Women's LifeStyle Magazine, September 2018, She Means Business

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The People Who Make It Happen . . .

Publisher Victoria Upton

Edition #246

LIFE Practice Mindful Parenting............................................. 10

Associate Publisher Two Eagles Marcus

She Means Business......................................................... 12

Editor Elyse Wild

Better Together: The Benefits of an All-Women Workplace..................................................... 46

Content Producer Sarah Anderson

Leadership Through Compassion: Tasha Blackmon of Cherry Health............................................................... 22

Production Designer Larissa Espinosa Editorial Intern Brianna Massey Joey Krzeminski Contributing Writers Brianna Massey Danea Mather Daniel Parker Elyse Wild Kayla Sosa Kelly Brown Kelsey McCrackin Kerry Hart Kyra Danaya Joey Krzeminski Renee Franklin Richelle Kimble Samantha Suarez Shannon Cohen Sarah Anderson Photography Two Eagles Marcus David Specht Autumn Nyson Elyse Wild Advertising Sales Susie Gordon / Sales Manager susie@womenslifestyle.com Sarah Anderson sarah@womenslifetyle.com Eve Shetterly eve@womenslifestyle.com Rhonda VanDrunen rhonda@womenslifestyle.com CALL US: (616) 458-2121

GROW with Us.................................................................. 28

Intersecting Joy and Purpose......................................... 42 Manufacturing Justice at Public Thread....................... 44 Think Big with Pam Ries.................................................... 30 HEALTH Add Self-Care to Your Fitness Routine........................... 24 Be the CEO of Your Health............................................. 26 Let’s Talk About Sex(ually Transmitted Infections).................................... 52 STYLE & BEAUTY Showcase Your Style in Your Office............................... 18 How to Build a Wardrobe for Success........................... 14 Smart Furniture.................................................................. 34 Consignment Listing......................................................... 50 FOOD International Dining Etiquette......................................... 48 Sensational September Recipes.................................... 56 White Soup with Tarragon Beet Sauce.................... 56 Balsamic Roasted Stuffed Portobello....................... 58 Mushrooms Caps with Rosemary Pesto................... 59 Drinks with Dan................................................................. 60 LEARN & DO Voluntary Re:Action........................................................... 8 Her Legacy: Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss........................ 20 Reader’s Lounge.............................................................. 38 How to Cultivate an Inclusive Work Environment........ 16 5 Steps to Getting What You Want at Work................. 40 Decode Your Dog’s Body Language............................ 54

EMAIL US: info@womenslifestyle.com

September Events............................................................ 62

SEND MAIL: 3500 3 Mile Rd NW, Ste A Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Over the Edge with Easterseals...................................... 66

ATHENA Leadership Awards............................................ 64 The #ToughSkinSoftHeart Truth to Being a #RockstarWoman who Leads, Loves, & Serves........... 69 Booze-Free Alternatives for After-Hours Networking.... 70

womenslifestyle.com 6

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Letter from the Editor In this edition, we present you with the theme “She Means Business.” While we were compiling the stories featured in these pages, I ruminated on how that term resonates with me: What exactly does “She Means Business” mean? To me, it is this: She is living her dreams. She is a relentless advocate for herself and others.

She is blazing trails in her industry. She is constantly improving her performance.

She is asking for exactly what she wants. She is actively cultivating a better future for those who follow her.

Whether you are the CEO of a company, launching a start-up or just stepping into your industry, this month our work is dedicated to you.

Turn to page 28 for a special feature on Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW), an organization that has long stood apart in its efforts to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools and funding they need to turn their ideas and dreams into thriving realities.

In Manufacturing Justice with Public Thread, we introduce you to Janay Brower, a manufacturer with the mind and heart of a revolutionary, who is changing the game by honoring people and the environment in every facet of her business (44).

In Better Together, content producer Sarah Anderson got to know several local companies who operate with an all-women or nearly all-women staff. In her piece, she presents how such an environment cultivates a mutually supportive work culture in which all may thrive — and how it enhances the bottom line (46).

On page 22, we bring you the story of Tasha Blackmon, CEO of Cherry Health, who demonstrates that leadership can, and should, be inspiring; when Blackmon was hired into her position, she took the time to visit every Cherry Health center across the state and talk one-on-one with each of the organizations 947 employees.

Read on further for advice on how to style your wardrobe for success (14), expressing your personality in your office decor (18), how to get what you want at work (40) and more.

Several events taking place this month in West Michigan are in step with our theme; on Sept. 19, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the ATHENA Awards Celebration to honor outstanding women leaders in the community; and on Sept. 17, join author Shannon Cohen and Mayor Rosalynn Bliss for an evening of illuminating motivation at the Grand Rapids Public Library for The #ToughSkinSoftHeart Truth to being a #RockstarWoman who Leads, Loves, & Serves.

Read on and enjoy!

-Elyse Wild, Editor

Some of the best things in life are free - including Women’s LifeStyle Magazine!

Thank you to our community advertising partners for making it possible.

Women’s LifeStyle is a dynamic multi-media platform designed to make beneficial connections in our community. The positive, upbeat, award winning and popular locally owned publication is supported by a dynamic mobile friendly online presence and an interactive website (including an events calendar, embedded video), as well as friendly, helpful and consistent social media interaction with the community. With 490+ distribution locations, Women’s LifeStyle is favored by an active, engaged and progressive audience. You are now looking at the 246th edition. All content ©Women’s LifeStyle, Inc. 2018.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Voluntary RE:action W

Volunteer Spotlight

elcome to our volunteer column sponsored by Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Discover which volunteer position best describes you. Pick a cause and react voluntarily!

■ The

Walker with a Purpose

Get out your purple attire and volunteer your time to help the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. There are three different walks this month (9/8, 9/15, 9/29) that need on-site volunteers. These participants will help with the setup of pop-up tents, hanging banners, registration, wayfinding, water stations, tear down, truck loading and unloading, and other tasks. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and the satisfaction of helping many caregivers and families affected by this disease.

Take Action: Register with a volunteer coordinator at act.alz.org.

■ ArtPrize Junkie

Get in on the annual art event that has taken over Grand Rapids for the last nine years. From Sept.

19-Oct.7, the streets will be flooded with art and — you guessed it — volunteers! From directing people where to go on the streets to assisting at events and exhibitions to leading education activities, you can find your place among the many opportunities. For those looking for more responsibility, there is the option to become a volunteer lead. Group volunteering is also an option.

■ The School

Supporter

It’s that time of year when kids are back in school! Help out some of the thousands of students who attend Grand Rapids Public Schools by signing up to be a one-on-one tutor, a coach, technology assistant, parent group leader and more.

Take Action: Visit grps.org/volunteer to fill out an application.

■ The Righteous Rider

The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding provides equine-based therapy to individuals who face physical, mental and emotional challenges and serves 185 people each week. While there are opportunities to work with the horses (horse leader, side walker, tacking, etc.), no equestrian experience is necessary to contribute to this incredible cause. The center needs dedicated volunteers to pitch in with an array of functions, such as barn cleaning and maintenance, event planning, administrative tasks and more.

Take Action: To get involved, email Emily at emileewujkowski@equestcenter.org

Take Action: Register online at artprize.org.

■ The Bridge Runner

This annual run hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union requires more than 300 volunteers.

There are all kinds of tasks that need done, like manning a spirit station, packet pickup, tear down and aid stations. There will be a 10K run and a 5K run/walk, beginning and ending at Rosa Parks Circle after a run across the bridge and around town.

Does your organization have a volunteer opportunity that would be perfect for this page or an extraordinary volunteer who we should spotlight? Please email our editor, Elyse Wild, at elyse@womenslifestyle.com.

Mallory Patterson Heartside Neighborhood Association Volunteer

Time is your most precious asset and how you use your energy matters. I volunteer because it grounds me, it connects me to my community, and it allows me to make change in thoughtful and meaningful ways because I have listened, learned, and walked alongside those trying to point the needle in a better direction.”

Take Action: Sign up online at thebridgerun.com.

“We give to make an impact, no matter how small, and to better the community around us.”

- Audrey Mitchell

Meet our One Hundred New Philanthropists You don’t need a million dollars to be a philanthropist; you just need heart and an organization to help you move forward. Learn more by contacting Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751 or jtorres@grfoundation.org.

Bryant and Audrey Mitchell, members of 100 New Philanthropists

8

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Practice Mindful Parenting Celebrating Conndence.

M

indfulness is having a moment right now and why shouldn’t it?

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by being present in the moment.

People use this practice to be fully self-aware, cope with various stressors and even to raise their children. While mindfulness requires one to focus inward, mindful parenting requires you to focus on improving your child’s life in the long term by approaching discipline with a calm, level head instead of a knee-jerk reaction.

Studies show that children who grow up in households where mindful parenting is practiced experience less anxiety and depression than those who don’t and are less likely to use and abuse drugs in their lifetime.

The first step to mindful parenting is to utilize the STOP technique as outlined below.

S T

—Stop. When feeling stressed, stop all activity and thought.

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—Take a breath. Calm down by being aware of your breathing and lessening your heart rate by focusing only on your breath.

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—Observe. Take a moment to observe how your calmness and breath brings your body back to its natural state.

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—Proceed. Once you reached a calm state, you will have transitioned to a more mindful mode. You will be able to take action that is more thoughtful and appropriate than you would have otherwise.

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Setting this mindful example for your children and teaching them the STOP technique will bring them peace as they experience the gambit of emotions and situations they will come up against in life.

Take a moment to step back from your expectations as a parent and see your child for who they really are. If they can be celebrated for being themselves, they will learn to sit in their present moment and truly enjoy what this moment has to offer.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION

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Vice President As VP. of the Clark Foundation, I am proud to raise resources for the Clark Promise of benevolent care. This gives residents peace of mind and assurance that if financial challenges arise, Clark will be there. The Foundation also supports building projects and programs such as Music Therapy and our nationally recognized Montessori for Adults with Dementia, to enhance environments and life experiences.

We are continually following our mission of creating communities of dignity, compassion and respect, centered around the lives of older adults and those who care for them.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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13

How to Build a Wardrobe for Success

BY KYRA DANAYA

I

magine this: Your hair is freshly done, eyebrows are perfect, nails are freshly polished, and you’re rocking one of your favorite outfits. You probably feel like you’re on top of the world. Now, picture this: Your hair isn’t looking it’s best, your eyebrows are a little “fuzzy,” your polish has grown halfway down your nails, and you’re wearing sweats because you just don’t feel that awesome. We’ve all been in both scenarios. In which do you feel more confident?

This could be because your wardrobe does not match your lifestyle. Things to think about when evaluating your wardrobe are: What type of clothing do you spend most of your time in? Casual, active, professional, business casual, semi-dressy, dressy or formal? Of what is your wardrobe mostly made up?

What would make your closet more practical? What key items are you missing? What could you hold off on buying because you already have a lot?

You can be creative and show your personality by dressing in what makes YOU feel good. One of the best things about fashion is there are no rules (unless you are in certain work scenarios); we are able to express our personality through our dress. You can dress exactly as who you want to be, or “dress how you want to be addressed.”

Build a Solid Foundation

Evaluate Your Lifestyle and Wardrobe

When it comes to building a new wardrobe, the first step is the most important: Evaluate your lifestyle.

Everyone lives a different life and has different needs.

A 16-year old’s ideal wardrobe is going to vary from a 28-year-old working professional’s wardrobe; a stay at home mom’s wardrobe is going to differ from someone who works in corporate America.

Your wardrobe should reflect your needs, personality and lifestyle. Your work (dress code), income (how much disposable income you have for clothing) and surroundings (location, based on the weather) should all play a role in helping to determine your wardrobe needs.

Most of us have a closet full of clothes, but we often find ourselves saying “I don’t have anything to wear.”

14

Regardless of your style type, there are a few wardrobe basics every woman should have.

These basics are classic items that can be paired with each other or even with your trendier pieces.

The best thing about your wardrobe basics is that they are timeless pieces, meaning they will never go out of style. Wardrobe basics include: button-ups, basic tees, chambray top, pencil skirt, dress pant, casual pant, black blazer, leather jacket, statement necklace, stud earrings, black pump, nude pump, ballet flat, tote bag, clutch, cross body purse, black dress, cardigan and sneaker.

Defining Your Style Type

Without taking the time out to define your style, your wardrobe can easily be all over the place. In order to help you narrow down your style type, think about a celebrity, a public figure or even someone you personally know whose style you admire. Additionally, think about exactly what it is that you love about their style. Do you love it because of its simplicity? Maybe it’s more of a mature look that you are going for? It could even be the boldness of the person’s style that you really like.

When thinking about your style goals, it’s important to be realistic. Maybe Olivia Pope from Scandal is “style goals” for you. If you’re a stay-at-home mom or you have a 9-5 where you wear the same uniform every day, you may not want to invest in an entire wardrobe that is similar to Olivia’s. Maybe you have events that you attend where you get to dress in your Scandalinspired looks. If this is the case, when you revamp your wardrobe perhaps 10 percent of it should be inspired by Olivia while 50 percent of it caters to where you spend the majority of your time.

Create a Shopping List

Just like a grocery list, you are going to do an evaluation of what you need so that when you get to the store, you already know what you are there for.

What items on there are missing from your wardrobe?

Make these items a priority. Remember, they are important because they help to build the foundation of your wardrobe. Also, create a list of different styles and cuts that are especially flattering on you. This will also help us have an idea of what fits your body type and looks good on you while out shopping. Be sure to also write what you feel you need more and less of.

You should have also looked at some inspiration for your new wardrobe — utilize magazines and Pinterest boards! Are there any must-have items you spotted?

Shop For Your New Wardrobe

While this may be the best part of building your new wardrobe for some, it may not be for everyone. A lot of people don’t like to shop. If that happens to be you, don’t forget you have to option of hiring a personal shopper! Since you have narrowed down exactly what you need, this will make it easier for you and your personal shopper if you decide to work with one.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-3pm (summer hours) Sun: Closed 2499 84th St SW | Byron Center MI 49315 | 616.878.1641 Located in the heart of the Byron Center downtown district.

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BY BRIANNA MASSEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX LAHOOD

Creating an Inclusive Work Environment with

Graci Harkema

E

mployers are often in search of ways to increase their company’s productivity and wealth. With an increasingly diverse population, creating an inclusive work environment may be the solution.

“An inclusive work environment is going to produce better business results when employees can effectively work as their whole selves instead of leaving parts of themselves at home,” said Graci Harkema, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at TEKSystems, a Grand Rapids-based company dedicated to helping other businesses achieve their goals. “Allowing employees to be supported in an inclusive environment allows more collaboration and diversity of thought, which will ultimately produce a better product or a greater service.”

According to a study done by McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion see financial benefits. The study states that “companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.” And, those “in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent more likely to have financial returns.”

So, what is inclusion? And how does one create an inclusive work environment?

“A culture of inclusiveness is rooted in trust and respect, but it is much more than that,” said Jane Miller, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of The Gallup Organization, a company dedicated to helping leaders solve their most pressing problems. “It’s making sure employees know that their contributions and opinions are noticed.”

Harkema suggests workshops, training and teambuilding exercises as a few of the ways employers can create inclusive workplaces. She also mentions the website diversitybestpractices.com as a good starting place for those unsure of where to begin.

According to the website, Diversity Best Practices “offers information and strategies on how to implement, grow, measure and create first-in-class diversity programs.”

The five steps to creating an inclusive and diverse company are:

Look at Your Data

Numbers can paint a clear and powerful picture of where your company stands with inclusion.

Data is your best tool for pinpointing problems and gaps within your business and setting an achievable plan.

Set Goals

Use your collected data to set practical goals, such as increasing the diversity among staff and applicants. Schedule regular meetings with company leadership to check on your progress as you journey toward your goal.

Examine Recruiting

By looking into the recruiting process, employers can evaluate where they succeed and where they fall short in attracting diverse applicants. Identifying bias in specific stages of the hiring process is essential to creating solutions.

Rethink Succession

Companies with diverse leadership tend to be more successful in creating and sustaining an inclusive workplace. One way to diversify your leadership is to consider age, gender and ethnicity when determining succession within your business.

Utilize Surveys

Use surveys to measure employee satisfaction and garner feedback. Surveys can also be used to gauge disparities within different groups in response to concerns about workplace atmosphere.

“If someone has always felt included, then they may not understand the journey of someone who doesn't feel included,” Harkema said. “The challenge is getting the whole team on the same page where people can objectively understand the experiences of others.”

But, why is it important to have an inclusive workplace?

“I felt like I couldn’t be myself in previous work environments,” Harkema expressed. “I was so focused on covering up aspects of who I was instead of being able to focus 100 percent on my job.”

Feeling excluded in the workplace is detrimental to health and employee retention. According to a 2014 study conducted by several professors at the UBC Sander School of Business in Canada, exclusion at work has worse mental and physical health effects than harassment. The researchers found that those who felt excluded in their workplace were “more likely to report a degraded sense of workplace belonging and commitment, a stronger intention to quit their job, and a larger proportion of health problems.”

While Harkema acknowledges that the work to create an inclusive business is “continuous,” she says employers should check in often to see if they are on the right track.

“The test of knowing whether your environment is inclusive is if all those in the organization feel included and they feel like they have a chance and an opportunity to reach their potential and their dreams,” Harkema said.

The test of knowing whether your environment is inclusive is if all those in the organization feel included and they feel like they have a chance and an opportunity to reach their potential and their dreams.” — Graci Harkema, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at TEKSystems 16

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION

Alyssa Ferguson

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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The sky is the limit when it comes to ways that Women’s LifeStyle can partner with community businesses and organizations to connect them with their best customers. I spend my days brainstorming with incredible business owners about new ways we can engage our audience with their brand. My favorite part? Seeing the growth that organizations enjoy after using Women’s Lifestyle Magazine as their platform.

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17

Showcase Your Style in Your Office W

hether you have a corner office or work from home, personalizing your workspace is not only fun, but essential; studies reflect that decorated offices give people a sense of comfort, ownership and privacy, which reduces emotional exhaustion at work and increases productivity.

Start by deciding what you want your office to say about you. Are you a world traveler, bubbly and colorful, calm and serene, a vintage collector, or something else? Once you have nailed down which aspects of yourself you want your workspace to reflect, start gathering the items you’d like to display.

Bookshelves

Bookshelves have a high impact because the bulk of the display is at eye level and invites people to stop and look. Avoid lining the shelves with knick-knacks; instead, mix different types and sizes, and include things such as collected pieces, books, pottery, and greenery. Adding eye-popping wallpaper or paint to the back panels also adds personality and interest. This can become a great backdrop to whatever style you’re aiming for.

BY KELSEY MCCRACKIN

Artwork

Accents

Once you have nailed down which aspects of yourself you want your workspace to reflect, start gathering the items you’d like to display.

