks pretty well. We started with beer, and we

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With a twist Buffalo Traders': "The Blinker"- Rye, grapefruit juice, pomegranate grenadine, absinthe rinse, splash of soda, grapefruit twist garnish

Beer is king in Grand Rapids Founders: "KBS" Kentucy Bourbon Stout, "All Day IPA"

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loved beer. Now, it’s time to branch out. Consumers are finding the flavors in different beverages they like, and they leverage that to expand their horizons and find the spirits, wines and ciders that hit their palates right. It’s not all that different from what happened with coffee. Grand Rapids has a world-class coffee scene. That really started with people realizing they liked more than Folgers in their cup, but maybe they sought a little more than Pike Place. It’s the same with alcoholic beverages. And that’s how a place like Post Off can make a go with a selection of amaros, which are herbal liqueurs, because so many flavor profiles can be hit in an interesting way. And now the American beverage industry is heavy into amaros, so don’t be surprised if they find their way into starring roles on more cocktail menus. They’ve always been around (Aperol spritzs, anyone?), but they’re starting to shine on a new path of exploration. (One of my favorites, by the way, is Nocino, a walnut liqueur. It’s particularly tasty on cold, winter evenings. And Long Road makes a pretty mean Nocino.) But the local alcohol scene is about more than just the products. It’s figuring out where to buy things and how to support more makers. Founders Brewing put this city on the beer map. It’s a place nearly all beer lovers want to visit, much the same way they’ll travel the country to makes stops at Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Hill Farmstead or even Anheuser Busch’s massive breweries. It’s still a place Grand Rapidians can visit and feel at home, but it’s not exactly a cozy taproom that makes it feel like everybody knows your name. Not anymore, at least. Instead, with breweries, distilleries and cideries within walking distance of most neighborhoods in the city, it’s certainly broken down to drinking where you know where your money is going. Restaurants in the past four years have ramped up their cocktail offerings and wine selections, with the intention of drawing the eyes of thirsty patrons with an elevated taste. A perfect example has been The Sovengard, a place with a focus on quality beer, spirits and wine from across the globe. After our brief discussion, I told Hanks his distillation of the situation made sense and certainly the path I’ve taken as a drinker and drinks writer. I also told him he seemed to be on par with Ermatinger. Hanks gave a fist pump as though he felt he got the answer right. How do you like dem apples Vandermill Cider: "Barrel Aged Totally Roasted" cider and "Raspberry Zero" cider (made with no added sugar)

B E E R C I T Y ST I L L RO C K S There has been lots of really great beer in Grand Rapids for years. And it just continues to pour out of the taps. Breweries like Founders, New Holland and Jolly Pumpkin long have been stalwarts in the brewing world and continue to be. The breweries that opened at the crest of the last major wave, around 2012, continue to fill their valuable roles, the likes of Mitten Brewing, Harmony Brewing, Rockford Brewing and Perrin Brewing. The cast of stylistic breweries continue to provide a great variety of options for those who seek something specific, like Brewery Vivant’s French- and Belgian-inspired brews and Cedar Springs Brewing’s German focus. Cedar Springs, by the way, is prepping a Grand Rapids West Side outpost that cuts straight to my heart, Küsterer Brauhaus, named for the first major brewer in the city. But it’s two breweries from the last five years that are making waves in the beer world right now. It was Speciation and City Built Brewing that were named

Cherry Street

Pop into my all-time favorite bar in Grand Rapids, the Pickwick Tavern. The cash-only bar has been cranking since the 1930s. Next door, Leon & Son Wine is a place to grab a bottle of wine for your next gathering. Down the street, Brewery Vivant crushes it out of the park with its Belgian- and French-inspired beers, serving it up with great food. Across the street, The Green Well has a great selection of beer, wine and cocktails.

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Leonard Street

A legitimate hot corner, the Mitten Brewing Co., Long Road Distillers and People’s Cider Co. serve up delicious beer, spirits and cider.

Bridge Street

Dash down Seward Avenue to Bridge Street and a whole world of options opens. Harmony Hall at one end anchors a tight, 0.2 mile stretch of beverage options. One Bourbon keeps a wide array of whiskies on hand, while you walk a bit east and you find Grand Rapids staples like Anchor and O’Toole’s Public House. Grab some mead from Arktos Meadery or stop in for an eclectic beer and cocktail list at The Sovengard or Butcher’s Union. Jolly Pumpkin serves up some of the United States’ finest beers, while New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker anchoes the other end of perhaps the best beverage neighborhood in Grand Rapids. 60

to “The 34 Hottest Breweries in America Right Now” list in the cultural publication Thrillist. While certainly not a final authority on the topic, Thrillist naming two Grand Rapids breweries to that list shows this city has something going for it when it comes to beer. When it comes to even newer breweries making excellent beer, City Built CEO Edwin Collazo gives a nod to Arvon Brewing Co. (“They just do a good job, really solid with everything they try to do.”) and Archival Brewing Co., a brewery in Belmont that focuses on making historic beer styles. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a lot of things up in the air and it changed the models of a lot of hospitality establishments in Grand Rapids — and around the globe. The pandemic put an added focus on offering packaged beer to go and providing a comfortable and safe place people could visit. In my conversations shaping this piece, I reached out to Steph Harding, owner of drinks content company Drinkible. “Obviously things have changed. Half of that is during a pandemic, it brought out a lot of things — I don’t want to judge anyone — but when you have to hustle, things come to light that maybe you weren’t doing well,” Harding said. “But it also brought out the best in people, and how they handle their business. “Grand Rapids is known as having a great beer community to begin with and the pandemic made everyone lock arms, keeping themselves and everyone else a float.” Harding echoed a lot of similar sentiments when it came to what has changed in consumer habits. She said breweries have started to partner with distilleries to offer a line of spirits and cocktails, while they’re also making seltzers, wines and ciders, or serving others’ products, to make sure anyone who walks into a taproom has an option. G R A N D R A P I D S G ROW N U P When I left Grand Rapids, I was covering the major developments that now help shape downtown. I was a real estate and development reporter, so I covered the beginnings of projects like Studio Park, Warner Place and the expansion of the MSU Research Center facilities. Upon my return, most of those projects were completed or growing beyond original expansions. Traffic is increasing and neighborhoods development is sprawling, for better and worse. Before I left, I was excited to see what Grand Rapids could become. By the time I got back, I found it has grown up quite a bit. And so, too, has the beverage scene here. There are multiple neighborhoods that one could spend days getting to know. COVID-19 has caused a lot of businesses to struggle, so it’s important to support the ones you love on a regular basis. But the growth also should make you wonder what’s next door, then wander in and likely find a nice server or bartender who can help you on your journey. “COVID has shaken all this stuff up … we cannot predict anything at all; business is very sporadic,” Ermatinger said. “People have to shift plans a lot, but it seems like Grand Rapids has embraced it. It’s like we’re trying to grow up and be a big city in some ways. At least embracing the best parts of big cities. “I like the direction it’s heading. It’s a small-town feel that you run into the people that you want to see when you’re out and about, but there’s still enough cool stuff you never get bored.” The same can be said for the city’s beverage scene.

Wine coming in hot Reserve: Wine2018 Chinon "Cuveé Terrior" Charles Joguet

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TOP

Dentists 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCK

The following pages contain the Dentists in adult and pediatric specialties, as voted by their peers.

Disclaimer: Top Dentists and are nominated exclusively by other licenced and active dentists in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Muskegon counties. Winning dentists are not selected by any member of the Grand Rapids Magazine staff. Dentists’ names and specialties are taken from an online survey submitted by dentists. Professional Research Services (PRS), located in Troy, Mich., tabulates the votes and fact-checks names and information of winners.

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Top Dentists «

Chambers Dental 6200 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949 4650 | chambersdental.com

Dentistry doesn’t have to be scary or painful. Dr. Randall Chambers, owner of Chambers Dental, says his team strives to create a calm, relaxing environment and deliver personalized, compassionate care. Dr. Chambers opened his practice in 2001 and has more than 25 years of experience. He’s joined by Dr. Sandra Johnson, who has nearly 20 years of experience. They are supported by a caring, highly trained staff that’s committed to patient satisfaction, and they employ the latest technologies for impressions, Invisalign, and crowns in one visit. Dr. Chambers maintains multiple professional affiliations and enjoys continued learning, actively pursuing advances at Spear Education, one of the leading providers of continuing education for clinical expertise. “From the moment you call our office, you’ll know that we think you’re special, and that you’re in great hands,” Dr. Chambers says. ■

Endodontics Amru Albeiruti Forest Hill Endodontics Arthur Doering A.A. Doering Endodontics, PLLC

Samuel Bander D.D.S. Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Andrew Drerup West Michigan Endodontists Jeffrey N. Dzingle Lake Michigan Endodontics

Leonard J. Bartoszewicz Bartoszewicz Family Dental

Anthony Guinn West Michigan Endodontists

Randy J. Breen Breen Family Dentistry

Jeffrey P. Halvorson Halvorson & Hembrough

James B. Brennan Brennan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, PC

Michael W. Hembrough Halvorson & Hembrough

John Bruinsma Beckwith Family Dental Care, PLC

Scott Hodges West Michigan Endodontists Sarah Lennan Masterson Grand River Endodontics PC Brian J. Licari Grandville Endodontics

Thomas J. Burdo D.D.S. Thomas J. Burdo, D.D.S., P.C. 1100 4 Mile Rd. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-6377 frontdesk@burdodds.com burdodds.com

Brent A. Medema Medema Endodontics Patrick J. Mullally Lake Michigan Endodontics Geoff Robert West Michigan Endodontists David Selis A.A. Doering Endodontics, PLLC Aric Smith West Michigan Endodontists Mark C. Smith Mark C. Tingey, DDS Michael A. Smith Holland Root Canal Specialists

General Dentistry Betsy Bakeman D.D.S. Elizabeth M. Bakeman, DDS, The Art of Dentistry 2757 Leonard St. N.E. Ste 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-940-0481 info@bakemandds.com micosmeticdentist.com

Katie Burggraaf KB Family Dentistry Maxine Cannon Midwest Family Dental Care Eric Cao My Community Dental Centers Brian Carmody My Community Dental Centers Jeffrey B. Carpenter Fulton Family Dentistry Randall W. Chambers D.D.S. Chambers Dental 6200 28th St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-4650 info@chambersdental.com chambersdental.com

Marcos Cid 616 Dental Studio

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Top Dentists Karl Evanoff Evanoff Dental

James J. Hur James J. Hur D.D.S.

422 N. Park St. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Eric J. Foster Dr. Foster Dentistry!

Chas Jensen Rogue River Family Dental

616-361-7265 drdamedds@npfamilydental.com npfamilydental.com/

Matthew K. Gietzen Partners In Dental Care

Joseph Kirkwood Beckwith Family Dental Care, PLC

Daniel W. Grode Beckwith Family Dental Care, PLC

Donald M. Konen Donald M. Konen DDS

Robert S. Dame D.D.S. North Park Family Dental

Jocelyn R. Davis Carroll Family Dentistry Sunil Desai Alpine Ridge Dental 1063 4 Mile Rd. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-785-3344 desaisj@gmail.com alpineridgedental.com/

Peter G. Hallas Lake Michigan Dental, PC

Kevin Kross Michigan Avenue Dentistry 99 W. 23rd St. Holland, MI 49423

Andrew M. Haren VH Dental

616-396-5197 kjkrossdds@gmail.com michiganavenuedentistry.com/ team/

Maria C. Hoekstra Marigold Family Dentistry

Derek Draft Grandville Family Dental Care, PC Joseph Ellis GR Family Dental

Feeling Abandoned? 97% OF PEOPLE LEAVE YOUR WEBSITE WITHOUT TAKING ACTION.

Eric Hull DDS Eric Hull DDS, Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Thomas J. Lambert Thomas J. Lambert DDS

769 York Creek Dr. N.W. Comstock Park, MI 49321

John S Lange Mel Trotter Ministries

989-430-8088 ehull84@gmail.com greatmismiles.com

Erik J. Lee Dr. Erik J. Lee DDS

Mailloux Dentistry 601 Michigan Ave., Ste. 106, Holland, MI 49423 616-392-3717 | hollanddentist.com Dr. Brittany Mailloux, of Mailloux Dentistry, has expertise in general dentistry as well as cosmetics, implants, Invisalign, and pediatric orthopedic development. Dr. Caitlynn Haas, who recently joined the practice, provides excellent service and strives to accommodate patients’ needs. Dr. Mailloux thrives on helping patients with complex cases. She has years of experience creating implant dentures, so patients can have the security of a stable, functional smile immediately. The Mailloux Dentistry team is dedicated to ensuring every patient has a comfortable, joyful visit that helps them achieve the smile they desire. ■

How do you get those prospects back? By grabbing their attention! It’s called retargeting and we’ve been doing it for years. You’ve seen those ads that seem to follow you around the internet, offering just what you were previously searching for. We know it’s a little strange, but let’s face it, it’s effective! Targeted Display Advertising focuses on users who previously visited your website. As your future customers browse the Internet, we will display your ad message to remind them of your brand. When they’re ready to make a purchase, customers will remember your business above other options. Another painful statistic – 72% will abandon their cart with items in it. Without retargeting, only 8% will go back to complete a purchase. With retargeting, 26% will return! Successful marketers spend 10 - 50% of their digital budgets on retargeting and 7 out of 10 business owners currently use retargeting. Will those customers be returning to you?

Adding digital marketing to your campaigns will increase your touch points and ROI. https://www.grmag.com/digital-studio

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Top Dentists

Top Dentists «

44 West Dental Professionals 330 44th St. SW, Ste. 105, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-530-2200 | 44westdental.com

Dr. Kate Trierweiler, Dr. Jason Doublestein, and Dr. Michael Wierenga — the dental team at 44 West Dental Professionals — offer a thorough approach to dental treatments and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, with a patient-centered focus. All graduates of U of M, the dentists pride themselves on the additional studies and coursework they’ve pursued through The Pankey Institute, a well-respected, not-forprofit institution for advanced dental education. “In addition to being Pankey trained, all three of us regularly attend local study groups with other area dentists —

reviewing cases, bouncing ideas off each other, and continuing to learn,” Dr. Trierweiler says. “We appreciate being able to collaborate with the best of minds, and this allows us to stay up to date in our services and provide exceptional care to our patients.” The team at 44 West Dental Professionals offers preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry. They take a multidisciplinary approach to their treatments, often working with local specialists to achieve the desired results for their patients. “We’re not just looking at individual teeth,” Dr. Trierweiler says. “We’re looking at the whole mouth and the whole person to come up with a treatment plan that fits the individual.” Patients frequently come to 44 West by word of mouth from satisfied existing patients or through referrals from specialists. They’re

also often found by Google search, because of the high number of five-star reviews they receive. What’s clear to every patient who walks through the door is that the entire team enjoys what they do. “We go that extra mile for our patients, and our hearts are truly in it,” Dr. Trierweiler says. “Our passion for our work and for quality care comes through in everything we do, and is evident in the inviting office atmosphere.” ■

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Top Dentists

Lindsey Vogl Robinson, D.D.S. 7167 Headley St., Ada, MI 49301 | 616-676-1800 | adadentalco.com

Dr. Lindsey Vogl Robinson, owner of Ada Dental Co., is a general dentist who serves patients of all ages and backgrounds. She says she prides herself on her patient-centered approach, which involves listening to patients’ input and not forcing unnecessary and/or costly procedures they may not want or need. Along with that receptiveness, Dr. Vogl Robinson believes in a truly gentle manner that puts everyone at ease — even those who have had an unpleasant experience with a dentist in the past. “There’s a lot of negativity around dentistry in general that I’m trying my hardest to change,” Dr. Vogl Robinson says. “I want patients to feel like they’re in a space where they’re being cared for and can feel happy and enjoy a peaceful, rather than medical, atmosphere.” Whether it’s providing a warm blanket or a pair of headphones, Dr. Vogl Robinson says

she and her staff strive to create a relaxed, down-to-earth experience — one that’s responsive to each individual and makes them feel most comfortable. Dr. Vogl Robinson offers a range of dental services and considers herself a one-stop shop for standard procedures including straightening and aligning, whitening, root canals, preventive care, implants, and more. She says her patients appreciate that they can get the majority of their dental work done in one place, without having to visit different specialists. When she does need to make a referral, she has the advantage of sending those patients to her husband, Dr. Brad Robinson, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As a mother of five children, Dr. Vogl Robinson carries her parental instincts into her practice and her interactions with patients. “I really relate to families and children,

even though I’m not a pediatric dentist,” she says. “I don’t stop being a mom once I get to the office. Taking a caring, family-oriented approach to my job is what I do every day.” ■

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Alpine Ridge Dental 1063 Four Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | 616-785-3344 | alpineridgedental.com

Dr. Sunil Desai, DDS, says his practice at Alpine Ridge Dental is focused on the long-term health and comfort of his patients. Since 2007, Dr. Desai and his team have offered a service-oriented approach to ensure each patient is involved every step of the way in determining a dental treatment plan custom-tailored for them. Alpine Ridge Dental services range from routine care to cosmetic treatments, complete restorations, and implant placement dentistry. Dr. Desai continues to advance his knowledge of the latest treatments and techniques in dentistry. He has completed surgical training to provide implant placement and restoration in the comfort of the office. Cosmetically motivated patients can expect functional and aesthetic solutions from a dentist who studied advanced dental education at the acclaimed Pankey Institute in Florida.

The team at Alpine Ridge Dental will rehabilitate an entire mouth or fix a single tooth in an inclusive and judgment-free environment. Specialists in the area refer patients to Dr. Desai to treat previously unsuccessful treatments and complicated cases. He is prepared for a vast range of solutions to meet a patient’s specific needs with dental acumen and technology with intraoral scanners, 3-D printing, digital smile design, and bite simulations. Dr. Desai provides patients with a roadmap to complete dental health that they can navigate at their own pace. Dr. Desai, a Grand Rapids native, is a member of top professional dental associations such as the American Dental Association, West Michigan Dental Society, International Dental Implant Association, American Equilibration Society, and others.

The Alpine Ridge Dental team offers preventative dental care and easy-tounderstand dental education in an approachable and friendly environment. You will not find a crowded waiting room or have difficulty scheduling timely appointments at Alpine Ridge Dental. Dr. Desai is currently accepting new patients. ■

GRMAG.COM

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Top Dentists

John Leitner John Leitner DDS

Brian S. Nylaan Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Matthew Lieto Heritage Hill Dental

5011 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Nichole Lubberts Northview Family Dentistry

616-361-7317 bnylaan2@comcast.net nylaandental.com/our-practice/ meet-the-team/

Brittany Mailloux DDS Mailloux Dentistry 601 Michigan Ave. Ste. 106 Holland, MI 49423 616-392-3717 contact@hollanddentist.com hollanddentist.com

Bryton C. Mansfield Mansfield Family Dentistry

Karen O’Rourke O’Rourke Wonderly Dental

1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Michael S. Palaszek Lake Michigan Dental, PC

616-453-2255 drbryton@mansfieldgrdental.com mansfieldgrdental.com

Scott Pirochta Healthy Life Dentistry

616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Matthew Rogers MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven Samy Salhadar Ada Family Dentistry, PLC Benjamin Schell Hudsonville Dental Jeremy Schell Hudsonville Dental

John M. McMahon D.D.S. McMahon Family Dental 2076 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428 616-457-2710 office@mcmahonfamilydental.com mcmahonfamilydental.com

Jacob S. Miller Miller Dental Jerry B. Mulder A Life of Smiles Devin O. Norman Norman Family Dentistry Thomas Nykamp Thomas Nykamp, DDS 68

616-676-1800 adadentalco@gmail.com adadentalco.com/

Seth A. Vruggink Seth A. Vruggink DDS Gregory L. Weaver Weaver Family Dentistry Kathi Wilson Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ

Joshua Peiffer Hudsonville Dental

1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Lindsey Vogl Robinson D.D.S. Ada Dental Co.

