Women's LifeStyle Magazine, February 2018, Matters of the Heart

BY

EE FR

D RE SO N O SP

Grand Rapids|Holland|Grand Haven

FEB

Matters of the

Heart

HEART DISEASE & STROKE

Know the Signs

THE SIXTH

LOVE LANGUAGE

Dress FOR A DATE

E s s e n t i a l

•

E n t e r t a i n i n g

Veverly Austin •

E n l i g h t e n i n g

•

E n g a g i n g

February 2018

The People Who Make It Happen . . .

Edition #239

Publisher/Owner Victoria Upton victoria@womenslifestyle.com Assistant Publisher Two Eagles Marcus

LIFE

Editor Elyse Wild

10 Ways to Care for Your Heart This February................................................................... 6 The Sixth Love Language ........................................................................................................................ 12

Content Producer Sarah Anderson Event Calendar / Feature Writing Bri Kilroy Editorial Assistant Kate Branum

The Vibrance of Veverly Austin.......................................................................................................... 20 Couples in Business ......................................................................................................................................... 44 Changing the Numbers with Shannon Wilson.................................................................... 54 Little Hats, Big Hearts ..................................................................................................................................... 58

STYLE

Editorial Interns Aimee Hillman Larissa Espinosa

Flower Trends for 2018 ............................................................................................................................... 10 A Personal Stylist’s Guide to Dressing for a Date ......................................................... 60

Contributing Writers Beth McEwen Bri Kilroy Cathy Starnes Elyse Wild Julia Hisey Kate Branum Kerry Hart Kelly Brown Kim Gill Megan Stubbs Nicole Cain Peaches McCahill Rick Vuyst Renee Franklin Sarah Anderson Susan Erhardt Samantha Suarez

HEALTH & BEAUTY Faces of Health Care ................................................................................................................................... 14 Go Red for Women: Heart Facts ..................................................................................................... 30 Real Women, Real Stories ....................................................................................................................... 32 The Correct Way to Take Your Blood Pressure.............................................................. 35 Glam and Glowing: 7 At-Home Beauty Hacks ................................................................. 48 Sweat the Stress Away................................................................................................................................. 56

FOOD & DRINK Eat Fresh, Eat Local ........................................................................................................................................ 22 Heart Health Recipes ....................................................................................................................24 & 28 For the Love of Food.................................................................................................................................... 74

Photography Two Eagles Marcus Victoria Upton Advertising Sales Susie Gordon / Sales Manager susie@womenslifestyle.com Sarah Anderson sarah@womenslifetyle.com Inspiration Rachel Denhollander

CALL US: (616) 458-2121 EMAIL US: info@womenslifestyle.com SEND MAIL: 800 Monroe, NW, Suite 206 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p

LEARN & DO Voluntary RE:Action .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Masturdating: The One that is OK to Do in Public .................................................... 38 Local Business Beat ........................................................................................................................................ 40 Planting a Garden You Will Love ................................................................................................... 41 Teaching Your Children Empathy..................................................................................................... 42 Reader’s Lounge ................................................................................................................................................ 46 LaFontsee Galleries 30th Anniversary ........................................................................................ 50 Tips for Adopting an Older Dog ..................................................................................................... 52 Black History Month Events ..................................................................................................................... 62 February Events .................................................................................................................................................... 64 Winter Beer Festival......................................................................................................................................... 70 Frozen in Time ......................................................................................................................................................... 70 Grown Up Play Date...................................................................................................................................... 78

On the cover: Veverly Austin Photo by Two Eagles Marcus

womenslifestyle.com Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

3

Voluntary RE:action W

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Mandee Rick American Heart Association Volunteer

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

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

Q The Exercise-Lover The sixth annual Groundhog Marathon will commence on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3 to celebrate the fact that we have just six more weeks of the winter season. Help motivate runners as a volunteer Course Marshal as they trudge through the snowy streets. Provide an abundance RI HQFRXUDJHPHQW KLJK ÀYHV DQG PRVW LPSRUWDQWO\ GLUHFWLRQV Take Action: Contact Volunteer@GroundhogMarathon.com.

Q The Dog-Lover Samaritas in Grand Rapids is looking for an active, dog-friendly volunteer to help residents take their emotional support dogs for brisk winter walks during mornings, afternoons or early evenings throughout the week. Bond with both two-legged and four-legged companions as you get some fresh air.

Take Action:Contact the Samaritas volunteer department at jlaut@samaritas.org

Q The Art Lover Indulge your love for contemporary art by becoming a volunteer docent at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. As a docent, you’ll be able to help visitors connect with and understand the artwork featured in the UICA galleries, including the most recent exhibition Enmeshed.

Take Action: Contact Katherine Williams at katherinew@uica.org.

Q The Laugh-Lover Fuel the funny at Gilda’s LaughFest, beginning March 9, by joining the Retail and High Five Team. As a retail volunteer, you’ll weave throughout the crowds at multiple venues handing out merchandise to festival goers while promoting upcoming events and shows.

Take Action: Contact the LaughFest team at (616) 735-HAHA or by emailing volunteer@laughfestgr.org.

Q The People-Lover

“I’ve been volunteering [with the American +HDUW $VVRFLDWLRQ@ IRU D OLWWOH RYHU Ă€YH \HDUV , IHOW OLNH HYHU\ \HDU , ZRXOG OHDUQ VRPHWKLQJ WKDW , QHHGHG WR EH WKLQNLQJ DERXW >DW WKH DQQXDO *R 5HG IRU :RPHQ /XQFKHRQ@ , UHDOO\ OLNH WKDW >WKH $+$@ UDLVHV DZDUHQHVV IRU VXUYLYRUV DQG HGXFDWHV HYHU\RQH RQ WKLQJV WKDW WKH\ FRXOG GR WR ORZHU WKHLU ULVN IDFWRUV DQG LGHQWLI\ V\PSWRPV Âľ

BRIAN BURT, PhD Ottawa Hills Class of 2000

GRCF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Michigan Blood is looking for dedicated volunteer drivers to help transport people to and from blood drives and help blood donations and products reach those in need. As a driver, you’ll be assigned a Michigan Blood vehicle and gas card to complete weekly runs.

Take Action: Contact Michigan Blood at volunteer@miblood.org.

Q The Health-Lover Dpread awareness and encouragement this month at the American Heart Association by becoming a Support Network volunteer. Provide tips and information to heart and stroke patients and their families or caregivers WKURXJK WKH $+$ RQOLQH SODWIRUP RU OHDG DQ RQOLQH RU RIĂ LQH VXSSRUW JURXS Take Action: Contact the AHA at (616) 285-1888.

Q The Nature-Lover February is a sweet month for Blandford Nature Center. The organization relies on groups of hard-working volunteers to help collect buckets of maple sap for the Sugarbush Programs. This season, consider becoming a Sugarbush Operator; through this role, you’ll be in charge of cooking down the maple sap into maple syrup inside the Sugar House and explaining the process to visiting tour groups.

Take Action: Contact Katelyn at katelyn@blandfordnaturecenter.org.

Ready for college or trade school?

We’re here to help pay for your education. This year we’re giving more than $1 million in scholarships to Kent County students like you. Apply at grfoundation.org/scholarships.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1, 2018.

4

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Paid Advertising

Joined at the heart.

Mercy Health and University of Michigan Health collaboration keeps world-renowned cardiac surgery close to home.

When Grand Rapids resident Sharon Crittenden learned she needed open heart surgery, her cardiologist, Dr. Vinayak Manohar, assured her world-class cardiovascular hands were not far from home.

Dr. Manohar referred Sharon to cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Richard Downey, an assistant professor of cardiac surgery at U-M Health and lead cardiac surgeon at Mercy Health.