Throw pillows are similar in that they are easy to interchange; they add the perfect amount of color and texture your office chair and decorative bench.

Make a statement by showcasing one large piece or a collage of multiple smaller pieces. The artwork should not exceed the size of the piece it’s hung above. For example, if you have a large-scale artwork over your desk, leave 6-inches or so of empty space on either side so it doesn’t overpower the wall.

With a collage wall, you’ll want to have close to the same amount of space between each frame, but vary the sizes of frames. This will make sure admirers see every unique piece!

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These are the finishing touches and not the statement pieces; let these assist in the design, but not overtake it. If you have a simple arrangement throughout the workspace and want to add a bit of excitement, do it with your rug. Rugs can add subtle, calming softness or a splash color or texture as a grounding piece.

If trendy pieces speak to you, by all means, add them in! Making your office exude your personality is the end game, so anything that means something to you should be included in your space. Following some of these simple rules can ensure the design is done in a clear, thoughtful way that makes your personality shine through.

Kelsey has a passion for historical home preservation and mixing multiple colors and textures in the spaces she designs for her clients.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Copeland dining

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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HerLegacy

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY World War I Women’s Defense Cards Saturday, September 8 1:30 pm Main Library 111 Library St NE During one week in April 1918, 20,000 Grand Rapids women registered for the war effort. Each woman’s information was recorded on government-issued cards. The women’s cards disappeared and were found decades later in the attic of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Historian Diana Barrett will share the story of the Women’s Defense Cards, the research they inspired, and new information that has been discovered beyond Grand Rapids.

Meet the Women of West Michigan Who Made History

Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss (1859 – 1938) Progressive Era Activist

Co-sponsored by the Western Michigan Genealogical Society.

Finding the Lake Michigan Mermaid: A Conversation with the Authors Tuesday, September 11 7:00 pm Main Library 111 Library St NE Learn about the collaborative process of Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen, hear poems from their book, and see some of the original illustrations by Merideth Ridl.

DIY

DESIGN YOUR OWN MUG

G RPL

Create your own coffee mug designs with sharpies, then take them home and bake them to set and use. We’ll provide one mug per participant.

Saturday, September 15 1:00 pm Main Library 111 Library St NE

The #ToughSkinSoftHeart Truth to Being a

#RockstarWoman Who Leads, Loves, and Serves Tuesday, September 18 7:00 pm Main Library 111 Library St NE Join us for an evening of inspiration and straight talk as Mayor Rosalynn Bliss moderates an intimate chat with Michigan author Shannon Cohen, about her new book, Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Guide for Growing Stronger, Better, and Wiser.

EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG Many of these programs are funded by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.

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B

Grand Rapids History and Special Collections (GRHSC), Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

orn in the lumber town of Muskegon in 1859, Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss’ first classroom was filled with lumberjacks from the surrounding woods. Her career in progressive education took off in nearby Grand Rapids where she became an elementary principal. When she married attorney Dwight Goss in the 1890s and had two children, only the formal position of this Progressive Era activist changed. She led the socially conscious Ladies Literary Club as its president, and in 1896 made her first bid for the Grand Rapids School Board. She won her next five campaigns and made national news as one of three women serving in 1899.

An ardent suffragist, Goss was active in local clubs and was twice a delegate to the annual state convention. In 1899 when the National American Woman Suffrage Association met in Grand Rapids, she helped host delegates, including Susan B. Anthony.

During World War I, Goss chaired the Educational Propaganda Committee for Michigan’s division of the

Woman’s Committee of the Council of National Defense. From this platform, she educated women of different backgrounds about why they should use their time and skills to contribute to the war effort.

After losing her husband in 1909, Goss championed progressive education once again as an elementary principal.

For the next thirty years she focused on the “whole child” and instituted innovations in curriculum and facilities that were soon adopted throughout the city. She oversaw the city’s first summer playground, opened the state’s first open-air school for tubercular children, introduced manual training, and utilized motion pictures and radio in classroom work.

Understanding the importance of free public libraries, Goss ran for the Grand Rapids Library Commission in 1921 and served through 1926, acting as president during her final year. Goss’s death in 1938 was front-page news, a final tribute to her years of service to the city.

The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council is dedicated to educating the community and celebrating the legacies of local women, preserving knowledge of their past and inspiring visions for their future. For more information or to get involved, visit ggrwhc.org

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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We’re a community of friends where you’ll enjoy VIP treatment in one of our beautiful town homes or apartments. We provide convenience with access to community amenities including the heated pool and fitness center, pharmacy, banking center, dining and much more.

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More than a career, make a difference.

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cherryhealth.org/careers Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Leadership Through Compassion: Tasha Blackmon of Cherry Health

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

C

herry Health is a non-profit medical center that provides health services to vulnerable populations who face significant barriers in accessing health care. There are more than 20 Cherry Health centers in seven counties in Michigan, employing more than 900 employees. The headquarters, located off Cherry Street near LaGrave Avenue in Grand Rapids, is where CEO Tasha Blackmon oversees it all.

“I feel like I have a responsibility to the community where I grew up,” Blackmon said. “To make sure that the services provided here are of the highest quality that we can possibly provide, and that people leave healthier once they receive our services.”

Blackmon worked her way up the ladder after holding six positions in 13 years at Cherry Health before becoming CEO. Her experience allows her an invaluable understanding of what each position entails and how to best lead the organization.

“People feel like you understand their struggle, you’ve walked alongside them on some level, so you can be a great support to them,” she expressed.

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In her position, Blackmon is on a mission to make sure everyone at Cherry Health is supported, including patients and her staff.

“Staff are your most valuable resource,” Blackmon said. “They’re doing the hard work. And if you tell them how much you value and appreciate what they do, they’re going to take care of the patients.”

In her first 90 days as CEO, Blackmon visited every single Cherry Health center across the state and personally talked to each and every employee (there are 947). When she first announced her intentions to the board, they were in shock, but she felt it was essential.

Having a successful company starts with a successful staff, and Blackmon does her best to motivate those around her. On a daily basis, she is inundated with emails, meetings and events to attend, but she makes time to remember her co-worker’s son’s upcoming math test, or someone’s latest family news. Her office is always open to not only her staff, but also to young people looking for career advice to come in and chat.

While she keeps herself busy, she admits her secret weapon is her executive assistant, Sheri Colmer.

“She’s an amazing right hand to have,” Blackmon said.

“I can trust her. She’s very uplifting and confidential.

She’s actually got the skills, knowledge and abilities to do more than she’s doing now.”

That type of praise is common to hear from Blackmon, who sees the good in everyone she interacts with.

Her compassionate heart and hardworking spirit come from the influence of her parents growing up. While her father didn’t graduate from college, he retired as the general manager of General Motors.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to that determination, work ethic and perseverance,” Blackmon expressed. “I’ve had a front row seat to that my entire life. My mother, on the other hand, probably wouldn’t refer to herself as a philanthropist, but I saw my mother give everything her entire life.”

Blackmon’s parents set her up to work and lead with confidence.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

“My parents, specifically my dad, taught me that you belong wherever you are,” she divulged. “So I’ve never felt that I’m somewhere that I don’t belong or that because maybe I’m the only woman in the room or the only woman of color in a space, that I don’t belong there. I walk into situations feeling that my contribution is valid...

That’s a big piece of it: you have to feel that you are adding to whatever the situation is.”

Blackmon grew up in Grand Rapids, going to Ottawa Hills High School and studying health care administration at Michigan State University. After initially looking into a more medically-related degree, Blackmon realized she had an “innate business” mentality and decided to focus her studies on the business side of healthcare.

Before working at Cherry Health, she worked at Baxter Healthcare, a Fortune 500 company that gives grants to places like Cherry Health, which is how Blackmon connected with Chris Shea, the former CEO of Cherry Health who was instrumental

“Staff are your most valuable resource.

They’re doing the hard work. And if you tell them how much you value and appreciate what they do, they’re going to take care of the patients.

in pushing her to take career advancement opportunities and become a leader within the company. After she and Shea got to know each other and she learned about the company, Blackmon decided to take a job at Cherry Health, and a pay cut to her salary.

“I realized at that point that when you are pursuing your passion, pay is not the first driver,” Blackmon said. “About a year and a half later, I took the leap, came to Cherry Health, and started as a site manager.”

Blackmon is excited about the new strategic goals she has set for the company’s upcoming year. These include focusing on chronic diseases and the disparities around them, issues surrounding women, infants and children, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders, in particular.

“Our goal is to provide health care to all,but we really have a special sensitivity to those who face barriers in their lives,” Blackmon said. “Our goal is to do whatever it takes to help remove some of those barriers so that they can lead the highest quality of life possible for them.”

Some of these barriers include issues such as health insurance, housing, education, transportation and language. Last year, Cherry Health served almost 80,000 patients and had 800,000 visits.

“This opportunity chose me,” Blackmon admitted. “I’ve become more connected to my passion, and through all those series of opportunities, I’ve realized that it was meant to be. This is where I’m supposed to be at this moment in my life.”

To learn more about Cherry Health services, visit cherryhealth.org.

Kayla Sosa is a multimedia journalism student at GVSU. She’s a local freelance writer and enjoys spending time with her husband, her kitty and her family. When she’s not writing, she likes to go on nature walks, do yoga and paint.

1001 Monroe NW

Tues.-Sat. - 11:30am - 11:00pm Sun. - 11:30am - 9:00pm

616-200-4343

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

linearrestaurant.com 23

Add Self-Care to Your Workout Routine

BY KELLY BROWN

W

e all know by now that working out and moving isn’t enough to keep you healthy.

Instead, it’s just a slice of the big pie that leads to a happier, healthier you. More and more research shows that self-care, the art of taking care of YOU, is becoming more critical for your health. In the words of everyone’s favorite Queer Eye member, Jonathan Van Ness, “It’s not vanity. It’s selfcare. It’s different!”

Journaling

Practicing self-care strategies while exercising or on rest days can help you come back to your workouts stronger and more focused. Not to mention that taking care of yourself can make working out much more enjoyable.

Get Outside

Meditation

No, it’s not just for hippie uncles who are stuck in the 70s. Executives across the world are crediting meditation in-part for their personal and professional success. A quick 5 or 10-minute meditation each morning will help balance your mind for a busy day.

Think about everything you’re grateful for and focus on your breathing. Finish each session with powerful, positive encouragement. These days there’s no excuse for not meditating. A simple search in the app store will pull up 10+ applications that can assist you through your first session.

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Much like meditation, journaling is a great selfcare solution to help you focus on being mindful of everything around you. Simply journaling at night for 5 minutes can help you dump away the day’s worries before sleep (and possibly help you snooze better!).

Keeping a journal and favorite pen next to your bed makes it easy to practice journaling every night.

If you’re going to workout, you might as well get some self-care in at the same time! Ditch the comfort of your home or gym and hit the outdoor terrain.

Research shows that exercising in the Great Outdoors boosts mental health and decreases tension, anger and depression. Consider hiking along one of Michigan’s beautiful nature trails or head to your local park and do a few sets of pull-ups on the monkey bars.

Practice Gratitude

Loved your cycling workout yesterday? Why not leave a thank-you note for your instructor telling them you liked their playlist and felt great after class (even if you didn’t want to attend in the first place but they totally made it worth it)? Focusing on what you are grateful for might seem simple, but research shows it can have a huge impact. Showing gratitude contributes to better mental health and improved relationships. Consider using your journal time to write down a list of five

things you’re thankful for at the end of the week.

Or, take time during your lunch hour to call a friend who helped you through a difficult time recently to personally thank them – a phone call means more than a quick text.

Unplug

Occasionally, we all need to pull away from the mindnumbing scroll of social media. Sometimes, mindless scrolling can easily turn into checking email and before you know it you’re stressed out about an upcoming meeting when you’re supposed to be enjoying a glass of Beaujolais with friends on the back porch! Try placing your phone far away from you at night and don’t pick it up until the next morning when you’ve finished preparing for the day. You’ll be surprised how much time you’ll save in the morning (hello, gourmet breakfast!). And next time you’re out with friends, leave the phone in your bag. Intentional conversation leads to improved relationships and deep, truthful relationships makes everyone happier.

Kelly Brown is a writer, marketer and egg-eater. Her writing has been published across Michigan and the US. When she isn’t writing, she instructs at Beer City Barre and attends classes at CrossFit 616.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Celebrating 15 Years!

Join us during the week of October 15-20 for tastings, giveaways, and anniversary celebration fun!

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

632 Wealthy St SE (616) 780-7777 Women’s Consignment Boutique in East Hills.

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145 Diamond Ave Se | (616) 805-6848 25

Be the CEO of Your Health and Get the Most Out of Every Medical Visit

DR. CRYSTAL FRAZEE, PT, CHWC, C-IAYT

M

edical providers are caring, capable professionals often stifled by a strained system that’s guided by reimbursement and productivity. It’s critical you understand the appropriate role medical providers play on your health team and also the barriers inherent in the system that prevent you from receiving the absolute best care possible.

You are the CEO if your health and should be the person directing your care and making the decisions.

You deserve to feel heard, respected and validated.

Your symptoms and goals are unique to you and should be integrated into an overall healing plan.

Gender Disparity in Healthcare

There are studies suggesting that pain is undertreated in women through all branches of medicine by both male and female medical providers. This leads to a phenomenon called the “never catch up syndrome” where women may receive delayed testing and treatment compared to a similar male, and will therefore be susceptible to a lesser outcome and quality of life.

The first step is to be aware of the unconscious and systemic biases impacting women. Stay curious about how it could be present in your specific interactions with your medical team. Know that you have an active

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role to play and that you can step into your rightful role as CEO of your own health care.

No one knows your body better than you – even your doctor.

See Yourself As The Authority

No one knows your body better than you – even your doctor. You work with the doctors and specialists who guide you to understand what is going on and give you options, but you are the final decision maker. Have a vision for your desired outcome before you visit the doctor; if you are not clear about what you want, it’s more likely you will ultimately feel dissatisfied. When the doctor walks into the room, stand up so you are at eye level.

Your body language and positioning will communicate that you are an equal partner in making the plan.

If you were the CEO of a business you would dress accordingly, be on time and sit at the head of the table. Strive to embody those qualities as a medical patient.

Build a Team You Trust

Remember that your healthcare providers are working for you. You may be limited in who you can see due to health insurance restrictions, but there are still options.

Get second opinions and meet various providers until you “click” with someone. You deserve to feel that you have a personal relationship with a provider who shares your goals.

Be Prepared and Present

Have all of your questions written down and rehearse what you want to say; ending a long-awaited appointment without asking everything you needed to is disappointing and could lead to unnecessary appointments. Take a few grounding breaths in the waiting room or before you start talking to the provider.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Have a vision for your desired outcome before you visit the doctor.

Don’t get in your own way! If you are struggling to make the health affirming changes you need, ask for help.

Speak Up

Let your provider know you have specific questions to cover during your time. Most importantly only consent to that which you are comfortable. During an appointment, it’s OK to say, “Excuse me, I need a moment to collect my thoughts,” or “I don’t feel like you are hearing what I’m saying.” Listen to your gut and share your thoughts during your appointment.

In the presence of an expert, it can be challenging to speak up, but you and your vision for your health are worth it. Ultimately, your provider wants to help; assist them in understanding your experience and work together to navigate your relationship.

Paint a full mental picture by asking powerful questions. Always ask what to expect if you follow through with the recommendations. Find out if there are any other options worth considering that will get you to your short and long-term goals.

If you were running a company as the CEO of your business, you would have the final say in the business plan. You should also actively direct the trajectory of your medical treatment and health pursuits.

The responsibility for change is on you. Sift through the recommendations and once you decide what plan to pursue, do it with great dedication.

Dr. Crystal Frazee, PT, CHWC, C-IAYT is a dynamic practitioner with a broad skill set and a passion for helping women overcome their personal barriers to achieving optimal health. To learn more about her please visit CrystalFrazee.com.

Strong is the new beautiful. Stay strong from head to toe and join us for a special women’s health event on September 13 at Boatwerks in Holland.

Our panel of specialists will answer your questions related to bone and brain health and how to remain vibrant and resilient for your best life.

IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN REGARDING YOUR BLADDER ISSUES! Let Dr. Thompson help you find your freedom!

By following these steps, you will have a more satisfying relationship with your providers, see better results and feel more empowered about your role in your health.

Jannah H. Thompson, M.D.

Call (616) 459-4171 to schedule your appointment

THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2018 5:30 – 8:30 pm BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Visit information booths, enjoy hors d’eouvres, beverages and special gifts. The event is FREE, but please register. hollandhospital.org/womensevent

or visit www.urologic-consultants.com 25 Michigan St N.E., Ste 3300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

2093 Health Dr., Ste 202 Wyoming, MI 49519

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BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOS COURTESY OF GROW

O

GROW with Us

ne only needs to look at the numbers to see that women in business are a force to be reckoned with. Since 1997, the number of women business owners has increased by 114 percent, compared to the national growth rate of 44 percent for all businesses. Last year alone, according to the seventh annual report by the State of Women-Owned Businesses, commissioned by American Express, they generated $1.7 trillion in revenue. Women are the largest growing demographic of business owners in the nation, and for 29 years, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) has been providing area women with the chance to join their ranks.

THE SEEDS

Since 1989, GROW, located on the 2nd floor of the YWCA at 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, has offered support to women entrepreneurs by way of classes on business planing, finances, marketing and one-on-one business counseling, entrepreneurial training and more. When Bonnie Nawara stepped in as CEO in 2010, she saw the potential for the organization to have an even greater impact; while the programming was successful, she said, it lacked synergy.

“It was clear when I was interviewing with the board that was something they were looking for—someone who could bring synergy,” Nawara commented.

“I love the fact that we help women be self-supporting.

When I am out in the community and someone comes up to me and says, ‘I am a GROW graduate,’ I feel such pride.”

— Bonnie Nawara, CEO of GROW

GROW CEO BONNIE NAWARA PHOTO BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

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Now, eight years after she took the helm, GROW has expanded and evolved to meet the needs of the community. They offer more than a half-dozen workshops and classes designed to set blossoming business owners up for success that touch on everything from business basics to social media to intellectual property. Their staff has more than doubled, and they have expanded to have a

full-time business development officer on the lake shore and a part-time officer in Kalamazoo. They added a microloan program, which has loaned more than $1.5 million to local businesses in West Michigan since 2012. Additionally, they are a certified Community Development Financial Institution, allowing them loan up to $250,000. Business owners can utilize the funds as working capital or to purchase equipment, supplies, materials and inventory.

Nawara notes the microloan program has been essential in allowing GROW to support their clients dynamically.

“GROW has evolved from an organization that provides technical support and tools, to a lending organization,” she expressed. “Once we make that loan, we are engaging in a relationship around that loan, and we are meeting clients where they are at with what they need.”