Timothy Obradovich D.D.S. Bander Dental Group

1632 Leonard St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Travis Mattson D.D.S. Bander Dental Group

Christian L. VerMeulen Christian L. VerMeulen, DDS, PLC

7167 Headley St. Ada, MI 49301

John Ludwig Life-Centered Dentistry Swetha Madala Midwest Family Dental Care

Lauryne Vanderhoof Cascade Family Dental Group

Gary L. Scott Family Dentistry of Caledonia

Jolanta Wilson Wilson & Wilson Dentistry Ryan Wilson Wilson & Wilson Dentistry Lora Wonderly O’Rourke Wonderly Dental Peter J. Zwier Peter J. Zwier, DDS, PC

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Brett Bezak Oral Surgery Associates P. Jeffrey Brooks Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC

Christopher Smiley Smiley Family Dentistry

Mark T. Burye West Shore Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PLC

Robert Strobel Strobel Family Dentistry

David R. Dalrymple Alpine Oral Surgery

Katelyn Trierweiler D.D.S. 44 West Dental Professionals, PC 4330 44th St. S.W. Ste. 105 Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2200 info@44westdental.com 44westdental.com

Brent Dingman Oral Surgery Associates J. Mark Domin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Brant A. Erbentraut Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC

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Bander Dental Group 1151 East Paris Ave. SE Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-949-5980 | info@banderdentalgroup.com

When patients walk into the offices of Bander Dental Group, there’s an immediate sense of warmth and care. From the front office to the entire clinic, the dental team provides top-level service. Bander Dental Group has served Grand Rapids for 80 years, with second-generation dentist, Dr. Samuel Bander and his partners, Dr. Travis Mattson and Dr. Tim Obradovich. Together, they offer preventive and general dentistry as well as a broad range of specialty services in their Cascade-area office. These include dental implants, Invisalign, TMJ/TMD bite and jaw issue therapies, full mouth rehabilitation, root canals, and cosmetic and aesthetic makeovers. Bander Dental Group’s mission is to positively impact the lives of their patients through oral health and wellness. “We get to know each patient and their needs, caring for their whole mouth, rather

than just taking a single-tooth approach,” Dr. Mattson says. “We’re unique in that we perform an individualized risk assessment, then tailor a comprehensive plan for a lifetime of oral health.” Dr. Mattson and Dr. Obradovich consider themselves lifelong learners and have pursued hundreds of hours of continuing education, including special coursework through the renowned Kois Center: Advancing Dentistry Through Science, as well as on dental implants and Invisalign therapy. “With our state-of-the-art equipment and extensive training, we are able to provide precise implant placement and handle complex cases,” Dr. Obradovich says. Bander Dental Group further sets itself apart from other dental practices by providing all of these procedures with exceptional, five-star service. They also offer customized

comfort measures such as sedation options, noise reduction headphones, and warm blankets. “It is important to us that patients feel well cared for and like a member of our family,” says Carmen Bollinger, practice manager. “It is our goal to help each patient get the dental care they need.” ■

GRMAG.COM

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Betsy Bakeman, D.D.S. 2757 Leonard St. NE, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-940-0481 | micosmeticdentist.com

There are many reasons why Dr. Betsy Bakeman is one of Grand Rapids’ top dentists. First and foremost, she strives to meet or exceed her patients’ expectations — and patients from all over the state and beyond seek her care and expertise. “Although cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, we treat it like one,” Dr. Bakeman says. “We utilize an expert team that includes highly trained specialists and esteemed ceramists, allowing us to provide high-level, world-class results.” The first dentist in Michigan to achieve the distinction of Accredited Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Bakeman is one of only a select few to achieve the AACD’s highest level of achievement.

Dr. Bakeman is able to restore smiles using a variety of techniques including teeth-whitening, bonding, periodontal plastic surgery, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and Invisalign. The office also provides advanced preventive services and routine dentistry. Dr. Bakeman strongly believes that there’s no reason why anyone should be unhappy with the appearance and comfort of their teeth. There are many options available today, and treatment can be staged over time to increase access and affordability. Dr. Bakeman regularly teaches other dentists from around the world, and it’s common to have young dentists in the office observing and learning from her. “It’s always important to keep learning,” she says. “As the

science of dentistry evolves, we keep abreast of changes so we can continue to provide our patients with state-of-the-art care.” Making their patients feel beautiful, confident, and healthy is important to Dr. Bakeman and her team. “My staff members are my greatest asset,” Dr. Bakeman says. “They’re smart and knowledgeable, and together we go the extra mile to deliver the finest of care.” ■

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Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-7317 | nylaandental.com

Dr. Brian Nylaan likes to tell his patients, “I don’t work on teeth; I work with people who have teeth.” That’s his way of building relationships and conveying how critical dentistry is to people’s well-being. When seeing patients, he approaches the whole person, taking time to talk with and educate them on what they need to do to take care of themselves and their smiles —and why it benefits them. “Dentistry is incredibly important for overall health and shouldn’t be viewed as optional,” Dr. Nylaan says. “It should be a requirement for living a good, healthy life.” In practice for more than 30 years, and recently achieving lifetime memberships in the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association, Dr. Nylaan has

seen and implemented many advancements in the dental field. These include diagnostic technologies such as digital and panoramic X-rays, as well as laser dentistry. Through continuing education, he says he’s also become passionate about sleep and is aware of the ways that poor sleep can affect health. “We’re not just talking about preventing snoring,” Dr. Nylaan says. “Research has shown a strong tie between poor sleep and a higher likelihood of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and weight gain. Lack of sleep affects children and adults alike, and we need to take it seriously.” Most exciting for Dr. Nylaan is that there are dental solutions to improve sleep. In addition to the many services he provides — from preventive care to cosmetic dentistry

to gum disease treatment to crowns, bridges, and more — he also fits patients with customized oral appliances that can reposition the jaw and open airways. He also performs cosmetic procedures to achieve picture perfect smiles. “My goal is to help people recognize when they have an issue, and provide treatment modalities to improve their quality of life,” he says. ■

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C. William Hoekstra West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Paul Huizinga West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Mark L. Jesin Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio 3855 Burton St. S.E. Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 markjesin@gmail.com advancedoralsurgerymi.com

Bob Kintz Oral Surgery Associates

A.J. Lytle Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio

Richard W. Panek Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

3855 Burton St. SE Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49546

4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-369-0360 info@oralsurgerymi.com advancedoralsurgerymi.com

616-361-7327 rwpanek@gmail.com grandrapidsoralsurgery.com/ meet-us/meet-dr-panek/

Igor Makovey Cascade Oral Surgery Keith Nalley West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Christopher C. Niquette Jr. Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Kyle Klooster West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Roseanna P. Noordhoek Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Jeffrey Lindhout West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Mark Lonergan West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

616-361-7327 rosie.noordhoek@yahoo.com grandrapidsoralsurgery.com/ meet-us/meet-dr-noordhoek/

Bradley M. Robinson Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Bradley M. Robinson Emily Van Heukelom Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Center for Oral Surgery & of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 evanheukelom@gmail.com grandrapidsoralsurgery. com/meet-us/meet-dr-vanheukelom/

Bradley G. VanHoose Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids

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Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 158 Marcell, Ste. B, Rockford, MI 49341 616-361-7327 | grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

The mission at the Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is to “provide professional and compassionate care that is safe, valued, and accessible.” With offices in Grand Rapids and Rockford, the practice has five highly credentialed, experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. COSDI is uniquely positioned to build caring relationships with clients who need surgery of the mouth, jaw, or face. Their assistants help patients feel comfortable and welcomed throughout their care. “With a 30-year history in Grand Rapids, our doctors have 50-plus years of combined experience,” Dr. Roseanna Noordhoek says. “We’re unique in health care in that our practice encompasses both medicine and dentistry. All oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a minimum four-year, hospital-based residency program after dental school.” Dr. Richard W. Panek adds: “Our doctors

provide inpatient hospital care as fully privileged medical staff. These services include orthognathic (corrective jaw) and TMJ (jaw joint) surgery, as well as emergency on-call treatment for facial trauma and infections.” COSDI doctors are trained in anesthesia and offer alternatives for anxious patients, ranging from local numbing to deep sedation in an office setting. “Personalized treatment planning is one of COSDI’s differentiators,” Dr. Emily Van Heukelom explains. “We work with our patients, their physicians, and their dentists to deliver positive experiences that keep patients safe and comfortable.” COSDI surgeons are highly experienced in the placement of dental implants and utilize advanced technology such as 3-D digital surgical planning. “Modern implant techniques can provide secure, naturallooking teeth in one day,” Dr. Van Heukelom

says. “Implants preserve bone structure and oral health, and improve appearance. When your mouth is healthy, you’re healthier, too.” The practice provides a broad range of oral and maxillofacial services, including wisdom tooth extraction, the removal of jaw tumors and oral lesions, and surgical reconstruction of the jaw. They’re credentialed participating providers with numerous medical and dental benefit plans. ■

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Grand River Orthodontics 1335 W. Main St. Ste. D, Lowell, MI 49331 | 616-897-0200 | grorthodontics.com

Dr. Heather Gietzen is the owner of Grand River Orthodontics, located in the city of Lowell — a community she’s proud to be a part of, where she happily serves residents as well as patients from greater Grand Rapids. Dr. Gietzen provides braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments to youths and adults alike. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, and the immediate past president of the Council of Michigan Dental Specialties. She has done additional training at the Kois Center and is a recognized specialist. She’s also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Michigan Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and others.

Dr. Gietzen says she loves many aspects of dentistry, but particularly enjoys orthodontics because she can generate a plan for her patients, see them regularly throughout their treatment, and develop relationships with them and their families. She says there is great satisfaction in not only changing someone’s smile for the better, but also helping them gain confidence. “It’s really wonderful to meet a patient who starts out shy and reluctant because they’re selfconscious, and then help them and watch them blossom over time,” Dr. Gietzen says. “It’s priceless.” Dr. Gietzen takes time to create an individual treatment plan for every patient; nothing is cookie-cutter. She also seeks out practical, less overt options to traditional

orthodontic treatment when possible. This can achieve great results and be more appealing to patients, especially adults who are now a large percentage of her patient population. “Whether my patients are older or younger, from start to finish I’m very involved in their care,” Dr. Gietzen says. “I care so much about caring for people, and that’s why I do what I do.” ■

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Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-531-3430 | grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Acquired in 2001 by Dr. Mike Demeter, and with the addition of Dr. Sally Kotani in 2005 and Dr. Agata Lefere in 2013, Grandville Pediatric Dentistry serves families in Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities. Dr. Mike is a board-certified pediatric dentist and prides himself on his continuing education and staying abreast of the latest dentistry advancements. Dr. Sally is a board-certified pediatric dentist who’s known for her kind and gentle approach, as well as her passion for treating children. Dr. Agata is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and continually strives to make her young patients feel safe and confident. Each dentist maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and West Michigan Dental Association.

All three doctors possess the skills, experience, and certifications to ensure quality dental treatments, and they’re dedicated to protecting children’s smiles and improving their oral health. “We believe oral health is extremely important for kids and want to give them the best possible experience they can have at a dental office,” Dr. Mike says. The team also works to provide families with the information needed to care for their children’s teeth. “We educate parents on tooth-brushing skills, review oral habits, and do our best to advise families on what they can do to set their children up for success,” Dr. Agata adds. The entire office, including support staff, create a sense of playfulness and joy throughout the office. They understand the importance of establishing a good patient/ doctor rapport and a solid oral hygiene routine

from an early age. “A lot of it is trying to engage the kids, and connecting with them and their interests,” Dr. Sally says. “We help them participate in their care, while also making it as fun as possible.” ■

GRMAG.COM

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Top Dentists

Orthodontics David Armbrecht Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Mark P. Brieden Brieden & Miller Orthodontics Jason L. Charnley Lakeshore Orthodontics Elizabeth Christopherson Christopherson Orthodontics Laura Fogle Laura Fogle DDS, MS, PC Alexis Gallagher DDS, MS Williams Orthodontics 6840 Northway Drive NE Rockford, MI 49341 United States 616-863-0600 info@williamsortho.net williamsortho.net

Daniel C. George Dr. George Orthodontics Heather Gietzen Grand River Orthodontics 1335 W. Main St. Ste. D Lowell, MI 49331 616-275-4774 hzablocki@gmail.com grorthodontics.com/meet-thedoctor/

Timothy Glupker Glupker Orthodontics Eric D. Hannapel Eric D. Hannapel, DDS, MS, PC Thomas Herremans Herremans Orthodontics J. Todd Hunt Hunt Orthodontics David J. Huyser Huyser Orthodontics

Cameron (Cadie) H. George Dr. George Orthodontics

Paul J. Karl Karl Orthodontics James Kessel Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics Kevin Knapp Smile Orthodontics Larry Majznerski Align Orthodontics Lathe Miller DDS MS Miller Orthodontics 4875 Cascade Rd. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9320 info@lathemillerortho.com lathemillerortho.com

John F. Monticello Grand Ridge Orthodontics Paul O’Grady O’Grady Orthodontics Gregory Oppenhuizen Oppenhuizen Orthodontics

We are in the top percent of Invisalign providers in the nation and use state-of-the-art braces! We are honored to have served our patients for over 20 years, with patients joining us from all over West Michigan. We are committed to providing this community with the highest quality orthodontic care available in a fun and relaxing environment! Dr. Williams and Dr. Gallagher love working with their patients and building lasting relationships over the course of treatment. They love the art and science of creating healthy, beautiful smiles. They love their awesome team! They love finishing treatment and the big reveal of a smile transformation. They love constantly incorporating new and exciting technologies and techniques into their care. Most of all, they would love to help you achieve the smile you have been dreaming of!

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Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry, PC 3299 Clear Vista Court NE, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-608-6826 | veronicahamiltondds.com

Dr. Veronica Hamilton is the owner of Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry, a practice specializing in dental care for children and young adults from infancy to age 18, as well as adults with special needs. She’s the immediate past president of the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She also holds memberships in a number of accredited dental associations. Dr. Hamilton’s mission is to provide access to care for children and families who might not otherwise receive the dental treatments they need. She’s known for accepting Healthy Kids Dental (HKD), an insurance program available to kids through Medicaid. “I think it’s important to get these kids seen,” she says. “We have kids come from all over the state because we’ll take that insurance.” Dr. Hamilton is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, and works to extend her outreach to the Hispanic population in West Michigan. Dr. Hamilton purposely pursued pediatrics so she could help children and young adults with complex cases that need to be handled by a specialist. “Often the kids we see have a ton of decay; I try to give them a fresh start,” she says. “The parents are trying to do the best they can, but it’s tough when they can’t find a dentist in town. We’re here to help them. Our motto is ‘Just take care of the kid.’ ” So much about pediatric dentistry involves gaining trust and getting patients to cooperate, and the same training in behavior management that Dr. Hamilton received while studying pediatrics applies to adults with special needs. “I have patients, both children and adults, who are terrified, combative, or simply don’t want to be here,” she says. “I do my best to make it a good experience and make them comfortable.” ■

GRMAG.COM

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Mansfield Family Dentistry 1632 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | 616-453-2255 | mansfieldgrdental.com 580 Cascade W Pkwy, Grand Rapids MI 49546 | 616-949-9060 | mansfieldgrdental.com

If the idea of going to the dentist makes you a bit fearful, Dr. Bryton Mansfield, owner of Mansfield Family Dentistry, wants you to know that today’s procedures have come a long way in providing comfort. Thanks to advancements in the dentistry field and his own enhanced training, he’s able to provide a much more relaxed experience for patients, and also send them home with comprehensive treatment; such as a permanent crown, within a few hours. That means less time in the chair and a faster return to relief. Dr. Mansfield is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and the Pankey Study Club. He says his practice focuses on offering a calm environment that is physically,

emotionally, and spiritually uplifting, and boosts whole body health through optimization of mouth health. The atmosphere and approach are supported by the latest dental technologies, such as using digital scanning options to fabricate permanent crowns; 3-D CT scans to help perform root canal treatments, and more. The benefit of digital and 3-D scans is a more accurate roadmap of the entire mouth and even the tiniest of details within each tooth. And, for certain treatments, such as crowns, patients get a more precise fit that is more successful long term and will be more comfortable, faster. Dr. Mansfield says he had the advantage of learning from a University of Michigan faculty member who was one of the pioneers in digital dental technology. “I was blessed to

be in the right place at the right time,” Dr. Mansfield says. “But, I also was excited about the technologies that I took the initiative to seek out a mentor to teach me what some dentists call a lifetime of education — in a matter of four years.” Today, it’s this same excitement that has Dr. Mansfield providing patients — young and old — with technologically enhanced dental care. ■

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McMahon Family Dental 2076 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428 | 616-457-2710 | mcmahonfamilydental.com

With so many dentists and specialists in the West Michigan area, how can one practice stand out? McMahon Family Dental and Dr. John M. McMahon, the younger of the father-son team, have shifted to a more patient-oriented mindset that demonstrates their commitment to doing dentistry differently. In an already high-tech office, Dr. John offers same-day crowns and has the ability to 3-D print surgical guides, aligners, and bite splints. Now, through virtual consultations, McMahon Family Dental is able to help patients feel more comfortable and reach them more easily and conveniently. Patients who are concerned about their smile, have questions about their oral health, or are seeking a new dentist have access to dental advice and recommendations without

taking time off work or spending hours in a dentist’s chair. New and existing patients can request a free, virtual consultation on the website by submitting photos and describing their concerns. Dr. John then responds with a personalized video that addresses the patient’s issues, explains the options and treatments that could help them, describes the processes and time commitments, and provides a cost estimate. “I’ve found this is a great way for new patients to get to know me before they come in, and it also builds trust in me and the practice,” Dr. John says. “This level of transparency, combined with access to dental guidance without having to leave the house, is not only beneficial and desired, but also

necessary in today’s climate.” Dr. John is a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist who combines artistry and engineering to offer a complete range of treatments. It’s rewarding to him to instill confidence in his patients and see their satisfaction with their smiles. He also enjoys the family practice aspect, and loves treating kids and watching them grow and thrive. ■

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Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, PC 2643 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-988-9485, ext. 5 growingsmilesgr.com At her practice, Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Meggan McCone, D.D.S., helps parents understand the importance of taking their children to a pediatric dentist — an expert who can apply child-specific knowledge to the patients’ treatment and care plans. Dr. Meggan, a specialist in children’s dental health, has extra training in child psychology and guiding behavior, as well as sedation dentistry for patients with special needs. As soon as that first tooth comes in, parents can visit Growing Smiles and start building the educational foundations and oral habits that will help their children become dentally confident adults. Establishing dental care at a young age with the right provider puts children at ease and makes visiting the dentist a comfortable, natural experience that isn’t scary or traumatizing. ■