During a consultation with Dr. Downey, he explained that he would perform the double bypass at Mercy Health in Muskegon, and follow-up care would take place at Mercy Health in Grand Rapids.

“I got the care I needed in both places and it was fantastic,” Sharon said.

“Our affiliation with U-M Health provides more depth and expertise to our practice…”

Nabeel El-amir, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

Richard Downey, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeon

February 2018

Mercy Health’s affiliation with U-M Health elevates the level of cardiac surgery care for patients in West Michigan.

“Our affiliation provides more depth and expertise to our practice, allows us greater access to innovative techniques, and gives us greater ability to interact with U-M Health research protocols,” Dr. Downey said.

“After having surgery and continuing cardiac rehab, I’m doing great!” Sharon said.

Learn more about Sharon’s story at: YourHeartTeam.com About Our Program: Mercy Health serves patients across West Michigan, providing access to cardiovascular services, cardiac surgery and electrophysiology services through the same health care system for continuity of quality care. In collaboration with U-M Health, the Mercy Health cardiac surgery program is led by distinguished cardiac surgeons Dr. Richard Downey and Dr. Nabeel El-amir, who together bring 50 years of surgical experience and perform more than 350 cardiac surgeries annually.

All physicians and staff participating in this program provide services in a manner consistent with Mercy Health’s Catholic mission and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

5

10 Ways to Care for Your Heart this

February

1

2

Make a goal to exercise your heart at least three times a week. Moving strengthens the heart muscle.

Send out Valentine’s cards. Giving warms the heart.

Visit your dentist. Poor dental health is related to heart disease.

3 Listen to music. Listening to music lowers cortisol, a stress hormone.

6

Enjoy some dark chocolate in moderation. Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants.

7

Laugh it off. Laughing reduces blood pressure. Watch a funny movie or sitcom.

“That’s the most important thing in life. It’s not how much money you make or what you can acquire.

The art of it is to keep a good heart.� – Joni Mitchell

9 10 Seek out romance.

There is nothing better for a happy heart.

6

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5

Maintain an appropriate blood sugar level. Adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease.

4

2XU KHDUWV SK\VLFDO DQG HPRWLRQDO DUH DW the forefront of our thoughts this PRQWK +HUH DUH WHQ ZD\V WR HQKDQFH ERWK LQ )HEUXDU\

If you smoke, quit. Your heart and lungs will thank you.

8

Tell people that you love them. Relationships are a key to a healthy heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peaches McCahill is founder and president of The McCahill Group, a leading provider of health, wellness, beauty and talent solutions, and owner of M Power Studio. She has a passion to inspire others with simplistic lifestyle suggestions.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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February 2018

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A Note from the Editor One year ago this month, I woke up in the middle of the night to a call from my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife telling me she had called an ambulance for him. An hour later, my brother and I were in the emergency room, watching as our father lie on a stretcher, nearly unrecognizable for all of the tubes in his body. After learning he had suffered a cardiac arrest, we traveled with him to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, which quickly became our second home as we sat at his bedside, paced the corridors and shed tears in the waiting room. It would be weeks before his lungs and heart were able to function on his own and months before he would awaken to recognize me.

Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day! LOVE, WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Grab Your Friends & Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hit the Road ~Live Theater Performances~ ~Incredible Dining Experiences~ ~Fabulous Shopping~ ~Lifelong Memories~

For my family and me, the world had stopped; that is what happens when you or a loved one has a cardiac event. Our story is a triumphant one: Over the past year, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched my dad return to life as he relearned everything from buttoning his shirts to driving a car. He has returned to work, and life is normal again. For many people, this is not the case. Heart disease kills more women in the United States than all forms of cancer combined. That is why, this month, we, along with Mercy Health and the American Heart Association, bring you Matters of the Heart. Within these SDJHV \RX ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG OLIH VDYLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW KHDUW DWWDFN DQG VWURNH response in addition to stories of real women overcoming heart disease (31). Check out Little Hats, Big Hearts to learn why newborns across West Michigan are donning red hats to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (58). Turn to page 35 to read about how to ensure that your healthcare providers are taking the correct steps when measuring your blood pressure.

Of course, we focus our attention on the other Matter of the Heart: love.

Dr. Nichole Cain introduces us to the 6th Love Language: I Toward Thou (12); Sexologist Megan Stubbs discusses the power of learning to date yourself (38); Kerry Hart writes on how to teach your children to care deeply for others in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teaching Your Children Empathyâ&#x20AC;? (42).

As always, we bring you stories of the shining women leaders in our city.

In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Changing the Numbers,â&#x20AC;? we introduce you to Shannon Wilson, the executive director of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (54). At the Institute, Wilson leads a team working to eliminate the vast inequities in healthcare faced by our community. On page 20, writer Kate Branum takes us through Veverly Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the minister, business owner and robust community leader.

Read on and enjoy!

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-Elyse Wild, Editor

Follow us on Instagram. @wlmag

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>VTLUÂťZ 3PML:[`SL PZ H K`UHTPJ T\S[P TLKPH WSH[MVYT KLZPNULK [V THRL ILULĂ&#x201E;JPHS 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, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle is favored by an active, engaged and progressive audience. You are now looking at the 238th edition. All content ŠWomenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle, Inc., 2017.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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9

Flower Trends FOR 2018

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CONTAINER GAME

BOLD COLORS

One of the hottest trends for this year focuses on the container. The vase in which is used to display a bouquet is another outlet for expression. Think of the à RZHUV DV WKH VWDUV RI WKH VKRZ DQG WKH FRQWDLQHU DV WKH well-set stage. Without a great set, actors may not shine DV PXFK WKLV LV WUXH IRU à RZHUV DV ZHOO 7KH FRQWDLQHU can set a mood, style or even play into the occasion for ZKLFK WKH à RZHUV DUH EHLQJ DUUDQJHG 'RQ¡W EH DIUDLG to get a little wild with this trend and express yourself!

6DWXUDWHG KXHV DUH QR VWUDQJHU WR WKH Ă RUDO LQGXVWU\ EXW they are making a big splash on the 2018 scene. You will see these bold and vibrant colors come to life in the spring and summer months, when the most variety RI Ă RZHUV Ă RXULVK %ROG FRORUV HPERG\ KDSSLQHVV making it the perfect trend to follow in 2018 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;just becauseâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;get wellâ&#x20AC;? occasions.

ORGANIC SHAPE Nature is imperfect, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes it perfect for the natural aesthetic that we will see a lot more of this \HDU 7KLV WUHQG UHOLHV RQ WKH PRYHPHQW DQG Ă RZ RI WKH Ă RZHU VWHPV 6RPH Ă RZHUV KDYH VWUXFWXUH OLNH D URVH while some lack it, like celosia. Whatever that build PD\ EH IRU WKDW Ă RZHU WKLV WUHQG UHVSHFWV LW KLJKOLJKWV LW DQG XVHV LW WR JLYH FKDUDFWHU WR WKH Ă RUDO GHVLJQ

MIX AND MATCH Nature has provided us with a plethora of colors, textures, scents and shapes within WKH à RUDO UHDOP 7KLV \HDU \RX ZLOO VHH DQ abundance of mixing and matching these different elements in new ways. This plays into the overarching theme of reinventing and doing the unexpected. Though mixed elements are a fundamental aspect of all à RUDO GHVLJQ ¡V WUHQG LV WDNLQJ WKH traditional standards and norms and turning them upside down, or at least sideways.

GLOBALLY INSPIRED According to International Floral Distributors (IFD), Mediterranean and French inspired designs will be PRVW SRSXODU LQ 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ LQĂ XHQFHV OHQG WR YLEUDQW FRORUV ZLWK UXVWLF Ă DLU )UHQFK LQĂ XHQFHG designs focus on delicate colors, typically of purple or pink hues and play into the sense of romance.