Mallory Root, owner of Roots Brew Shop, a coffee shop located at 600 7th St NW, was the recipient of a GROW micro loan when she opened her business more than two years ago. Due to lack of collateral, Root was facing barriers to traditional lending when a Lake Michigan Credit Union loan officer directed her to GROW. As is required of all microloan applicants, Root took GROW’s free introductory course. After securing the funds, she enrolled in their Small Business Growth and Planning Series (Small Business GPS) which covers business basics, marketing strategies and financial awareness and is free to all micro loan recipients.

“I learned a lot,” Root commented. “Most importantly, I learned to ask for help. I am a very independent person, and GROW makes you really comfortable asking for help with your business.”

Root also notes that even after receiving her loan and graduating from the program, GROW continues to offer her support.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

“GROW helped me gain the confidence to be a business owner, and they gave me the tools to help me work through issues. They made me sure of myself.”

— Mary Scheidel, Owner of Connie's Cakes

“They are always reaching out, asking if they can do anything to help or if I have any questions about something,” she expressed. “It’s really great.”

While GROW helps women take their ideas from inception to implementation, their services have also been vital to women whose businesses are already established.

Mary Scheidel, owner of Connie Cakes, was a first-grade teacher for more than 20 years when she purchased the bakery from her aunt in 2010. Like Root, she enrolled in Small Business GPS and secured a microloan through GROW, which she used to build out her bakery. In 2013, Scheidel utilized the organization once again when she was relocating her business from South Division to the Kingsley Building on Robinson Road; once a week, Scheidel participated in a conference call with other business owners as a part of a GROW business accelerator program. The ensuing conversation, support and advice helped her navigate the stress of the move and establish Connie’s Cakes as a staple business in the area.

“I am so proud of the business I’ve built,” Scheidel commented. “GROW helped me gain the confidence to be a business owner, and they gave me the tools to help me work through issues. They made me sure of myself.”

events on behalf of the organization and expert mentors whom she pairs with GROW clients Along with promoting community connections, Revere facilitates GROW events at which womenowned businesses are honored and celebrated, such as Seeds of Growth, an awards luncheon and fundraiser during which entrepreneurs share stories, advice and inspiration; and GROW’s Annual Sparkle Celebration, an evening of holiday shopping and dining that invites local vendors to sell their wares and services or donate them to a silent auction at the event.

“My passion is working with women to help them find empowerment through business and marking,” Revere expressed. “Our services are unique, and I like how we work with people on every part of their journey.”

THE GROWTH

The impact of GROW is undeniable; they have helped launch and foster businesses that have become ingrained in the fabric of our community, such as Urban Exchange, Nutcase Vegan Meats, the WellMannered Dog, Cone Apetit, Jojo’s House of Beauty, and more. In 2016 alone, GROW served 674 clients and had a hand in creating 55 new business in West Michigan. As for the future, Nawara says GROW will continue to develop its lending program, and reaching out to under-served markets who need more representation and resources to thrive. In the long term, she would like to see GROW lease their programming to other communities who are in need of economic development and support for small businesses.

While Nawara’s position as CEO does not allow her a lot of face time with GROW clients, she gets emotional when she considers the impact the organization has had on individuals and the community.

“I love the fact that we help women be selfsupporting,” Nawara expressed. “When I am out in the community, and someone comes up to me and says, ‘I am a GROW graduate,’ I feel such pride.”

When she is not editing for WLM, Elyse enjoys traveling to far off lands, taking photos, listening to live music and spinning records.

Kristin Revere is the volunteer and event coordinator at GROW. She manages upwards of 80 volunteers who engage in community service at women-centered

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Think Big A

s a freshman in high school, I aspired to be a cheerleader. Not just any cheerleader: I would be the best on the squad! It didn’t matter that I already had noteworthy accomplishments (mostly musical) and had won competitions; I set my sites on being an amazing cheerleader. To me, at the time, this was thinking big. I proceeded to practice. I practiced a lot. I learned from successful and popular cheerleaders. I ignored my lack of acrobatic skills and believed the judges would do the same. But, during tryouts, my timing was off, I forgot some words (to a cheer, no less) and my jumps were pathetic.

I smiled through it, even though I was literally shaking with fear.

I was not selected. Devastation set in. I cried for hours. As my loving mother consoled me, this was her message that stuck with me: “I know how important this is to you now. Years from now, it won’t be.

Cheerleaders are important to the team and the school, but the girls who believe cheerleading and popularity are the most important parts of their lives will live to regret it. Others will see what a special person you are and how beautiful you are inside and out, whether you are a cheerleader or not. You have so much potential.”

She was telling me to think bigger. I’m not sure how many days it took me to recover from the disappointment, but I soon realized I was overly focused on the notoriety of cheerleading. Many friends reached out to encourage me; these were people who liked me for who I already was, not because I aspired to be a cheerleader. I shifted my focus and began to

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BY PAM RIES

appreciate my strengths and imagine how I could accomplish even greater things.

Fast forward to where I am today: Those who are closest to me know that self-doubt sometimes creeps in and tries to overwhelm me. I have high expectations of myself and others, and I get disappointed when those expectations are not met. I am not perfect, nor is anyone else despite the perfectly edited Facebook and Instagram images we view every day. So, how do I stay inspired and think big?

First, I take good care of myself. My relationship with God is where I draw strength. I also need physical strength, so I exercise and try to make good nutritional choices. Once those fundamentals are in check, I focus with optimism on my strengths and opportunities.

As Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.”

I view experiences each day as learning opportunities and reflect each night on what I learned as I get ready for the next day’s challenges. I determine how I can make a difference in my workplace, community, church and family. I think about how I can make a change in this very big world and then I go for it, not for the notoriety, but for the personal satisfaction of using my strengths and resources to make a difference.

I don’t believe in settling for the status quo. I do, however, believe patience and resilience are essential as you pursue your dreams. Always think about the possibilities. Don’t just hope for something to change.

Take action. And, just when you believe you’ve failed

at the one thing that would set you apart, dust yourself off, hold your head high and focus on what makes YOU special. Visualize what you can and will do next.

Think bigger. Not what is, but what is to be.

“Patience and resilience are essential as you pursue your dreams.

Pam Ries is senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Spectrum Health. She lives in Grand Rapids.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Kelsey Emmanual CrossFit Trainer Kelsey Emmanuel is a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer and the newest addition to the Women’s LifeStyle writing team. Follow along with her workout tips and tutorials on Instagram @kelsey.emmanuel and on Facebook at Kelsey’s Health Journey.

CROSSFIT TRAINER kelseyakiyama@gmail.com

Kelly Kermode

Owner Are you a busy woman who needs a break? Have you ever wanted to create with clay, but weren’t sure where to start?

Pottery Lane may be the place you’ve been looking for. With no prior experience necessary, Pottery Lane provides an opportunity to learn the art of pottery; it’s a place to be present and find a reprieve from daily pressures that distract us from ourselves.

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Eve Shetterly Sales

I have excelled in sales and marketing for 35 years. My gift for connecting with people has given me the opportunity to nurture my talent and a deep understanding of clients.

My greatest joy is not in awards or merits but in the appreciative gestures of the relationship cultivated by a job well done.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Marge Wilson

Owner

Marge’s is open 365 days a year and offers a wide variety of delicious doughnuts baked fresh every day, colorful cakes for all occasions, brownies, cookies, muffins and more.

Established in 1975, this family-friendly atmosphere has been a haven and gathering place for West Michigan residents to meet old friends and make new ones for more than 40 years.

With an emphasis on the highest quality, Marge’s sweet treats have become a staple in the lives of her loyal customers.

MARGE’S DONUT DEN margesdonutden.com • margesdonutden@comcast.net • (616) 532-7413

Carrie Vos

Realtor

I have been a Realtor in West Michigan since 2003, and I love helping people make confident decisions when the time is right to buy or sell. After 15 years of helping buyers find that perfect home and assisting sellers in successfully marketing their property, I still look forward to the excitement and challenge of making a positive difference.

I also believe in giving back to the community and am proud and honored to serve as a Director on the Board of the Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors, Director Liaison for the Community Involvement Task Force & REALTORS Property Crisis Fund.

2355 Belmont Center Dr., Suite 104 • Belmont, MI 49306

MIDWEST PROPERTIES OF MICHIGAN carrievos.com • carrie@carrievos.com • (616) 460-7109

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Kateri Johnson

Owner

I am a mom and the proud owner of Kateri Johnson Salon. I became a hairdresser in 1994, and I specialize in beautifying all hair types and textures, with an emphasis on naturally curly hair. I love to cut and color (and everything in between) and make my clients look and feel stunningly beautiful. In 2010, I followed my passion for education and became an Artistic Educator for L’Oreal Matrix.

I offer a full range of services to both men and women, including balayage highlights, full-service color and retouch, relaxer, perms, blow out, cut and style, waxing and more.

KATERI JOHNSON SALON stylesea.com • Katerijohnson@yahoo.com • (616) 717-1511

Larissa Espinosa Production Designer

As the newest staff member of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, Larissa manages the magazine’s print and digital design. Born and raised in Mexico, she brings to her work a passion for creativity, an acute sense of aesthetics and a tenacity that allowed her to move to the United States, graduate from college and land her dream job.

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE womenslifestyle.com • larissa@womenslifestyle.com • (616) 805-9186

Kelly Koning-Ramic Owner Kelly is the proud owner of the Matthew Agency, Inc., West Michigan’s premier model and talent agency working at the forefront the area’s fashion, advertising and film industries.

Kelly strives to provide the very best experiences for both the agency’s clients and talent and is an ardent champion of shattering standards to create an industry where all body-types are celebrated.

THE MATTHEW AGENCY matthewagency.com • kelly@matthewagency.com • (616) 340-8472

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Paige Cornetet Owner/Entrepreneur

I am a fourth-generation business owner and entrepreneur. I founded Millennial Guru with the mission to bridge the gap of generations in the workplace, and help teach teams and families how to turn their individual talents into strengths while maximizing the potential of the enterprise.

We focus on human development, team understanding and building, and effective communication and expectations.

MILLENNIAL GURU millennialguru.com • paige@millennialguru.com • (616) 443-1000

Lana Lie Crilly Owner

The Creative Needle is a custom alterations business of more than 40 years with a focused expertise in bridal gowns, beading and intricate detail work with an impeccable reputation that draws clients from all over the country.

After owning a bridal shop for many years, I moved my business to my lakeshore home to offer a more intimate setting.

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Cyndi Casemier Owner

I created C2C Gallery in Grand Haven as a venue for Michigan artists to sell their work and gain a following while engaging in their craft. We avidly promote our respected artists (45 in total) and passionately participate in our beloved community by hosting numerous fundraisers and supporting blossoming young artists through an annual high school art show.

C2C GALLERY c2cgallery.com • cyndi@c2cgallery.com • (616) 935-7337

Vonda Poll-Hartung Owner

Unique Models & Talent is the oldest and largest model and talent agency in West Michigan. We provide models, actors and talent to local and world-wide companies for their advertising needs.

In addition to models ranging from infant to senior, we offer the services of makeup artists, set designers, hair stylists, food stylists and fashion coordinators.

UNIQUE MODELS & TALENT

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Tammy Jo Budzynski

Realtor

Tammy Jo has been making dreams come true for home buyers and sellers across West Michigan for more than 18 years. With each and every transaction, she demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to helping her clients navigate the ins and outs of real estate, ensuring they are confident in their decisions and investments.

Through each step of the process, she provides up-todate information and a space where your needs are heard.

Tammy Jo brings extensive experience, unending passion and deep knowledge of local markets to her work, always resulting in an enjoyable experience and the very best outcomes for her clients.

Julietta Brothers Owner

Color can help you feel and look healthier and create balance and harmony. Your best colors empower you, create confidence and bring out your true essence and beauty.

The Message of Color will help you understand how the colors that surround you and the colors that you wear communicate without saying a word.

THE MESSAGE OF COLOR themessageofcolor.com • julietta@themessageofcolor.com • (616) 780-0373

Karyn Herrema

2355 Belmont Center Dr., Suite 104 • Belmont, MI 49306

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Annie Bishop D.C. / Rachel Babbitt D.C. Owners Rise Wellness specializes in pediatric chiropractic and pregnancy care.

Our pediatric treatments are designed to help children who show signs of stress and neurological dysfunction like chronic sickness, inattentiveness, meltdowns, and sleeplessness get back to healthy, happy and connected lives.

Additionally, we employ techniques that ease the stress of pregnancy and labor for expectant mothers.

RISE WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC risewellnesschiro.com • rise@risewellnesschiro.com • (616) 258-8480

Millie Heinz Bra Lady

Eighty-five percent of women wear the wrong size bra. Are you one of them?

Do your straps fall down or dig in? Does your bra band creep up your back?

Does your underwire poke you? I can help you get the perfect fit!

Essential Bodywear is the bra store that comes to your door, offering home parties, work fittings and business opportunities.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Owner Lex is Grand Rapids’ premier facial bar! We provide a highend spa experience at a range of price points. Our 30 minute facial offers all of the benefits of a full treatment, such as nourishment, hydration and deep pore cleansing. We proudly use Arcona skin care products, which contain no parabens, perfumes, or other toxic ingredients.

While our express services are ideal for a quick, luxurious indulgence, we understand the importance of taking time for self care and offer range of services, such as full facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, brow waxing, spray tans and lash services.

LEX FACIAL BAR AND SPA lexfacialbar.com • karyn@lexfacial.com • (616) 591-8197

Susie Gordon Sales Manager My job as sales manager gives me the opportunity to generate revenue for the magazine and to recruit and train other individuals to achieve their potential. I love meeting business owners and learning about their goals and aspirations while building rewarding partnerships.

Additionally, the magazine is deeply involved in charitable organizations and events and it’s wonderful to help facilitate showcasing them in their best light.

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FURNITURE AS SMART AS YOU:

Use the Newest Furniture Tech to Up Your Game

Y

ou are brilliant. You are constantly evolving. You are sharpening your skills, flooding your mind with new information and improving your output every day, and you need office furniture that evolves as quickly as you do. From standing desks to ball chairs, ergonomics has long been the center of furniture designed to help you perform your best in the office.

Thor Sorensen, Vice President of Design Quest, gives insight into some of the most exciting developments sweeping the industry.

BY SARAH ANDERSON

SELF-HEALING DESK TOPS

No longer an inactive object, desktops now mirror some of our favorite superheroes and regenerate after sparring with sharp desktop objects.

Sorensen noted this as one of the more unusual developments he’s seen recently.

“Fenix laminated tops give you two characteristics you don't normally get with a laminate,” he explained.

“One: If you get scratches they can be healed. Two: They don't have the glassy, plastic finish that most have. It’s more like slate —they have a silky, natural surfaces because their surface is created using a nanotechnology.”

HEALTH-FOCUSED FURNITURE

The technology that excites me is the positive health furniture: sit-tostand desks, chairs that respond to the body, and adapt to the user, or engage your muscles.”

— Thor Sorensen, Vice President of Design Quest 34

Sorensen brings to light a strong point about furniture and technology: today’s shiny, new pieces that incorporate technological adaptability will be tomorrow’s trash.

“Today, USB and wireless charging are being added to all sorts of things,” he said. “However, I fully expect them to be obsolete quite soon.”

Instead, he sees a future of furniture that plays an active role in facilitating healthy living.

“The technology that excites me is the positive health furniture: sit-to-stand desks, chairs that respond to the body, and adapt to the user, or engage your muscles,” he said.

burn more calories, loosen joints, improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and improve blood flow.”

Enter the adjustable desk that gives you the option to split with your sitting ways and embrace a more active desk job. Sorensen offered his recipe for success.

“My routine is to always put my desk up to standing position before I leave for the day,” he revealed. “Then I start standing when I return to the office for as long as I want to. Some days that is all day, and others maybe only 20 minutes.”

THE FUTURE OF COMFORT

An avid supporter of timeless luxury, Sorensen pointed out that good furniture has a much longer lifespan than most of the gadgets we see today.

Something that won’t go out of style any time soon?

Comfort. Sorensen suggests finding pieces that are technologically advanced in ways that will always improve your life.

“The way a company makes a recliner and molds in comfort zones is also technology," he mused. “That is something that will be there for the entire life of the furniture piece.”

Sarah shuffles between editorial support, content production and advertising sales at WLM. She loves her job so much, and isn’t just saying that to impress her boss.

STAND AND SLAY

“There is more research reported about the benefits of standing almost every day,” Sorenson said. “You

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION Owner I am the owner and president of The Britt Law Group PC, with locations in downtown Grand Rapids and Spring Lake.

My three-attorney firm takes a dual approach to provide the very best legal services for our clients.

We offer comprehensive in-house counsel for small companies who do not have a legal department, providing protection and security without the large firm overhead.

Our personal counsel service is for individuals seeking to work with trustworthy attorneys who have their best interests at heart in family law areas such as divorce and parenting issues, and future planning areas such as estate and succession planning.

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Rebecca Dutcher Owner

Rebecca Dutcher brings 15 years of industry experience to working with businesses of all sizes to help them solve problems through marketing.

Whether you’re looking to build awareness, improve lead generation or attract employees, she can help you achieve your goals through strategic and consistent marketing implementation.

RED66 MARKETING red66marketing.com • rebecca@red66marketing.com • (616) 490-1068

Brenda Smith

Realtor

I bring integrity, honesty and ethics to every real estate transaction. I specialize in communication and attention to detail. Whether buying or selling a million dollar home or a first home, clients receive my undivided attention on their real estate journey.

“I have bought and sold several houses through Brenda and have always been impressed with her knowledge of this business.

She has always been on top of things and has worked with several of my family and friends, I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend Brenda Smith and wouldn’t go with anyone else.”

—A.M.

2355 Belmont Center Dr., Suite 104 • Belmont, MI 49306

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Debra Bates Owner As a business support specialist, we create innovative solutions to office space, business support, meeting room, video conferencing and community.

From entrepreneurs to established companies, I love providing customized support to help businesses leverage their strengths to navigate new ideas, confront exciting challenges and achieve incredible success.

CHOICE BUSINESS SERVICES INC choicebusinesscenter.com • deb@choicebiz.com • (616) 975-0100

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Jen VanBeek, MS, LMFT

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The therapists at MEREDITH PSYCHOLOGICAL & TESTING SERVICES are dedicated to working with you as you navigate through life challenges. It is our mission to create a safe and welcoming environment to ensure you are comfortable enough to share and explore any feelings, thoughts, actions and issues that may be causing distress.

With our team of dedicated therapists, we are experienced in working with a wide range of clients from children to the elderly, as well as individuals, couples and families.

We have also offer group therapy covering a variety of areas. Additionally, our therapists collaborate with clients on an equally wide range of concerns, such as self-injury, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA issues and life transitions.

Our therapists draw upon various therapeutic strategies, including psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, so that each session is uniquely focused to help you where you are in life.