Mark Powell Powell Orthodontics Tom Shannon Shannon Orthodontics Kathryn A. Swan Swan Orthodontics Mark Wierenga Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Thomas Williams DDS, MClD Williams Orthodontics 6840 Northway Drive NE Rockford, MI 49341 United States 616-863-0600 info@williamsortho.net williamsortho.net

2155 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com

Sally Kotani Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 sallykotani@yahoo.com grandvillepediatricdentistry. com/dentists/

Douglas LaDue III Smile’s Pediatric Dentistry Edward Young Edward Young, DDS Orthodontics for Children and Adults

Pediatric Dentistry Daniel Bolt West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Meghan Condit Grand River Pediatric Dentistry Michael Demeter D.D.S. Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 grandvillepediatricdentistry@ yahoo.com grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Agata Lefere Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 apietrus@gmail.com grandvillepediatricdentistry. com/dentists/

Jessica C. Massie D.D.S., M.S. Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 170 Marcell Dr. N.E.RockfordMI49341 616-455-1301 drjessica@vvmkids.com vvandmkidsdentistry.com/

Veronica Hamilton D.D.S., M.S. Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry

Meggan McCone D.D.S. Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

3299 Clear Vista Ct. N.E. Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49525

2643 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-608-6826 info@veronicahamiltondds.com veronicahamiltondds.com/

616-988-9485 info@growingsmilesgr.com growingsmilesgr.com

Brett Kingma D.D.S. Mitten Kids Dentistry 1179 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 130 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 6477 Cherry Meadow Dr. S.E.Ste. 4CaledoniaMI49316 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Stephanie Kloostra D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan

Daniel O’Callaghan Gaines Pediatric Dentistry Chris Powell Hudsonville Dental Kids Stephanie Rashewsky Jesin Norman Family Dentistry

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Michigan Avenue Dentistry 99 W 23rd St., Holland, MI 49423 | 616-396-3970 | michiganavenuedentistry.com

Dr. Kevin Kross, owner of Michigan Avenue Dentistry, is a highly trained professional with strong educational credentials and affiliations. In practice since 2010, Dr. Kross works with a 14-member staff, most of whom have been by his side for his entire career. Together, they offer a variety of services — ranging from cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry to implant restorations — using some of the most advanced digital technologies. Dr. Kross also treats rehabilitative cases; it’s an area where he particularly excels. Dr. Kross is proud of the team he’s assembled and believes they’re essential to his patients’ positive experiences. “They’re well-trained, they’re terrific in handling questions and helping patients understand

treatments, and they’re all such hard workers,” he says. “They get compliments routinely — from the hygienists to the front office staff, assistants, and lab techs — and I think that’s one huge asset of our practice.” Dr. Kross is also a faculty member at the Dawson Academy, an educational and research facility focusing on dental advancements. This level of education and involvement has helped him understand difficult concepts and has sharpened his ability to diagnose more complex cases. “The training I’ve had through the Dawson Academy has really changed my career,” Dr. Kross says. “Being a faculty member with them has been a great asset.” A strong believer in continuous learning and mentorship, Dr. Kross, along with his

wife, Dr. Brittany Mailloux, arrange regular study clubs and recently hosted a conference in Grand Rapids for 30-plus dentists from all over the country. In addition, he hosts an online dental academy for dentists of all ages who want to learn the latest techniques and technologies. “Helping other dentists succeed and carry out their best work for their patients is important,” Dr. Kross says. “I value the opportunity to do so.” ■

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Top Dentists

Miller Orthodontics 4875 Cascade Rd., SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-942-9320 | lathemillerortho.com

A bright smile is more than just shiny teeth. It’s about good health, confidence, and pride — and it sends an instant message. No one knows that better than Dr. Lathe Miller, of Miller Orthodontics in Grand Rapids. Dr. Miller is a highly skilled and dedicated orthodontist who has impressive degrees and years of experience, as well as a personal understanding of the importance of a bright smile. “Smiling seems like an easy thing to do, but not if you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look and feel,” Dr. Miller says. “I never smiled in pictures when I was a kid; I was embarrassed by how my teeth looked. My passion for orthodontics stems from helping other people find the confidence in themselves to smile. I feel great pride in my profession, knowing that as orthodontists, we can help others become healthier and happier, and

smile more confidently.” Together with his incredible team at Miller Orthodontics, Dr. Miller offers individualized treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of each patient. “I’m continually amazed by the positive impact we have in our patients’ lives just through hard work and a caring attitude,” he says. Dr. Miller dedicates much of his time to learning and mastering all the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in orthodontics. He not only treats children and teens, but also adults, working with patients to create plans ranging from simple alignment to full reconstruction. Dr. Miller is the only Diamond Plus provider in West Michigan because of his skill, experience, and commitment to providing his patients with the most advanced and effective treatment. “If you’ve been told that you’re not

an Invisalign candidate by another provider, please see us,” he says. ■

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Mitten Kids Dentistry 1179 East Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-942-9840 | mittenkids.com 6477 Cherry Meadow Dr. SE, Ste. 4, Caledonia, MI 49316 | 616-942-9840 | mittenkids.com

Left to Right: Dr. Brett Kingma, Dr. Grady Randall, and Dr. Alex Korte.

So much more than a pediatric dentist’s office, Mitten Kids Dentistry offers a space where children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and dream big. At its heart is the highest level of pediatric dental care for children, from infants to teenagers. In spirit, it’s a fun, positive, and safe environment where wellness and a sense of adventure are fostered. Both the Grand Rapids and Caledonia locations have themes inspired by the beautiful state of Michigan, along with a culture that reflects pride in the place they call home. Dr. Brett Kingma, Dr. Grady Randall, and Dr. Alexandra Korte are all board-certified providers and members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They’re experts in behavior management for kids of

all ages, no matter what their needs. Each of the dentists are trained in the appropriate approach to guiding children’s dental growth and development, while helping them avoid future dental problems. Mitten Kids Dentistry offers a range of pediatric treatments including laser dentistry, sedation, and dental emergencies. They also specialize in treating babies who are tongue- or lip-tied, and can perform a frenectomy via a soft tissue laser to help them feed better. The practice is supported by a skilled team of hygienists, assistants, and administrators. Each staff member helps Dr. Brett, Dr. Grady, and Dr. Alex promote a curious, healthy lifestyle in their young patients. The entire team values meaningful

interactions, quality care, and the pursuit of well-being. Mitten Kids Dentistry seeks to build a community of families who are active, strong, and holistically supported as they grow. ■

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Kathryn Swanson D.D.S. Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan

Taryn Weil Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan

2155 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-608-8898 kathryn.l.swanson@gmail.com pdsofwestmi.com

616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com

Aimee C. Valleau Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children

Dr. Danae Willenberg Little Red Pediatric Dentistry 12723 N. Bellwood Dr. Ste. 20 Holland, MI 49424

2000 43rd St. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49508

616-377-7333 danae.willenberg@gmail.com littleredpd.com/about/index.html

616-455-1301 kentwood@vvmkids.com vandvkidsdentistry.com/ vvdentaimee.html

Christopher E. VanDeven Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-455-1301 drchris@vvmkids.com vvandmkidsdentistry.com/

4880 Cascade Rd. S.E. Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-940-2854 info@greatlakesperio.com greatlakesperio.com

Jeff S. Smith Jeff S. Smith DDS, MS

Prosthodontics Harvey Comrie Today’s Family Dental

Periodontics

Ryan Lebster Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center

Brian Cilla West Michigan Periodontics

Michael J. Malley Michael J. Malley DDS

Kathleen M. Eisin Eisin Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Craig T. Thorson EGR Dental

Jacob C. Lueder Jacob C. Lueder DDS, MS

Jose Vivas Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center

Dr. Thomas J. Burdo 1100 4 Mile Road NW, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-6377 | Frontdesk@BurdoDDS.com For more than 30 years, Dr. Thomas J. Burdo has served the dental needs of patients in and around West Michigan. After a general practice residency at the VAMC and University of Michigan hospitals, Dr. Burdo opened Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Using state-of-the-art equipment and cuttingedge technology, this private practice focuses on comprehensive dental care for both children and adults. Services range from aesthetic and restorative dentistry to implant reconstruction. Dr. Burdo is also one of a few dentists in West Michigan with hospital privileges to serve special-needs patients, including children and adults. ■

James Papp D.M.D. Great Lakes Periodontics Laser Surgery & Dental Implants

Little Red Pediatric Dentistry 12723 N. Bellwood Dr., Ste. 20, Holland, MI 49424 616-377-7333 | littleredpd.com Dr. Danae Willenberg is a board-certified pediatric dentist — an elite designation for specialists that signifies the highest level of commitment to continuing education and patient care. Dr. Willenberg is dedicated to using her career to better the lives of children worldwide and, as a provider, she strives to treat each child with the compassion and care that she would treat her own family members. She uses the most upto-date technologies, materials, and techniques, and takes an individualized approach with each child, acknowledging their unique needs. It’s her goal to provide an exceptional level of service for every child, every time. ■

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North Park Family Dental 422 N. Park St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-7265 | npfamilydental.com

North Park Family Dental, owned since 1994 by Dr. Robert Dame, strives to be a high-tech office with a family feel, providing a personal touch while harnessing the latest in dental advancements. Using a digital scanner is one of the ways Dr. Dame and his team ensure that crowns, bridges, veneers, and braces are created with greater precision and in less time. “Only about 10 percent of dental offices have this kind of technology,” Dr. Dame says. “Digital scans produce a more stable model with less room for human error, and patients get a much better fit, resulting in greater comfort and longevity.” This technology has also allowed the practice to step into clear aligners to move teeth and enhance smiles, an option that particularly appeals to their adult patients. Dr. Dame holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Michigan. He’s also a member of the American and Michigan dental associations, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the International Association for Orthodontics. One of West Michigan’s top dentists and one of America’s top dentists for many years, his specialties and services include family dentistry, veneers, braces, snoring and sleep apnea solutions, crowns, and bridges. Although much has changed in dentistry over the years, North Park Family Dental’s commitment to their patients and the community they serve has not. Dr. Dame credits his team for helping create the smooth experience patients receive. “I’ve assembled a great team around me, from hygienists to dental assistants to office staff,” he says. “They’re one of the greatest assets I have. In most of the reviews we get, my staff is mentioned more than I am, which is a great compliment.” ■

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Top Dentists

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 East Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 120, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-608-8898 | pdsofwestmi.com

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan is comprised of Dr. Katie Swanson and Dr. Stephanie Kloostra, as well as Dr. Taryn Weil, who recently joined the practice. All three attended dental school together at the University of Michigan and found their passions in pediatric dentistry. Treating children is different than treating adults, and parents benefit from taking their children to a pediatric dentist for many of the same reasons they take them to a pediatrician rather than their own primary care doctor. “Treating kids at our office is focused strongly on their overall health as well as creating a positive experience,” Dr. Swanson says. “As pediatric dentists, we have the most training in treating children, beyond what is taught in dental school, because we attend a pediatric residency to specialize in treating children.”

At Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan, each child is assessed individually, and treatments are tailored to what’s best for the child and situation. There are also different comfort options available, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and, in some cases, general anesthesia. Parents should know that caring for children’s teeth involves more than just getting cleanings. The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan works hard to ensure families and the community are well educated on children’s dental needs, and Drs. Swanson and Kloostra often appear on the WOOD TV8 show “EightWest” to spread their message. The team is equipped to safely and appropriately care for baby teeth and beyond. They recommend starting visits by age 1, and continuing treatment through

adolescence. Drs. Swanson, Kloostra, and Weil also take the time needed to ensure no one feels rushed or leaves the office confused, and they instill a sense of calm and confidence — making a visit to the dentist something everyone can look forward to. ■

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Eric Hull, D.D.S. Aesthetic & General Dentistry 769 York Creek Dr. NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | 616-784-2377 | greatmismiles.com

Dr. Eric Hull began practicing dentistry in the Grand Rapids area in 2012 when he became partners with Dr. Bruce Stewart, whose practice was established in 1974. Now known as Eric Hull, D.D.S. Aesthetic & General Dentistry, the emphasis on continuing education, outstanding care, and personalized service persists. Dr. Hull focuses on cosmetic dentistry, and the impressive results he provides for his patients are backed by the multiple credentials he’s earned since receiving his dental degree. He’s a graduate of the Kois Center, which required the completion of nine courses and presenting a complex, instructor reviewed case. In 2017, he became a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (F.A.G.D.) after completing more than 800 hours of certified continuing education and passing a written examination. The achievement he’s

most proud of is becoming accredited in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in 2020. He earned this status by passing a written exam, five clinical cases, and an oral examination. He’s one of only seven AACD-accredited dentists in the state of Michigan. “My team members and I put a tremendous amount of work into this most recent accreditation,” Dr. Hull says. “We want to show that we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and the best, most competent care a patient can receive.” Dr. Hull is highly skilled in comprehensive mouth rehabilitation and works closely with a team of specialists, from oral surgeons to orthodontists. He believes this approach can provide the best outcomes for his patients. Another thing that sets the practice apart is his staff, many of whom have been there for

decades. “Our patients truly appreciate the continuity of team members and the professionalism they display,” Dr. Hull says. “Patients constantly comment on how caring the staff is.” ■

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Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | 616-455-1301 | vvandmkidsdentistry.com 170 Marcell Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-884-5812 | vvandmkidsdentistry.com

Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children is a pediatric dental practice with locations in Grand Rapids and Rockford. Dr. Aimee Valleau, Dr. Christopher VanDeven, and Dr. Jessica Massie are board-certified pediatric dentists, each with more than 10 years of experience and extensive knowledge in caring for children’s oral health, from infancy through adolescence. They offer kind, gentle, and compassionate care, with an understanding that children’s bodies and minds are constantly growing and developing. All three doctors are parents themselves and are able to understand and empathize with parents. They treat all of their patients as they would their own children. When children visit Valleau, VanDeven &

Massie Dentistry for Children, they’ll receive the highest quality care and a thorough evaluation — and their parents will receive a comprehensive, unrushed review of the appointment, including any recommended treatment and available options. They strongly believe that educating parents and including them in their child’s care is a key part of the team approach to optimal oral health and successful dental visits. Drs. Valleau, VanDeven, and Massie review all treatment options, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and take into consideration special situations and circumstances. They believe a minimally invasive approach may suit some patients better, while still being safe, effective, and more affordable.

All three doctors are approachable and make themselves available to their patients for questions and concerns. They enjoy getting to know the kids and keeping up with their activities, pets, wiggly teeth, and lives. Patients are truly family at Valleau, VanDeven & Massie, and they wouldn’t choose to have it any other way. ■

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food+drink DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS

MUST-TRY

Pour it up! page 98

» PLUS: BAGELS TO GO ESPRESSO MARTINIS ARE BACK FIVE HOLIDAY BEERS

The bar at Danzón is reminiscent of one a traveler might find on a Caribbean Island.

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Lucy's Café offers an assortment of breakfast and brunch options.

Comfort cooking

TABLE

Lucy’s Café makes itself at home in the Creston neighborhood. BY MEGAN SARNACKI

// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name — and if you are in the Creston neighborhood, that place is Lucy’s Café. Dani Scott said her goal as head chef is to create a cafe that becomes a source of comfort for the community. “I want to be like the bar in ‘Cheers’ where everybody knows everybody,” said Scott, who also is a business partner at Lucy’s Café. “If you’re having a bad day, I want Lucy’s to be the neighborhood spot where people come in, feel safe and have a good time.” To Scott, restaurants are a way to spread happiness. Whether it is over a cozy cup of coffee 90

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Above, the specials are shining. Right, Chef Danielle Scott sits in the Lucy's dining room.

or a tender chocolate chip cookie, she said memories often are made between friends and family across the table. Because of this, sourcing local ingredients and cooking everything in-house remains a priority. “That’s our pride and joy,” Scott said. “We want to do whatever we can to support everyone in our neighborhood.” But Scott’s civic mindset reaches far past this scratch kitchen’s counter. During Michigan’s shutdown from COVID-19, Scott felt a different kind of craving. Even if the food and beverage industry halted its daily production amid the pandemic, she knew people still had to eat. So, Lucy’s Café not only delivered meals to frontline workers and baked goods for the homeless, but also created a free lunch program for the students of the Creston neighborhood throughout times of virtual learning. Even though Scott struggled with a short staff at Lucy’s Café, she said the one thing she could control was her actions. “Sometimes the only thing you can do is spread kindness and see where it goes from there,” Scott said. “I wanted to make someone else feel good during these dark times and hope for ripple effects.” Soon enough, Lucy’s Café started to branch out to even more sections of the community. “We knew we couldn’t get everyone, but we wanted to make sure to feed the groups that don’t always get enough appreciation for the work they do, such as the housekeeping staff at the hospitals,” she said. Even prior to the pandemic, Scott’s positive presence can be seen through volunteering at Chef Jimmy Hill’s culinary GR M AG .CO M

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Indulgences at Lucy's Café are common, whether its big dishes of breakfast classics or tempting baked goods.

program at Lakeland’s correctional facility. One of 11 around the state, Hill’s program teaches inmates the ins and outs of fine dining cuisine. There, Scott volunteers as a fellow mentor to the inmates, often assisting with food prep and showcasing demos of recipes. Hands down, her favorite volunteer experience is the Christmas dinner Hill’s program puts on every year, where the whole class cooks a gourmet meal for not only the entire corrections staff, but also a guest list full of prominent Michigan chefs. “It’s amazing to see, firsthand, people getting a second chance at life and succeeding,” Scott said. “Some of these cooks have more certifications than I do so it’s been incredible to watch the growth of each individual chef.” Because many of the graduates upon release go on to have successful careers as chefs, Scott hopes to add a member from Hill’s program to her own staff one day. “I’m a firm believer in loyalty,” she said. “If I can trust you, I got your back. Whether someone just got out of prison or not, everyone needs a little more hope and light shined on them.” Volunteering for Hill’s program, Scott has been inspired to one day start her own program for young children. Though it is still in its early stages of ideation, Scott’s motivation is to work with the school system, teaching kids how to grow their own vegetables, learn the art of healthy cooking and have some fun while doing it. “Cooking is good for the soul,” Scott said. “Especially now with technology, the only thing kids want to do is watch television and play video games. Why not show them how exciting it can be to get your hands all dirty digging for vegetables?” By learning cooking skills at a young age, Scott said she hopes they develop patience, discipline and accountability. “When cooking, you have to be honest with yourself,” Scott said. “Mistakes happen and you got to start over. “But when you do learn this new skill, you prove to yourself you can do something you’ve never done before, which helps kids grow confidence in themselves.” Though not all kids may realize it at first, cooking also requires a lot of teamwork. “It can be like a sports game,” Scott said. “At Lucy’s Café, our mornings are some of the busiest in town. I call them ‘game days.’ “This is something you can’t do alone.