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Julia Hisey, is the Marketing Coordinator for Eastern Floral. Her IDYRULWH à RZHU LV D GDKOLD DQG VKH prefers a more organic feel to her à RUDO GHVLJQV 6KH¡V EHHQ LQ *UDQG Rapids, Michigan for eight years and most enjoys the parks and beer.

10

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

11

The Sixth Love Language

BY DR. NICOLE CAIN

T

he wisdom of the Sixth Love Language has the power to transform

marriages, relationships and even the way you identify with yourself. While the Five Love Languages empower communication of love, it falls short when fostering a sense of experiencing that love in a deep, powerful and intimate way. The Sixth Love Language will give behaviors meaning and empower you to connect with your partner and your loved ones like never before.

Humanity is built with an innate drive for connection.

We experience it from the earliest moments of our existence; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a footstool driving our behaviors, thoughts and decisions throughout our lives.

Humans are not unique in the need for connection.

A famous study by Harry Harlow, a psychologist from the 1900s, shows us how the need for connection is more important than safety and even nourishment.

12

Harlow conducted controversial experiments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison involving baby rhesus monkeys and two types of surrogate mothers.

One â&#x20AC;&#x153;motherâ&#x20AC;? was made of terry cloth and had no food; the other was a wire â&#x20AC;&#x153;motherâ&#x20AC;? that had a source of nourishment. Findings showed that the babies preferred the soft terry cloth mothers, even when they were hungry. They would only go to the wire mother for food and then jump immediately back to the terry cloth mother.

by spending time together, receiving or giving gifts, touching or being touched, giving or receiving words RI DIĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLRQ DQG DFWV RI VHUYLFH 2WKHUV HPHUJH IURP those encounters feeling empty, alone and confused.

If a sense of connection is an end point, and behaviors DUH QRW JHWWLQJ XV WR WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO REMHFWLYH WKDQ ZKDW is missing?

This is where the Sixth Love Language comes into play: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Thou Presence.â&#x20AC;?

The question raised is: How can a terry cloth mother create a sense of comfort and connection for a baby monkey, but communicating according to the love languages does not?

I and Thou is a book written in 1923 by German philosopher Martin Buber. Originally penned in German as Ich und Du, Buber discusses how human OLIH Ă&#x20AC;QGV PHDQLQJIXOQHVV LQ UHODWLRQVKLSV +H SURSRVHV WKDW ZH Ă&#x20AC;QG PHDQLQJIXOQHVV LQ UHODWLRQVKLSV LQ WZR ways: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;?and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou.â&#x20AC;?

The answer is based on the unique needs of the person, and the way those needs are met. Some people feel VDWLVĂ&#x20AC;HG DQG FRQQHFWHG WKURXJK FRPPXQLFDWLRQ RI ORYH

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;? references the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? or self, in relationship to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;It,â&#x20AC;? or the other that is separate from us or outside of us.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection and the path to feeling of worthiness. If it doesn't feel vulnerable, the sharing is probably not constructive.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Research Professor Brene Brown The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;? is something we can interact with, but are fundamentally separate from.

In other words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;? refers to how we experience interacting with something else.

An example of this is the way an artist may experience the interaction or connection with the paintbrush she is using. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;? is a representation of something separate.

Contrastingly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;? references the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? or self, in relationship with another. In the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;? interaction, the other (or the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;?) is not discretely separate from us but rather they are a part of us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;? describes the world of relations: how we relate, identify, connect, understand, involve, associate, ally and engage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;? involves deep, intimate connection.

Neither method of connection is inherently superior or inferior than the other, but what does cause trouble is if one partner is inclined toward an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? towards an ´,WÂľ FRQQHFWLRQ DQG WKH RWKHU Ă&#x20AC;QGV PHDQLQJ LQ DQ ´,Âľ towards a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thouâ&#x20AC;? connection.

Here are some signs that you and your partner may not deeply connecting. â&#x20AC;˘

Feelings of being alone and isolated. This can occur when you are alone and even when you are together.

â&#x20AC;˘

Feeling like you are more roommates than partners. Roommates take on singular projects; they function as an independent unit and, ultimately, may live separate lives.

If you relate to any of these in your relationship the cause may be that one or both of you are interacting as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;? as opposed to an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;? toward a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou.â&#x20AC;?

Connection goes beyond mere understanding; therein lies the difference between knowledge, wisdom and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Thouâ&#x20AC;? understanding.

Knowledge is where one possesses information that is acquired either through education or experience.

Wisdom is the ability to understand and make good decisions based on experience and knowledge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Thouâ&#x20AC;? understanding is characterized by an understanding that dips below the surface into intuition that is grounded in a deep and curious empathy for the other.

When You Listen, Really Hear It always starts with listening. Have you ever had a conversation with someone and even though they were nodding and saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;uh-huhâ&#x20AC;? at all the right times, you felt like they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really listening to you? That may be because they were engaging in â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Itâ&#x20AC;? hearing.

Contrastingly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Thouâ&#x20AC;? hearing is listening in a manner that involves relating to the other person and what they are sharing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; identifying with their words, involving and associating with their experience and engaging with the unfolding narrative.

When You Look, Really Look

â&#x20AC;˘

When communicating, you do not feel heard and understood. You might not feel as though you hear and understand your partner, also.

Practice the art of concentration, fascination and curiosity about the person you are engaging with.

Imagine that they are the most entrancing being you have ever spoken with and engender insatiable curiosity about who they are, what their needs are and what they are sharing through either words or body language.

â&#x20AC;˘

Your partner gives you attention, but you do not experience a feeling of connection.

Be Where You Are

â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

You seek out alternative sources of connectionwhether from a friend, family member or even a clinician.

You are no longer physically intimate with each other. If you are physically intimate, it feels more like getting a box checked off of your list instead of feeling a sense of deep, spiritual and emotional connection.

â&#x20AC;˘

You spend less time together. You may have your room in the house, and your partner may spend time in another, or maybe one or both of you take trips separately.

â&#x20AC;˘

You stop dating. Dating is doing little things to keep the connection and romance alive. This includes going out of your way to make your partner feel really special and desired.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Be here now. When you are with someone, really be with them. Set intentional time to spend with your loved one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no screens, no distractions, no kids, just WLPH WR EH WRJHWKHU 7KLV FDQ EH IRU Ă&#x20AC;YH PLQXWHV RU one hour. Whatever it is, make sure that it will be an uninterrupted block of time.

Non-verbal communication is powerful, as well.

Whether or not you realize it, you are continuously emoting non-verbal cues. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way you angle your body toward or away from your partner.

0D\EH LW¡V WKH Ă LFNHU RI DQ H\H UROO RU WKH FURVVLQJ RI your arms. Or, perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you lean in and tilt your head in genuine curiosity, the way your brow wrinkles empathetically as your partner tells you about WKHLU GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW GD\ RU KRZ \RX ODXJK IURP \RXU EHOO\ with true amusement when they tell you a funny story.

Here are several ways to be attentive to and improve your body language skills.

â&#x20AC;˘ Voice Is your partner crying? Laughing and joyful?

Angry and irritable? Consider what tone of voice is most compassionate and relatable for you to use in each of these examples.

â&#x20AC;˘ Position Does your partner seem to want you to comfort them, are they leaning toward you or are they shying away and averting their gaze? Noticing these subtle changes may allow you to behave in a way that is the most comforting to your partner.

â&#x20AC;˘ Posture Crossing our arms can often give off the feeling WKDW ZH DUH VWDQGRIĂ&#x20AC;VK RU GLVLQWHUHVWHG 5HOD[LQJ your hands in your lap or mirroring the behavior of your partner may foster a deeper sense of relatability.