Our newest asset is the Meredith Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT) program. Our DBT program, following standards set by the DBT Board of certification, specializes in helping individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts and attempts, hospitalizations, intensely reactive emotions and chaotic relationships. This approach is effective with many disorders because it combines both cognitive and behavioral therapies, thus exploring emotional, cognitive and behavioral patterns. Our DBT program includes both weekly individual and group sessions. In these sessions, our

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therapists provide skills training to help individuals find balance.

In our group, we have therapists who specialize in working with clients to overcome eating disorders, which can be viewed as a type of addiction. As with other addictive behaviors, eating disorders have a specific purpose that is unique for each individual. In order to overcome the disorder, you must discover this purpose. That is, you must figure out what the behavior does for you. Our therapists collaborate to help uncover that purpose so that change and healing can begin.

Our therapists recognize that trauma, both new and old, can be difficult to deal with. This trauma can sometimes result in feelings of guilt, shame or vulnerability. There are other times when the trauma may produce feelings of anger, worthlessness, helplessness or powerlessness.

These feelings can be overwhelming; however, they do not have to continue. Our therapists will work to help you recognize your unique strengths and resiliency and identify the underlying causes of your destructive, negative thought processes so that you can move toward your life goals with personal satisfaction.

The therapists in our group also recognize that, at times, bouts of anxiety, depression or personality struggles can cause you to feel desperate, isolated or even hopeless.

When these feelings are especially strong, our therapists recognize that you may not be able to articulate how you feel (or why). Our therapists also recognize that there may

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be times you believe your emotions to be beyond your control. Our team will listen and cultivate a holistic approach to help you discover greater balance.

Our first introduction to relationships was in our childhood from our parents, family and social activities with which we were involved. We learned how to communicate with people by what we learned at home. These communication patterns, however, do not always serve us as we mature and develop intimate relationships. When we do not “speak the same language” with our partner, we feel frustrated and misunderstood. These feelings can lead to more complications and struggles. Our therapists will help you examine your communication patterns and discover your “language” so that, armed with that awareness, you all can move toward greater mutual understanding.

Regardless of how much we try or how honorable our intentions, we inevitably tend to have a problem in the family. Parents are frustrated with the children (who don’t do what they should or who don’t finish their work).

Children are frustrated with the parents (who are clueless about what it’s like to be a kid these days). Whenever additional factors (such as ADHD, behavioral issues, mental health issues, step-parents or step-siblings) are introduced, there is great potential for hurt, pain, anger, fear and more. Our therapists work to help you objectively examine the various issues at hand so that pragmatic and strategic decisions can be made.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Finally, our group conducts psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. These psychological assessments are used to help understand patterns of thinking, learning and behavior. The assessment process includes interviews, observations and testing. The tests given cover several different areas, such as IQ, learning disabilities, ADHD, language, memory/dementia, mood and personality issues. Assessments for bariatric surgery, hormone therapy, gender reassignment and competency can also be given. Our assessment therapist will meet with you to discuss your specific concerns and needs in order to determine the most appropriate battery of assessments to administer. Once the assessments have been completed, a thorough report of the findings, including diagnosis and recommendations, will be generated.

THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES & FAMILIES

(616) 734-6900 | tara@kalamazoo-therapist.com meredithpsychologicalandtesting.com 1009 44th St. SW, Suite 103, Wyoming, MI

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READER’S Whether you are staring your own business or seeking to advance in your career, the following books are full of advice and inspiration as you work toward success.

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso Sophia Amoruso is the founder and executive chairman of Nasty Gal, a retailer that specializes in unconventional fashion for women. Amoruso divulges how growing her brand from an eBay store selling vintage clothing to one of fashion’s fastest growing brands. Part memoir, part business how-to, #GIRLBOSS doles out compelling advice on how to take charge of your life through motivating, honest —and often hilarious—stories.

Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally by Miko Branch This inspirational book comes with a flurry of five-star reviews from readers hailing this humble tell-all about the company that revolutionized the hair care industry. Author Miko Branch and her sister Titi founded Miss Jessie’s Products, inspired by their tenacious grandmother for whom the company is named. A family memoir with business advice and hair tips, Miss Jessie’s lays bare the sister’ journey from childhood to wildly prosperous business owners as they graciously share their mistakes and divulge the methods behind their successes.

Work It: Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business by Carrie Kerpen Carrie Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Media, presents lessons from her own career and those of women working at the top of their industries to help readers turn their dreams into realities. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Girls Who Code Founder Reshma Saujani and Communications Executive Aliza Licht are among the few who share their expertise on everything from how and when to say “no;” how to make your career work for you and the importance of openly discussing money.

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office 101: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make that Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel Internationally recognized executive coach Lois Frankel published this mustread for women in business more than ten years ago, and it still stands as essential reading for any professional woman looking to advance their career.

As the title promises, Frankel illuminates more than 100 unconscious habits that commonly hold women back in the workplace and what to do about it.

Practical and empowering, this book has helped thousands of women shatter the glass ceiling and achieve the success they deserve.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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39

5 I

Steps to Getting What You Want at Work

n the United States, women make up nearly 50 percent of the workforce; and yet women continue to earn less than men. While the debate about the wage-gap rages on, countless studies demonstrate that women are less likely to ask for a raise than their male counterparts. Evaluating and asking for what you want from your job helps to create a culture that values women as primary wage earners. The following steps will help you figure out exactly what you want from your career, how to ask for it, and how to get it.

Figure Out What is Important

While searching for a new job or preparing ask for more in your current position, spend time reflecting on what it is that you want beyond more zeros in your paycheck. For working moms, flexibility and remotework options might be of the utmost importance; educational reimbursement is a big plus to those who want to return to school; and for women who have been in their industries for some years, new and challenging projects may be what they desire for career satisfaction. Make a list of what you want out of your job (don’t hold back) and prioritize the items from greatest to least. Your top “want” is what you will need to focus on as you move forward.

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BY RENEE FRANKLIN

Research

Knowledge is power! Get your finger on the pulse of your industry — find out what your peers at other companies are earning so you know exactly how much you can ask for and gauge your chances of getting a “yes.” Onetonling.org is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and provides accurate job descriptions and pay information across all industries. Use it to compare your level of education, experience and pay rate to others in your field and geographic area.

Show Off

Strut your stuff! Toot your horn! Celebrate your victories! If things are going smoothly, people don’t often notice others’ contributions and successes, and it pays off to bring attention to yours. Women in particular shy away from shining light on their strengths. Experts advocate for women to get into the habit of highlighting their professional attributes in the workplaces so when it comes time to ask for a raise, your boss has no question as to what you’re worth.

Make a list of things you have accomplished over the past few months and continue to add to it.

Speak the Right Language

So, you know what you want, you know what you’re worth, and you know how you contribute to the success of the company: Now is the time to speak to your boss, present your case and ask for what you want. When asking for a raise, the most common mistake is to internalize your reason: “I need a raise so I can make more money.” To be successful in this conversation, you need to highlight how your raise (or time off, flexible work schedule or tuition reimbursement) will benefit the company. This is where showing off comes in! Demonstrating your value with solid performance documentation gives you great leverage. Your bosses will recognize you as an asset, one they don’t want to lose to the marketplace.

Say Goodbye

After taking the aforementioned steps, if your superiors aren’t keen to give you whatever you have asked for, put leaving the company on the table. This should be done calmly; make your employer aware that, based on your level of experience, you do have other options for employment. Let them know that while you may love your job, you are willing to look elsewhere to find a company that will meet your needs. Based on your boss’ reaction, you may get a solid read on how valued you are in the organization.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

supported in part by

SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Elyse Wild Editor-in-Chief

Elyse is an award-winning writer and editor of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine.

She leads the publication’s print and digital content production and prides herself on her unfailing ability to help talented writers bring the essential and inspiring stories of women across West Michigan to more than 50,000 monthly readers.

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE womenslifestyle.com • elyse@womenslifestyle.com • (616) 805-9576

MaryJo Fox-Fell / Anne Mohan / Paige Mohan

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Looking for something fun to do? Attend one of our craft workshops taught by our talented staff or a local artist.

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Nicole Ware Spancer Owner

Are you experiencing depression or anxiety? Do you want to improve your relationship with your romantic partner? Is your teen not opening to you about issues? I can help you take the necessary steps to improve your life. My practice provides a holistic and integrative approach to address your health.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Sheila Wood Bennett

Owner

Consider It Done is a phenomenal personal and home styling business geared toward making your life easier and more enjoyable. Sheila’s services include wardrobe management, personal shopping, home staging, interior painting, organizing and catering.

Sheila is a frequent guest on the WZZM13 weekend morning show where she shares her expertise on topics ranging from back-toschool shopping, planning the perfect picnic, holiday decorating, gift wrapping, and more. With Sheila’s help, you can leave your house in the morning and come back to an exquisitely decorated home within your price range, enjoy a perfect holiday season, check off your shopping list without having to lift a finger and Consider it Done so much more!

CONSIDER IT DONE facebook.com/consideritdonegr • shegunneson@att.net • (616) 901-5235

41

Intersecting Joy and Purpose

Excerpt from Shannon Cohen’s book, “Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Book About Growing Stronger, Better, and Wiser.”

BY SHANNON COHEN

Earn Your Way to a New Fur!

Invite 10-20 of your closest friends into the store during evening hours where you have the entire selections all to yourself to try on. You (the host), depending on sales could earn your way to a new fur. Bella Furs will provide wine, cheese or whatever you choose.

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s busy women, we are often consumed with activities that place a premium on outside expectations. Much of our time is dedicated to addressing what others need, want and expect from us. Managing and meeting the expectations of others can become life-consuming, dream-altering and purpose-draining.

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Let’s pause in this moment and consider the last time we asked, pondered and answered the question: “What do I want?” If we never honestly ask and answer that question, how can we truly live as captains of our own destinies? There is no way to live at the intersection of joy and purpose without asking this fundamental question.

I am not suggesting that we shift to the other end of the spectrum and become totally “me-first” and selfish. I am, however, elevating an idea that each of us needs to develop and act from a self-inclusive mindset.

Think of self-inclusive living like the air mask policy of major airlines: Doing good for others begins with being good to ourselves. Cultivating this mindset is about listening to and valuing the voice of your own soul. It is about respecting your value, time, energy and aspirations. Yes, there are times and seasons in your life when operating at the intersection of “obligation and duty” or “need-to but don’t-want-to” are required. We all know what those seasons of life and leadership are like.

Yet, more times than not, we have opportunities to ask and hold true to the outcomes we desire. How might our lives be different if we better incorporated our own needs and voice as a decision-making litmus test? What if we measured every choice and action against whether or not the decision would move us closer to or away from the dreams and desires of our heart? Asking what we want helps clear, minimize and eliminate the clutter of external voices and demands.

Tough Skin, Soft Heart Truth Tough Skin: Being a pillar in my home, marketplace, and community is not always synonymous with placing myself last or never considering myself at all. I don’t have to routinely martyr my own needs and interests. Voicing and honoring what I want and need has the power to revolutionize every area of my life!

Soft Heart: Taking inventory of my own heart is not an act of selfishness. When I listen to and honor my own voice, I am better able to help others hear and honor their voices.

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www.GROWbusiness.org | 616.458.3404 |

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Shannon is a self-described bicoastal Michigander with roots that began in her beloved Detroit, and an entrepreneur, wife and mother with a family. Shannon is an award-winning strategist, motivational speaker, and community mobilizer. View more about Shannon and her work in community at: shannoncohen.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

supported in part by

Julie Lankes

SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION Owner Julie is a connector. Person to person. Brand to audience.

Goal to strategy to result. She has a serious knack for sitting down with clients, diving deep into the heart of their brand, and resurfacing with clarity and direction.

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Ten years, numerous awards, and several blue-chip clients later, Julie started BOXBOOM—a studio focused on branding that moves hearts, minds, and needles.

Outside of work, Julie finds energy at social gatherings, volunteer events, and community clubs. Basically—and fittingly—anywhere connections are being made.

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Kayla Sosa Journalist

Kayla is an award-winning journalist and Grand Rapids native. She stays as busy as possible writing for various newspapers and magazines in West Michigan, as well as doing video production and photography.

She loves talking to people about their experiences, and giving them a voice through her writing. Kayla’s proud to have been student journalist of the year two years in a row with the Michigan Community College Press Association.

If you have a story tip, feel free to contact her!

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE womenslifestyle.com • elyse@womenslifestyle.com • (616) 805-9576

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Michelle Doetsch Owner

Michelle is a licensed massage therapist with more than 16 years of experience with a proven track record of helping her clients feel their very best. She specializes in headaches, neck and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia and highly stressed individuals. She offers massage and bodywork, aromatherapy, targeted sessions and energy work.

NEW YEW newyewhealing.com • michelle@newyewhealing.com • (616) 334-8901

Rhonda VanDrunen

Owner

Serving our community for almost twenty-five years has been an honor and has rewarded me with many solid relationships with likeminded professionals. Following the closing of the litigation servicing business where I was employed, several of my clients encouraged me to open my own company; therefore Reliable Litigation Solutions has been born! I have a team that knows the legal industry never sleeps and delivering quality jobs within a timely manner is crucial!

We offer copy, scan, print, video depositions, court reporting, trial boards, notary services, courier services, and trial services in court.

As a volunteer, I hold the President Elect position for the Western Michigan HFMA chapter which aims to educate healthcare and finance professionals.

RELIABLE LITIGATION SOLUTIONS reliablelitigationsolutions.com • rhonda@reliablelitigationsolutions.com • (616) 634-0803

Megan Stubbs

Sexologist

Dr. Megan Stubbs is a sexologist, relationships expert, and body image specialist. She is a contributing writer to Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, Playboy, and co-founder of Primal Retreats. When she’s not lecturing at universities and private events around the globe, you can find her living her best life with her rescued pit bull Kronos.

SEXOLOGIST sexologistmegan.com • sexologistmegan@gmail.com

43

DOMINIQUE MCNEIL, KELLY MUSCHIANA AND JANAY BROWER

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

Manufacturing Justice with

At

Public Thread

906 Division Ave SE, a vibrant kaleidoscope of fabric and materials spill from shelves, splash across tabletops and drip from walls. Industrial sewing machines sit, taut with thread and poised to create. Whiteboards bearing patterns, charts and encouragement line the room. In the corner, a sewing machine taps a steady Morse code as a woman makes a prototype of a bag made out of upcycled billboard material.

It is here that Janay Brower is sowing the seeds of a quiet revolution in manufacturing with her company, Public Thread; the small batch cut and a sew manufacturer creates sewn products in partnership with designers, business and organizations, and is forging new ground with a socially conscious foundation that places the people behind the products at the very center.

design a business model that would allow individuals and communities to thrive. While she enjoyed her work, she couldn’t help but feel that something was missing.

“I want to show that you can do this in the for-profit world, in this industry, in this city, right now.— Janay Brower, Founder and President of Public Thread

As she begins describing the origins of her company, Brower is electric, emitting a level of passion that resides within few of us but has the potential to impact us all.

“I want to honor the people who are making our stuff,” Brower expressed emphatically. “I want to honor the labor and the process.”

THE THREAD

Prior to starting Public Thread in 2016, Brower, who graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, worked for several nonprofits and later launched a consulting service. She describes her past work as “navigating systems,” an experience that well prepared her to

44

“I wanted to make clothes, here, in this community," she said. “I wanted to pay people a living wage, and I wanted employees to be owners of the company. I wanted to be creative and sustainable in how we care for the earth and the people in the process.”

As Brower expressed her ambitions to her friends and family, she arrived at a startling conclusion: Her dream was to become a manufacturer. And so she began talking; for three years, she talked to textile buyers, apparel workers, sewers, designers, tailors and environmental groups such as the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and the Michigan Recycling Coalition.

“It was just conversation after conversation, and I continually received messages that I was on the right path,” she expressed.

THE IMPACT “Whenever I came up against the work I thought we were supposed to be doing, the real change work, it always ended up being outside of what I was supposed to be doing,” she reflected.

Additionally, Brower felt her career was lacking something vital: creativity. She needed her work to provide a creative outlet, and, having grown up with a love of fashion, she wanted it to involve textiles — and she wanted to make a lasting difference in her community.

The result of Brower’s determination to be guided by her principles is a company in which sustainability and human interest are not simply components, but the very essence. Her employees are paid a living wage, and she strives to work with local designers of color, creating economic equity and driving the area’s creative economy. Additionally, every item made at Public Thread is created from locally-sourced upcycled materials.

The impact of textile waste from manufacturing alone is staggering. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 10.5 million tons of textiles flowed into landfills in 2015 alone, 84 percent of which came from manufacturers, and the number increases each

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

year. Additionally, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association, 97 percent of apparel sold in the United States is made overseas by workers earning devastatingly low wages.

“We want people to start to think and connect deeply to what they are buying,” Brower expressed.

She refers to a collection of recently produced bags by her desk. They range in vibrant hues, are made from upcycled 3D knit chair material and leather scraps from a locally-based global furniture company and seat belts cut from cars at a junkyard.

The bags are stunning, and a single touch shows that they are made to last.

Dominique McNeil is a KCAD fashion studies student and a design intern at Public Thread; she previously interned at a fashion house in New York and notes the vast difference between the fast, high-waste pace that is the industry norm and Public Thread.

“Fashion designing impacts not just the environment but people, too,” McNeil commented. “I love that those things are at the core of what we do here. It’s a lot different from my other internship.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

“This is upcycled,” she exclaimed. “All of this would have gone in the landfill, and instead we are making cool products that have amazing stories and support living wage jobs.”

In July, Brower was one of the winners of 100 Ideas, a capital funding competition in which 100 startups vied for one of several $20,000 cash prizes. Joe Lampen, financial director of Wakestream Industries, was a judge at the competition and speaks to what made Public Thread stand out.

Manufacturing tends toward monotonous, repetitive work. Brower’s upcycling model at Public Thread not only allows for creativity but makes it necessary for success.

“I very quickly understood that this is a powerful model,” Lampen said. “Janay is someone who understands how to build a business. She understands profitability and growth relate to being truly sustainable.”

“We have to work with what we have available,” she explained. “There are times when we have more of an assembly line, and times when [the sewers] make the entire piece themselves. It depends, and working this way is so much more fulfilling for all of us.”

What Brower demonstrates with Public Thread is that one can, and should, integrate one’s values into one’s business, that a bottom line can be more than just dollar signs, and that people and the environment are a part of everything we do, and only by honoring both can we create a better world with better industries. Brower shares that in her experience sourcing upcycled materials from local manufacturers, some of whom are powerful players in international markets, she has found a common thread: “I have not met one person who works for a major company who doesn’t want to do business with us or support what we do,” she stated.

Brower works with the Fashion Studies Department at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) and Grand Rapids Community College’s Workforce Development program to provide a low-threshold to burgeoning designers and help them launch their lines and careers right here in Grand Rapids.