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You need the back of the house working with the front of the house to make sure every single order goes right, but when you work together and see that customer smile, it’s worth all the hustle.” Part of the reason Scott has an interest in empowering kids to cook is because it reminds her of herself at a young age. Though she never appreciated her own budding talent, her cuisine was adored by others. “My parents said I would cook all the time when I was younger and apparently, everything always tasted amazing,” she said. “But I never thought about being a chef as a career. It was just fun going to the store, buying each ingredient and stepping foot in the kitchen. “For me, cooking is like another method of art.” Even though it was not until college that Scott thought more seriously about cooking as a career, as soon as she enrolled in the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, she knew it was the path for her. It felt as though she was reuniting with an old flame. “I fell in love. I became obsessed. Cooking became the way in which I can express myself,” Scott said. “It gives me purpose.” While Scott has a deep admiration for cooking, it did not come without challenges along the way. “This is a man’s industry,” Scott said. “Often, I’m the only woman in the kitchen. To this day, I’ll get a package and the delivery man will ask one of the male line cooks to sign for it, assuming he’s the head chef.” This masculine environment is similar to what many other women chefs across the nation face. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up less than onequarter of chefs in the United States. “Unfortunately, this is still a very real issue,” Scott said. “But luckily, I’ve found two women bakers to add to my team at Lucy’s Café. It’s been amazing to have both men and women working alongside me because it allows for a more well-rounded expertise in the kitchen.” Seeing this as a hopeful sign for future generations, Scott advises other young girls fascinated with the art of cooking to never give up. “Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it,” Scott said. “Prove them wrong. I like to prove people wrong with my actions. I’ll just grab an onion, pull out a knife, and show them how fast I can cut. “I’m five feet tall. No one expects me to be a beast in the kitchen, but I am.”

The bar at Lucy's Café serves up to-go drinks, but to accompany a meal in the dining room, grab a boozy coffee beverage.

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food + drink / c eate

CREATE

Say ‘cheese’ to pumpkin Bowdie’s chef offers nontraditional twist on pumpkin pie. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Pumpkin pie is a staple on most tables during the holiday season. That’s for good reason, too. The warmth of spices normally incorporated combine with the pumpkin’s natural fall essence to make it an enticing fall and winter treat. But Bowdie’s Chophouse Executive Chef Alexander Lukens has a bit different take: Pumpkin Cheesecake. 94 94

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Ingredients

Directions

Crust 2 cups graham crumbs 4 oz. butter

Form crust into a greased 9-inch spring-form pan. In mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add vanilla, pumpkin and spices. Incorporate eggs one at a time, making sure to not over mix. Bake over a water bath at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Turn off oven and let sit for another 20 minutes. Set aside, cool and serve. Best served with a little fresh whipped cream or cinnamon sugar.

Filling 10 oz. sugar 2 lbs., 2 oz. cream cheese 4 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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food + drink / chee s

CHEERS

A return to relevance Portico’s espresso martini gets a boost from Madcap. BY PAT EVANS

Portico's Madcap Martini (right) exemplifies the recent rise of espresso martinis with a local twist, while Bistro Bella Vita's (below) espresso martini is a long-time staple.

The 1990s are cool again, apparently. Much has been made the past few years of the ’90s trying to make a return to cultural relevance. Earlier this year, the New York Times style section wrote about the decade’s fashion trends making their return, concluding: “After all, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Those who learn from it, on the other hand, can wear their wisdom well.” Trends come back around, like it or not. But one thing to be excited about that is making a return to menus is the espresso martini. The drink has made a raucous comeback at bars across the country and set the drinks media world on fire — at least giving it something to talk about other than hard seltzers. MARTINIS COURTESY OF PORTICO, BISTRO BELLA VITA

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Grand Rapids is no different. In fact, it was perhaps the brightest highlight at a stop at Portico, one of downtown’s newest establishments. Portico opened in September at Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, 131 Ionia Ave. SW. The vibe at Portico is very much upscale hotel lobby, and while it might not be the most romantic dining spot, it is perfect for a pre- or post-event drink and snack, whether you’ve made your way to a concert at Van Andel Arena or a movie at Celebration Cinema Studio Park. And when you grab one of the cozy seats at Portico, make sure one of the drinks is the Madcap Martini, which uses espresso from one of the country’s best coffee roasters, Grand Rapids’ own

Madcap Coffee. The result is a creamy, slightly sweet, slightly bitter and warming concoction that tastes like an iced mocha. A few crunchy espresso beans as a garnish really cap off a nice fall cocktail. The idea of an espresso martini is far from new in Grand Rapids, however. Near Studio Park, Bistro Bella Vita has featured an espresso martini on its expansive martini menu for years — at least two decades. This espresso martini is more along the lines of the classic version of the cocktail, simple with vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. It’s a little less chocolatey than its new neighbor, but that’s just fine for coffee lovers. GR M AG .CO M

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food + drink / on-the-go

ON-THE-GO

Going, going, gone Bagel Kitchen serves up authentic fare, but order early. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

readily available in Grand Rapids, even though the city is making strides in that regard. One place that can be counted on every time is Bagel Kitchen in East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village. Marc and Shannon Schulz first started selling bagels, at least in West Michigan, out of their EGR kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were making bagels because people asked us to,” Shannon Schulz said. “People said how good they were and that we should open a store, and we thought more and more about what a great way to be part of the community.”

Bagel Kitchen's everything bagel with veggie cream cheese (above) Marc and Shannon Schulz (right).

Bagels are bagels, right? Unfortunately, that’s not quite correct. The bagels bought at the grocery store and, sadly, many bagel shops across the country are pretty much just circle bread loaves. A real bagel should have a nice shiny, tough exterior. It fights back a bit with a tug, by hand or teeth, but as it opens, it reveals a soft interior. The tender inside is moist, and while it’s dense, it has a delightful, easy chew. Bagels are beautiful when done well, not a less indulgent version of a doughnut. They don’t necessarily need toasting, nor a giant schmear of cream cheese. Those types of bagels aren’t always

Bagels are beautiful when done well, not a less indulgent version of a doughnut.

The retail operation opened in August, in the former storefront once occupied by Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine. Each day, there’s a nice variety of bagels, a coffee menu and sandwiches. Be sure to order ahead; when a bagel is gone, it’s gone. Bagel Kitchen actually has its roots in Costa Rica. The Schulzes opened a bagel shop there before moving to Michigan right before the pandemic. The family moved to the Central American country to “break the mold and disrupt life,” according to Shannon Schulz. Now, Bagel Kitchen is breaking the bagel mold in Grand Rapids, and the shop often runs out, so there already are some expansion plans in the works. “It’s going really well. We’re not marketing because our biggest challenge is staff, training staff, and building systems and processes,” she said. “We can’t grow too fast.” Just remember: Order ahead, because when they’re gone, they’re gone.

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Best of 2020-21 Readers Poll

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A bartender makes the Pablo Escobar Gaviria (mezcal, tequila, coffee bitters, orange peel, hazelnut syrup, smoked). The cocktails at Danzón are delightfully tropical.

MUST-TRY

A taste of Cuba

Traffic woes kept this gem of a Latin American restaurant hidden. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Most Americans haven’t been to Cuba. That means their tastebuds haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing the creative cooking that comes out of the nation’s paladares, independent businesses established as the communist country started to open up its economy. Cubans are still greatly limited in their liberties and, while they have figured out how to love their lives, want for more. But in the limitations of their day-to-day lives, the inventive cuisines can absolutely thrill taste buds. Thankfully, Grand Rapids has a nice slice of Cuban cuisine at Danzón, 1 Carlton Ave. SE. (Editor’s Note: after our visit, Danzón shifted to include other Latin American fare and changed its name from Danzón Cubano to Danzón Cocina.) Unfortunately for Danzón and some its neighbors, like Schnitz Deli, summer business was slowed immensely by a major construction project cutting down Fulton Street. That construction likely kept its dining room sparse during prime dinner hours for several months. The menu is full of items one might find at paladares, including arroz con pollo and arroz con mariscos (rice with chicken or seafood), faca vieja (fried beef) or lechon asado (braised pork with rice and beans). All four dishes are full of flavor and executed well. The meats are tender and juicy, often with a bit of a kick, but not in an overtly spicy way. The rice is moist and savory, full of veggies to help fill up nutrients. Each dish was draped with a caramelized 98

Perhaps the most exciting piece of the menu are the drinks. Two immediate drinks to grab on the menu are the Cuba Libre and mojito. Enchiladas de Mole Artesanal (traditional enchiladas made with artisanal, authentic Mexican mole flown out of Mexico. choice of chicken or mojo pork, sour cream, onions, lettuce, cotija cheese, sesame seeds) and a Toloache Margarita (hibiscus puree, blueberries, Don Julio tequila blanco).

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food + drink / must-t y The dining area at Danzón is colorful and festive, a nice place to grab a drink.

Platano Relleno (fried plantain stuffed with black beans, corn, sofrito, queso fresco, drizzled with avocado ranch) and the Pablo Escobar Gaviria.

plantain, a perfect sweet way to help balance out the meal. Speaking of plantains, Danzón’s sweet tostones are a great way to set the table for the meal to come. The slight sweetness inside the crunchy, salty crust help prepare the tastebuds for the flavors coming with the main dishes. Also on the menu are a variety of tacos and the Cubano sandwich, both foods that aren’t often seen on the actual island but have become incredible ways to spread the flavors of Cuban culture. Other items include a Cuban Quesadilla, Havana Cheese-Steak and El Supremo Chicken

The flavors are often simple but delicious, and the cocktails strong enough to make you feel like you might just be 90 miles south of Key West.

Sandwich that could always draw an eye if you’re a regular. But if it’s your first time, try to stay with the arroz, vieja or lechon dishes. You won’t be disappointed. Since Grand Rapids Magazine’s September visit, Danzón did alter its menu to include other Latin American fare, including Mexican soups, Brazilian beef dish Bauru, and several additions to its shareable section. The menus is also full of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for those looking to fit to a specific diet. The restaurant does update its menu regularly, so offerings change and you’ll often find other familiar dishes like a tasty paella. Perhaps the most exciting section of the menu are the drinks. Two immediate drinks to grab on the menu are the Cuba Libre and mojito, two menu staples almost anywhere in the country. Both did not disappoint. The Hemingway, a daiquiri similar to the one the famous author would sip on at Havana’s El Flordita. The Hemingway did stray a bit and is likely a tad sweeter than Papa would have preferred. There are other, more experimental cocktails that veer to excite tastebuds, like a Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, the creamy, milkshake-like Dulce de Leche martini and the smoky mezcalbased Pablo Escobar. The wine list features wines largely from South America, California and Michigan. Beer includes Michigan craft beer and the Spanish Estrella Damm pilsner. The best bet for drinks? Stay with rum and light lagers. While construction and COVID-19 have kept the dining room less lively than it might be otherwise, the décor pushes the Caribbean theme, with greenery and Cuban-themed paintings throughout. A giant map of Cuba even greets diners on their way into the dining room. The speakers generally keep upbeat Caribbean or Caribbean-inspired music playing, which is sure to put a smile on a diner’s face and induce a toe tapping or head-boppin’. While a stop at the dining room is well worth it, the restaurant also excels in the takeout and delivery world. Often Danzón offers free deliveries on Tuesday. Danzón is a gem of a restaurant hidden for much of this year by construction. The flavors are often simple but delicious, and the cocktails strong enough to make you feel like you might just be 90 miles south of Key West. GR M AG .CO M

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food + drink / top picks

TOP 5

Best beers for your holiday feasts

editor's pick

Fit these selections into your entertainment plans. BY PAT EVANS

Sierra Nevada Celebration If there’s one seasonal beer I always buy the first time I see it in stores each year, it’s Sierra Nevada Celebration. The fresh hop IPA is incredible, an accessible, not overly bitter beer that’s perfect for sipping throughout a holiday. Its festive red label doesn’t hurt, either.

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Founders Breakfast Stout Locally made checks a box, but Founders Breakfast Stout is one of the best stouts in the country. With notes of coffee and chocolate, it helps balance out a meal — before or after. Its ‘roastiness’ and viscous body make it a warming winter-sipper as well.

Anchor Christmas Ale Another beer from a craft pioneer in Northern California, Anchor Christmas Ale changes every year, just like its label — which features a different hand-drawn Christmas tree each year. It’s often dark and malty with a touch of winter spices.

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Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza Another Michigan beer — one with a GR taproom, no less! — Jolly Pumpkin’s Noel de Calabaza is a great beer to pair with pretty much any holiday meal. Jolly Pumpkin is one of the country’s original and premier sour beer makers, but this Belgian dark ale isn’t overly acidic and features layered malty, dark fruit and chocolate notes.

Bell’s Christmas Ale Yet another Michigan beer that would be right at home on a list of national holiday beers, Bell’s Christmas Ale is a staple at plenty of holiday parties across the Midwest. The hearty Scotch Ale is big with its boozy caramel notes. Holiday hint: Bell’s website has a gingerbread cookie recipe featuring the beer.

Pairing the right alcohol with a holiday meal is more important than ever, especially with Grand Rapids’ emphasis on making — and drinking — good beverages over the past several years. Those decisions can be hard, as the offerings continue to grow, and the shelves become more crowded. Thankfully, Grand Rapids has no shortage of great stores to help select the right drink to accompany the dinner plate. One of those is Rishi’s International Beverage, which has some of the best selections of beer, wine and spirits in the city. A key piece of what helps make Rishi’s special is Rishi Makkar himself, who often can be found behind the counter or walking the aisles of the store. Makkar always seems to have tasted nearly everything in the store and easily can point curious customers in the right direction. That especially helps when planning a big holiday meal when a host might need a few new drinks to open guests’ eyes.

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10/13/21 4:36 PM

Disclaimer: The research for the Top Lawyers list was created by PRS (Professional Research Services) and is based on an online peer-review survey sent out to the certified lawyers within the Grand Rapids area. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in the legal field. Inclusion in Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers list is based solely upon one’s standing within their peer group. Listings in Top Lawyers cannot be purchased. GR M AG .CO M

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Top Lawyers

Antitrust Law

Arbitration

Brian J. Masternak Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Katie Hogan Aguilar Rhoades McKee PC

Appellate Law

616-831-1700 kaguilar@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ katie-hogan-aguilar/

Conor B. Dugan Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Frederick D. Dilley Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-458-3620 jkoch@shrr.com

616-726-2247 fdilley@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

William W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Aaron Lindstrom Barnes & Thornburg LLP Matthew T. Nelson Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-6243 wjack@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/william-wjack-jr/

Amanda Rauh-Bieri Miller Canfield

Lee T. Silver Silver & Van Essen PC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Banking and Creditors Service Rights

616-233-5132 gtimmer@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ greg-timmer/

Daniel R. Kubiak Mika Meyers PLC

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-1365 jvanderploeg@shrr.com shrr.com

Michael Campbell Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Dan Challa McShane & Bowie, PLC 99 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 1100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-732-5000 dmc@msblaw.com msblaw.com

David R. Fernstrum Mika Meyers PLC Floyd E. Gates Jr. Bodman PLC Daniel F. Gosch Dickinson Wright PLLC David A. Hall Barnes & Thornburg LLP Brian E. Kersey Bodman PLC

Jon G. March Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Greg Timmer Rhoades McKee PC

Jonathan D. VanderPloeg Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

616-233-5130 debevins@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ david-bevins/

Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer Mika Meyers PLC

Jonathan B. Koch Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Ronald M. Redick Mika Meyers PLC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

John J. Bursch Bursch Law PLLC

Gaëtan Gerville-Réache Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

David Bevins Rhoades McKee PC

Banking & Financial Service Law John C. Arndts Mika Meyers PLC

Harvey Koning Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6588 hkoning@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Leslee M. Lewis Dickinson Wright PLLC Michael E. Moore Miller Canfield Jeffrey A. Ott Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Kimberly A. Baber Varnum LLP

Brittni W. Riley Miller Canfield

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6851 kababer@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

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Top Lawyers

Mary Kay Shaver Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Stephen B. Grow Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

616-336-6755 mkshaver@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-marykay-shaver

David A. Hall Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Mike Hanrahan CBH Attorneys

Trent J. Taylor Miller Canfield

Bankruptcy and Creditor/ Debtor Rights Law A. Todd Almassian Keller & Almassian PLC William M. Azkoul Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Charles F. Behler Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-6245 cbehler@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/charles-fbehler/

25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-608-3061 mike@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

April Hulst CBH Attorneys

Commercial Law Bruce Courtade Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5152 bcourtade@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ bruce-courtade/

Pam Cross Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5181 pjcross@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ pam-cross/

25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-608-3061 april@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

Daniel R. Kubiak Mika Meyers PLC Gordon J. Toering Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Construction Law Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Jonathan W. Anderson Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Catherine Brainerd Rhoades McKee PC

Robert F. Wardrop II Wardrop & Wardrop, PC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Circuit Court Judges

616-233-5199 cabrainerd@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ catherine-brainerd/

Terence J. Ackert Kent County 17th Circuit Court

Steven T. Buquicchio Varnum LLP

Curt A. Benson Kent County 17th Circuit Court

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Paul J. Denenfeld Kent County 17th Circuit Court

616-336-6491 stbuquicchio@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Steve Bylenga CBH Attorneys 25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-608-3061 steve@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

Bruce Courtade Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5152 bcourtade@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ bruce-courtade/

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Daniel F. Gosch Dickinson Wright PLLC

Kathleen A. Feeney Kent County 17th Circuit Court G. Patrick Hillary Kent County 17th Circuit Court George J. Quist Kent County 17th Circuit Court Mark A. Trusock Kent County 17th Circuit Court Jon A. Van Allsburg Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court Christopher P. Yates Kent County 17th Circuit Court

616-336-6709 jwanderson@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

John G. Cameron Jr. Dickinson Wright PLLC Melissa N. Collar Rockford Construction Co.