â&#x20AC;˘ Facial Expressions Sometimes we can inadvertently look angry, bored or have an expression that does not match the given scenario. By engendering a sense of true curiosity about your partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience you will have more space to cultivate authentic expression of connectivity.

â&#x20AC;˘ Eye Contact Are you looking around the room while your partner is sharing, or are you looking into their H\HV" 6RPHWLPHV H\H FRQWDFW LV GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW EXW conveying that they are the only focus of your attention at the moment they are sharing may compel them to share more and more deeply.

â&#x20AC;˘ Your Hands What you are doing with your hands? $UH \RX Ă&#x20AC;GJHWLQJ WDSSLQJ RU RWKHUZLVH occupying yourself? Sometimes people may perceive this as agitation or boredom.

Subtle cues reveal a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appreciation of the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values, their experience of unity and how deeply they are tuned into each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wants, needs and desires. Practicing these cues with intention will not only convey a sense of â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Thouâ&#x20AC;? connectivity to your partner, but it can foster a blossoming sense of deeper appreciation of your partner within yourself.

Dr. Nicole Cain, ND MA is a Naturopathic Doctor. Connect with her here: DrNicoleCain.com. She owns Health For Life Grand Rapids (HealthForLifeGR.com), a group of licensed counselors and doctors who utilize a holistic approach to healing.

13

THE FACES OF HEALTHCARE

}

2018

}

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeking a family physician or a specialist, the following resources are prideful in providing the best care possible.

These medical professionals connect to the community, offer upmost care, and have answers to common and complicated questions. New patients are always welcome!

14

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Expertly trained for this exact moment.

Village

On-Site Wellness Center with Heated Pool & Spa

Porter Hills Village is a friendly, vibrant community where people come to enjoy active lives free from the burdens of home maintenance and other chores.

When struggling with addiction, there are moments of darkness, of brokenness, when things start to come unraveled. At Pine Rest, our addiction clinicians are expertly trained for these exact moments in your life. Here, you can begin to piece your life back together. Don’t let these moments define you, define your moments.

As a continuing care retirement community, the Village offers a full continuum of care on-site to provide the security, peace of mind, and quality care Porter Hills was founded on.

To schedule an appointment please call

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February 2018

15

Integrative Medicine

Talal Khan, M.D.

Dr. Dave Johnson, MD 'DYH -RKQVRQ 0' LV D ERDUG FHUWLÃ&#x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Ã&#x20AC; QG EDODQFH LQ WKH ERG\ PLQG VRXO DQG VSLULW DOO HVVHQWLDO DVSHFWV RI RXU LQGLYLGXDO EHLQJ WKDW FRQWULEXWH WR KHDOWK +H UHIHUV WR KLV DSSURDFK DV LQWHJUDWLYH FDUGLRORJ\

Dr. Christine Schoenek, ND &KULVWLQH 6FKRHQHN 1DWXURSDWKLF 'RFWRU HDUQHG D % 6 LQ %LRORJ\ IURP 2DNODQG 8QLYHUVLW\ +HU 'RFWRUDWH LQ 1DWXURSDWKLF 0HGLFLQH ZDV HDUQHG DW 1DWLRQDO 8QLYHUVLW\ RI +HDOWK 6FLHQFHV ZKHUH VKH JUDGXDWHG 6XPD &XP /DXGH DQG 9DOHGLFWRULDQ RI KHU FODVV 'U 6FKRHQHN FXUUHQWO\ KROGV KHU 1DWXURSDWKLF OLFHQVH LQ WKH VWDWH RI 9HUPRQW DQG LV D PHPEHU RI WKH 0LFKLJDQ $VVRFLDWLRQ RI 1DWXURSDWKLF 3K\VLFLDQV 6KH EHOLHYHV LQ WKH NH\ SULQFLSOH RI 1DWXURSDWKLF 0HGLFLQH ² WKH ERG\ KDV WKH LQQDWH DELOLW\ WR KHDO LWVHOI 6KH LV GHWHUPLQHG WR Ã&#x20AC; QG WKH URRW FDXVH RI LOOQHVV DQG HVWDEOLVK KHDOWK DW D GHHSHU OHYHO UDWKHU WKDQ VXSSUHVVLQJ V\PSWRPV

Dr. Jennifer Kurinsky, ND 'U -HQQLIHU .XULQVN\ 1DWXURSDWKLF 'RFWRU VWXGLHG ELRORJ\ DQG SV\FKRORJ\ DW $TXLQDV &ROOHJH 6KH HDUQHG KHU GRFWRUDWH DW 6RXWKZHVW &ROOHJH RI 1DWXURSDWKLF 0HGLFLQH 6KH VWXGLHG KHUEDO SODQW PHGLFLQH QXWULWLRQDO PHGLFLQH K\GURWKHUDS\ DFXSXQFWXUH KRPHRSDWK\ DQG PLQG ERG\ PHGLFLQH 'U .XULQVN\ EHOLHYHV WKDW PDQ\ GLVHDVHV UHJDUGOHVV RI FDXVH FDQ EH KHOSHG E\ LPSURYLQJ KHDOWK IURP D IRXQGDWLRQDO OHYHO DQG WKDW LV ZKDW QDWXURSDWKLF PHGLFLQH IRFXVHV RQ KHDOLQJ IURP WKH FRUH Ã&#x20AC; QGLQJ DQG WUHDWLQJ WKH URRW FDXVH DQG ZRUNLQJ WRJHWKHU WR UHVWRUH KHDOWK 6KH ORYHV WHDFKLQJ SHRSOH DERXW KRZ WKH ERG\ PLQG DQG VSLULW ZRUN WRJHWKHU

SERVICES â&#x20AC;¢ Integrative & Naturopathic Medicine â&#x20AC;¢ Preventive Cardiology â&#x20AC;¢ Health Coaching â&#x20AC;¢ All-Inclusive Wellness Packages â&#x20AC;¢ Organic Skin Care â&#x20AC;¢ Massage Therapy â&#x20AC;¢ CranioSacral Therapyâ&#x20AC;¢ Acupuncture â&#x20AC;¢ Energy Therapy â&#x20AC;¢ LED Light Therapy Call for your complimentary 15-minute consult

(616)264-6556

John Budnick, PA-C

Bruce Springer, M.D.

Addiction Treatment Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services provides Residential 'HWR[LÃ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ VHUYLFHV IRU LQGLYLGXDOV ZKR QHHG PHGLFDOO\ PRQLWRUHG DVVLVWDQFH LQ ZLWKGUDZLQJ IURP DGGLFWLYH VXEVWDQFHV VXFK DV DOFRKRO RU RSLRLGV :H SURYLGH D ZDUP DQG ZHOFRPLQJ HQYLURQPHQW WR HOLPLQDWH WKH ULVN RI UHODSVH 2XU H[SHULHQFHG PHGLFDO VWDII LQFOXGHV D PXOWLGLVFLSOLQDU\ WHDP RI SK\VLFLDQV QXUVHV FRXQVHORUV DQG FDUH SURYLGHUV ZKR VSHFLDOL]H LQ VXEVWDQFH XVH GLVRUGHUV $W WKH 3LQH 5HVW 5HWUHDW &HQWHU ZH IRFXV RQ DGGLFWLRQ VHUYLFHV ³ SURYLGLQJ RXWSDWLHQW WKHUDS\ DGGLFWLRQ PHGLFLQH VHUYLFHV RXWSDWLHQW RSLRLG GHWR[LÃ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ DQG IDPLO\ VXSSRUW :H XQGHUVWDQG WKRVH VXIIHULQJ IURP SK\VLFDO GHSHQGHQF\ RQ DGGLFWLYH VXEVWDQFHV RIWHQ KDYH HPRWLRQDO DQG SV\FKRORJLFDO VWUXJJOHV DV ZHOO :H ZHOFRPH WKHP ZLWK RSHQ DUPV 2XU VWDII LV H[SHULHQFHG LQ ERWK PHQWDO KHDOWK DQG VXEVWDQFH XVH GLVRUGHUV