Kelly Muschiana is an adjunct faculty member at KCAD’s Fashion Studies Department and initially approached Public Thread about working with them as a designer. She now acts as the company’s product development lead.

“I love the company and what it stands for,” Muschiana explained. “I love the sustainability piece and the human-centered piece. As a professor, I love the educational aspect that helps creatives in the community and keeps them here in Grand Rapids.”

When she invoices clients, Brower includes how many living wage jobs were supported and how many pounds of textile waste were kept out of landfills by doing business with Public Thread.

“We are giving people opportunities to live their values with their business. I want to show that you can do this in the for-profit world, in this industry, in this city, right now.”

For more information, visit publicthread.co

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

45

Better TOGETHER

Eyes widen in fear and disbelief. Images of claws and backstabbing seem to flood the mind.“I could never do that,” is all too often the response to hearing about an all-women workplace. The fear is of an environment ruled by irrational emotions and insecurities, when the reality is quite the opposite: Women who are surrounded by other women in the workplace are met with colleagues who understand and empathize with each other in a way that magnifies abilities, potential and performance, producing powerful results.

BY SARAH ANDERSON

In fact, a study published by the University of California, Davis revealed that companies that include women as part of their leadership team performed much better than their competitors with a mostly male leadership. They found that the median returns on assets and equity were at least 74 percent higher in the top 25 companies with the highest percentage of women executives and board members than in the overall group of companies surveyed.

We talked to four West Michigan businesses who shared with us the myriad benefits of cultivating a female-driven work environment.

“I think when you come into a predominantly female environment, it allows you to say, ‘OK, now let me see who I really am.’ ”

—Cori Williams, Owner of Beer City Barre

Beer City Barre

Cori Williams founded Beer City Barre as a way to impact the lives of those trying to get serious about their health and fitness. Working in a female-driven industry, Williams has a staff of seven women and one man and client base comprised primarily of women.

For her, working with women is all about the relationships and communication.

“Each woman who works here is different,” she commented. “I think, with women especially, it’s important to have an emotional connection and understand where they’re coming from.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEER CITY BARRE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SARA VANHORN, KELLY BROWN, BILL WARD, KIM BROWN, CORI WILLIAMS, LENOX NAPOLITAN, LISA DOST, KIM MCDONOUGH, MELISA MILANOWSKI

Green Gate Health

Jessica Foley and Natasha Browley started Green Gate Health after each found solutions for their health issues in medical cannabis. What followed was a team of women (and one man) who each bring their own passions and interests into a company that serves as a haven for individuals seeking holistic healthcare.

Each full moon, Green Gate Health holds a women’s group that is open to the public. It’s a time for strangers and friends to gather, talk openly, support each other and let go of the day’s pressures. Each group begins with a meditation and participants have the opportunity to speak if they would like to. Through these gatherings, Browley witnesses a profound shift in her staff and clients.

“I think a lot of the positive energy that we receive from women has a lot to do with the women’s circle,” she explained.

Facilitating positive relationships among her staff has a ripple effect in the barre studio; Williams sees her clients interact and build community among themselves, too.

“I have many clients develop strong relationships with other women they meet here in the studio,” she explained.

“And that’s what I’m most proud of.

Sure, get a six pack...but walk out the door with meaningful relationships.”

Working with a smaller group of women has been a welcome change for Williams, who left a large corporate position to start her studio.

“Here, we can all be successful and know that it’s because we’re smart, welcoming and friendly and it has nothing to do with anything else,” she reflected. “It’s really big to feel that sort of self-worth in a different way.”

She also noted that this type of environment has allowed for self-growth and exploration.

“I think when you come into a predominantly female environment, it allows you to say, ‘OK, now let me see who I really am.’”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN GATE HEALTH CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NADIJA REEVES, SHARON DOWNER, JESSICA FOLEY, NATASHA BROWLEY, MACKENZI JACKSON

Browley also takes a direct approach to how women should uplift one another.

“If you see somebody who looks nice, tell them that they look beautiful,” she exclaimed. “Tell them that you love their hair, because there’s nothing wrong with complimenting another woman and making her feel good about herself.

That’s what we’re supposed to do.”

For Browley, supporting each other and working together has a seismic effect outside of the office.

“We could change the world,” she said. (continued on page 32)

46

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY OF HELLO HOMES GR CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ASHLEY DIETCH- SCHAFER, CORRIN TIMMER, JENNIFER CONNER, NICOLE WARE, DEBORA ACEVEDO, ELIZABETH KLOPP, NORA GLAHN

Hello Homes GR After working in real estate for seven years, Ashley Dietch-Schaefer saw a need to create a group that offered a higher level of personal support to young women beginning their real estate careers.

“To be honest, they kind of get pushed out,” she explained.“It’s a really maledominated industry, so sometimes we find that some women don’t have the confidence to seek out knowledge or resources.”

This motivated Dietch-Schaefer to open her own real estate firm, Hello Homes GR. PHOTO BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS FROM LEFT TO RIGHTL KELLIE HAINES, SHANNON BURKEL, BLYTHE KAZMIERCZAK

“I saw an opportunity for women to really empower each other and support each other and genuinely help,” she divulged.

Instead of competing against each other, Dietch-Schaefer created a group that believes in each other. Shared life experiences and perspectives lend themselves to facilitating a team environment full of empathy and understanding.

“It's really great to have that support system,” she reflected. “I can call an agent and say, ‘You know what? My son and I are at home. I can’t make it to the showing. Can you cover for me?’ and all hands are on deck...and I’ll do the same for them.”

Axios HR

The power of women is reflected in larger companies, as well. Axios HR is a staffing firm in Grand Rapids with an office staff of 60 and an employee base of more than 15,000 people. Kellie Haines, president; Shannon Burkle, executive vice president of staffing solutions; and Blythe Kazmierczak, executive vice president of human resource solutions are three members of the executive leadership team at Axios and are inspiring other women to rise into leadership positions.

Not a West Michigan native, Kazmierczak quickly noted the differences in culture here from others parts of the country.

Sarah shuffles between editorial support, content production and advertising sales at WLM. She loves her job so much, and isn’t just saying that to impress her boss.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

“There’s a real focus on family and a lot of women here who stay home,” she imparted. “In other places I’ve lived, that’s not as common. I think it’s cool that Axios has so many women, not just at the leadership team level, but strong managers and folks in client- facing roles. They are important examples for candidates when they come in and have an experience with us. I think we are helping women see what’s possible in that way.”

Kazmierczak understands that women have had to work harder to fight negative biases and as a result have

become even stronger forces in their work environments.

“In many cases, women have dealt with bias where people assume they didn't know something or have any experience,” Kazmierczak elaborated.

“As a result, a lot of women are more competent than they need to be as a compensation for the fact that they’ve encountered this bias.”

She also emphasizes that making it to the top doesn’t mean biases are totally overcome.

“Maybe you have to be a little bit tougher than others who aren’t in leadership positions but don't be fooled by that,” Haines instructed.

“There’s a misconception that you don’t have compassion in senior-level executive positions.”

Kazmierczak suggests taking an objective approach to gender in terms of leadership.

“I would ask yourself, ‘What do I need from a leader?’” Kazmierczak advised.

“It’s more about what you need from the leader you’re working with and that they are a good personality match for you.”

47

The Ultimate Guide to Global Dining Etiquette

I

f you are what you eat, then are you also HOW you eat? Most of us have the basics down when it comes to American dining etiquette. We keep our elbows off the table, say things like, “Please pass the salt,” and tip our servers 15 to 20 percent, right? When you travel abroad for business or pleasure, however, things get a little tricky and the do’s and dont’s of table manners begin to change.

Etiquette varies widely from culture to culture. What may be perfectly normal in one country may be considered rude in another. For instance, did you know that sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered bad form in Japan? That’s what chopstick rests are for! If there aren’t any, place them directly in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table. Also, in Portugal, did you know asking for salt and pepper is an insult to the chef’s flavoring talents?

Learning global etiquette rules aren’t just good for saving you from awkward or embarrassing situations, but it can also demonstrate your openness to other cultures, help you make new friends from different backgrounds and facilitate business connections with ease. Sound good? Then let’s dive in!

MEET GEORGE AQUINO, GRAND RAPIDS’ INTERNATIONAL MAN OF ETIQUETTE

George Aquino, vice president of AHC+ Hospitality, the hotel management group behind Grand Rapids’ JW Marriott and Amway Grand Plaza, is as close to an international man of etiquette as one can get. His work has taken him around the world, including countries all over Europe and Asia. On a personal level, he grew up in the Philippines and has lived in Africa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Guam. We thought it couldn’t get any more global than that, so Women’s LifeStyle decided to consult him about his experiences dining all over the world.

Women's LifeStyle Magazine: Why do you think people struggle with international etiquette?

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BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ George Aquino: A lot of Americans find it challenging to take an interest in what’s going on outside the United States. When you feel like you live in the best country in the world, you tend to think that people should adjust to you. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just human nature. So when foreigners come to the United States, and they act differently than what we’re used to, sometimes we get judgmental.

We believe that they should know how to eat here and how to behave in our restaurants. We even expect them to dress a certain way! It goes both ways though.

Just because one country is a third world country doesn’t mean the locals from that country would feel differently because you come from a first world country. It’s just a matter of mutual respect for the culture.

WLM: Tell us about a time you or someone you know broke a rule of dining etiquette.

GA: I was entertaining a friend of a relative and took them to a very fancy Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. The server came and gave us hot bowls. This friend drank the bowl like it was soup! Of course, the Japanese servers were appalled, and I explained to her that it was for cleaning her hands. She learned her lesson after that!

WLM: What can people do to prevent making mistakes like that?

GA: Mistakes are bound to happen to anyone, but the most important thing is to be respectful of the other culture and be humble when you make a mistake.

Feel free to ask questions if you aren’t sure what’s happening, rather than assuming and being wrong.

Observe the people around you, especially if you’re traveling by yourself. Go where the locals go and watch how they’re eating. I recommend traveling with a host whenever you can, so they can be your resource and answer all your questions. And, of course, do a little research beforehand. You have to use common sense, too. Some things you may have read might be

considered archaic, and the younger generation of that culture might not even care about those rules.

WLM: Have you ever acted as somebody’s host?

GA: I hosted an American friend, a Dutch friend, a Russian friend and my wife during our trip to Boracay, an island in the Philippines. It’s a popular destination with a lot of beautiful beaches. I wanted them to experience something authentic, so I took them to a traditional Filipino kamayan feast, where banana leaves are laid all over the table, the food is placed on top of it, and you’re supposed to eat with your hands.

It was a bit of a surprise for them, but we had a good time and took lots of pictures.

WLM: Was there ever a time that a cultural norm surprised you?

GA: I was in Stanley Market in Hong Kong and decided to eat somewhere rustic. I went past the market to where the locals eat, and it was a total slurp fest! People were burping loudly and feet were up on the chairs. I was appalled at first! Then I learned that burping and slurping loudly is actually a compliment to the food in their culture. It depends on the setting, of course. In a fine dining Chinese restaurant, the expectation would probably be not to slurp. Slurping actually makes noodle soup taste better though, because of the air entering your mouth and enhancing the flavor.

WLM: What else can people do to immerse themselves in another country’s culture, especially if they don’t have access to a host?

GA: I recommend tours. There are so many good ones run by entrepreneurs, and you can learn a lot from them. I think it’s an excellent investment, whether it’s a food tour, museum tour, a cooking class, or a shopping tour, depending on what you like. I’ve done all the Philippine tours, and one of them was the Chinatown tour in Manila. I loved that tour because it talked about

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

the history of each food item, how to eat it and how it’s made. Fun fact: the Chinatown in Manila is actually the first Chinatown outside of China!

I’ve also done a pizza tour in Florence where they show you how it’s made and how to appreciate it properly. I really believe it’s worth investing the time and the money in those tours. They’re a lot of fun, and you get to meet other people who are well-traveled and learn from them.

WLM: Do you think that, overall, people are starting to get better at appreciating other cultures?

GA: Absolutely! For example, many American expats end up doing well abroad. The ones that don’t, however, the reason is usually that they or their spouse weren’t able to adapt to the culture. They were expecting the locals to adjust to them. I’ve seen this happen a lot. Many of our expats that we send to the Caribbean don’t make it past a year! I think that’s starting to change though. The millennials now are different. They’re generally more adventurous and more versed when it comes to ethnic food, especially if they live in a bigger city.

WLM: Any last piece of advice for our West Michigan foodies?

7 TRADITIONS OF GLOBAL DINING ETIQUETTE THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU Every culture has spoken and unspoken rules of dining etiquette. Will not following these rules get you into trouble? Only in rare cases. However, we do believe that following them does set you apart as someone who respects other cultures and has taken the time to learn about it. This knowledge can often lead to conversation, business connections, a dinner invitation and possibly even friendships! In contrast, ignoring them can lead to hilarious and awkward silences. So why not be informed, right? Below are twelve traditions of global dining etiquette that may surprise you.

1. When dining in Muslim countries, don’t eat with your left hand. “For the most part, you will be expected to eat with your hands, unless you’re in a fine dining restaurant,” Aquino explained. “There are two schools of thought as to why you shouldn’t use your left hand.

One is because the left hand is largely known as the bathroom hand so it would be unhygienic to eat with it. The other is that Muhammad said that’s how you’re supposed to eat. Thank God I’m right-handed!”

2. In Korea, if someone older than you offers you

GA: I would challenge the people of Grand Rapids to go and try different types of food, whether it’s Ethiopian, Lebanese, Asian or something else entirely.

Unfortunately, there’s no Filipino restaurant here yet, but I think many of you will find that exploring different types of food can be more enjoyable than what you’re accustomed to.

a drink, lift your glass with both hands to receive it.

Doing so is a sign of respect for your elders, which is very important in Korean culture. After receiving the pour with two hands, it is traditional to turn your head away and take a discreet sip when drinking.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

3. In France, splitting the bill is considered unsophisticated. Either offer to pay the full bill or allow someone else to do so. You can always Venmo your portion to them afterward! Thank goodness for technology.

4. In Thailand and the Philippines, eat with a spoon

and fork, especially when having rice-based dishes.

“Thais and Filipinos don’t usually use chopsticks, but a spoon and fork instead. I think it’s the best way to eat, especially if there’s rice,” Aquino said. “ You utilize the spoon as leverage and push a little bit of the rice, protein, and vegetables with your fork into the spoon.

With one bite, you get all the flavors! The food is designed to be enjoyed that way.”

5.When eating nigiri sushi (the standard sushi with rice and piece of fish on top) at an authentic Japanese restaurant, don’t mix the wasabi in the soy sauce.

The sushi chef has already placed the proper amount of wasabi for the fish in the nigiri. While we’re at it, dip your sushi fish-side down into the soy sauce. This is mainly to prevent the rice from falling apart, but it also just tastes better that way!

Tipping is not expected in some countries, including Australia, Brazil and Denmark. In other countries, like Japan, it is even considered an insult to do so. To them, excellent service is standard and expected regardless of tips.

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7. In Italy, don’t ask for extra cheese. It is a massive faux pas to put more cheese on your pizza. An even bigger sin would be to add it to seafood dishes.

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51

Let’s Talk about Sex (ually Transmitted Infections)

BY MEGAN STUBBS

B

eing sick is never fun. You feel gross, and you can’t go out with your friends because you might pass on your sickness to them. This is the same whether you have strep throat or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Both strep throat and chlamydia are caused by bacteria, yet one is acceptable to say you have.

“Sorry, I’m going to miss work. I have strep throat.”

The other is shamed and shunned because it is transmitted sexually. “Sorry, I’m going to be out today due to my Chlamydia…hello?” An STI is nothing to be ashamed about, but it is something that you need to be responsible for and educated about, especially if you intend to play with others.

Chlamydia

According to the Center for Disease Control, chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the US. It is estimated that 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 years has chlamydia. It is a bacteria that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex and is curable with antibiotics. Reduce your risk to exposure by using male latex condoms and/or female condoms.

Gonorrhea

There are 820,000 new Gonorrhea infections reported each year in the US. It is the second most reported

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sexually transmitted infection; transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. It is curable with antibiotics and to help reduce your risk, use latex condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse.

We are down to only one recommended treatment option as it has become super gonorrhea. So it is even more imperative that if contracted, you take your antibiotics throughout their prescribed course.

While transmission through oral sex is rare, it is still beneficial to use some form of a barrier.

Herpes

Be safe, be smart, have fun, and remember to always talk before engaging sexually with a new partner.

There has to be contact with the infected area, but that doesn’t mean if you don’t see anything that you may not be contagious. Many people who carry the virus are asymptomatic and can unknowingly transmit the virus to their partner. Herpes is especially contagious when there are open sores present.

Herpes is a common infection in the US. The CDC estimates that, annually, 776,000 people in the United States get new herpes infections. The most common form is oral herpes followed by genital herpes.

Outbreaks may come and go, but you will always be a carrier of the virus. It can be acquired through activities like touching and kissing, but it can also be transmitted sexually via vaginal, anal and oral sex.

To protect yourself from getting herpes, use a condom to limit your risk for exposure. If you have active sores, abstain from any sexual contact until seven days after the sores heal because the virus can be spread to areas that are not protected by a condom. While there is no cure, you can help reduce your outbreak time.

There are also medications to help reduce the number of outbreaks.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

HIV & AIDS

HIV is the abbreviation for the human immunodeficiency virus. It is this virus that causes people to get AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). HIV can be passed through blood, semen (including pre-ejaculate), breast milk, vaginal fluid and contaminated needles. Avoid using contaminated needles and do not engage in intercourse without a condom. Transmission through oral sex is debated because an open wound or sore is needed to come in contact with infected fluid. So unless you have a mouth wound or dental work recently, technically you are less likely to contract it, but, the transmission risk is still there.

There is no cure for AIDS yet, but it’s not a death sentence like it used to be.

With medication, people can still live out full lives while managing their symptoms.

Medications like PEP and PrEP are helpful in preventing HIV. PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis), involves taking medicines very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. PrEP, (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), can help prevent HIV infection in people who don’t have the virus but who are at high risk of becoming infected.

HPV

HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Seventy-nine million Americans, most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. The CDC tells us that there are 40 types of HPV that can infect genital areas including the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum.

Some forms of HPV cause genital warts, which are very contagious in their own right. HPV has also been known to cause cervical cancer, but by getting vaccinated against the virus, you can reduce your risk. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact so use a condom or a barrier like a dental dam to avoid exposure during oral sex and intercourse.

Pubic Lice

The species of louse that can inhabit the pubic region is Phthirus pubis, more commonly known as crabs. The lice can be spread from sharing towels with someone infected or coming into contact with their skin. They can be rid of by using medication that is usually in the form of a shampoo.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Multiple applications may be necessary. And contrary to popular belief, shaving will not rid you of a crab infestation.