Patrick Drueke Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5175 prdrueke@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ patrick-drueke/

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

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Michigan Auto Law has the experience, specialized skill, and compassion to help you and your family after a motor vehicle crash. Based in downtown Grand Rapids, and with offices across Michigan, the lawyers of Michigan Auto Law have been specializing in serious automobile crashes and wrongful death cases for more than 50 years. Michigan Auto Law’s history of recording-setting settlements and trial verdicts for the people they help is matched only by the care, compassion, and respect they show for each client. Michigan Auto Law attorneys pride themselves on returning every phone call and meeting with clients personally. The West Michigan spirit of personal responsibility and caring for the community is inherent in the team of Grand Rapids based attorneys, including Brandon Hewitt,

named to Grand Rapids Magazine’s list of “Top Lawyers,” to The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” and “Top 40 under 40”, and also recognized as a Michigan Super Lawyer. This top-rated law firm is committed to sharing resources, information, and education with the West Michigan community to keep drivers and families safe. Michigan Auto Law is dedicated to helping seriously injured auto accident victims rebuild their lives and recover the compensation and No-Fault benefits they are legally entitled to. Michigan Auto Law’s attorneys have been named “Top Lawyers” by Grand Rapids Magazine for the fourth consecutive year. This is the 15th straight year that Michigan Auto Law has been listed in both “The Best

Lawyers in America” directory, an honor bestowed on only the top 5 percent of attorneys in the U.S and Super Lawyers. The lawyers at Michigan Auto Law are also consistently named the Best Accident Lawyer in Michigan from Michigan Lawyers Weekly and U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers list. ■

GR M AG .CO M

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Top Lawyers

Timothy Robert Dudley Rhoades McKee PC

Jennifer A. Puplava Mika Meyers PLC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Corporate Counsel

616-233-5272 trdudley@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ tim-dudley/

John Inhulsen Inhulsen Law, PLC

Jake Dunlop Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5117 jsdunlop@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ jake-dunlop/

Benjamin H. Hammond Hilger Hammond Stephen A. Hilger Hilger Hammond

Bill Hineline Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6238 wrhineline@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-william-r-hineline

Aileen M. Leipprandt Hilger Hammond Scott R. Murphy Barnes & Thornburg LLP James J. Rabaut Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Thomas J. Vitale Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5417 tvitale@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/thomas-j-vitale/#

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Corporate Law Michael Campbell Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Brittany Harden Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Todd Hendricks Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5128 thendricks@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ todd-hendricks/

Michael E. Doversberger Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Scott A. Huizenga Varnum LLP

85 E. 8th St. Ste. 310 Holland, MI 49423

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

616-499-6360 mdoversberger@shrr.com shrr.com

616-336-6822 sahuizenga@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-scott-a-huizenga

Patrick Ellis Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5208 pbellis@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ patrick-ellis/

Mark E. Fatum Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5162 mefatum@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ mark-fatum/

Stephanie S. Fekkes Rhoades McKee PC

Christopher L. Kelly Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440 231-722-5414 chris@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ christopher-l-kelly/

William J. Meier Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443 231-722-5409 will@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ william-j-meier/

Patrick Miles Jr. Barnes & Thornburg LLP

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5250 sfekkes@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ stephanie-fekkes/

Emily Green Rhoades McKee PC

Eric R. Post Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6569 erpost@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5189 eagreen@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ emily-green/

Andrew L. Rassi Schnelker, Rassi & McConnell PLC

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Top Lawyers «

RizzoDay PC 220 Lyon Street, NW, Ste. 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-451-8111 | rizzoday.com Devin Day is an accomplished civil litigator with the law firm RizzoDay, a boutique practice that specializes in insurance defense, general litigation, and appellate law. With 21 years as a trial attorney, Day represents individuals and large corporations before state and federal courts, and prides himself on his oral advocacy, legal writing, and trial practice. Day and the firm are highly skilled in representing people and companies on all sides of disputes. “Handling jury trials is a real skill set, and a dying art, when you consider that more than 95 percent of all cases settle out of court,” he says. Day’s record speaks for itself: He hasn’t lost a jury trial in about 14 years. “We’re selective about the work that we do, and focus on cases we really believe in,” Day says. “Our clients get our full attention, service, and expertise.” ■

Advocate for the Injured

TOM SINAS Award-winning legal excellence in personal injury and wrongful death.

616-301-3333 | S INAS D RAMIS.COM 312 F ULTON S T E. G RAND R APIDS , MI 49503

70 Years GR M AG .CO M

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Top Lawyers

Joshua A. Reece Parmenter Law

Kurt G. Yost Varnum LLP

601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

231-722-5426 josh@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ joshua-a-reece/

616-336-6246 kgyost@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-kurtg-yost

Nicholas Andrew Reister Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-8286 nreister@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/nicholas-a-reister/

Peter G. Roth Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6429 pgroth@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-peterg-roth

Robert C. Rutgers Jr. Rutgers Law 180 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-552-4000 rcrutgers@rutgerslawfirm.com rutgerslawfirm.com

John T. Schuring Dickinson Wright PLLC Robert R. Stead Barnes & Thornburg LLP

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6903 mgwooldridge@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-michael-g-wooldridge

Charles M. Denton Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Bruce Goodman Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

John D. Arendshorst Varnum LLP

616-336-6574 bgoodman@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-bruce-goodman

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6560 jdarendshorst@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Frank E. Berrodin Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC James C. Bruinsma Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Jeffrey A. DeVree Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6566 jadevree@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-jeffreya-devree

William R. Hineline Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6238 wrhineline@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-william-r-hineline

Heidi A. Lyon Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Justin W. Stemple Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Larry J. Titley Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6571 ljtitley@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-larry-j-titley

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Nikole L. Canute Mika Meyers PLC

Employee Benefits Law

Stephen C. Waterbury Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Michael G. Wooldridge Varnum LLP

Energy Law

William A. Horn Mika Meyers PLC

Environmental Law John V. Byl Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Charles M. Denton Barnes & Thornburg LLP Daniel K. DeWitt Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Douglas A. Donnell Mika Meyers PLC Dennis J. Donohue Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Matthew B. Eugster Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6821 mbeugster@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-matthew-b-eugster

Tammy L. Helminski Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Todd Hendricks Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5128 thendricks@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ todd-hendricks/

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Top Lawyers «

Thomas P. Hogan Rhoades McKee PC

John Lichtenberg Rhoades McKee PC

Robert C. Rutgers Jr. Rutgers Law

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

180 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-233-5215 tphogan@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ tom-hogan/

616-233-5163 jlichtenberg@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ john-lichtenberg/

616-552-4000 rcrutgers@rutgerslawfirm.com rutgerslawfirm.com

William A. Horn Mika Meyers PLC

Michelle M. McLean Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean

Kyle P. Konwinski Varnum LLP

Matthew David Mills Parmenter Law

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443

616-336-6894 kpkonwinski@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

231-722-5419 matt@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ matthew-d-mills/

Eugene E. Smary Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Family Law Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer Mika Meyers PLC

Jennie Bryan McShane & Bowie, PLC 99 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 1100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-732-5000 jb1@msblaw.com msblaw.com

Stephen Hulst Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5155 sjhulst@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ stephen-hulst/

Jennifer L. Johnsen Johnsen Wikander PC Kimberly M. Large Mika Meyers PLC

David C. Sarnacki The Sarnacki Law Firm PLC

Allison Sleight Thacker Sleight 445 Cherry St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-888-3810 allison@thackersleight.com thackersleight.com

Katie N. Steffes Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean

Nicholas B. Missad Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6242 nbmissad@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-nicholas-b-missad

Connie Thacker Thacker Sleight 445 Cherry St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-888-3810 connie@thackersleight.com thackersleight.com/about

Kyle J. Quinn McShane & Bowie, PLC

Michael Richard Toburen Toburen Law PLC

99 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 1100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Erica L. Wikander Johnsen Wikander PC

616-732-5000 kjq@msblaw.com msblaw.com/project/kyle-jquinn/

Food and Beverage Law

Courtney Quist Kuiper Kraemer PC 180 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-490-3700 courtneyquist@quistlawfirm.com quistlawfirm.com/attorney/ quist-courtney/

Richard A. Roane Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Joseph M. Infante Miller Canfield

Franchise Law Benjamin A. Zainea Mika Meyers PLC

Health Care Law Scott D. Alfree Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6439 sdalfree@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

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Top Lawyers John R. Marquis Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Lawrence P. Burns Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

85 E. 8th St. Ste. 310 Holland, MI 49423 616-499-6362 jmarquis@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/john-rmarquis/

616-336-6535 lpburns@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Zachary J. Meyer Varnum LLP

Christopher R. Genther Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Bill Hineline Varnum LLP

Mark E. Rizik Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Immigration Law

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

John Lichtenberg Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5163 jlichtenberg@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ john-lichtenberg/

Spencer Lickteig Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5454 Slickteig@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/spencer-k-lickteig/

616-451-8111 dday@rizzoday.com rizzoday.com

Brandon Hewitt Michigan Auto Law 212 Grandville Ave. S.W. Ste. 105 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-336-6238 wrhineline@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-william-r-hineline

616-458-0296 bkilbane@shrr.com shrr.com

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616-336-6586 zjmeyer@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Kimberly A. Clarke Varnum LLP

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Devin R. Day RizzoDay PC

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Brian J. Kilbane Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Jason Laird Byrne Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

220 Lyon St. N.W. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Brian S. Fleetham Dickinson Wright PLLC

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-0222 CGENTHER@SHRR.COM shrr.com/our-people/christopher-r-genther/

Insurance Law

616-336-6441 kaclarke@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-kimberly-a-clarke

Susan Im ImLaw PC

616-259-4498 help@michiganautolaw.com michiganautolaw.com

J. Paul Janes Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Peter Lozicki Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5113 lozicki@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ peter-lozicki/

Meghan E. Moore Avanti Law Group, PLLC

Gary A. Maximiuk Wheeler Upham, PC

Nathaniel R. Wolf Mika Meyers PLC

D. Andrew Portinga Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC

Information Management and Discovery Law

Phillip Yeager Yeager Davison & Day PC

Scott R. Carvo Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Intellectual Property and Patent Law

Information Technology Law

Gregory P. Bondarenko Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Jennifer A. Puplava Mika Meyers PLC

William P. Dani Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Nathan William Steed Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Richard A. Gaffin Koernke & Crampton PC

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expertise & value that matters to you We are honored that 31 Rhoades McKee lawyers across 25 practice specialties – over 2/3 of our attorneys – were recognized by their peers as Top Lawyers for excellence in their areas of specialization. Our attorneys understand the importance of identifying, investigating, and responding to interrelated legal issues. We use an interdisciplinary team approach that allows us to maximize our knowledge and experience efficiently and cost effectively. Connect with one of our attorneys to discuss how we can help with your legal needs. rhoadesmckee.com

rhoades mckee attorneys

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Appellate Law, Arbitration, Banking and Financial Services, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law, Commercial Law, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Family Law, Health Care Law, Insurance Law, Labor and Employment Law, Land Use and Zoning, Legal Malpractice Law, Mediation, Medical Malpractice Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Personal Injury, Professional Malpractice, Real Estate Law, Real Estate Litigation, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

9/30/21 3:14 PM

Top Lawyers

Patricia H. Jander Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 85 E. 8th St. Ste. 310 Holland, MI 49423 616-335-6811 pjander@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/patricia-h-jander/

Matthew D. Kendall Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP 2900 Charlevoix Dr. S.E. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-988-4123 kendall@gardner-linn.com gardner-linn.com/attorneys/matthew-d-kendall/

Scott E. Dwyer Mika Meyers PLC

Jennifer J. Stocker Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Jeffrey J. Fraser Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC

Nathaniel R. Wolf Mika Meyers PLC

Katherine Smith Kennedy Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy LLP

Amy J. Zdravecky Barnes & Thornburg LLP

David E. Khorey Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6618 dekhorey@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-david-e-khorey

Land Use and Zoning Nyal D. Deems Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6712 nddeems@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-nyal-ddeems

Jonathan P. Kok Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Jeffrey A. Michael Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Karl T. Ondersma Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP 2900 Charlevoix Dr. S.E. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-988-4117 ondersma@gardner-linn.com gardner-linn.com/attorneys/karlt-ondersma/

David Oppenhuizen Oppenhuizen Law PLC Monica J. Stover Bodman PLC

Labor and Employment Law Luis E. Avila Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6895 leavila@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Keith J. Brodie Barnes & Thornburg LLP Nikole L. Canute Mika Meyers PLC Anthony R. Comden Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC

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Donald P. Lawless Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Paul A. McCarthy Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5133 mccarthy@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ paul-mccarthy/

Scott A. Dienes Barnes & Thornburg LLP Bradley A. Fowler Mika Meyers PLC

Randall W. Kraker Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6510 rwkraker@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-randall-w-kraker

Nathan D. Plantinga Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Stephanie R. Setterington Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6466 srsetterington@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Ross A. Leisman Mika Meyers PLC

Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5217 bwneckers@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ bruce-neckers/

Robert W. Sikkel Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Elizabeth Wells Skaggs Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6620 ewskaggs@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-elizabeth-wells-skaggs

Ronald M. Redick Mika Meyers PLC

David L. Smith McShane & Bowie, PLC 99 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 1100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-732-5000 dls@msblaw.com msblaw.com

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Top Lawyers «

Rutgers Law

Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC

180 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

15 Division Ave., S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-278-0888 | hoffersheremet.com

616-552-4000 | rutgerslawfirm.com Albert Einstein once said,“The only source of knowledge is experience.” If you are in need of a lawyer with a track record of success (included in Best Lawyers in America, and an Avvo Rating of 10), consider retaining Robert C. Rutgers, who has been vigorously representing people in divorce matters using mediation and collaborative practice, as well as traditional litigation and arbitration for nearly 30 years. He has unique experience in complex cases including valuation, large estates, and challenging custody matters. He’s also a trusted adviser for a variety of respected businesses. ■

Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC, is a boutique law firm specializing in medical and legal malpractice. This exclusive focus allows the firm’s award-winning attorneys to be true experts in malpractice law. Hoffer & Sheremet’s expertise is highlighted in numerous trial victories and landmark legal opinions. Combined with a unique “team approach” to every case, Hoffer & Sheremet achieves the best results for their clients. ■

Recognized as Top Lawyers 2021 Our tradition at Parmenter Law of providing compassionate support for individuals, families, and businesses goes back nearly 70 years. We offer a wide range of services, including business law, elder law, real estate law, public sector, litigation, and estate planning.

Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP specializes in the protection, enforcement, and defense of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP 2900 Charlevoix Dr. SE, Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Visit 601 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440 Web www.parmenterlaw.com

gardner-linn.com (616) 975-5500

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Top Lawyers Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee PC

Timothy A. Stoepker Dickinson Wright PLLC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Matthew D. Zimmerman Varnum LLP

616-233-5217 bwneckers@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ bruce-neckers/

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6536 mdzimmerman@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-matthew-d-zimmerman

John R. Oostema Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Legal Malpractice Law

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-0495 joostema@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/ john-r-oostema/

Mark A. Gilchrist Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-1477 mgilchrist@shrr.com shrr.com

Stephen Grimm Stephen L. Grimm PC

Nicholas V. Dondzila Dondzila Law Douglas A. Donnell Mika Meyers PLC Joseph M. Infante Miller Canfield John Inhulsen Inhulsen Law PLC

Kyle P. Konwinski Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6894 kpkonwinski@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Michael David Wiese Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Thomas A. Kuiper Kuiper Kraemer PC

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

180 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-774-8000 mwiese@shrr.com shrr.com

616-454-3700 kuiper@k2legal.com k2legal.com

5020 E. Beltline N.E. Ste. 201F Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-459-0220 steve@slgrimmpc.com slgrimmpc.com/

Litigation - Banking and Finance Lisa A. Hall Plunkett Cooney

Jonathan B. Koch Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-3620 jkoch@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/jonathan-b-koch/

E. Thomas McCarthy Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-9224 tmccarthy@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/e-thomas-mccarthy-jr/

Litigation - Commercial Andrew T. Blum Miller Canfield

Jon M. Bylsma Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6530 jmbylsma@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Robert L. DeJong Miller Canfield

Ronald G. DeWaard Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6480 rgdewaard@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

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Ross A. Leisman Mika Meyers PLC

Matthew David Mills Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443 231-722-5419 matt@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ matthew-d-mills/

Scott R. Murphy Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Craig S. Neckers Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-4251 cneckers@shrr.com shrr.com

Anthony C. Norman Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, PC

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Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Ste. 810, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-458-2212 | willeychamberlain.com The law office of Willey & Chamberlain offers skilled criminal defense attorneys who care about the whole of you. They handlecomplex whitecollar crime, fraud, tax evasion, sex crimes, homicide, drug offenses, gun crimes, and more. We bring decades of top-notch, award-winning litigation experience to aggressively represent your interests and protect your rights. We listen. We communicate. And we connect you with the resources to get you back on your feet and moving forward with confidence, optimism, and the support you need. ■

Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC 60 Monroe Center St NW #500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5500 | springsteadbartish.com

One former U.S. Attorney. Two former FBI agents. Two former Army JAGS. And FOUR former federal prosecutors. It all adds up to decades of legal experience as government investigators and federal prosecutors who not only know the law but understand the system

and how it works – and they’re ready to fight for you! The award-winning criminal defense lawyers at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC, are skilled, uniquely qualified, and committed to winning or obtaining the best possible result. ■

We don’t concede, we will not give up. It is a will to win – a tenacious focus that Smith Haughey brings to advocating on our clients’ behalf. When the future is on the line, you need us on your side.

SHRR.COM | 616-774-8000

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Top Lawyers

Hal G. Ostrow Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5120 hostrow@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ hal-ostrow/

Tony Pearson Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5180 apearson@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ tony-pearson/

Litigation - Construction

William E. Rohn Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6722 werohn@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-williame-rohn

Anthony C. Sallah Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Litigation - Insurance Mark S. Allard Varnum LLP

Richard A. Gaffin Koernke & Crampton PC

Terence J. Linn Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP 2900 Charlevoix Dr. S.E. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-975-5503 linn@gardner-linn.com gardner-linn.com/attorneys/ terence-j-linn/

Litigation - Labor Employment Benefits

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Edward J. Bardelli Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Charles F. Behler Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

616-336-6562 msallard@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Andrea J. Bernard Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-6245 cbehler@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/charles-fbehler/

Thomas S. Baker Michigan Auto Law

Benjamin H. Hammond Hilger Hammond

212 Grandville Ave. S.W. Ste. 105 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-259-4498 help@michiganautolaw.com michiganautolaw.com

Stephen A. Hilger Hilger Hammond Aileen M. Leipprandt Hilger Hammond Scott R. Murphy Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Mary Jane Rhoades Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5196 mjrhoades@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ mary-jane-rhoades/

Peter Rhoades Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5237 pdrhoades@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ peter-rhoades/

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Litigation - Intellectual Property

Amanda May Fielder Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Sarah Riley Howard Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy, LLP Katherine Smith Kennedy Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy, LLP

William E. Rohn Varnum LLP Ali Fardoun Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5456 afardoun@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/ali-fardoun/

J. Paul Janes Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Lawrence Korolewicz Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC 1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2203 lkorolewicz@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

Jonathan J. Paasch Durellaw PLC

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6722 werohn@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-williame-rohn

Elizabeth Wells Skaggs Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6620 ewskaggs@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-elizabeth-wells-skaggs

Jennifer J. Stocker Barnes & Thornburg LLP Stephen D. Turner Clark Hill PLC Tiffany R. Vanderkolk Scholten Fant

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WENDY PARR HOLTVLUWER 616-552-4601

CBH Attorneys & Counselors, PLLC

Wendy@HoltvluwerLaw.com

25 Division Ave. S, Ste. 500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Wendy Parr Holtvluwer creates high-end, specialized estate plans for individuals from all walks of life. A specialist in estate planning and tax-exempt/nonprofit organizations, she handles trust and estate administration matters including litigation surrounding trusts and estates. Her nonprofit organizations practice includes all legal and tax issues that may arise, including creating new entities and obtaining tax-exempt status with the IRS, trouble-shooting when issues arise, and reorganization/merger/consolidation matters. Holtvluwer obtained her J.D. from the Ohio Northern University School of Law, and has an L.L.M. in taxation from the New York University School of Law. ■

616-608-3061 | cbhattorneys.com CBH Attorneys & Counselors, PLLC prides itself on providing small-firm customer service while achieving big-firm results. The attorneys at CBH are well versed in civil matters ranging from small disputes to multimillion-dollar cases, and specialize in personal injury, bankruptcy, business, tax, estate planning, and litigation. At CBH, the client always comes first. The attorneys at CBH are proud to be recognized as top lawyers in their respective fields. ■

Kuiper Kraemer P.C.

Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC

180 Monroe Ave NW Ste. 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

1700 E. Beltline NE, Ste. 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2238 | lgenovich@fosterswift.com

616-454-3700 | k2legal.com My mission is to make divorce less adversarial and less damaging to the family dynamic. By lessoning conflict and involvement in the court system, I can address a family’s specific needs and circumstances. In high conflict cases the focus is on fighting and the result is usually a one size fits all resolution. In low conflict cases however, the attorneys can problem solve, preserve ties and preserve assets. I have practiced law for 25 years and I firmly believe that attorneys have an obligation to attempt resolution before resorting to litigation. ■

Courtney L. Quist

Laura J. Genovich practices commercial law, bankruptcy law, and municipal law. She represents individuals and businesses in contract and collection disputes in her commercial law practice, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC. She specializes in representing creditors and trustees in bankruptcy cases. Genovich also works closely with municipal clients on issues related to zoning, election law, and campaign finance issues; FOIA and OMA compliance; labor/employment matters; real estate transactions;

public finance; marijuana business regulations; and contract drafting and negotiations. ■

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Top Lawyers

Litigation - Patents Terence J. Linn Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP 2900 Charlevoix Dr. S.E. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-975-5503 linn@gardner-linn.com gardner-linn.com/attorneys/ terence-j-linn/

Litigation - Real Estate Thomas Martin Amon Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Scott W. Kraemer Kuiper Kraemer PC 180 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-454-3700 kraemer@kolaw.com k2legal.com/attorneys/ scott-kraemer

WIlliam W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-6243 wjack@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/william-wjack-jr/

Robert E. Lee Wright The Peace Talks PLC Jon G. March Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC Richard A. Roane Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Robert C. Shaver Jr. Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5143 rcshaver@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ robert-shaver/

Brian Thomas Lang Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Christian E. Meyer Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Tom Saxe Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5219 tlsaxe@grlaw.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ tom-saxe/

Mediation Thomas R. Behm Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer Mika Meyers PLC

Frederick D. Dilley Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC 1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2247 fdilley@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

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Stephen Grimm Stephen L. Grimm PC 5020 E. Beltline N.E. Ste. 201F Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-459-0220 steve@slgrimmpc.com slgrimmpc.com/

Laura A. Johnson Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-3634 ljohnson@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/laura-a-johnson/

Brian J. Kilbane Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-0296 bkilbane@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/brian-j-kilbane/

Lee T. Silver Silver & Van Essen PC

Kevin M. Lesperance Henn Lesperance PLC

Medical Malpractice Law

Scott R. Melton Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Thomas R. Behm Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Robert J. Buchanan The Buchanan Firm

Carol D. Carlson Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-9289 CCARLSON@SHRR.COM shrr.com/our-people/carol-d-carlson/

Christopher R. Genther Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Benjamin W. Mills Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC William F. Mills Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

John C. O’Loughlin Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-9370 joloughlin@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/john-coloughlin/

Norman H. Pylman Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-0222 cgenther@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/christopher-r-genther/

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Top Lawyers « Ashley C. Quackenbush Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-3632 aquackenbush@shrr.com shrr.com

Jason R. Sebolt Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-3628 jsebolt@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/jason-r-sebolt/

Maxwell N. Barnes Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Benjamin A. Zainea Mika Meyers PLC

Jeffrey S. Battershall Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Municipal Law

Erik R. Daly Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC Dustin J. Daniels Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Matthew D. Johnson Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Michael J. Jones Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Charles E. McCallum Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

15 Division Ave. S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-278-0888 aubri.sheremet@hoffersheremet. com hoffersheremet.com

Jonathan J. Siebers Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5226 jsiebers@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ jon-siebers/

Mergers and Acquisitions Law Seth W. Ashby Varnum LLP

Scott A. Dienes Barnes & Thornburg LLP Bradley A. Fowler Mika Meyers PLC

Laura J. Genovich Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

Tracy T. Larsen Honigman LLP

Aubri N. Sheremet Hoffer & Sheremet PLC

James R. Brown Mika Meyers PLC Ronald A. Bultje Dickinson Wright PLLC

Michael J. Huff Mika Meyers PLC

Robert C. Shaver Rhoades McKee PC

616-233-5143 rcshaver@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ robert-shaver/

Clifford H. Bloom Bloom Sluggett, PC

Peter G. Roth Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6429 pgroth@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-peterg-roth

Greg E. Schmidt Warner Norcross + Judd LLP John T. Schuring Dickinson Wright PLLC

1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2238 lgenovich@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

Michael D. Homier Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC 1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2230 mhomier@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

John M. Huff Varnum LLP

Jonathan J. Siebers Rhoades McKee PC

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-336-6239 jmhuff@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

616-233-5226 jsiebers@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com

Robert R. Stead Barnes & Thornburg LLP

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Stephen C. Waterbury Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

616-336-6726 swashby@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Jeffrey G. York Dickinson Wright PLLC

Randall W. Kraker Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6510 rwkraker@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-randall-w-kraker

Mark E. Nettleton Mika Meyers PLC GR M AG .CO M

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Craig R. Noland McGraw Morris PC

Jeffery S. Crampton Koernke & Crampton PC

James F. Scales Mika Meyers PLC

Mark P. Hunting West Michigan Defense Team

John C. Schrier Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440 231-722-5401 john@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ john-c-schrier/

Jeffrey Sluggett Bloom Sluggett, PC Douglas W. Van Essen Silver & Van Essen PC Richard A. Wendt Dickinson Wright PLLC

Non White-Collar Criminal Defense Matthew G. Borgula Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC

60 Monroe Center St. N.W. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5500 matt@sbbllaw.com springsteadbartish.com/attorney-profile/matthew-g-borgula/

Charles E. Chamberlain Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 cec@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com/ charles-e-chamberlain/

James K. Champion Law Office of James K. Champion PLLC

Britt Cobb Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 bmc@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com

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Personal Injury William M. Azkoul Baker Gruel Mills Nims &Thomas Pylman S. PLLC

Michigan Auto Law 212 Grandville Ave. S.W. Ste. 105 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Paul L. Mitchell Paul L. Mitchell PLLC

Peter VanGelderen Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 pav@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com/peter-vangelderen/

616-259-4498 help@michiganautolaw.com michiganautolaw.com

Thomas R. Behm Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Robert J. Buchanan The Buchanan Firm Benjamin C. Dilley Mika Meyers PLC

Larry C. Willey Willey & Chamberlain LLP

Nicholas V. Dondzila Dondzila Law

300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Stephen R. Drew Drew Cooper & Anding

616 458-2212 lcw@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com

Bill Failey Failey Law PLC

Nonprofit/Charities Law

Brandon Hewitt Michigan Auto Law

Wendy Parr Holtvluwer Holtvluwer Law

212 Grandville Ave. S.W. Ste. 105 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

230 Fulton St. E. Ste. C Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-259-4498 help@michiganautolaw.com michiganautolaw.com

616-552-4601 Wendy@HoltvluwerLaw.com holtvluwerlaw.com

Rick Houghton Michigan Auto Law Jeffrey B. Power Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Dale R. Rietberg Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6587 drrietberg@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-dale-r-rietberg

W. Michael Van Haren Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Jamie J. Vander Kolk Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean

212 Grandville Ave. S.W. Ste. 105 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-259-4498 help@michiganautolaw.com michiganautolaw.com

J. Paul Janes Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Justin Maxim CBH Attorneys 25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-608-3061 justin@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

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Top Lawyers « E. Thomas McCarthy Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-9224 tmccarthy@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/e-thomas-mccarthy-jr/

F. William McKee Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Benjamin W. Mills Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC William F. Mills Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Norman H. Pylman Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Jonathan J. Siebers Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5226 jsiebers@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ jon-siebers/

Thomas Sinas Sinas Dramis Law Firm 312 Fulton St. E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-301-3333 tomsinas@sinasdramis.com sinasdramis.com

Adam C. Sturdivant Drew Cooper & Anding

Matthew L. Wikander Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-8605 mwikander@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/matthew-l-wikander/

Thomas J. Worsfold Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

Product Liability Scott R. Melton Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC

William F. Mills Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Christopher J. Predko Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Real Estate Law Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC

Jonathan W. Anderson Varnum LLP

John M. Roels Wheeler Upham, PC

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Professional Malpractice Law

616-336-6709 jwanderson@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Stephanie Hoffer Hoffer & Sheremet PLC 15 Division Ave. S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-278-0888 stephanie.hoffer@hoffersheremet.com hoffersheremet.com

John R. Oostema Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-0495 joostema@shrr.com shrr.com

Loren Andrulis Warner Norcross + Judd LLP James R. Brown Mika Meyers PLC

David T. Caldon Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6232 dtcaldon@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-david-t-caldon

John G. Cameron Jr. Dickinson Wright PLLC

Mark Smith Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5216 mrsmith@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ mark-smith/

Public Finance Law Mark E. Nettleton Mika Meyers PLC

Susan M. Wyngaarden Varnum LLP

Rob M. Davies Warner Norcross + Judd LLP William W. Hall Warner Norcross + Judd LLP David C. Hill Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Scott H. Hogan Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC 1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-726-2207 shogan@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6563 smwyngaarden@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-susan-m-wyngaarden

Christopher L. Kelly Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440 231-722-5414 chris@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ christopher-l-kelly/

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Neil L. Kimball Mika Meyers PLC

Aaron Smith McShane & Bowie, PLC

Daniel J. Broxup Mika Meyers PLC

Leslee M. Lewis Dickinson Wright PLLC

99 Monroe Ave. N.W. Ste. 1100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Erik R. Daly Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

William J. Meier Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443 231-722-5409 will@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ william-j-meier/

Melissa B. Papke Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6425 mbpapke@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-melissa-b-papke

Daniel J. Parmeter Jr. Mika Meyers PLC James J. Rabaut Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Joshua A. Reece Parmenter Law 601 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49443 231-722-5426 josh@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ joshua-a-reece/

Peter A. Schmidt Varnum LLP

Mark Smith Rhoades McKee PC

Matthew John Wiebe Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 85 E. 8th St. Ste. 310 Holland, MI 49423 616-495-6793 mwiebe@shrr.com

Eric R. Starck Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Suanne Watt Stay Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5176 swstay@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ suanne-watt-stay/

Tax Law Charles Becker Barnes & Thornburg LLP Robert D. Brower Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC Andrea D. Crumback Mika Meyers PLC

Jeffrey A. DeVree Varnum LLP

Timothy A. Stoepker Dickinson Wright PLLC

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

John W. Sturgis Varnum LLP

616-336-6566 jadevree@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-jeffreya-devree

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6244 jwsturgis@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

616-336-6411 paschmidt@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/

Securities Law

616-796-2501 jsiebers@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

Gordon R. Lewis Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

616-233-5216 mrsmith@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ mark-smith/

J. Scott Timmer Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy

1700 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Ste. 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Shane B. Hansen Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Jack A. Siebers Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

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Loren Andrulis Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Erin M. Haney Bodman PLC

Mike Hanrahan CBH Attorneys 25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-608-3061 mike@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

Kimberly A. Baber Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Paul R. Jackson Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

616-336-6851 kababer@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

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Top Lawyers « Kaplin S. Jones Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6820 ksjones@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-kaplins-jones

Stephen R. Kretschman Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Raj A. Malviya Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

John R. Marquis Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 85 E. 8th St. Ste. 310 Holland, MI 49423 616-499-6362 JMARQUIS@SHRR.COM shrr.com/our-people/john-rmarquis/

Mark E. Rizik Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC Wayne D. Roberts Bodman PLC

Katie K. Roskam Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6494 kkroskam@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-katiek-roskam

Chris Brown Brown Law Firm

April Hulst CBH Attorneys Christopher J. Caldwell Varnum LLP

25 Division Ave. S. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504

616-608-3061 april@cbhattorneys.com cbhattorneys.com

616-336-6951 cjcaldwell@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-christopher-j-caldwell

Lindsay M. Cummings Bodman PLC

55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5206 sjsteiner@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ scott-steiner/

Daniel William Borst Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Robert D. Brower Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

George W. Johnson Parmenter Law

Thomas S. Flickinger The Brown Law Firm

601 Terrace St Muskegon, MI 49440 231-722-5408 george@parmenterlaw.com parmenterlaw.com/our-team/ george-w-johnson/

Linsey Gleason Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6528 lgleason@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-linseya-gleason

Jay C. Kakaty Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Dirk Hoffius Varnum LLP

100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-3631 jkakaty@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/jay-ckakaty/

333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6807 dchoffius@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-dirk-hoffius

Wendy Parr Holtvluwer Holtvluwer Law 230 Fulton St. E. Ste. C Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-552-4601 Wendy@HoltvluwerLaw.com holtvluwerlaw.com

Trusts and Estates Tim Alles Alles Law

Laura Anne Jeltema Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Carl W. Dufendach Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Mark D. Hofstee Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean

Scott Steiner Rhoades McKee PC

Neil P. Jansen Mika Meyers PLC

John M. Huff Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6239 jmhuff@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-johnm-huff

Neil L. Kimball Mika Meyers PLC

Thomas G. Kyros Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6809 tgkyros@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-thomas-g-kyros

Marilyn Lankfer Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6817 mlankfer@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-marilyn-lankfer

Michael Lichterman Baar & Lichterman PLLC GR M AG .CO M

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David A. Malson Barnes & Thornburg LLP Raj A. Malviya Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC Susan Gell Meyers Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Lauretta K. Murphy Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Laura E. Radle Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6415 leradle@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-laura-e-radle

Nicholas A. Reister Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge 100 Monroe Center St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-8286 nreister@shrr.com shrr.com/our-people/nicholas-a-reister/

Richard A. Samdal Koernke & Crampton PC Victoria L. Smalley Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean James J. Steffel Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Fredric A. Sytsma Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6808 fasytsma@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com/people-fredric-a-sytsma

Michael J. TerBeek Wheeler Upham PC

Greg Timmer Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-5132 gtimmer@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ greg-timmer/

Timothy J. Waalkes Verspoor Waalkes, PC

Terry L. Zabel Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave. N.W. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-235-3500 tlzabel@rhoadesmckee.com rhoadesmckee.com/attorney/ terry-zabel/

White-Collar Criminal Defense Michael R. Bartish Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC 60 Monroe Center St. N.W. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5500 mike@sbbllaw.com springsteadbartish.com/attorney-profile/michael-r-bartish/

Matthew G. Borgula Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC

60 Monroe Center St. N.W. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5500 matt@sbbllaw.com springsteadbartish.com/attorney-profile/matthew-g-borgula/

Charles E. Chamberlain Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 cec@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com/ charles-e-chamberlain/

Ronald G. DeWaard Varnum LLP 333 Bridge St. N.W. Ste. 1700 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-6480 rgdewaard@varnumlaw.com varnumlaw.com

Madelaine C. Lane Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Brian P. Lennon Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Paul L. Mitchell Paul L. Mitchell PLLC

Gary K. Springstread Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC

60 Monroe Center St. N.W. Ste. 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-5500 gary@sbbllaw.com springsteadbartish.com/attorney-profile/gary-k-springstead/

Peter VanGelderen Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 pav@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com/petervangelderen/

Matthew L. Vicari Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, PLC

Larry C. Willey Willey & Chamberlain LLP 300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616 458-2212 lcw@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com

Workers Compensation Law Britt Cobb Willey & Chamberlain LLP

Themis J. Fotieo Themis J. Fotieo PLC

300 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Ste. 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Leonard M. Hickey Hickey Combs PLC

616 458-2212 bmc@willeychamberlain.com willeychamberlain.com

Michael W. Podein Ryan, Podein, Postema and Westgate, PC

Jeffery S. Crampton Koernke & Crampton PC

Martha E. Reamon Reamon Law PLC James R. Rinck James R. Rinck PC

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Top Lawyers «

Thacker Sleight 445 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-888-3810 | thackersleight.com Founded in 2017 by Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight, Thacker Sleight is a boutique law firm specializing in sensitive, life-altering events and the legal issues surrounding them, ranging from divorce to child custody, spousal support, collaborative divorce, estate planning, business formation, business valuation, and property settlements. Ms. Thacker is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and completed course study for a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst credential from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. In addition, she’s certified in collaborative divorce and mediation and is a certified arbitrator. Ms. Sleight focuses her practice on family law, and specializes in complicated custody From Left to Right: Allison Sleight and Connie Thacker. and parenting time issues. Additionally, she The firm has grown from Thacker and Sleight to include a provides invaluable representation for complicated team of 10 professionals who are dedicated to excellent service compensation issues, accounting, business valuation issues, and results for their clients. ■ income tracing, and collection efforts.

Congratulations, TOP LAWYERS! Scott D. Alfree, Health Care Law Mark S. Allard, Litigation – Insurance Jonathan W. Anderson, Construction Law, Real Estate Law John D. Arendshorst, Employee Benefits Law Seth W. Ashby, Mergers and Acquisitions Law Luis E. Avila, Labor and Employment Law Kimberly A. Baber, Banking and Financial Service Law, Securities Law Steven T. Buquicchio, Construction Law Lawrence P. Burns, Health Care Law Jon M. Bylsma, Litigation – Commercial David T. Caldon, Real Estate Law Christopher J. Caldwell, Trusts and Estates Kimberly A. Clarke, Immigration Law Nyal D. Deems, Land Use and Zoning Jeffrey A. DeVree, Employee Benefits Law, Tax Law Ronald G. DeWaard, Litigation – Commercial, White-Collar Criminal Defense Matthew B. Eugster, Environmental Law

Varnum attorneys named to the 2021 list of Top Lawyers in Michigan Linsey Gleason, Trusts and Estates Bruce Goodman, Energy Law William R. Hineline, Construction Law, Employee Benefits Law, Health Care Law Dirk Hoffius, Trusts and Estates John M. Huff, Municipal Law, Trusts and Estates Scott A. Huizenga, Corporate Law Kaplin S. Jones, Tax Law David E. Khorey, Labor and Employment Law Harvey Koning, Banking and Financial Service Law Kyle P. Konwinski, Environmental Law, Litigation – Commercial Randall W. Kraker, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law Thomas G. Kyros, Trusts and Estates Marilyn Lankfer, Trusts and Estates Zachary J. Meyer, Health Care Law Nicholas B. Missad, Family Law Melissa B. Papke, Real Estate Law Eric R. Post, Corporate Law

Laura E. Radle, Trusts and Estates Dale R. Rietberg, Nonprofit/Charities Law William E. Rohn, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits Katie K. Roskam, Tax Law Peter G. Roth, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law Peter A. Schmidt, Real Estate Law Stephanie R. Setterington, Labor and Employment Law Mary Kay Shaver, Banking and Financial Service Law Elizabeth Wells Skaggs, Labor and Employment Law, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits John W. Sturgis, Real Estate Law Fredric A. Sytsma, Trusts and Estates Larry J. Titley, Employee Benefits Law Michael G. Wooldridge, Corporate Law Susan M. Wyngaarden, Public Finance Law Kurt G. Yost, Corporate Law Matthew D. Zimmerman, Land Use and Zoning

Venture Confidently varnumlaw.com

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Northpointe Bank works to be a different kind of bank, with people at the center of everything they do. They customize products and services using a client-focused approach — which means listening and then developing a proposal to meet customers’ specific financing needs. Northpointe offers home financing programs that clients would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. This includes low- or no-down-payment options for first-time homebuyers, alternative financing solutions for self-employed borrowers, or streamlined construction options to build a dream home. The bank is offering $500 off closing costs for loan applications received on or before Dec. 31, 2021, for properties located in Clinton, Kent, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. For more details, visit northpointe.com/home. ■

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YOUR NEW HOME AWAITS. WORKING TOGETHER TO REALIZE YOUR DREAM.