TALAL KHAN, M.D. 'U .KDQ LV D ERDUG FHUWLÃ&#x20AC;HG $GXOW 3V\FKLDWULVW DQG $GGLFWLRQRORJLVW SURYLGLQJ WUHDWPHQW DW ERWK 3LQH 5HVW·V 5HVLGHQWLDO 'HWR[LÃ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ SURJUDP DQG WKH 5HWUHDW &HQWHU ZKLFK VSHFLDOL]HV LQ RXWSDWLHQW DGGLFWLRQ WUHDWPHQW +H FRPSOHWHG KLV SV\FKLDWU\ UHVLGHQF\ DW 1DVVDX 8QLYHUVLW\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU 1HZ <RUN DQG KLV $GGLFWLRQ 3V\FKLDWU\ )HOORZVKLS DW <DOH 8QLYHUVLW\ 6FKRRO RI 0HGLFLQH 'U .KDQ LV WKH 3URJUDP 'LUHFWRU RI WKH 3LQH 5HVW 068 $GGLFWLRQ 3V\FKLDWU\ )HOORZVKLS

BRUCE SPRINGER, M.D. 'U 6SULQJHU VSHFLDOL]HV LQ WUHDWPHQW RI DGGLFWLRQ SURYLGLQJ WUHDWPHQW DW 3LQH 5HVW·V 5HVLGHQWLDO 'HWR[ DQG 5HWUHDW &HQWHU ZLWK PRUH WKDQ \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH Ã&#x20AC;HOG +H DOVR VHUYHV DV D IDFXOW\ PHPEHU IRU WKH 3LQH 5HVW 068 3V\FKLDWU\ 5HVLGHQF\ DQG $GGLFWLRQ 3V\FKLDWU\ )HOORZVKLSV

JOHN BUDNICK, PA-C -RKQ LV D ERDUG FHUWLÃ&#x20AC;HG 3K\VLFLDQ $VVLVWDQW ZLWK H[WHQVLYH H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH GLDJQRVLV DQG PHGLFDWLRQ PDQDJHPHQW RI SV\FKLDWULF DQG VXEVWDQFH XVH GLVRUGHUV +H WUHDWV SDWLHQWV DW ERWK 3LQH 5HVW·V 5HVLGHQWLDO 'HWR[LÃ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ SURJUDP DQG WKH 5HWUHDW &HQWHU

Kelly Hassberger, ND Practice Owner and Director

638 Fulton St W, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

www.grnaturalhealth.com 16

Accepting New Patients

300 68th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49548 pinerest.org/addiction (866) 852-4001 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Is your bladder always on your mind?

Let us help you m OE GSFFEPN

Give yourself the

GIFT OF HEALING.

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Learn more or schedule an appointment at 616.685.6923 or visit MercyHealthWegeInstitute.com

ANOTHER ADOPTION OPTION Did you know there is an opportunity to GIVE BIRTH to your adopted child?

Call 616-455-1499 or email dpeters@fertilitysupportcenter. org to schedule a complimentary consultation; and, visit: www.fertilitysupportcenter.org Contact us to learn how you can adopt an embryo or donate embryos for adoption.

The National Fertility Support Center (NFSC) helps build families through embryo donation and adoption. Through this medical miracle, those who have completed their family through In-Vitro Fertilization can gift their unused embryos to couples struggling with infertility. The adopting couple may then give birth to their own adopted child! Success is possible even for couples who havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to give birth following their own medical treatment.

This advertisement was developed with grant support from the United States Department of Health and Human Services under grants #EAAPA 151029 & 171031-01-00. The content is the responsibility of the National Fertility Support Center and does not necessarily represent the official views or policies of, nor does it constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

17

Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Nicole Cain, N (MD), MA Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Nicole Cain is a one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading experts in integrative medicine for mental health. She was nominated as the Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Top Physician in Arizona in 2016, she does corporate consulting and she sees selective patients locally, and internationally.

Her specialization is offering safe, powerful and effective solutions for those suffering from bipolar disorder, postpartum symptoms, anxiety, depression and more. She is licensed as a physician in primary care medicine in the state of Arizona. She received her medical degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and completed a MA in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Cain is the founder of Health for Life Grand Rapids as well as Integrative Mental Health Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is the founder and Chief 0HGLFDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU RI 1DWXUDO 0HQWDO +HDOWK 6XSSOHPHQWV DQG LV WKH FUHDWRU RI WKH *XW 3V\FKRORJ\ SURJUDP ZKLFK \RX FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG RQ $PD]RQ .LQGOH RU DW www.GutPsychology.com.

Dr. Cain is passionate about demystifying and de-stigmatizing mental health and works to offer hope and empowerment to her patients and trainees via the use of effective, research-based integrative techniques.

To learn more about Dr. Cain, go to DrNicoleCain.com.

Now Accepting New Patients

Dr. Matthew Clark Gay Christian Psychologist Has your child told you that they are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender --and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure what to do?

Are you gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender and in need of help?

Does your church, place of business, or school need consulting with LGBTQ+ Topics?

Dr. Clark provides support for the LGBTQ+ community, their partners, and family members. He presents on topics of LGBTQ+ youth needs, gender development, LGBTQ+ and spirituality, and growing up gay and Christian.

Dr. Clark is a sought-after speaker and presenter addressing LGBT+ topics for television, radio, and in magazines. He is a local LGBTQ+ advocate and member of several Grand Rapids and Lakeshore initiatives that are addressing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and families of LGBTQ+ youth.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s led workshops at the Gay Christian Network and Room for All National Conferences on LGBTQ+ Youth, Being Gay and Christian, and LGBTQ+ self-care.

Dr. Clark has been a board member for the Grand Rapids Pride Center, Gays in Faith Together (GIFT), and the HQ Runaway and Homeless Youth Drop-In Center and other boards.

Dr. Matthew Clark is writing a book about Growing Up Gay and Christian in Southwest Michigan with resource suggestions to help LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Call to schedule individual, family, and LGBTQ+ couples therapy, help for your church or organization, and speaking engagements on LGBTQ+ youth, adult, and family topics.

18

Health For Life Grand Rapids 781 Kenmoor Ave, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

HRA Psychological Services 3940 Peninsular Drive SE, Suite 230 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 hrapsychservices.com

(616) 200-4433 HealthForLifeGR.com

theclarkinstitute.com (616) 458-0692 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

ED! T I V N I E R YOU’

Open House Thursday, February 8, 2018

Postpartum Planning Workshop woman’s transition into motherhood is one of the most monumental life changes she will experience and pregnancy is just the beginning.

Bringing baby home and navigating through the postpartum period brings on numerous emotions and comes with a new set of challenges.

A

During this 4-week series we will explore ways to plan for and embrace our new role, as well as set realistic expectations. Topics we will address include self-care, mental health, emotional and physical changes, relationships, building your village of support, and baby’s fourth trimester.

Location: Renew Mama Studio 5161 Northland Dr., NE 616.425.9642 Grand Rapids

Wednesdays in February/March 2018 (2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7) 6:30 - 8:00PM $85 - materials included

6 - 8PM Wine from Art of the Table and appetizers from The Cheese Lady

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R.S.V.P. as space is limited 616-301-7390

Mindful Eating: A Path to Health and Well-Being with Dr. Lynn Rossy Author of “The Mindfulness-Based Eating Solution” and the creator of the “Eat for Life” program.