Syphilis

The bacterium responsible for this STI is Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted when there is direct contact to a syphilis sore and can infect the external genitals, anus, rectum, even your lips and in your mouth! If caught early enough, within the first year, syphilis can be cured with a single dose of penicillin. Protect yourself with the use of a female or male latex condom.

Check locally to find out where you can get tested. It’s painless and it’s great to know, especially when you’re having the talk with a new play partner. For those of you who think that having that talk is a mood killer, imagine how bummed out you’d feel if you actually contracted something.

Be proactive, not reactive. And if prescribed antibiotics, ALWAYS remember to take your prescription all the way through! Don’t stop halfway because you are starting to feel better; you don’t want to build up a resistance to the medication and have something like antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea!

Be safe, be smart, have fun and remember to always talk before engaging sexually with a new partner. Ask when the last time they were tested and if they had anything, make sure it has been resolved. Also, decide what safer sex means to you and stick to your boundaries. Honoring your body and practicing responsible sexuality is key. Sites like the CDC and Planned Parenthood are great resources to learn more about a specific STI, but in no way should be used in lieu of seeing a doctor!

Dr. Megan Stubbs is a Sexologist, the job you never saw on career day. For insightful tips or a good laugh, find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and SexologistMegan.com

53

Now We’re T alking: Decode Your Dog’s Body Language

BY BETH MCEWEN

D

ogs communicate with us—and one another— by using their own sophisticated language, most of which is non-verbal. Seven important aspects of a dog’s body language can help us decipher what they are trying to tell us, and those include eyes, ears, mouth, tail, sweat and overall body posture/movement. Each element on its own is a piece of the puzzle, but all aspects combined provide a complete picture of your pup’s state-of-mind.

The Eyes Have It

Not just “windows to the soul,” eyes can tell us a great deal about our dog’s mental state. When looking at your dog’s eyes, pay attention to the white part (the sclera), and consider the focus and intensity of the dog’s gaze. When Fido is feeling tense, his eyes may appear rounder than normal, or they may show a lot of white around the outside (also known as “whale eye.”) Dilated pupils are also a sign of stress. Relaxed or playful pups will have more relaxed eyes that may be described as “soft” or “bright” as opposed to the “hard” eyes that indicate intensity and tension.

Mouthing Off

A relaxed dog will likely have his mouth open and may be softly panting, with no facial or mouth tension. The corners of his mouth may be turned upward slightly in a sort of doggy smile. Conversely, a fearful or tense dog will generally keep his mouth closed, and may pull his lips back at the corners. He may also be panting rapidly. Drooling when no food is present can also be a sign of extreme fear or stress.

Some dogs display a “submissive grin” or “smile.”

This is also a gesture where a dog shows his front teeth, but a smiling dog is doing just that. He usually shows a lowered head, wagging tail, flattened ears, a soft body posture and soft, squinty eyes along with those teeth. Teeth don’t always mean aggression—a perfect example of why it is important to consider the

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whole body of your pup as well as what is happening at the moment to better understand what they may be saying.

A fearful dog will tuck his tail between his rear legs.

The tail may also be held rigid against the belly, or wag stiffly.

A dog displaying a physical warning may wrinkle the top of his muzzle, often pulling her lips up vertically to display her front teeth. Fifi might display this warning when someone attempts to take her very favorite bone.

This warning often comes with a tense forehead, hard eyes (round eyes with a lot of white showing, and the fully dilated pupil) and a growl. This situation could escalate to a bite if the warnings are not heeded.

The tail movement may be a loose wag from side to side or a sweeping circular motion. As the dog becomes more excited or aroused, his tail usually rises above spine level. He may also move his tail side to side in short, rapid movements as he becomes more excited. Be sure to take into account the many breed variations of tail-set, such as the husky or malamute’s naturally high tail carriage, or a pug’s curly tail, when looking at this piece of the bodylanguage puzzle.

Two commonly-missed stress indicators include yawning and lip-licking. These are often meant as appeasement behaviors, which are low-key ways of letting you know that Fifi isn’t comfortable with the current situation and that she needs you to intervene.

We’re All Ears

Dogs have a tremendous variety in ear shape, but even the shortest-cropped ears and the longest hound-ears can tell us something. The key is to look at the base of the ears where they meet Fido’s head: If he is relaxed, the bottom of his ears may be pointing slightly back or out to the sides. As he becomes more excited, his ears will move forward, pointing toward a subject of interest. However, when preparing to defend himself from a perceived threat, Fido may flatten his ears completely back. It is even common for both ears to be pointing in different directions, indicating divided attention or inner conflict.

Chasing Your Tail

When observing Fifi’s tail, we should consider both the position of the base of the tail and how the tail is moving. A relaxed dog holds his tail in a neutral position, extending out from the spine or below spine level. As the dog becomes more excited or aroused, his tail usually rises above spine level.

Not just “windows to the soul,” eyes can tell us a great deal about our dog’s mental state.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Hair of the Dog

Much like our own goosebumps, the hair can raise on a dog’s back when he is upset or excited. This is also known as piloerection or “raised hackles” and can occur across the shoulders, down the spine and above the tail. Hackles don’t always mean aggression is imminent, but they are an indicator that the dog is excited or upset about something. A frightened or stressed dog may also shed more than usual.

Don’t Sweat It

Dogs are only able to sweat through their paws. If your pooch is panting heavily and leaving wet footprints on the floor, that’s a good indicator that he may be highlystressed at the moment.

Perfect Posture

When initiating play, dogs often start with a play bow and generally follow up with exaggerated facial and body movements. A playful dog’s body movement will be loose and wiggly, with lots of movement and brief pauses during play.

On the other hand, a dog who seems stiff, moves slowly or freezes, or who keeps moving away may not be interested in social interaction. Looking away, sniffing (sometimes at nothing in particular), scratching and lying down are other avoidance behaviors that may indicate Fido isn’t excited about the current situation.

Freezing is usually a dog’s last-ditch effort to get something to stop.

Not long ago, a student told me she knows her dog loves to be hugged by her child because the dog stays very, very still when it’s happening.

A relaxed dog will likely have his mouth open and may be softly panting, with no facial or mouth tension. The corners of his mouth may be turned upward slightly in a sort of doggy smile.

After a brief moment of panic, I gave her a more accurate translation — her pooch was sending an SOS for her owner to intervene!

A fearful or defensive dog may lean away, lean back, tremble, crouch, lower his body or head or roll onto his side or back. Often, his eyes will often be fully open with large pupils, his forehead may be wrinkled, and his tail will be lowered or tucked. A dog displaying aggressive body language will look large, standing with his head raised above his shoulders. His body will be tense, with weight either centered or over all four feet or leaning slightly forward onto the front legs.

He may also have a wrinkled muzzle, tight lips and a hard eye. Whether defensive or aggressive in nature, a pup that is showing these signs is close to making the decision to bite. Slowly and calmly remove yourself and give the dog some space to calm down.

Keep in mind all seven pieces of the body-language puzzle, and you will have a better idea of how Fido or Fifi is feeling in any given moment. Be aware of the subtle signals of discomfort, and be your dog’s advocate by helping get them out of uncomfortable situations before they decide they have to escalate to defensive or aggressive behavior.

Beth McEwen, owner of Mind Your Manners Dog Training, has been working with dogs and their families for almost 20 years. Learn more at mindyourmannersdogs.com.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

55

Sensational September Recipes

BY DANEA MATHER | PHOTOS BY AUGUST NYSON

White Soup with Tarragon Beet Sauce Not only is this soup deliciously creamy, comforting and filling, it will slowly transform into a marbled pink wonder before your eyes — or spoon!

Tarragon Beet Sauce Makes 1.5 cups

1 large beet

1 cup water 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar Bring a pot of water to a boil. Boil whole beet about twenty minutes, until skin is loose. Remove from water, peel or gently cut skin off.

Cut into cubes and add to a blender.

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Add remaining ingredients to blender and blend on high speed until completely pureed. Set aside to garnish soup.

White Soup Base

Makes 10 cups

1 1/2 1/2 1/2

2

4

4

1

1

3

large russet potato, peeled large white onion cauliflower head large fennel bulb (reserve green leaves for garnish) cups white button mushrooms, diced large garlic cloves tablespoon butter can coconut milk tablespoon salt Juice of 1 lemon cups reserved boiled water

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add potato, onion, cauliflower and fennel to water and boil until very soft. When finished boiling, transfer veggies to a blender and reserve water.

Melt butter in a large sauté pan.

Add garlic and mushrooms and sauté until soft. Add to blender.

Add coconut milk, salt, lemon juice and boiled water to a blender.

Blend all ingredients together on high speed until very creamy. This may need to be done in two batches depending on blender size. Soup is ready to serve when all ingredients are puréed and completely smooth.

Transfer to soup bowls and garnish with tarragon beet sauce and fennel leaves. Enjoy! (continued on page 58)

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

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Specializing in unique gifts, gemstones, jewelry, natural aromatherapy and body products, candles, books, music, cards, incense and art

HOURS: M-F 10-6 • Wed 10-7 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-4

Intuitive / Psychic Readers Call (616) 456-9889 to Schedule

$40 for 1/2 hour reading, $80 1 hour. Gift certificates available.

Vivian Love Kyle • Intuitive Angel Reader 5th generation medium, intuitive artist and Spiritual counselor with 40 years experience.

You take home a sketch of your personal angel. www.loveisvictorious.com

Eugenia Marve • Psychic Reader Award winning educator, motivational speaker,intuitive/psychic over 38 years. God is her foundation for information on her client’s relationships, economics, health and loved ones who are not present. www.marvecreations.com

Margaret Newman Nickelsen • Psychic Reader Over 35 years experience reading for people from all walks of life. Each reading is unique, personal, in and atmosphere of calm assurance. Your Divine Self guides your reading. www.jokersjourney.com

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

SEASONALLY INSPIRED. HANDCRAFTED. FEEDING BODY AND COMMUNITY. 57

Balsamic Roasted Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Caps with Rosemary Pesto

(continued from page 56)

All at once bright and tangy, creamy and garlicy, hearty and satisfying, this dinner is perfect to impress whoever you are cooking for.

Garlic Whipped Cauliflower and Lentils Makes 5 cups

4 1 2 1 2 5

cups cauliflower, chopped cup split yellow lentils, rinsed cups water teaspoon salt large garlic cloves tablespoons butter

In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

Add lentils, gently stir, lower heat and simmer about 20 minutes, until water is absorbed.

Separately, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add cauliflower and boil until very soft. Transfer lentils and cauliflower to a food processor. Add salt, garlic and butter and process until smooth. Set aside.

Rosemary Pesto Sauce Makes 1.5 cups 1/4

1 1/2

1

1/2

cup fresh rosemary leaves Juice of 2 lemons cup olive or avocado oil cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds teaspoon salt dash black pepper cup fresh parsley leaves

Add all items to a blender and blend on high until puréed. Stop and use a spatula to push down ingredients periodically. Sauce is ready when rosemary and parsley are pureed, and sauce is a vibrant green.

Balsamic Roasted Portobello Caps (plating)

4 portobello mushroom caps, washed and cleaned 1/2 cup avocado or melted coconut oil 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper Garlic Whipped Cauliflower and Lentil Rosemary Pesto Sauce sun-dried tomatoes, diced for garnish parsley leaves for garnish Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly spray or coat a roasting pan with oil. Use a fork to gently puncture Portobello caps on top and bottom of caps. Place caps in roasting pan.

Whisk together oil and balsamic vinegar and, using a basting brush, generously coat tops and bottoms of mushroom caps. Sprinkle mushrooms lightly with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms in oven and roast about 25-30 minutes, until fork tender. Turn mushrooms over halfway through. When finished roasting, transfer mushroom caps to serving plates Stuff each mushroom cap with approximately 1/2 cup Garlic Whipped Cauliflower and Lentils. Garnish with diced sundried tomatoes, Rosemary Pesto Sauce and fresh parsley leaves. Enjoy!

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Fruity Beet Sticky Rice Spring Rolls

These surprisingly balanced treats are perfect for dessert, dinner appetizers or a fun afternoon treat.

Serve sliced in half for an even more striking presentation, and don’t skip the peanut dip!

Beet Sticky Rice

1 1 1/4

1 1/2 3/4

cup sushi rice, rinsed cup water cup coconut milk cup sugar cup Tarragon Beet Sauce (see recipe above)

In a medium sized saucepan, add rice and water and bring to a boil. Cover and lower to a simmer about 20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Add coconut milk, sugar and Tarragon Beet Sauce to rice.

Mix together and simmer until mixture is thick and moisture is absorbed. Store and cool at least 2 hours.

Peanut Lime Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/8 cup agave juice of 1 lime 1/3 cup crushed peanuts Whisk all ingredients together to combine and serve

Spring Rolls

spring roll rice papers beet Sticky Rice fresh Mango slices fresh Kiwi slices freeze dried strawberries, crushed

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Keep a shallow bowl of hot water near and ready at all times, as well as a dry kitchen towel, laid out flat.

One at a time, slowly press a spring roll rice paper into hot water. Allow to soak for ten seconds, then very carefully lift from water and transfer onto kitchen towel.

Place a large spoonful of beet sticky rice toward the bottom of the rice paper and gently shape into an oval.

Danea is a recipe developer. See the blog for more recipes at blog. cosmosfriendlyfoods.com or reach out anytime on instagram at @eat.quantum

Place mango slices or kiwi slice on top of beet sticky rice.

Using both hands, carefully roll sticky rice and fruit up in the rice paper toward the top of the paper.

Tuck the sides of the rice paper under the roll to seal.

Sprinkle top of roll with freeze dried strawberries.

Repeat, and enjoy with Peanut Lime dipping sauce!

August Nyson is a digital/film photographer, graphic designer, and Sphynx mama. Her work has been published in books and magazines internationally and can be viewed at augustnyson.com.

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ith rich flavors that blend to create a subtle refreshing sensation, this cocktail is your new happy hour BFF as you toast to the waining days of summer.

The Happiest Hour 2 1 1 2 1/2

ounces of vodka ounces fig jam ounce Honey Simple Syrup (See below) ounce cranberry juice ounce lime juice St. Steve’s Ginger Soda

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker, excluding the St. St. Steve’s Ginger Soda. Shake over ice, strain and top with ginger soda.

Honey Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water over low heat. Use a whisk to slowly stir the honey until it has dissolved into the water. Can be made to taste. I prefer 1 part honey 3 parts water. Keep refrigerated for up to a month.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Host the c! i perfect picn CALL TO ORDER YOURS! ONLY $25!

GOURMET CHEESE TRAYS READY TO GO!

315 Fuller Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI (616) 242-9880 | www.thecheeselady.net /thecheeseladygrandrapids Tu-Fr: 10a-6p | Sa: 9a-4p | S: Closed | M: Closed

Private event space with an outside deck. Just right for Rehearsal Dinners, Intimate Wedding Receptions, Baby Showers, Birthday Parties and Business Meetings.

Free Parking • Easy to find • Available 7 days a week

Call Cheryle at (616) 901-8789 cheryle@duenorthcatering.com

The Summit by Due North Catering • Right next to Timbers Inn in Rockford 6585 Belding Rd., Suite 2A • (616) 901-8789 • www.duenorthcatering.com Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

61

September Mondays

Studio Night at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Artists, writers, musicians and creators are invited to the brewery’s back room to work on their own projects among accessible collaboration from fellow creatives. 25 percent discount for all who participate. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 6-11 pm.

Grbrewingcompany.com

Wednesdays

Grilled Cheese Wednesdays. Two new and different gourmet sandwiches to choose from every week. The Cheese Lady Farmington. $6.

11:30 am-1:30 pm. thecheeselady.net.

Wednesdays & Saturdays

Holland Farmers Market. Fill your fridge and pantry with fresh finds at the Holland farmers market featuring over 50 vendors selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, breads, homemade goods and more. Eighth Street Market Place.

8 am-3 pm. Find weekly market features at hollandfarmersmarket.com.

62

Thursdays

Events

Open Mic Night at 8th Street Grille.

Join 8th Street Grille for Open Mic night every Thursday. It kicks off with soft acoustic music at 7:00 pm with Mark Swanson, and then open the mic to you! Come down for a drink, some apps, and some great music.

Bring your instrument to sign up and play, or just bring yourself to listen.

8thstreetgrille.com.

Saturdays

Wine and Cheese Saturdays. Join us every Saturday afternoon as we sample wine from around the world and showcase specific cheese varieties that compliment each wine.

The Cheese Lady Farmington. Free.

2 pm-4pm. thecheeselady.net.

Friday & Saturday

Live Music in the Pub on 8th Beer Garden. Join us for Live Music on our Back Patio! Every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm. Downtown Holland. newhollandbrew.com.

Saturdays through September 22

Ruff Runners GR running group. You and your energetic dog are invited to frolic and socialize with others at this special running group designed for humans and their canine companions.

Meet outside Fido & Stitch. 9 am.

Updates on event’s Facebook page. fidoandstitch.com

Through September 16

Be the Astronaut exhibit. Visitors are put in the boots of an astronaut and take command of futuristic space vehicles to explore the universe through the interactive exhibit that merges tangible displays with video game technology. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am. grpm.org

Through September

ArtPrize 10! ArtPrize began nearly ten years ago as an experiment - a totally new event, unlike anything the world had ever seen. For 19 days this fall, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world

pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public. artprize.org.

September 1 & 2

Zoo in You exhibit. Seize your final chance to explore the world of trillions of microbes that live within the human body through interactive and engaging exhibits. Grand Rapids Public Museum. Hours at grpm.org

September 1

The B.O.B invites you to enjoy the music of Jaded. Highly energetic and dynamic jam band takes on bar standards and more, with a soulpop-blues fusion make up a can’t get enough sound! Come feel Jaded.

9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.

Light Gallery GR invites you to Product Photography. Join Matthew Provoast for a morning workshop that will provide you with tips and tricks to up your photo game whether you have a phone to work with or a pro-ish real-life cam. 10 am-12 pm. $40. lightgallerygr.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Drop-In Tour – Take A Seat: Furniture and Design Collection. Discover both historic and modern chairs, desks, and accessories in the Museum’s collection. The docent guided tour will discuss both the design choices and craftsmanship involved with each piece of furniture. 1-2 pm.

Free. artmuseumgr.org.

Holland Farmers Market. The Holland Farmers Market is located at the Eighth Street Market Place in Downtown Holland and is home to over 75 vendors throughout the season. The Market is also home to great activities for the entire family, which include street performances, cooking demonstrations, kids activities, and a professional pumpkin carving event.

8 pm. hollandfarmersmarket.com.

The B.O.B presents Aj Finney.