Romanowski Homes, Inc. | Greenridge Realty EGR 2213 Wealthy St. SE | East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-318-0065 | romanhousekey.com

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PRO MOT I O N AL C O N T EN T

DESIGN QUEST

4181 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | 616-940-9911 | designquest.biz Design Quest opened in a small store in Gaslight Village in 1972, the year after the first Stressless recliner was introduced. The next year they began selling them and continue to do so today. The original recliner was a radical departure from other recliners: it had no locks. As you move, the back and seat respond effortlessly. Over the years, customers have enjoyed improvement after improvement. Today, Design Quest can confidently say there is no other seating that does as many things to make you comfortable as a Stressless. The innovative ideas that make Stressless recliners so exceptional are also available in sofas and sectionals, using the same patented adjusting lumbar, headrest, molded seats and backs as the recliners. Recently, these concepts of movement and comfort have been added to Stressless dining chairs. Visit Design Quest to experience the evolution of comfort and find a wide selection of Stressless, in Michigan’s largest Stressless gallery. ■

ROMANOWSKI HOMES, GREENRIDGE REALTY EGR 2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | 616-458-3655 | romanhousekey.com The Romanowski Homes team at Greenridge Realty EGR truly understands that buying a home is one of the most important investments most people will make in their lives. Backed by years of expertise, Janet Romanowski and her team members Katie Favale and Tom Shuker have built their reputations on establishing trust, leading with integrity, and treating their clients with empathy. They also take pride in making strong connections and nurturing personal relationships with their clients. Romanowski Homes partners with homebuyers to find a perfect fit. They’re there for the entire process and afterward to make sure this exciting step of buying a home is also fun and enjoyable. ■

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EvEry DEtail ConsiDErED

Italian Wardrobes and Walk-In Organization That Dazzle at Design Quest® 4181 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9911 info@DesignQuest.biz DesignQuest.biz

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

CHEF TIPS & TECHNIQUES Q&A

Q: KBS and All Day IPA are two highly-sought-after signature brews from Founders. What has contributed to their popularity? A: These are two of the company’s most well-known beers, but for completely different reasons. Jeremy Kosmicki, head brewer at Founders, says he likes that the company has this kind of diversity in its portfolio, but admits that it took several years to achieve it. “Early on, we were known more for our more potent offerings, and KBS certainly fit into that category,” Kosmicki says. “As a high-alcohol, barrel-aged brew, it really earned us some notoriety because it was different than what other craft breweries were doing. It became a commodity for a time because we were producing it in

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smaller quantities with limited releases, but we eventually consciously shifted to make it more accessible year-round, so more consumers could enjoy it.” All Day was designed to be a counter to the heavy, high ABV craft beers out there, like KBS. Instead, it’s completely approachable and refreshing — and also a good value, especially the 15 pack. Kosmicki says it’s a product the market needed: an IPA that has enough flavor to capture the interest of craft beer drinkers, while still being something they can drink anytime. “It’s become a go-to IPA, and we’re proud of that,” he says.

Jeremy Kosmicki

Head Brewer Founders Brewing Co. 235 Grandville Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-776-1195 foundersbrewing.com

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OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES For any additions or changes: // Please email pevans@geminipub.com or write to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o Dining Guide, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Downtown GR ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 2266928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ THE CHOP HOUSE Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CITYSEN LOUNGE Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily. // CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rapids. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ COTTAGE BAR Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. Lunch, Dinner $ DIVANI European-inspired food includes small plates for sharing and a variety of entrées. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. divanigr.com. Dinner $$-$$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ This farm-to-table breakfast and lunch spot offers allday breakfast items like breakfast burritos and skillet meals as well as lunch items including sandwiches, soups, salads and toasts. It also offers an array of pastry items including croissants, muffins and tarts. On

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com. Breakfast, Lunch $-$$ FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Open Daily. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats and cheeses, baked goods and sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (SatSun), Dinner $-$$ GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL “All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live

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entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLEBIRD

seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse. Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRUNCH COURTESY EXPERIENCE GR

HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of

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LITTLEBIRD Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 4194168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$ MDRD Overlooking the Grand River from its location

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on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$ ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

entrées and desserts. Sparks BBQ originated in Traverse City. Full bar. Open daily. // 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 140, 888-2170. home.eatsparksbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

EL SOMBRERO Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $

RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

SPEAKEZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$

ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$

TAVERN ON THE SQUARE Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$

Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

West Side

SANDY POINT BEACH HOUSE GR Originating in West Olive, dishes include “traditional beach house favorites,” such as prime beef burgers, fresh halibut, steak and frites, and roasted chicken and mussels. Full bar. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, 828-1118, sandypointbeachhouse.com. Brunch (SatSun), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SPARKS BBQ Offering barbecued meats by the pound, à la carte, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, sides, specialty

THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

ANDO SUSHI + BAR Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. // 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

THE KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BLUE DOG TAVERN West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER

BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$

THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

EL GRANJERO Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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HARMONY HALL West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves comfort food including sloppy joes, grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and a variety of dishes based on French fries, including poutine. Sausage menu. Vegan and vegetarian options for every dish on the menu. Open Thurs.-Sat. // 401 Stocking Ave NW, 2339186. harmonybeer.com/harmony-hall. Dinner $-$$

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ONE BOURBON Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$

BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$

O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICK ROAD PIZZA Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (glutenfree crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PEARL STREET GRILL Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ THE SOVENGARD Midwest heart meets New Nordic spirit. This cozy West Side farm-to-table restaurant focuses on seasonal and local sourcing and offers two separate dining spaces/menus with an outdoor biergarten. Closed Mon. and Tues. Open for brunch Sat. and Sun. Reservations accepted. // 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. Dinner $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown BASALT Modern Tex-Mex cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on breakfast tacos, quesadillas and tortas. Closed Mondays. // 1450 Wealthy St. SE, 719-2146. basaltgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Thurs-Sat) $ BOMBAY CUISINE Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. // 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $

GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopian cuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE COMMONS 1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

ELK BREWING CO.

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BEER COURTESY EXPERIENCE GR

KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sando (Japanese cut white bread sandwiches or open-faced toast with meat, egg salad or other filling); curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried tenderized pork loin, tenderloin and shoulder cutlets); chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/14/21 9:17 AM

Special Advertising Section

MARKETPLACE

GET YOUR LIFE BACK

Javery Pain Institute 710 Kenmoor Ave SE #200 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616)-588-7246 javerypain.com

Photo (from left to right): Dr. Josh Suderman, MD, and Dr. Keith Javery, DO.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Publication Title: Grand Rapids Magazine Publication Number: 997-340 Filing Date: 09/30/2021 Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 Annual Subscription Price: $24.00 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication 401 Hall Rd SW Ste 331, Grand Rapids MI 49503 Contact Person - Michelle VanArman Telephone - 248-691-1800 x187 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 Publisher: John Balardo Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Tim Gortsema 10. Owner: Gemini Media LLC 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 John Balardo 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 Stefan Wanczyk 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities. Stefan Wanczyk 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 12. Tax Status: Not applicable 13. Publication Title: Grand Rapids Magazine 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: November 2021

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Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

Average No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

15,000

9,089

9,143

313

698

9,428

9,847

4,537 0 0 0

4,167 0 0 0

e. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Carriers or other means)

4,537

4,167

f. Total Distribution

13,965

14,014

g. Copies not Distributed

1,035

986

h. Total

15,000

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation

67.51%

70.27%

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution 1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® 4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mailed Classes Through the USPS

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation d. Nonrequested Distribution (Samples, complimentary, and other free) 1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 2) In County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by other Classes 4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed outside mail (trades shows, etc...)

10/12/21 10:32 AM

dine / estau ants

Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER QUARANTINO’S Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 3562627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in centuryold space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

Northeast GR 7 MONKS TAPHOUSE Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros,

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fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CAFÉ MAMO An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden. Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$ CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/13/21 4:31 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Design 1 Salon Spa

Grand Rapids Cheesecake Company Cheesecakes are what made us famous in West Michigan. It's the perfect gift or addition to your Holiday table. With a secret recipe perfected over decades, our cheesecakes are made from scratch using all natural and local ingredients. We have 20 flavors with many Gluten Free options.

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Global Infusion Breathe in the aroma of our house made chai while exploring the selection of over 300 bulk herbs, spices and loose leaf teas. Always ethically sourced and responsibly grown, our handmade wares and goods for life are curated with care. Celebrating 17 years of community this year! 143 Diamond SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 welovechai.com

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Nibble + Nosh, LLC Send a fun activity to friends and family this winter! The Hot Cocoa Bomb Board from Nibble + Nosh is the perfect way to bring the family together while staying warm this holiday season. Other boards such as cheese + charcuterie, candy, and brunch boards are available as well! 425 Norwood Avenue SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 805-9232 nibbleandnoshgr.com

10/18/21 12:35 PM

dine / estau ants

FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GAIA HOUSE CAFÉ A neighborhood vegetarian café offering items like the Mean Green Burrito and Gaia cookies, as well as freshpressed juices and specialty coffees. Open Wed-Sun for take-out only. // 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE . Visit on Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch. $ GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA HUASTECA Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods.

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Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$ THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner (MonSat) $$-$$$

Northwest GR 2021 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$ CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DEHOP’S BREWING CO. AND CAFÉ Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. Dinner $$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$ FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/13/21 4:31 PM

HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOME TEAM GRILL Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. // 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill. wordpress.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUMMUS & FALAFEL MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLE Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $ HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-

American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/the-landingrestaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ MR. GYROS Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PERRIN BREWING CO. Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$

Southeast GR 7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

• OVER 170 CHEESES FROM AROUND THE WORLD • CHEESE ACCOMPINIMENTS • EUROPEAN AND DOMESTIC WINES • MICHIGAN BEERS AND CIDERS • CHEESE TRAYS FOR ANY OCCASION • CHEESE GIFTS FOR ANY BUDGET

315 FULLER AVE., NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616-242-9880 | THECHEESELADY.NET | Facebook.com/The CheeseLadyGrandRapids $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BRASS RING BREWING

DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 81 8-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

DINNER COURTESY EXPERIENCE GR

BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BROAD LEAF LOCAL BEER Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. The menu consists of traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes, such as skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $ CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$

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FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S

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Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $ LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MIKADO SUSHI Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 2857666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $ PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/14/21 9:11 AM

available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ STEAK & SPICE BY CURRY KITCHEN Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Open daily. No alcohol. // Located inside the Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids at 5700 28th Street SE. 957-1775. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SUSHI KUNI Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 2414141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

Southwest GR 84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées,

including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

A HiddenGem At a Great Value

TAQUERÍA EL RINCÓN MEXICANO Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

EMERALD MEADOWS

Assisted Living & Memory Care in Cascade Township

THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WEI WEI PALACE Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITZINGEN BREWERY German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed Sun-Mon. // 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen-brewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MI CASA RESTAURANTE Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Mon-Tues. // 334 Burton St SW, 350-9123. micasagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOBLE Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. // 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BIG BOILER BREWING Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. // 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboilerbrewing.com. Dinner $$

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$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/13/21 5:02 PM

meet Rosey, Grand Rapids’ Cutest Pet

Nickname Row-Row and Queen Rosey Words that Describe Rosey Kind, Respectful, Sweet, Patient, Generous, and Royal... also a bit bossy and loud when she’s hungry! Favorite Things She loves pumpkins, getting lots of cuddles and treats, jumping with her favorite toy, her lion cut, and all of the attention she gets when she’s at Whiskers! Favorite Places Sleeping in the sun at the top of the stairs or in the bay window, snuggling with her owner Kacie, and going on walks to the beach with her littermate brother, Indominus Rex, in their little wagon! Favorite Pastime Wrestling with her cat brother and playing with her favorite toy (a stuffed burger with elastic and lots of colorful strings!) Silliest Quirk Letting her owner Kacie give her baths without making a fuss always letting her brother sample what’s in her dish at mealtime.

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CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollection. com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HAMBURGER MARY’S This LGBTQ-friendly burger franchise offers an open-air burger bar along with 40 beers on tap. Drag events such as karaoke, game night and trivia night, as well as drag shows, occur most days of the week. Outdoor patio seating. Full bar. Open daily with brunch hours on Sat and Sun. // 6240 28th St. SE, 551-2305. hamburgermarys.com. Dinner $$ JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. // 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$

VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 5381360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$

OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 5309470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves

THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert.

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TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$

HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbeque theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$ OSGOOD BREWING CO. Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas,

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/13/21 5:02 PM

STEPHEN L. GRIMM, P.C. A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION ATTORNEY AT LAW

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Attorney Stephen L. Grimm has been representing victims to the highest level of standards in the Grand Rapids area for over 35 years. He is one of the ONLY attorneys that is not afraid to sue doctors and lawyers.

CALL US NOW! 1-616-459-0220 5020 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Ste. 201F | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | www.slgrimmpc.com

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LOVE YOUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD? sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily. // 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, sloppy Joes and more. Full bar. Daily specials and weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. // 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website

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10/13/21 5:02 PM

for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRILL ONE ELEVEN American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONEY CREEK INN Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $ RAMONA’S TABLE Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonastable.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROCKFORD BREWING CO. Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Life is an event. Make it memorable.

TIMBERS INN Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$ THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GR’s Prime Rehearsal Dinner Location. globally-inspired cuisine, historic private dining rooms, unforgettable moments 1033 Lake Drive / Grand Rapids 616.742.0600 / Gilmore-Catering.com

Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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// 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurant.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

MORNING BELLE

GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779; 6450 28th St. SE, 2655301. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

150

PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ PITA HOUSE Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $ REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles

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and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 7267300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

10/13/21 5:03 PM

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TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A

ASK US ANYTHING.

Local Experts Weigh in on Your Biggest Questions.

n an information-fueled, option-dense world, it can sometimes be overwhelming to make decisions. Add in a little extra uncertainty, and our minds can swirl with thoughts and questions, and never come to any solid conclusions. We’re eager to travel, but want to make the right choices, whether it’s where to go or how to plan a trip. We’re scanning the new car landscape, and wondering about our finances. When shopping for a

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gift for a special person, we want to ensure our gift is as meaningful and fitting as possible. Maybe there’s a high school junior or senior in the house, and it’s time to start thinking about visiting colleges. Even the cold brews you grab from a cooler full of selections have a story and a quality standard to consider. The experts in this section have plenty of knowledge to share on these subjects. Read on to get their take! ■

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TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A Q: What do I need to know to shop for fine jewelry for somebody I love? A: Pay attention to what they like and what fits their personality. It’s helpful if you know what color metal they prefer, what their finger size is, what chain length they favor, and what type of earrings they gravitate toward, whether it’s studs, hoops, or dangles. Also, consider their style and what they wear every day. Do they tend toward more understated jewelry or bolder statement pieces?

Knowing these preferences before you come into the Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry store helps, but it isn’t necessary. We’ll help you find endless options — all with a creative twist — guaranteeing your gift will be unique and loaded with personality. You’ll find original pieces you won’t see anywhere else. Our goal is to help you buy the perfect gift that fits with your recipient’s lifestyle and style — effortlessly.

Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry

Carol Wagen Co-owner 978 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-459-5075 metalartstudioinc.com

Q: Electric vehicles are quickly gaining interest. What’s their future? A: At Harvey Automotive they’re actively preparing for the surge in electric vehicles, with the expectation of having multiple models on the market from Cadillac and Lexus by 2025. Just recently, Cadillac opened up online orders to the public for its first allelectric vehicle, the Lyriq crossover. Buyers were able to reserve a special debut edition of Lyriq, which will be available for sale next year. They sold out in 10 minutes. Cadillac has said that if the market warrants it, they’ll be fully electric by 2030. Its parent company, General Motors, says they won’t produce internal combustionpowered vehicles after 2035.

John Leese, president and owner of Harvey Automotive, says that although he believes that timeline is quite aggressive, he’s planning for the future and getting his dealerships ready for the infrastructure that will be needed, such as multiple types of chargers and strategically placed charging stations. “We’re also investing in the training and tools we’ll need to sell and support these vehicles,” Leese says. “Although there are some unanswered questions regarding nationwide infrastructure and power needs, we’re excited to be actively engaged in this industry evolution.”

Harvey Automotive John M. Leese President/Owner 2500-2600 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-949-1140 harveyautomotive.com

Q: What are the differences between early education programs and daycare? A: Early education programs, like those The Goddard School offers, are based on research and focused on building academic, creative, social, emotional, and physical skills, ensuring a well-rounded experience for the child. The Goddard School uses the play-based F.L.EX.® Learning (Fun Learning Experience) approach to its curriculum. The Goddard School sets itself apart from daycare and babysitter scenarios, as well as similar early education institutions, in that its instructors are professional teachers, and its lead teachers are required to have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in early childhood development or a child-related field.

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They’re knowledgeable in developmentally appropriate practices for the age group they’re teaching and they write their own lesson plans, as opposed to schools where the director or corporate team writes those plans. This allows for a more customized approach that’s built on observance and fact-finding and it means they’re teaching specifically to the children in their care, and not just doing what’s expected for a particular age group. Most important is that the children are having fun and are interested in what they’re learning, which boosts confidence and better prepares them for entering kindergarten.

Whitney Mooney

On-site Co-owner The Goddard School Knapp’s Corner 2911 Knapp St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-208-9292 goddardschool.com/grand-rapids/ grand-rapids-knapp-street-mi

10/15/21 10:16 AM

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TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A Q: What’s the latest trend in home appliances and what should shoppers be looking for? A: Air fryers are hot right now, and if you haven’t cooked with one, you’re missing out. The air fry method is a bit like a convection oven, circulating fast-moving, heated air around the food — up to 400 degrees — to create a finished result that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Air fryers provide the effect of fried food, but without the greasy taste and texture or the hot oil mess. And it’s much healthier! The best part is that consumers can now

Curt Geers

President Gerrit’s Appliance 2410 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 616-532-3626 sales@gerritsappliances.com gerritsappliances.com

How do you know quality when buying designer furniture?

A: When looking at furniture, trust your eyes, ears, and fingers. If you sit in a dining chair and slide your hand under the seat, does it feel as nicely finished as the topside? When a manufacturer takes the time to finish the bottom of a seat, they probably have done the rest well, too. The hardware a manufacturer chooses can really elevate your daily experience. The sliding doors on Design Quest’s wardrobes

purchase a stove with a built-in air fry control, eliminating the need for a separate, portable, countertop kitchen appliance. GE and Frigidaire manufacture ranges with an air fry option and both Gerrit’s Appliance locations carry them. Making a turkey dinner for the holidays? Impress your guests with a meal cooked to perfection. Check out Gerrit’s selection of air fry ranges at their 29th Street store in Kentwood or their 28th Street store in Wyoming.

have a soft-close feature, using a magnet and coil that slows the door down and pulls it closed without any moving parts, greatly reducing maintenance during the life of the wardrobe. Since 1972, Design Quest has applied a critical eye to our selection. They have experience with products and materials, relationships with vendors, and a strong cohort of stores to share information with, to ensure the quality of everything they sell.

Thor Sorensen

Design Quest 4181 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9911 designquest.biz

How can parents help prepare their son or daughter for college?

A: Although the last year of high school can be busy and challenging — and filled with major milestones and life changes — the best advice is for parents to play an active role, and encourage their son or daughter to be proactive as they prepare for their first year of college. One of the first steps is for parents to encourage students to do the research. Students should think about what areas of study interest them, and seek out online assessments that can define strengths and weaknesses and help align them with a career path. From there they can look at colleges/universities that offer

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programming that fits their needs, in terms of academics, class sizes, majors, and maybe athletics, then narrow down the list. Critically important is to understand and take advantage of the programs, tutoring, and counseling resources that are available to them. Every university offers them, including Davenport. The best thing a parent can do is listen to their son or daughter and understand what they really need, and truly encourage them to take accountability for their own decisions and their own education, assuring them your support along the way.