Laser Treatments

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ating because you are sad, lonely, angry, or stressed? Is this standing in the way of your happiness? Learn to enjoy food and love your body again through the practice of Mindful Eating.

Understand the barriers and challenges that stand between you and a healthy 2018.

This workshop is for anyone struggling with food issues.

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optimalwellnessmedical.com Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

JOIN US! Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 9 AM - 4 PM Register at www.grcfm.com or call (616) 361-3660.

Up to 12 CEs Approved for Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Professionals, Dietitians, and Nurses.

Call (616) 361-3660 or visit GrandRapidsCenterForMindfulness.com 19

Theof Vibrance Veverly Austin W

BY KATE BRANUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWOEAGLES MARCUS

hen Veverly Austin walks into a room, she commands it. Her dynamic

personality and welcoming smile draws her audience in, and as she speaks of her accomplishments, her eyes reflect the passion and excitement that made it all possible. Though she radiates confidence, it took years of practice and self-reassurance to get to where she is today.

Austin was born with big dreams and an unstoppable drive. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, raised primarily by her grandmother while her mother worked long hours to make sure she and her three siblings had all of the things they needed.

“Where I grew up, there was a lot of violence, but in my home, education and faith were heavily instilled in us,” Austin shared. “Going to high school, college and even graduate school was pushed.”

Both her grandmother and her mother served as strong role models for Austin. She realized at a young age that if she really wanted something, she would have to hustle to get it.

“I got my strong work ethic from my mother,” she stated. “I work very hard and I believe in finishing a task once I start it. If I think I can do something, I go hard after it.”

In 1996, Austin returned to Illinois to finish her bachelor’s degree at Benedictine College. Though she had her four-year degree, Austin felt that she wasn’t finished with her education. She was on the fence about pursing a Masters of Business Administration degree when one of her mentors from Benedictine reached out to her told her that if she had the opportunity now, she needed to take it because ‘You never know what life has ahead of you.’

After she graduated, she and her long-term boyfriend, Jathan Austin, got married and relocated to Oklahoma.

There, she assisted her husband as he served as the Youth Pastor at the Bishop Clinton House. The couple moved from Oklahoma to Las Vegas to Kansas, finally landing in Grand Rapids.

In Las Vegas, Austin and her husband pastored at Mountaintop Faith Ministries; here, she met Dr. Mary House, founder and CEO of Mary House Ministries.

House would become one of Austin’s closest confidants, her personal mentor and a dear friend.

“I call her my daughter,” House said. “I mentored her a bit and continue to do so. She sought out things that she wanted to do in her life as far as her business is concerned, and she has also come to me [seeking advice on] how to be a better woman within her community.

Austin is very focused, very motivating and a very empowering woman.”

In 2007, Austin and her husband planted themselves in Grand Rapids to carry on the legacy of her husband’s grandfather, the late Bishop William Abney. Her husband was appointed as Lead Pastor of One Church Empowerment Center and she took on the role of Assistant Pastor.

A self-proclaimed “school nerd,” she excelled in her classes, fueled by a hunger for knowledge and a determination to break out of the confines of her hometown. She remembers the abundance of drug usage and teenage pregnancies in her neighborhood and vowed to distance herself from it all.

“My faith is the glue that holds me together,” she said.

“It’s the foundation for everything that I stand on and it keeps me confident.”

“[A couple of] struggles I had [growing up] were focus and self-esteem,” she divulged. “I was trying not to fulfill any of the statistics that I was around. It was tough, but it gave me my drive to escape and do something different.”

In 2010, Austin attended a conference organized by Dr. Stacia Pierce, founder of Life Coach to Women.

Motivated by the message of the session, Austin asked Piece to be her mentor, seeking career and leadership advice.

In 1994, she moved to Grand Rapids and enrolled at Aquinas College where she studied Organizational Behavior with the goal of becoming a dentist.

“She had started to work outside [of her ministry] on activities like putting together women’s programs,” Pierce said. “Austin has to be sweetest person you’ve ever met. From the first interaction with her, you know that she loves women and loves helping people.”

“After two years of struggling, I looked at my grades and realized that I had high grades in business and very low grades in science,” she recalled. “My mentors told me that while science may not be for me, business definitely is.”

Austin chose to channel her own experiences with selfdoubt to help others succeed. When she created Girl, Get Your Fight Back (GGYFB) in 2011, she had no idea it would develop into a large organization; she simply

From the first interaction with her, you know that she loves women and loves helping people.”

—Dr. Mary House, founder and CEO of Mary House Ministries 20

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

wanted women to have a outlet that empowered them.

Veverly set up private sessions with her clients to hear their concerns and share her wisdom.

The popularity of her first session motivated Austin to further develop the organization. She offered empowerment classes, activities and conferences targeting physical, emotional and mental health. The topics of her sessions would vary each time, but all contained the same underlying theme: Confidence.

She often spoke about navigating difficult financial situations and provided personal grooming and beauty tips in an effort to help her audience members pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses.

Many of the people who attended her talks were women in the midst of a career change, others were stay-at-home mothers looking to re-enter the working world and some were college students on the cusp of kick-starting their careers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the biggest messages I had for people who were stuck and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where they were at in their lives was just to move. Whatever you do, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop moving; good times, bad times, tough situations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; move.â&#x20AC;?

As Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sessions began to generate a larger following, she realized that both women and men sought help fine-tuning their life and career skills.

She decided to create a second, all-inclusive organization called Confident Living. Through this program, Austin covered important career topics, including time management, interviewing techniques, networking and makeovers for confidence building.

Sometimes, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re called to fight for something much bigger than you.â&#x20AC;?

In 2010, Austin held a GGYFB womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment weekend, where she met a woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was experiencing financial difficulty while caring for her deceased sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. The womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story motivated Austin to help.

The attendance for each Rock the Runway show has more than tripled in the last couple of years as the message continues to spread.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were [organizing] a fashion show for our womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment weekend and I decided to give some of the proceeds to this woman,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From there, people started to ask how they could help; people wanted to reach out and donate.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re called to fight for something much bigger than you,â&#x20AC;? Austin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just because breast cancer doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect me personally, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect how hard I fight for it; it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to affect you to affect you, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m committed until the end.â&#x20AC;?

The fashion show was such a large success that attendees began inquiring about what Austin had planned for the following year.

In addition to her organizations and ministry work, Austin owns and operates a clothing line called Confident Wear. In 2010, Austin created a shirt that said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Confident Women,â&#x20AC;? which she wore at a confidence class she taught at a GGYFB conference.

Dozens of women approached her asking where they could buy a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Confident Womanâ&#x20AC;? shirt of their own.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I began to learn all of the statistics and I knew I had to do something for the urban community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; big or small,â&#x20AC;? she expressed.

That first show, held eight years ago, has since developed into a full-fledged organization called Rock the Runway.

Austin holds regular health sessions at her Confident Living conferences year-round to educate attendees about breast cancer by sharing statistics, warning signs and lifestyle risk factors. She also provides free health classes, brings in doctors for Q & A sessions and offers free yoga and Zumba classes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spread those messages throughout the year and they come to a head at Rock the Runway,â&#x20AC;? Austin said.

The models for each Rock the Runway show are breast cancer survivors; these women are able to receive free photo shoots, extravagant makeovers and trendy outfits to debut on the catwalk, but most importantly, they have an opportunity to share their inspirational stories with the audience.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key focus is to help them escape from the effects and experience of breast cancer,â&#x20AC;? Austin said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to [have these shirts] available for each attendee in the hopes that wearing my shirt would cause them to find confidence in their own lives, even when they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel confident.â&#x20AC;?

Austin offers her staple shirt and custom designs on her website Confidentwear.com. This February, she will be launching a Confident Living journal.