Stylistically manic, artistically brilliant, eclectic Midwesterner with a passion for the psychedelic scene of the Sixties. AJ’s organic approach is refreshing and his poetic stream of consciousness style makes for a colorful and unforgettable comedic experience. 8 pm and 10:30 pm. $10. thebob.com.

September 3

Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents +LIVE+. The Gardens’ Summer Concerts series wraps up with a performance by the multiplatinum band in the beautiful, outdoor

amphitheater to thrill music-lovers of all genres with glorious performances.

Food and drink concessions available at venue. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org.

September 4

Beer Run. Get into the running game the Beer City way by joining runners of all levels on a 3-5-mile course in the hosting neighborhood followed by beer, snacks, door prizes and fun with the people of the GR Marathon.

New Holland Brewing Company (Holland). 6:30 pm. Full schedule at grandrapidsmarathon.com.

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Ada Bible Church East Paris Campus.

10 am- 3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

September 6 & 20

Intro to GROW. Get information on programs and services GROW offers for business starters. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. Noon-1 pm and 6-7 pm. growbusiness.org

September 6

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents The Appleseed Collective (string swing). Pair music with your lunch hour by heading to the heart of Downtown GR and enjoying a live performance by a local band, and grab an afternoon bite at one of the several food trucks onsite during the concerts.

Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org

Fall Out Boy feat. Machine Gun Kelly concert. Van Andel Arena. 7 pm.

Tickets at vanandelarena.com.

Explore the night sky inside and out! Start by learning end-ofsummer constellations and current astronomy events in the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Participate in an extended version of the Under Scorching Skies live show to delve into the current astronomical events. grpm.org.

First Fridays Gallery Hop. Avenue for the Arts welcomes you to a night of gallery going as artwork and handmade goods by local artists take over gallery and building spaces along the corridor. Exclusive food and drink specials, offered by local businesses, make for an exciting evening of culture and libations. South Division. 6-9 pm. avenueforthearts.com

September 7,15, 28

The B.O.B presents Alex Edelman.

Alex was most recently a staff writer on “The Great Indoors,” for CBS and can be seen performing stand up on season 1 of Seeso’s “The Guest List.”

8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets at thebob.com.

“Ghosts of Grand Rapids” Historic Walking Tours. Join the author(s) of “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” for an evening of Grand Rapids history mixed with the paranormal world. Each tour guide will portray a member of Grand Rapids’ past to heighten your historical experience.Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch. $10. Get tickets at experiencegr.com.

September 6-8, 12-16 & 19-22

September 7-9, 12-16, and 19-23

September 6-9

On the Town. Hop in the car and follow these vacationing sailors on a road trip that unfolds with a musical adventure and search for love in the big city.

Circle Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at circletheatre.org.

September 7

Women Veterans Expo. Connect with networking, career, wellness, budgeting and family care resources during this free expo for women.

Grand Rapids Community Collage (M-TECH building). 11 am-3 pm.

Updates on the event’s Facebook page.

Civic Theatre presents Steel Magnolias. Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm. grct.org.

September 8

45th Annual Eastown! Streetfair. This outdoor festival will take place along Wealthy Street between Giddings Avenue and Lake Drive and includes the first block of Ethel Avenue and the Wealthy St. Hub Lot. This annual (continued on page 65)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 2018 5:00 - 7:30 PM

CASCADE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Join us for an evening of wine and beer tasting, chocolates, hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction/Raffle to benefit Women’s Resource Center.

5:00 - 7:30 pm Fenn Valley Winery

Featuring: Brewery Vivant Cakabakery Chocolates by Grimaldi Crushed Grape

Furniture City Creamery Lemon Creek Winery

For tickets and info on sponsorships visit grwrc.org or call 616-458-5443.

CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR

SOMMELIER SPONSOR

CABERNET SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSOR PRINT SPONSOR VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR For tickets and information on sponorship opportunities

please visit grwrc.org or call (616) 458-5443.

Greenlight Management Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

63

St.Cecilia Music Center PRESENTS

POKEY LAFARGE SOLO APPEARANCE OCTOBER 4, 2018

Early jazz, ragtime, country blues, Western swing, and more—Pokey does it all!

ARTURO SANDOVAL

OCTOBER 11, 2018 One of the world’s most acclaimed guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn!

BY RENEE FRANKLIN

CHAMBERJAZZFOLK SCMC-ONLINE.ORG

616.459.2224

JOIN US!

Celebrate the 27th Annual ATHENA Awards

I

n West Michigan, women in business have proved time and time again that they are unstoppable forces in their industries, immeasurable allies to their communities and benefactors to the generations that follow them.

This month, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to honor some of the outstanding women in leadership who have contributed their time, talents and treasures to the community at the 29th Annual ATHENA Award Celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.

DINNER

Help us continue to build minds through play. Join us for dinner during ArtPrize as we celebrate turning 21. Spend your day enjoying art and evening with adults on our block at 11 Sheldon Avenue.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 LIVE MUSIC YARD GAMES

NO LINES. NO WAITING

7PM  10PM

GOURMET BOXED DINNER

LIBATIONS FROM NEW HOLLAND BREWERY & FOUNDERS TICKETS $75 VISIT GRCM.ORG/EVENTS

64

Since 1989, the ATHENA Award program has honored local women who demonstrate the following tenents: authentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy, celebration and joy.

This year, Jennifer Maxson, president of Jennifer Maxson and Associates, is the recipient of the prestigious award. Past winners include community icons such as WGVU Morning Host Shelley Irwin, Community Foundation President Diana Sieger and the late Eileen DeVries, a trailblazing financial advisor who was instrumental in implementing a law overturning men-only tee times at golf courses throughout the state.

The luncheon celebration is made possible by sponsors such as Priority Health, Amway and Blue Cross Blue Shield. In addition to honoring

Maxson with the ATHENA Leadership Award, the winner of the ATHENA Young Professional Award will be announced. The nominees are: Ashley Diersch, Development Director of Kids’ Food Basket; Miranda Krajniak, Executive Director of the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts; Sara Low, Executive Director of Emmanuel Hospice; Lauren McElrath, Program Leader of NYC Leadership Academy; and Abbey Sladick, Vice President of Communications of Mel Trotter Ministries.

Also being honored are the recipients of the ATHENA Scholarship, which gives financial assistance to women over the age of 30 who are pursuing their dreams through higher education.

Tickets are available for purchase until Sept.14 at web.grandrapids. org/events/ATHENAAward.

What: 29th Annual ATHENA Award Celebration Where: JW Marriott Grand Rapids When: Sept. 19, 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

Cost: Individual tickets are $70/Chamber members. $80/Non-members.

Corporate tables are available for $800.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

(continued from page 63)

event is a family-friendly celebration of arts, crafts, food, music, and the Eastown neighborhood; one of Grand Rapids’ most eclectic districts!

9 am- 9 pm. experiencegr.com.

The B.O.B invites you to enjoy Dj Composition. Dj Composition is one of Michigan’s most electrifying Dj’s and one of its best entertainers. Massive amounts of people vibe, rock, roll, dance, chill, groove, and party to this man’s undeniable skills on the one’s and two’s. 9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.

Urban Gardening Workshop: Garden Salsa & Hot Sauce Making (and Tastings). Learn how to prepare fresh salsa and hot sauce with ingredients harvested from your very own garden.

Grand Rapids Public Museum.

11 am-12:30 pm. Register at grpm.org.

Drop-In Sketching Tour – Strike a Pose: Portraits Through the Years.

Portraits are glimpses into a person’s life, and with the help of a docent guide your group will explore clues left behind to learn personal tales from near and far. Featured art includes painting, drawings, and sculptures both historic and modern. 12 pm-1pm.

Free. artmuseumgr.org.

Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup. We fish, play, and celebrate the Grand River throughout the year, but it only takes 15-30 minutes for trash on our streets and around storm drains to find its way to the Grand River. The Grand River

empties into Lake Michigan, where we get our drinking water. Sixth Street Bridge Park. 9 am-1 pm. wmeac.org.

shook the stage back in the day.

Circle Theatre. 7 pm.

Tickets at circletheatre.org.

September 9

September 11

The Vintage Street Market. Enjoy shopping through vintage clothes, jewelry and trinkets among the market vendors. The Downtown Market.

10 am-4 pm. vintagestreetmarket.com Circle Theatre invites you to join the 2018 Annual Season Party. Enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Gilmore Catering, play games and win prizes valued between $10 and $300, and The announcement of Circle Theatre’s 2019 season with special preview performances! Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College. 1-4 pm.

Tickets at circletheatre.org.

The Holland Haven Marathon.

Runners will experience the beautiful lake shore as they travel from Grand Haven to Holland. The Holland Haven 8 kilometer race is a flat route, out-and-back course. As a middistance road race, it is accessible enough for the novice runner yet incredibly challenging to experienced racers. 7:30 am. Grand Haven. hollandhavenmarathon.com.

September 10

Circle Summer Concert Series presents Bringing Sexy Back: Male Musician Pop/Rock Icons. Rock out to hits from the legendary fellas who

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

10 am-3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

Drop-In Tour – Passions: Understanding the Abstract in Art. Take the intimidation out of abstract art with the help of a GRAM docent leading the way. Groups will explore the emotions and techniques behind the passionate works of art, including the use of color, perspective, and style. 1-2 pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.

Baby and Me Tour – Fabulous Fashions. Moms, dads, caregivers, and grandparents are invited to join us for an interactive tour and discussion, this month inspired by what people are wearing in the artwork. Enjoy a fashion show throughout the galleries as you explore how the fashion fits into the theme and feeling of the artwork and how the fashion relates to what was happening in society at that time.

11 am-12 pm. artmuseumgr.org.

September 12

Discovery Club, “Fairy Tale Adventures” Children 3-5 years old and their families are invited to join the GRAM Discovery Club program.

Each month features a new theme to engage young children in the

exhibitions with games, stories, music, and an art project. 10:30-11:30 am. $3 per child 3-5 years old, $7 per adult, member adults are free. artmuseumgr.org.

September 13

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Flexadecibel (funk/soul). The lunchtime concert series wraps up with a memorable performance by the funk/ soul group. Take your lunch or grab grub from one of the onsite food trucks and relish in the outdoors to live music as summer hands the baton to fall.

Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm.

Full line-up at downtowngr.org Join Light Gallery GR in Botanical Screen Printing. Michelle Facer will walk you through the basics of screen printing, how to pull a successful print, and the tips and tricks to screen printing in a pop up studio. During this 3 hour make and take workshop, everyone will screen print fun, contemporary plant illustrations onto different types of paper and fabrics.

6 pm to 9 pm. $35. lightgallerygr.com.

September 13-15

The B.O.B presents Julian McCullough. Julian McCullough has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan,” NPR’s “This American Life,” and “This is Not Happening.” 8 pm amd 10:30 pm.

Get your tickets at thebob.com. (continued on page 67)

Fall Arts

GR A N D VA LLEY STATE U N I V ER SIT Y PR ESENTS TH E 16TH A N N U A L

Celebration Enr ichin g the A r ts and Humanit ie s in We st Michi gan

Grand Valley’s Fall Arts Celebration features distinguished artists, writers, poets, musicians, and dancers of our time.

Please join us this fall for inspiring entertainment that is the hallmark of our signature events.

ART

POETRY

Mars: Astronomy and Culture

An Evening of Poetry and Conversation with Ada Limón and Carl Phillips

EXHIBITION RECEPTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 5–7 P.M. ART GALLERY THOMAS J. AND MARCIA J. HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALLENDALE CAMPUS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7:30 P.M. L.V. EBERHARD CENTER, SECOND FLOOR ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

DANCE

EXHIBITION DATES: AUGUST 24–OCTOBER 31 This exhibition was curated by Pasadena Arts Council for the Williamson Gallery, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California. It is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

TICKETS: $40 | $45 at the door

MUSIC

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 7:30 P.M. LOUIS ARMSTRONG THEATRE THOMAS J. AND MARCIA J. HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALLENDALE CAMPUS

An Italian Journey: Tesla Quartet Performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7:30 P.M. COOK-DEWITT CENTER ALLENDALE CAMPUS

Celebrating Holiday Splendor: Craig Jessop Conducts The Many Moods of Christmas

LECTURE

William Deresiewicz, Ph.D.: What is Art in the 21st Century?

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 7:30 P.M. L.V. EBERHARD CENTER, SECOND FLOOR ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

For event details and to view a complete list of sponsors, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts or call (616) 331-2185.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

Kariamu and Company: Traditions – A Celebration of African Dance

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 7:30 P.M. FOUNTAIN STREET CHURCH 24 FOUNTAIN STREET NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI

MEDIA SPONSOR:

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ShipShewana Fall CraFt Fair October 5, 2018 (Friday)

Tour Includes:

• Transportation via deluxe highway motorcoach • Breakfast snacks and coffee in the morning • All day to explore the Shipshewana Fall Craft Fair, boasting incredible, live demonstrations and hands-on activities all day, with unique crafts and quaint retail shops • Tax and tips for all inclusions (driver’s tip appreciated) • Services of a Countryside Tour Director

er pe p 0 0 . $64

rson

Call today to request a detailed brochure, or visit our website!

| 616.636.4628 | www.countrysidetours.net | PO Box 48, Sand Lake, MI 49343

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November 16-19, 2018

Tour Includes: • • • • •

eNNessee

(Friday - Monday)

Three nights at the Opryland Resort (Atrium Rooms) Three fabulous live performances (one show featuring special guest Trace Adkins) A guided City Tour of Nashville Experience the Grand Ole Opry Resorts, including the Delta Flatboats; Treasures for the Holidays; and ICE! And much, much more! $1499.00 double occ. *single, triple, and quad rate also available

For all the details check us out online, or call our office today!

Over the Edge with Easterseals 2018

A

BY RICHELLE KIMBLE |PHOTO COURTESY OF OVER THE EDGE

t the Over the Edge West Michigan event for Easterseals Michigan, you’ll find two types of participants: the excited supporter who cheers on their fundraising partner from below the Plaza Towers, and the fearless rappeller scaling the east side of the building in honor of the funds they’ve raised for local families facing disabilities. Join Easterseals Michigan and the Grand Rapids community as media sponsors and fundraising participants go over the edge on Sept. 21 and 22.

Easterseals Michigan has partnered with Over the Edge since 2016 to inspire community members to step out of their comfort zone and draw awareness to the nonprofit’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with mental, physical and behavioral health difficulties. Through their services, which include counseling, therapy, training, education, rehabilitation and innovative support, their goal is to assist everyone, regardless of their background and the obstacles they face, to achieve independence and conquer disciplines that help them thrive.

Rappelling harnesses are limited; if you’re interested in overcoming a fear and inspiring others to support Easterseals, register at overtheedgewestmi.com ASAP as an individual rappeller or with your family members, co-workers or friends as a team.

To support someone already registered to rappel, click on the “rapellers” tab and donate! Keep in mind that participants must raise $1,500 to qualify for a rappel.

Easterseals put together a list of tips to help rappellers succeed in their fund raising goal. Their suggestion is to break down various sectors of your social network and tackle small donations at a time. Consider coworkers (or a company fund match!), Facebook friends, neighbors, gym participants and family members. With several small donations and fundraising events such as a bake sale, book fair or yard sale, your harness will be secured in no time.

Rise up to the challenge of lowering yourself over the edge into a sea of community support for Easterseals Michigan. For event details, FAQs, fundraising tips and further information about Easterseals Michigan,visit overtheedgewestmi.com.

What: Over the Edge with Easterseals Michigan Where: Plaza Towers, 201 W. Fulton St. When: Sept. 21, 2018 (Media Day) and Sept. 22, 2018 (Event Day) Who: Participants who raise $1,500 and media sponsors; to register, visit overtheedgewestmi.com or call Easterseals Michigan at (616) 942-2081.

616.636.4628 www.countrysidetours.net

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

(continued from page 65)

September 13-15, 20-22, & 27-29

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. 15-year old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but illequipped to interpret everyday life.

Now it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher finds himself being falsely accused of killing a neighbor’s dog. He decides to investigate the crime. 8 pm. Actors Theatre. Get your tickets at actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

September 14

Live Mannequin Night returns to Downtown Holland and this year’s theme is heroes! Grab your family and friends and head to Downtown Holland for a night of shopping, dining and fun sponsored by Greenridge Realty! Dress up like your favorite hero and see if you can spot Superman, Spiderman and even everyday heroes like our local police officers and fire fighters posting in the windows of your favorite Downtown Holland shops and restaurants! 7-8:30pm.

Member Exhibition Opening: ArtPrize Ten at GRAM. ArtPrize returns to GRAM this year with a diverse array of contemporary art in a broad spectrum of media. The works on view tackle the subjects of public and private discourse, community engagement, and urgent social issues including hate crimes and environmental awareness.

6-9 pm. artmuseumgr.org.

GRAM After Dark: Quiet Clubbing.

Quiet clubbing is back at GRAM! Celebrate the opening of ArtPrize at GRAM with drinks and a silent dance party with COMPLETE VII, DJ Monica Parker, and DJ Slim Tim. $10 members, $15 public in advance, $20 at the door. 9-11:45 pm. artmuseumgr.org.

September 14 & 15

The B.O.B invites you to enjoy Sprague Brotherz. Virtually a living jukebox! 9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.

September 15

Story Time – A Trip Around the World.

Pack your bags for a journey across the globe! For your first passport stamps, the Grand Rapids Public Library will read several books about far away places and sing songs in different languages. Then a GRAM Docent will take families into the exhibitions to sightsee as they travel to different countries and cultures.

1-2:30 pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.

September 17

Circle Summer Concerts presents Silver Screen: Academy AwardWinning Songs. From historic ballads like The Way You Look Tonight to modern jams like La La Land’s City of Stars, to the gritty determination of 8 Mile to Disney hits, expect to experience hits from Oscar favorites throughout the ages in an up-close and intimate setting. Circle Theatre. 7 pm.

Tickets at circletheatre.org.

Grand Rapids Public Library invites you to The Tough Skin Soft Heart Truth to Being a Rockstar Woman.

Join us for an evening of inspiration and straight talk as Mayor Rosalynn Bliss moderates an intimate chat with the author about #ToughSkinSoftHeart truths to being a #RockstarWoman who leads, loves, and serves.

6 pm-8 pm. grpl.org

EVERYONE enjoys FREE FREE onboard

FREE stateroom

location upgrade ‡ gratuities†† spending money ‡‡

September 18

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Davenport University. 10 am-3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

September 19

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Thornapple Community Church.

2-7:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

Anit-Gentrify: Moving Kindly into a Neighborhood. At this workshop, we will highlight ways to grow roots in our neighborhoods and contribute to their success. The team at One World Diversity will act out scenes that demonstrate the negative effects of gentrification and ways to combat them. These scenes are humorous but thought-provoking and are meant to inspire open dialogue, facilitated by the panel of resource partners. 64 Ionia Ave SW #100. 3-4:30pm. Price: $20 for Local First Members; $25 for non-members. localfirst.com.

Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers

Alaska Cruisetour FA4

7-day Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage (Whittier)

11-night Vancouver, B.C. to Fairbanks

May 2019 - Sept 2019

Scandinavia & Russia

May 2019 - Sept 2019

April 2019 - Aug 2019

11-day roundtrip Copenhagen

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

$799

$1,649

$1,649

$2,499

$2,099

$2,999

Island Princess® 5/8/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $225 are additional.

Island Princess® 5/8/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $260 are additional.

Regal Princess® 7/4/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $185 are additional.

British Isles (with Dublin Overnight)

Eastern Caribbean

Western Caribbean

12-day roundtrip London (Southampton)

7-day roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

May 2019 - Aug 2019

May 2019 - April 2020

May 2019 - April 2020

7-day roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

per guest

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

Interior fares from*

Balcony fares from*

$2,299

$2,699

$799

$1,399

$799

$1,399

Crown Princess 8/29/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $170 are additional. ®

Caribbean Princess 5/18/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $140 are additional. ®

Caribbean Princess 5/25/19 Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $135 are additional. ®

Cruise Length

Available through:

Dolphin Vacations Grand Rapids: 616-954-2977 Zeeland: 616-772-9660 www.dolphinvacations.net

6-9 Days 10-12 Days 13+ Days

FREE onboard spending money per guest, Interior/Oceanview

Balcony/Mini-Suites/Suites

$50 USD $75 USD $100 USD

$100 USD $150 USD $200 USD

‭‡FREE Stateroom Location Upgrade applies to booking the stateroom location you wish to sail in for the price of the lowest category within that stateroom type (Interior to Interior, Oceanview to Oceanview, Balcony to Balcony). Upgrade offer excludes select categories, including, but not limited to, premium categories and suites. Offer does not apply to the land portion of a cruisetour. ††FREE Gratuities do not include gratuities added to bar charges, dining room wine accounts or Lotus Spa services. Gratuities are not transferable, non-refundable, and have no cash value. ‡‡FREE Onboard Spending Money offer is applicable to all guests (up to 4) in a stateroom. Guests with single occupancy will receive double the per guest credit amount. Spending money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be used in the casino and expires at the end of that voyage. *Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories and dates may vary. Fares are per guest, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. This offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest offers, including Air discounts and onboard credits. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Please refer to princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Deposit of 10% of cruise fare per guest for bookings made under 3 for FREE is refundable. Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please call 1-800-774-6237.‬‬Offer expires: 11/19/18 Reference promotion code: N9-. ©2018, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

September 20

Bengtson Center presents All That Glows. All That Glows is an evening filled with everything you ever wanted to know about Beauty, Body, Skin Care and all of your favorite Treatments and Services. 5-8 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.

Eastern Floral invites you to Sips & Succulents. 30 percent of proceeds from the design class and 10 percent of in-store purchases will go to Mercy Health’s Comprehensive Breast Centers and their efforts to provide total breast health. 5:30-7:30 pm.

Tickets at easternfloral.com.

Lakeshore Fork Fest. Enjoy the best that our food businesses have to offer.

Lakeshore Fork Fest hosts several food vendors from the Lakeshore community. Attendees can go from booth to booth and try each mouthwatering dish. Entertainment includes live art, live music, and a chef demo.

Warehouse 6 ​136 E 6th St, H ​ olland.

6:30-9 pm. Localfirst.com.

September 20-22

The B.O.B presents Mike Stanley.

Given his penchant toward brutal honesty, spiced up with a healthy dose of insatiable wit, it’s not difficult to see why Stanley ranked in the top 10 of the best comedians in Chicago by a poll on comedy.com.

8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets thebob.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

940 Monroe Ave Ave NW, Suite G153

616.913.9123

monroenorthfitness.com | grandrapidschallengecenter@gmail.com MEMBERSHIPS

CHALLENGE

$39.95/month

Unlimited Weights & Cardio

24-Hour Access, 7 days a week! *One-time $59.95 processing fee applies

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Unlimited Weights, Cardio & Classes

24-Hour Access, 7 days a week!

(Classes may include: zumba!, total body, yoga, kickboxing, etc.)

*One-time $59.95 processing fee applies

We have a personal trainer to help you meet your individual goals!

All new members may have an FKA Assessment.

If you’re a resident of the building, you get 1/2 off your initial fee.

Ask about pricing for 1/2 HOUR & GROUP sessions & our weekly Challenge Groups.

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to see why Stanley was named “Best Chicago Stand-up Comedian” in a People’s Choice poll done by the Chicago Reader and ranked in the top 10 of the best comedians in Chicago by a poll on comedy.com.

8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets thebob.com.

Sweet J Band is coming to The B.O.B. Sweet J Band is a soulful roots rock cover band playing the best of the 60’s to today! Featuring four young, charismatic and ultra talented guys on dueling lead guitars, bass and drums -people will be on the dance floor in no time! 9 pm-1 am. Thebob.com.

September 21 & 22

Grant Me Hope’s Family FunFest.

Have an afternoon of play during this festival featuring an automobile show, pony rides, food and line dancing while benefiting foster children and their quest to find a family. Holland’s Dutch Village. 3-7 pm. grantmehope.org

Fall Bridal Show of West Michigan.

Brides, grooms, moms, dads, friends and people who just love wedding/ party planning are invited to the seasonal expo that brings the top wedding resources and vendors to one place to offer deals, showcase fashion and provide options to make your day the best day ever. DeVos Place.

5-9 pm (Fri) and 11 am-3 pm (Sat).

Discount coupon at kohlerexpo.com.

September 21

Local agricultural women will present “The Role of Women in Agriculture Past and Present” as part of the Comstock Park Golden Panthers Fun Fall Fridays for Seniors. From the orchards to the picket lines, women have been instrumental in advancing and promoting Michigan agriculture.

11 am. Free Event. Greenridge School,Comstock Park.

September 22

Made in MI Pop-up Market. Stock up on Mitten pride with Michigan-made jewelry, clothing, housewares and homemade treats. The Downtown Market. 9 am-4 pm. mipopup.com.

Park2Park. Half-marathon course starts and ends at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds and includes scenic views of Lake Macatawa, Holland State Park, and Lakeshore Drive. The 5k run through Waukazoo Woods also starts and ends at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. Sign up at park2parkrace.com.

September 23

Shake Your Teal Feathers. It’s time to get teal and fight ovarian cancer with a walk, run or bike throughout GR’s beautiful treasure of a park, making your way toward the finish line for fun activities, games, snacks and prizes.

Millennium Park. 2 pm. Register at shakeyourtealfeathers.com.

September 24

American Red Cross Blood Drive at MVP Work-Space on Burton.

Noon -5:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

September 29

September 25

American Red Cross Blood Drive at West Michigan Aviation Academy HS. 09:45 AM - 03:30 PM. redcrossblood.org.

September 26

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Cornerstone University. Noon-5:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.

How to Build a Cheese Tray. Explore your culinary creativity and learn the basics of assembling the perfect cheese/charcuterie tray. Fee includes one pound of cheese, crackers and many other accompaniments provided for your work of art, which you will take home to enjoy. The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids. $50. 6:30-7:30 pm. thecheeselady.net.

September 27-29

The B.O.B presents Chris Barnes. In 1980, he made his first appearance on stage at Sardino’s, a local nite club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ever since then, this native Milwaukeean has been making his mark on the comedy scene throughout the Midwest, the South, and the East Coast with his storming style of humor. 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets at thebob.com.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum invites you to Birthday Block Party.

Join us as we celebrate turning 21 and being “all grown up”. Spend your day enjoying ArtPrize and your evening at a relaxing outdoor dinner party with adults (21+) on our block at 11 Sheldon Avenue NE. 7-10 pm grcm.org Art Social: ArtPrize 10 at GRAM. Spend your Saturday morning at GRAM with art, culture, and a bloody mary and mimosa bar on the scenic Miller Veranda. Sip cocktails with friends and enjoy live music by Johnny Irion, downtown views and your first drink are included with registration. Bar & Live Music 10 am-12 pm. Docent Led Tour 11:30am. Tickets available at artmuseumgr.org.

The Silent Bark is coming to the B.O.B! Enjoy West Michigan’s favorite party alt rock roots cover band.

9:00pm-1:00am. thebob.com.

September 30

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum presents Kids Artfest Spend an afternoon exploring the wonderful world of art! Paint, sculpt, draw, design jewelry, enjoy live performances at the stage, meet ArtPrize artist and so much more! Noon-5 pm. Free. grcm.org.

Do you know all the new tax laws?

Tax preparation laws are constantly changing.

The regulations and corresponding paperwork are more complex than ever.

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(616) 532-7059 tomthedj50@yahoo.com WEB: tombriggs.webs.com

EMAIL:

Tax Problems? Call the Expert.

(616) 691-8107

Mon-Fri 9 to 6 • Sat 9 to 1 www.jkellyassociates.com Call Judy at J. Kelly & Associates today for your personal or business tax needs.

Judy is a professional. She is reliable and cares about your business. She has been my acountant and tax consultant for 21 years. She would be an asset to any business.

– Tom Skipper, Cannonsburg Sand & Gravel

Write. Vote. Win.

Submit your story by November 30 for a chance to become published and win cash prizes! writemichigan.org In partnership with

Artwork by Tim Kleyn

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

The #ToughSkinSoftHeart Truth to being a #RockstarWoman who Leads, Loves, & Serves

T

BY RICHELLE KIMBLE | PHOTO BY ALEKA THRASH

he modern woman is dynamic and focused, compassionate and powerful, independent and nurturing, brilliant and ambitious.

Her traits are paralleled by their opposite, accentuating her talent to fulfill an entire spectrum of duties. In Michigan author Shannon Cohen’s words, women wear the hats of most spaces that they occupy—where they love, lead and serve. Join Cohen and moderator Mayor Rosalynn Bliss at the Grand Rapids Public Library for an intimate discussion about Cohen’s new book, Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Guide for Growing Stronger, Better and Wiser.

Rockstar women, get ready for relentless inspiration!

While reading Cohen’s book, Mayor Bliss shared the impact it had on her on social media, and insisted on connecting with Cohen to create an inclusive, intimate and inspirational event for Grand Rapids community members. Cohen, who received several other messages from women who felt her book served as a lifeline for their individual journey, is thrilled to continue inspiring lives and sharing tidbits of her book, which she refers to as “a bit of my soul.”

Tough Skin, Soft Heart began as inspiration for “rockstar women” who seek emotional intelligence, support and health amid the multi-faceted role of a modern woman.

“By rockstar, I don’t mean famous, I mean women who are rocks; they are anchors, pillars, the person everyone calls for help whether it’s a 401 or 911, who can be so involved in others that they forget about self-care,” Cohen said.

Cohen is an established writer and speaker who inspires organizations,

businesses, cities and beyond to find the purposeful and powerful difference-making strategy for success.

Cohen’s approach is a combination of education, research, experimentation, intuition and intelligence. Her refined leadership method has taken her to serve local, regional and national level clients including the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, multiple universities and several organizations in Grand Rapids.

“We [women] manage and navigate a lot of titles and roles,” Cohen said.

“Because we love and we lead and we serve, we take on a lot of work. That mantle gets heavy. I’m very passionate about creating safe spaces for women to lay down the mantle, be honest about what they’re going through and receive support and help.”

Do You Have What It Takes To

Become An EDGER? September 22, 2018 Plaza Towers, Grand Rapids Raise funds to support a great cause & get the chance to rappel down a high rise building!

To Support

Join Cohen and Mayor Bliss for an evening of empowerment and self-care focused motivation. Take this opportunity to interact with and learn from a renowned West Michigan speaker and writer (and get your new copy of Tough Skin, Soft Heart autographed) as a step toward prioritizing yourself amid honoring the incredible impact you have on your community and the people that surround you. See you there, women of GR!

What: The #ToughSkinSoftHeart Truth to being a #RockstarWoman who Leads, Loves, & Serves Where: Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids When: Sept.17 at 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

For More Information: OverTheEdgeWestMI.com • 616.942.2081 Presenting Sponsor

Rope Sponsor

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BY JOEY KRZEMINSKI AND ELYSE WILD

Happy Hour is for the Girls:

M

FIVE BOOZE-FREE ALTERNATIVES FOR AFTER-HOURS NETWORKING

eetings and happy hour go together, like, well, gin and tonic. Networking over after-hours cocktails and appetizers is ingrained in our work culture and for good reason: Studies show that stepping out of the office to bond with colleagues increases your chances of success within your organization and industry. While West Michigan is brimming with marvelous restaurants, bars and breweries ready to embrace the post-work crowds, we are shedding light on five creative spins on the traditional happy hour (sans booze) for you to add to your weekly calendar.

Pottery Lane

401 Hall St SW #128b, potterylanegr.com Pottery Lane offers the ultimate unwind through the soothing sensory experience of working with clay.

Walk-in Create Time is 9-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10-8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For $20, you receive 2 lbs. of clay and access to all tools.

No registration is required, but if you want to make this artistic space your go-to, you can purchase a Happy Hour Punch Card, which costs $165 and is good for 11 walk-in visits.

Maru Sushi 927 Cherry St SE marusushi.com

Hold your next afternoon meeting while indulging in the delicious delights of this award-winning sushi

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restaurant. From 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday all signature, vegetarian and simple rolls are 25 percent off, with deals on shareable plates.

Eastern Floral multiple-locations easternfloral.com

Brighten your office (or someone else’s) with a bountiful bouquet of blooms from Eastern Floral,

“Studies show that stepping out of the office to bond with colleagues increases your chances of success within your organization and industry.”

at half off, no less! All fresh cut stems are 50 percent off from 2 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday.

Go with a group of colleagues to purchase flowers for your respective workplaces. A well spent happy hour, indeed!

Lex Facial Bar 8 Logan St SW, #155 lexfacialbar.com

Happy hour spa treatment? Yes, please! Lex Facial Bar offers happy hour pricing Wednesday through Friday (3-7 p.m. Wednesday and 3-6 p.m. Friday) on express facials, spray tans, brow wax and brow tint. For those of legal age who still want to partake, complimentary refreshments are available. These specials are available by appointment only, so be sure to book your appointment ahead of time by calling 616-591-8197 or by visiting the Lex Facial Bar & Spa Facebook page.

Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center St NW artmuseumgr.org

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is the ideal location to get some post-work inspiration. Thanks to Meijer, the GRAM offers free admission to the general public from 10-5 p.m. on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Enjoy the stunningly curated permanent collection, the print room and reference library and the current rotating exhibits, and the upcoming ArtPrize exhibitions from Sept. 12-Oct. 14.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • September 2018

CRAVE ART: A celebration of food, drink, and 10 years of ArtPrize!

Join us for a one-of-a-kind curated, exciting four course food experience by Executive Chef Luke VerHulst at Reserve Wine & Food on the second weekend of ArtPrize following the Final 20 Announcement.

This is an incredible opportunity to meet other young professionals, artists and art enthusiasts over an innovative menu while enjoying wine pairings and infused crafted cocktails by Dan Kaman, Ketel One Vodka’s national ambassador.

Ticket Price: $150 Date: Sunday, September 30 Time: 4-6pm Location: Reserve Wine & Food at 201 Monroe Ave Seating for this event is limited to just 50 guests, register now! Purchase tickets* now at artprize.org/culinary *Ticket sales for this event will support ArtPrize in celebration of its 10th anniversary! ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your ticket purchase can be considered a charitable donation with a tax deductible amount of $100 per ticket.

Generous support provided by

Spark the Next ArtPrize Story—Donate Today!

The success of ArtPrize relies on the generosity of the community through financial gifts made by thousands of sponsors, donors and individuals like you every year. Your gift, no matter the size, combined with the gifts of hundreds of other supporters will help artists realize ambitious projects, make it possible for thousands of students to explore contemporary art, and so much more.

Gifts of $25 and more are truly an investment in our community. Contributions from friends like you will enrich the ArtPrize experience for everyone in 2018 and beyond.

Visit artprize.org/donate to learn more and make your donation today!

ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and 100% of your gift can be considered a charitable donation.

Support Locally Owned Business

FOOD, BEVERAGES & RESTAURANTS

SHOPPING & RETAIL

n Art of the Table n Better Way Imports n Aperitivo n Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus n Beltline Bar n Family Sewing n Bistro Bella Vita n Frames Unlimited n Brewery Vivant n Gazelle Sports n Byron Center Meats n Iris Boutique n Daddy Pete’s BBQ, LLC n Nawara Brothers Home Store n Erb Thai n Rylee’s Ace Hardware n Essence Group n Spirit Dreams n Ferris Coffee & Nut n Shakedown Street n Field & Fire n Stonesthrow n Grand Central Market n Supermercado Mexico n Grand Rapids Brewing Company n Switchback Gear Exchange n Grand Rapids n The Shade Shop Cheesecake Company n Two Dutch Hens n Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery PET PRODUCTS & SERVICES n Grove n Chow Hound Pet Supplies n HopCat n Fido & Stitch n Malamiah Juice Bar n Matchbox HOME PRODUCTS & n Nutcase Vegan Meats SERVICES n Old World Olive Press n 616 Lofts n One Trick Pony n A-1 Locksmith n Ottawa Beach Inn n EPS Security n Patty Matters n Gerrit’s Appliance n Railside Golf Club n Gordon Water n Reserve Wine & Food n HBA of Greater Grand Rapids n Rockwell / Republic n Morris Builders n Stella’s Lounge n Rockford Construction n The B.O.B. n Standale Interiors n The Cheese Lady n Tazzia Lawn Care n The Cottage Bar n Verhey Carpets n Terra GR n William’s Kitchen + Bath n Twisted Rooster n The Green Well FLORAL & GARDEN n The Waldron Public House n Ball Park Floral & Gifts n Wheelhouse n Eastern Floral n Flowerland n Romence Gardens

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TRAVEL & LODGING n Breton Travel n City Flats Hotel n Countryside Tours n Witte Travel

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

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HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

n Design 1 Salon Spa n Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness n Grand Rapids Natural Health n Grand Rapids Wellness n Grand Ridge Orthodontics n Harvest Health Foods n Manic Muse Salon n Renew Mama Studio n The Hairport n The Village Doula GR

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

n Adventure Credit Union n United Bank

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

n ArtPrize n Celebration Cinema n Community Circle Theatre n Grand Rapids Art Museum n Grand Rapids Civic Theatre n Grand Rapids Public Museum n GRandJazzFest n GRTV n LaFontsee Galleries n LowellArts n River City Improv n Sanctuary Folk Arts n Showspan n The Ruse Escape Room n Triumph Music Academy n UICA n Wax Poetic n Wealthy Theatre n West Michigan Whitecaps n WYCE 88.1 FM

Local First •345 Fuller Avenue NE • GR, MI 49503 • (616) 808-3788 • www.localfirst.com