Davenport University

Dr. Jodi M. Hicks Director of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness 6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 800-686-1600 davenport.edu info@davenport.edu

10/15/21 10:16 AM

MODERN SPANISH CUISINE, CAPTIVATING CITY VIEWS Ignite your evening as you savor expressive entrées, tantalizing tapas, decadent desserts, and lavish libations. Come! Consume the lively atmosphere as you drink in the Grand Rapids skyline. Revel in the rhythm of Madrid on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. For reservations visit opentable.com or amwaygrand.com/dining

1 8 7 M O N R O E AV E . N W | 61 6 .7 7 6 . 6 4 2 5 | W E CA L L O U R S E L V E S “ M A D R I D ”

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Meet Michigan Cannabis Professionals Who Come Highly Recommended

dult, legal-use cannabis continues to bloom across the state, and options for medical patients have also expanded — and that’s good news for local economies and job markets, as well as residentss seeking ou t recreation or relief from pain. In an industry that is flooded with choices, limited by regulations, and novel to new consumers, it can be difficult to navigate, whether you’re an individual or a business professional. As a provisioner, cultivator, or

provider of cannabis-related products or services, how do you find your tribe to network with and exchange ideas? As a consumer or home grower, where do you go to get advice and supplies? If you’re curious about trying cannabis for the first time, or are a seasoned enthusiast, who do you consult with to find what you’re looking for? In this section, you’ll find information about area resources, as well as expert advice and information about all things cannabis. . ■

See Map on Page 157 for dispensary business location. 1) 20 PAST 4

10) Amsterdam

18) Breaking Bud

2) 3Fifteen

11) ArCanna

19) Breedsville

3) 3Fifteen

12) Authentic 231

4) 3Fifteen

13) Battle Spring

Jackson

Battle Creek Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

5) 7Engines Buchanan

6) Acme Alternative Health, LLC Interlochen

7) Aficannado Douglas

8) AIM HIGH MEDS Tekonsha

9) Alvarez Cultivation LLC

Jackson

Battle Creek Ionia

Manistee

LLC

Battle Creek

14) Bazonzoes LLC Lansing

15) Bella Sol Wellness

Centers of Michigan, LLC Muskegon

16) Better Provisioning Center

Kalamazoo

17) Bloom City Club Battle Creek

Battle Creek

Provisioning Center, LLC Breedsville

26) Cloud Cannabis Company Muskegon

27) Cloud Cannabis Company

Traverse City

20) Canna 43

28) Common Citize

21) Canna Vista

29) Compassionate

Gobles

Wellness

Buchanan

22) Cannaisseur

Provisioning Center Lansing

23) Cannamazoo Kalamazoo

24) CannaVibes Emporium

Battle Creek

25) Choice Labs

Battle Creek

Care By Design Kalamazoo

30) Compassionate Care By Design Watervliet

31) Consano

Mt. Pleasant

32) Core Canna Traverse City

Traverse City

33) DOJA

Portage

Jackson

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

34) Dunegrass Co. Big Rapids

35) Dunegrass Co. Manistee

36) Edgewood Cannabis Lansing

37) Edmore

Provisionary Edmore

38) Exclusive Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

39) Exclusive

Kalamazoo Kalamazoo

40) Exit 9 Provisionary

52) Green Koi Douglas Douglas

53) Green Pharm

Traverse City Traverse City

54) Green Stem, LLC Niles

55) Herbology Bangor

56) Herbology

Battle Creek

57) Herbology Kalamazoo

58) High Profile Boutique Cannabis Buchanan

Nunica

43) Fuel 420 Jackson

44) GAGE Cannabis Co. Grand Rapids

45) GAGE Cannabis Co. Traverse City

46) Glazed & Confused Crystal Falls

47) Great Lakes Holistics

Battle Creek

48) Great Lakes Natural Remedies Inc. Benzonia

49) Great Lakes Northern Lights, LLC Omer

50) Great Lakes Provision Center

Big Rapids

51) Green Bronco, LLC Portage

Jackson

68) Joyology

Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

69) Kinship Parma Albion

Cannabis

2321 44th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 330-3700 grandrapids44th@ highprofilecannabis.com

60) High Profile Boutique Cannabis Grant

61) Higher Love

Corporation

Crystal Falls

62) Highly Cannaco Battle Creek

63) Highly Cannaco Traverse City

64) Homegrown Cannabis Co.

Lansing

65) Jars Cannabis Lansing

66) Jars Cannabis

Mount Pleasant Mt. Pleasant

Lowell

88) Michigan Supply and Provisions

Battle Creek

89) Michigan Supply and Provisions

Grand Rapids

90) Michiganja

71) Kkind

91) Mood Cannabis

Big Rapids Kalamazoo

72) Lake & Leaf Benzonia

73) Lake Effect Group, LLC

Portage

Big Rapids

59) High Profile Boutique

87) Meds Cafe

70) Kkind

Inc.

Battle Creek Grand Rapids

Center

74) Lake Life Farms

41) Fire Creek 42) Fluresh

67) JC3 Provisioning

75) LE Battle Creek Portage

76) Lucid - Emmet Township

Battle Creek

77) Lumberjack’s

Provisioning Center Dowling

78) Lume Cannabis Co. Big Rapids

79) Lume Cannabis Co. Evart

White Cloud

Jackson Jackson

92) Mother Nurtures, LLC

Big Rapids

93) Nature’s ReLeaf Acme, Inc.

Williamsburg

94) NOBO Michigan, LLC

Edwardsburg

95) Olswell - Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

96) Park Place

Provisionary Muskegon

97) Park Place

Provisionary Muskegon

98) Pharmhouse Wellness

Grand Rapids

80) Lume Cannabis Co.

99) Pincanna Rx

81) Lume Cannabis Co.

100) Pinnacle

Honor

Jackson

82) Lume Cannabis Co. Kalamazoo

83) Lume Cannabis Co. Lowell

84) Lume Cannabis Co. Petoskey

85) Maivda Investments, LLC

Quincy

86) MED+LEAF, LLC Hartford

Kalkaska

Emporium Buchanan

101) Premiere

Provisions Big Rapids

102) Puff TC

Traverse City

103) Pure Options Mt. Pleasant

104) Pure Options Lansing

105) Pure Options -

Muskegon Twp. Muskegon

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106) Quality Roots, Inc. Battle Creek

107) Rair

Muskegon 84

108) Redbud Roots Kalamazoo

109) Redbud Roots Lab VI, Inc.

Muskegon

110) Redbud Roots Lab X, Inc.

Williamsburg

111) RELEAF Center for

Compassionate Care

Niles

112) Remedii

Battle Creek

113) Riverside Provisioning Kalkaska

Kalkaska

114) Royal Highness LLC Traverse City

115) Skymint Lansing

Lansing

125) The Green Door Baldwin Inc. Baldwin

119) Skymint LLC White Cloud

120) Skymint, LLC Newaygo

125

Bangor, Inc. Bangor

50 129 74 34 70 78 92 101

127) The Mint

Cannabis

Kalamazoo

128) The Refinery Kalamazoo Kalamazoo

130) Thrive

Traverse City

126) The Green Door

117) Skymint 118) Skymint

72 48

Traverse City

129) The WellFlower

Nunica

124) The Cured Leaf

116) Skymint Lansing

110 93 114 118 27 32 63 45 124 53 6 102 99 113

123) The Botanical Co.

119

26 131 109 15 105 96 107 97 40

Big Rapids

Provisioning Jackson

117

Buchanan

55 126 86

123 22 116 11514 64 36 104 65

Co.

132) Zen Leaf

4 42 98 44 83 87 5 68 59 95 89 3 38

Muskegon

66 31 103

120

131) Timber Cannabis

71 108 82 16 29 23 57 39 127 128 20

81 18 76 13 12 17 41 28 10 2 24 106 47 62 112 56 88

121) Skymint, LLC Portage

132 111 100 58 21 54 94

122) Sunnies

51 121 73 75

122 69

130 25 9 67 91 43

8 85

Albion

= medical dispensary = recreational dispensary

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PRO MOT I O N AL C O N T EN T

Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

High Profile Cannabis Shop 2321 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-330-3700 | highprofilecannabis.com

f you’re Into cannabIs, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Cloud Cover Cannabis. It was a darling of Cannabis Cup Michigan 2021, winning awards across multiple categories. And, if you’re into Cloud Cover, you’ve likely visited High Profile, the preferred retailer for the brand. Both Cloud Cover and High Profile are the offspring of C3 Industries (C3I) a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis company with its home base in Ann Arbor. Co-owned by brothers Ankur and Vishal Rungta and their partner, Joel Ruggiero, the company was built on a passion for cannabis paired with a drive to produce premium, high-quality products. Cloud Cover Cannabis is a product line focused on premium flower and manufactured products with a reputation for consistency and excellence. It’s carried in stores across the state and country, most notably High Profile Cannabis Shop, with a local presence on 44th Street in Grand Rapids, and with a new location being built from the ground up on Leonard Street NW. At High Profile Cannabis Shop, customers don’t just have access to the largest selection and exclusive offerings of Cloud Cover, they also enjoy an elevated shopping experience. The store is staffed by a

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knowledgeable team who are as enthusiastic about cannabis as they are about ensuring adult recreational consumers and medical patients alike are getting the support and the products they need. “We not only provide a product we stand behind, we also help customers navigate what can be a complex, confusing, and very new space,” says Vishal. “We’re introducing them to the ever-evolving landscape of new brands and new product types, and striving to be a helpful guide along the way.” High Profile carries a variety of brands and products at every price point that appeal to everyone from the casual consumer to the connoisseur. They also offer free delivery. 

10/14/21 1:22 PM

PRO MOT I O N AL C O N T EN T

Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Sensi Connects 616-414-0890 | sensiconnects.com

Sensi Night Detroit Launch Party 2019

Sensi Night Grands Rapids 2020 Sensi Connects Lake Michigan Annual Beach Party

of the cannabis industry in Michigan, both for businesses and consumers. Sensi Connects focuses its efforts on building community and keeping that community intact by facilitating networking among industry leaders. Its counterpart, Sensi Magazine, offers lifestyle information to readers and fosters relationships between businesses and consumers. Together, they offer a full suite of engagement with their audiences. Through regular events, both industry facing and consumer facing, anyone has the opportunity to interact on the level that interests them, whether it’s seeking expertise to navigate regulations ommunity is one of the most important faCets

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and laws or learning about the ways that cannabis can help them personally, with anxiety, sleep, and more. In addition to virtual events, which have been occurring for the last year-plus, they’re now returning to quarterly, in-person events. Look for Sensi Connects events for business professionals, Sensi Nights for consumers, and their newest Women of Sensi Happy Hour 

10/11/21 1:27 PM

MEET - CONNECT - COLLABORATE

MICHIGAN

for Cannabis Business Professionals

Virtual events held bi-weekly on Wednesdays PRESENTED BY:

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AT CONNECTS.SENSIMAG.COM! 023_GR1121.indd 1

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MICHIGAN

COMMUNITY - CULTURE - CONNECTION Sensi Media Group is one of the fastest-growing nationally recognized media enterprises in North America. We are well known as an industry leader and culture creator whose core values elevate people and cultivate community. We publish print and digital magazines, host community events, and connect people in local markets with a focus on fun-loving, healthy lifestyles. We exist to make a positive impact on both the Join our newsletter! people in our organization and the world at large.

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GRMAGZ

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Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

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PRO MOT I O N AL C O N T EN T

Seed Seed Cellar Cellar

1620 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202 | 517-879-2801 | seedcellar.com 1620 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202 | 517-879-2801 | seedcellar.com

n F ebruary 2009, r oger M auFort and b renda L utz n F ebruary as2009, r oger MJackson auFort County and bCompassion renda L utz incorporated the not-for-profit incorporated as the not-for-profit Jackson County Compassion Club, aka the JC3, holding regular educational meetings and Club, akamedical the JC3, holding educational meetingsroom and arranging clinics. Theregular meetings grew to standing arranging medical clinics. The meetings grew to standing room only, and the organization opened a brick-and-mortar building, only, and athe organization opened a brick-and-mortar building, providing safe meet-up space for patients and caregivers, and providing a safe meet-up space for patients and caregivers, and running one of the largest cancer programs in the state. running one of the largest cancer programs in the state. In 2011, Maufort and Lutz brought in seeds from TGA Subcool, 2011, Maufortand andBC Lutz brought seeds TGAaccess Subcool, CaliInConnection, Bud Depotinto givefrom patients to Cali Connection, and BC Bud Depot to give patients access to legitimate genetics so they could grow their own medicine. In legitimate genetics so they could grow their own medicine. In 2017, the MMFLA forced the JC3 to change course. Maufort 2017, the MMFLA forced the JC3 to change course. Maufort opened The Seed Cellar and Lutz reopened the licensed medical openedJC3. The Seed Cellar and Lutz reopened the licensed medical facility, facility, JC3. The Seed Cellar has grown to include 80-plus The Seed has grown to include 80-plus breeders and Cellar thousands of strains. The Jackson breeders and thousands of strains. The Jackson County Compassion Club family is proud to have County Compassion Club family is proud to have served the Michigan cannabis community since the served theMichigan cannabis community since the beginning. beginning. 

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10/15/2112:30 7:30PM PM 10/18/21

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

CANNABIS EXPERTS Q&A

Need to Know: Your Guide to Everything Cannabis Cannabis has come of age, and it’s finally started to shed the stigma that has followed it for decades, in part because of the research that’s been conducted on what some have called a “wonder plant.” That’s great news for those interested in trying it, especially for addressing such common conditions as insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as more serious ailments including epilepsy, glaucoma, cancer treatment side effects, and Alzheimer’s. And let’s not forget that whether it’s indica or sativa, it can simply make you feel good!

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While plenty of scientific studies have looked into cannabis’ efficacy, many of the findings have been based on firsthand experience. The experts in this section can speak to the many questions that consumers, growers, and owners may have, whether they’re newbies or seasoned users/growers. As a buyer, you might be wondering where you want to take your business, with so many options available in Grand Rapids. Are you most interested in breadth of options, a welcoming atmosphere,

advice on product selection, or a business’ driving mission? As a cultivator, you may be more concerned with the authenticity of the product or how to get the greatest yield from your plants. To clone or not to clone? That is the question! As an industry professional, your main focus is likely to be as knowledgeable and connected as possible, so your company can thrive. Where can you network with a community of like-minded individuals? No matter what group you’re in, the answers are all here! ■

10/14/21 4:25 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

CANNABIS EXPERTS Q&A Q:

Cloud Cover won several awards in Michigan’s Cannabis Cup. What does it take to create a consistent, high-quality product at scale?

A: “First and foremost, it’s our team,” says Visha Rungtal, president and CFO of C3 Industries. “Our partner and chief horticultural officer, Joel Ruggiero, has 10-plus years of experience in the licensed market and even more experience personally. We’re not making this up as we go; we have a knowledgeable operator who’s supported by a qualified team that understands testing requirements and how to produce in a manner that yields a high-quality, really clean product.” Rungtal also credits his team’s strong skill set in the design and construction of growing

Vishal Rungta

Co-Founder, President, and CFO, C3 Industries High Profile Cannabis Shop 2321 44th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-330-3700 highprofilecannabis.com/shop/ grand-rapids

What’s the best method for germinating cannabis seeds?

A: First, line a small container with finegrit sandpaper, place the seeds inside, and gently shake for a minute or two. Dampen a paper towel with a water and hydrogen peroxide mixture, place the seeds on it, and fold it in half to cover the seeds, avoiding the crease. Place the paper towel in a plastic bag, remove any excess air, and store the bag in a warm (70-80°) area. Check the bag daily. Once the white root tip has emerged, it’s ready to be planted. Pre-mix your growing medium with water to create moist but not soggy soil.

facilities, which is extremely relevant to the quality of the product. “We don’t cut corners,” he says. “We follow the rules, and we’re heavily focused on compliance. All of our product is tested at third-party labs, we don’t use any pesticides or fungicides, and we use technology to our advantage.” That’s what makes Cloud Cover so highly sought after, and why it’s the cornerstone of the product selection at High Profile retail stores. High Profile has the best variety and widest availability of the brand, as well as exclusive and first-to-market Cloud Cover products.

Fill a pot with the soil, create a shallow impression in the center, and insert a seed with the root tip pointed down. Cover with a thin layer of dirt and place a plastic bag loosely over the top, securing with a rubber band. Plants need a minimum of 14 hours of light, but not a full 24 hours. Remove the bag to harden off the plant once the first set of true leaves is visible, about two to five days. Visit The Seed Cellar’s blog at seedcellar.com to learn why they use this method and why it works!

Kate Brown

Breeder and Marketing Manager The Seed Cellar 1620 E. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202 517-879-2801 seedcellarrep@gmail.com seedcellar.com

What does the future of social cannabis consumption look like in Michigan?

A: Right now, finding a place to use cannabis socially and legally outside your own home is a bit difficult. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency has created a framework for consumption lounges and temporary event licensing that would allow for consumption and/or cannabis sales in a social environment — however, local city governments get to decide whether they want to allow consumption lounges or cannabis social events. Currently, there are only a handful of municipalities in Michigan that allow these types of events. This summer, a few communities hosted cannabis-licensed events,

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such as Niles and Lansing. Both hosted cannabis-focused music festivals. It’s expected that we’ll see more of these types of events as elected officials get more comfortable with the idea and realize cannabis events will drive more spending and tax revenue. Additionally, it’s a safe and regulated way to give cannabis users a place to connect and consume. Anyone who is interested in consuming cannabis in a social environment should contact their city or township officials and let them know they’re interested in having cannabis consumption events in their community.

Jamie Cooper Founder and CEO Sensi Connects 616-414-0890 sensiconnects.com

10/14/21 4:25 PM

gr gems / pa ks

It's all downhill from here City was home to toboggan runs, ski jumps and more. BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

(Above) Peg Scott, Gordon Scott, Kramer VanSickle and Phil Stirdivant sled at Ravenswood on Jan. 2, 1947. The former golf course is now part of Calvin University.

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Sledding has long been a popular winter activity for kids in Grand Rapids. Sledding hills have been found, or made, at city parks, schools and vacant lots. In the 1880s, the Michigan Street hill was closed on New Year’s Day and thousands of people would come out to coast down the hill on their toboggans. A 1912 newspaper article described the “exhilarating effect of skimming down the icy incline with the speed of an express

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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train.” A coasting hill was located at John Ball Park, a ski jump at Richmond Park and ice skating rinks were found throughout the city. In this 1947 image, a group of neighborhood kids is sledding at Ravenswood, a former golf course in East Grand Rapids. The golf course only operated for a few short years in the late 1920s and early 1930s, but was popular as a toboggan run for many years after. A 1935 article reported that it was common to see 1,000 people sledding each night. The Grand Rapids Herald noted that a splitsecond after this image was taken, the girl on the back, Peg Scott, fell off into the snow. SLEDDING COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

10/13/21 4:30 PM

truLY coNNECTED tOTALLY chILL thisistc.

Winter in Traverse City…or TC. The one place to Truly Connect with your friends or special someone. Around a bonfire. Over dinner. Or anywhere your heart leads. TC in winter– a Pretty Great Place!

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10/5/21 2:11 PM

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10/11/21 12:48 PM