Though she keeps a full schedule, Austin still makes community service work a priority. She sits on the board at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation and has become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In 2017, Austin received the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian of the Year award from Grand Rapids Community College for her outstanding service to the West Michigan community. She also recently received a Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses award as well as a Giant award. This year, Austin will host the Giant Awards.

As a mother, Austin has always strived to teach her children the importance of giving back. Her 9-year-old daughter has already started following in her footsteps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My daughter goes to everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of my Confident Living sessions, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pushing her toward entrepreneurship,â&#x20AC;? Austin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has a couple of projects she is working on this year, including a t-shirt line that I am helping her with. I plan to help each of my children launch a business of their own.â&#x20AC;?

She believes in having candid and honest conversations with her children about important world issues, pushing them to make a difference, beginning with the surrounding community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My children have taught me that the strength of our community is vitally important for their future,â&#x20AC;? Austin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taught me to speak up and make every moment count.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Veverly Austin

When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not writing or editing for WLM, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Ă&#x20AC;QG .DWH RXW DQG DERXW LQ GRZQWRZQ *UDQG 5DSLGV ZRUNLQJ RQ D FUDIW SURMHFW RU VFUROOLQJ WKURXJK FDW YLGHRV RQ VRFLDO PHGLD

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

21

Wine Dinner Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 pm >=9LMJAF?2

Spinach Artichoke Crostini w/ Novellum Chardonnay, France

Pesto Penne w/ Regaleali Bianco, Sicily

Roast Salmon w/, Le Rose Regaleali ,Sicily

Fruit Pie w/ Moletto Proscecco, Veneto

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22

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2UGHU &XVWRP GHVVHUWV RU VWRS LQ IRU D WUHDW 9HJDQ DQG JOXWHQ IUHH WUHDWV DUH DOZD\V RQ WKH PHQX )HDWXUHG RQ WKH )RRG 1HWZRUN·V &XSFDNH :DUV –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– &LW\6ďQ /RXQJH 0RQURH &HQWHU 6W 1: *UDQG 5DSLGV 0, (616) 608-1720 FLW\ÁDWVKRWHO FRP &LW\6ďQ /RXQJH ORFDWHG LQ WKH KHDUW RI GRZQWRZQ *UDQG 5DSLGV LV D KLS EDU ZLWK D ELJ FLW\ IHHO RIIHULQJ H[FLWLQJ RSWLRQV IRU OXQFK GLQQHU DQG EUHDNIDVW RQ WKH ZHHNHQGV 7KH IRFXV LV RQ IUHVK LQJUHGLHQWV DQG D IXOO EDU ZLWK ORFDO EUHZV ZLQH DQG FUHDWLYH FRFNWDLOV

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Impact.

When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you enter the world, you’re good to go forward, tackle challenges, and make meaningful contributions. Like West Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect. And we can’t wait for you to become part of it.

gvsu.edu

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

(TGG 2CTMKPI r 'CU[ VQ Ƃ PF r #XCKNCDNG FC[U C YGGM

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

February 2018

23

Beef Sliders

Recipes Courtesy of the American Heart Association

with Avocado, Roasted Poblano Pepper and Cotija Cheese Makes 4 Servings 2 3/4 1/4 8 1 1 1

large poblano peppers pound extra-lean ground beef teaspoon salt whole-wheat slider buns (lowest sodium available) tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon crumbled cotija cheese large Roma tomato, cut crosswise into 8 slices medium avocado, mashed with a fork

Preheat the oven to 500 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put peppers on the baking sheet. Place on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 10 minutes. Turn over the peppers.

Roast for 10 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.

Remove from the oven. Put the peppers in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Shape the beef into 8 thin patties, each about 3 inches in diameter.

(The uncooked patties will be larger than the buns and will shrink as they cook.) Sprinkle the patties with the salt. Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over the patties. Cook for 2 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink.

Peel the skin off the peppers by gently rubbing them with a dry towel. Remove the seeds and ribs. Cut each pepper into 4 long strips. Place each patty on a bottom bun. Sprinkle with the cotija cheese. Top with 1 pepper slice folded in half and 1 tomato slice. Spread the avocado over the tomato. Put the top buns on the sliders. Serve immediately.

Black BeanSoup Makes 4 Servings Cooking spray 1 medium onion, diced 1 medium fresh jalapeño, seeds and ribs discarded, chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 15.5-ounce cans no-salt-added black beans, undrained 1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Lightly spray a large pot with cooking spray. Cook the onion over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until very soft, stirring frequently. Stir in the jalapeño, garlic and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the beans with liquid. Lightly mash them using a potato masher or fork. Stir in the tomatoes with liquid and broth. Reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

Serve the soup topped with the cilantro.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

The Cottage Bar 18 LaGrave Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-9088 cottagebar.biz Along with casual charm and down to earth atmosphere, The Cottage Bar is famous for great burgers, and three different styles of award winning chili.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 805-5308 downtownmarketgr.com

HopCat 25 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451-4677 hopcat.com

The Downtown Market is home to several businesses featuring artisan gifts and culinary delights. Join a cooking course, attend an event or stop in for a meal.

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Lindo Mexico - Restaurante Mexicano 1742 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 261-2280 lindomexicogr.com

Ferris Coffee and Nut Company 227 Winter Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ferriscoffee.com You can count on Ferris Coffee & Nut Company for the very best in coffee, nuts and other gourmet treats made here in West Michigan. Visit the newly designed Ferris Cafe.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Fred’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria & Grill 3619 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 361-8994 fredspizza.com Great food, great prices and great fun! A family tradition since 1963, Fred’s offers legendary pizza and delicious entrées, salads and desserts with a generous selection of wines, liquors and beers.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids MI 49503 (616) 458-7000 grbrewingcompany.com Michigan’s only organic brewery features a range of house-made beer styles along with some excellent wines and cocktails. Join them for happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. The “craft food” lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus catch people by surprise; poutine, meatloaf, amazing mac & cheese and tasty salads are a few highlights.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Grove 919 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 454.1000 groverestaurant.com The most flavorful food begins with the highest quality ingredients. That’s why Grove responsibly sources as much as is available from local, family and sustainable farms and businesses.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

Providing Michiganders with the best beer selection in the world, HopCat offers drafts and bottles from delicious pales to smooth stouts and everything in-between. Sip while you drool over the food menu and find out why they call them “Crack Fries.”

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Experience authentic flavors of fresh Mexican food and delightful beverage creations in an art-filled environment.

Specialities include delicious, fresh homemade tamales.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Marge’s Donut Den 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 532-7413 margesdonutden.com Marge’s Donut Den offers handmade delectable donuts, all-occasion cakes, Danish muffins, brownies and cookies.

Marge’s is a place to meet old friends and make new ones.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Marie Catrib’s 1001-1003 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-4020 mariecatribs.com Whether you’re stopping in for fresh squeezed carrot juice or returning for the Larry David sandwich, you’ll always feel right at home in the center of the universe.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Pietro’s Italian Restaurant 2780 Birchcrest Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 452-3228 pietrosgr.com Pietro’s is a casual Italian restaurant known for over 30 years for its classic and signature pastas including West Michigan’s number one pasta dish, Fettuccine Michael. Walk through the hand-carved Tuscan doors and enter into the aroma of fresh-baked bread and handcrafted, house-made ravioli.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (616) 855-9463 reservegr.com With more than 100 wines available by the glass, an extensive bottle collection and seasonal handcrafted cocktails, the drink options are virtually endless.

February 2018

Specializing in cheeses from around the world.

• Over 130 Cheeses • Sampling Encouraged • Michigan Beers and Ciders • Wine • Cheese Accompaniments • Cheese Classes • Gift Baskets • Party Trays

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 25

Rockwell | REPUBLIC 45 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 551-3563 rockwellsrepublic.com

The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 242-9880 theholidaybargr.com

Rockwell-Republic uses the freshest ingredients available to create delicious American and Asian food made from scratch using locally farmed cuisine, incredible sushi and martinis galore.

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In the Heart of the West Side, The Holiday Bar combines old school charm with modern flair. Stop in for great burgers and eclectic offerings, craft beer and cocktails, and the best bier garden in Grand Rapids.

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Terra GR 1429 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 301-0998 terragr.com

The Melting Pot 2090 Celebration Dr NE Ste 130 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 365-0055 www.meltingpot.com/grand-rapids-mi/

Inspired, handcrafted foods that nurture both body and community.

Terra follows the seasons for fresh, healthy ingredients.

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Offering a truly unique dining experience created by the art of fondue. Enjoy a four-course dining experience or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our selection. _______________________________

The Cheese Lady 315 Fuller Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 242-9880 thecheeselady.net The Cheese Lady specializes in cheeses from Michigan and around the world, gourmet and specialty groceries, soups and a nice selection of wines.

Gift baskets, party trays, catering and private parties available.

The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar 5301 Northland Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 301-0600 thescore-restaurant.com Summertime is party time at The Score with bands on the beach seven days a week.

Timbers Inn Restaurant & Tavern 6555 Belding Road NE Rockford, MI 49341 (616) 874-5553 timbersinn.net

Featuring a contemporary twist on American bistro fare with seasonal recipes inspired by a partnership with local suppliers, the menu is complemented by artisan cocktails, wines and Michigan craft brews.

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Enjoy great home cooking and friendly Michigan faces in a comfortable lodge atmosphere. With its crackling fires in fieldstone fireplaces, knotty pine walls displaying trophy moose, caribou and fish, Timbers Inn is a reminder of those enchanted days gone by. Happy Hour specials seven days a week.

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4GR8Food Brands 2800 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616.245.0494 4gr8food.com In May of 1995, 4GR8Food Brands began with the Bagel Beanery on Michigan Street. 4GR8Food Brands has grown over the years with the additions of Beltline Bar, Sundance Grill, Red Geranium, Grand Coney, The Omelette Shoppe and Rockwell Republic. They have a meal for you any time of day.

Twisted Rooster 1600 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 301-8171 twisted-rooster.com

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 805-5308 downtownmarketgr.com

Twisted Rooster’s specially created menu is centered entirely around locally-sourced, Michigan-made products. Delight in a unique dining experience, complete with impeccable food and drinks in an energetic, familyfriendly atmosphere.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails 67 Ottawa Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 226-3319 www.committothemitt.com

The Downtown Market is home to several businesses featuring artisan gifts and culinary delights. Join a cooking course, attend an event or stop in for a meal.

A N N A’S H

O

U

S

E

SAVING THE WORLD FROM AN ORDINARY B R E A K F A S T !

grand rapids

grandville

Savor Every Moment The Melting Pot 2090 Celebration Dr NE, Ste 130 Grand Rapids, Michigan meltingpot.com/grand-rapids-mi (616) 365-0055

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holland kalamazoo

westland

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

27

Spring Greens

Recipes Courtesy of the American Heart Association

with Salmon and Apricot-Ginger Vinaigrette Makes 4 Servings

Vinaigrette 1/4 1/4 2 1 2 1/8 1/8

cup all-fruit apricot spread cup fresh orange juice tablespoons white wine vinegar tablespoon sugar teaspoons grated peeled gingerroot teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes teaspoon salt

Salad

4 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix preferred), torn into bite-size pieces 2 cups baby spinach leaves 1 cup shredded red cabbage 1 cup fresh or frozen snow peas, thawed if frozen, trimmed and halved diagonally 3 2.6-ounce vacuum-sealed pouches boneless, skinless pink salmon, drained and flaked

In a food processor or blender, process the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth. Put the salad ingredients, except the salmon, in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently.

Transfer to a serving platter. Crumble the salmon on top. Serve immediately for peak flavors and texture.

Orange-Glazed Turkey with Potatoes and Carrots Makes 6 Servings Cooking spray 1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast, all visible fat discarded 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 3 tablespoons orange marmalade 1 pound potatoes (any type), cut into 2-inch cubes 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred) Lightly spray a large pot with cooking spray. Cook the onion over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until very soft, stirring frequently. Stir in the jalapeĂąo, garlic and cumin.

Cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the beans with liquid. Lightly mash them using a potato masher or fork. Stir in the tomatoes with liquid and broth. Reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

Serve the soup topped with the cilantro.

28

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

1429 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI www.terragr.com (616) 301-0998

100% Grass-fed Beef • Wagyu Beef • Free-Range Chicken • Free-Range Pork • Wild Caught Salmon

W

ith HarvestBox, you’ll know that the meat you serve for dinner is free from antibiotics, growth hormones, steroids, and animal byproducts and has been fed and raised naturally and humanely. When you eat HarvestBox meats, you can be sure you’re nurturing your body with foods that are enhancing your well-being. Welcome to the table.

Free Shipping to 48 States • In Store Pickup Available

www.harvestbox.com

Call us at (616) 878-1578

or order online at www.byroncentermeats.com Open Monday – Friday: 7am to 6pm, Saturday: 7am to 3pm

8375 Freeland Avenue SW, Downtown Byron Center 3 miles west of the Tanger Outlets at US131 and 84th Street

SEASONALLY INSPIRED. HANDCRAFTED. FEEDING BODY AND COMMUNITY.

MARCH 8 – 18, 2018 10 days of free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, showcases, and a variety of seriously funny stuff!

Tickets can be purchased at laughfestgr.org or ticketmaster.com

laughfestgr.org All proceeds benefit the free cancer, grief, and emotional health support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

29

Go Red For Women

O

ur mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

Get informed about the risks of heart disease and stroke; know the red flags and know your heart health story. Go Red For Women inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives. Together, we are working to improve the health of women in your community.

Take action at GoRedForWomen.org.

Here are a few ways to take action today: • Visit GoRedForWomen.org to learn what you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Encourage your family and friends to take small steps toward healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke, too.

• Explain “What it means to Go Red” by sharing the following acronym: Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.

30

Raise Your Voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.

Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family and teach your kids the importance of staying active.

Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES FACTS FACT 1: Cardiovascular diseases cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year in the U.S., killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.

• An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.

• 90 precent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

• 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events can be prevented.

FACT 2: Scientific evidence proves heart disease is different in women as compared to men.

• Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack.

• The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women and are often misunderstood, even by some physicians.

• Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.

• Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

FACT 3: Heart disease and strokes affect women of

all ethnicities. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for African American women, killing nearly 50,000 annually.

• Research shows that African Americans are more likely than Caucasians to experience sudden cardiac arrest at a much earlier age.

• Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women.

• Only 36 precent of African American women and 34 precent of Hispanic women know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, compared with 65 percent of Caucasian women.

• Of African American women ages 20 and older, 48 percent have cardiovascular disease but only 14 percent believe heart disease is the greatest health problem facing women.

• Only about 50 percent of African American women are aware that pain which spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms is a sign of heart attack.

FACT 4: Women who are involved with the Go Red For Women movement live healthier lives.

• Nearly 90 percent have made at least one healthy behavior change.

• Almost half have lost weight.

• More than 50 percent participate in regular physical exercise.

• 6 out of 10 have changed their diets.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

• •

More than 40 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.

One-third have talked with their doctors about developing heart-healthy plans.

FACT 5: When you get involved in supporting

Go Red For Women by advocating, fundraising and sharing your story, more lives are saved.

• More than 670,000 women have been saved from heart disease and stroke since the launch of GRFW. • About 300 fewer women are dying per day.

ABOUT GO RED FOR WOMEN Launched in 2004, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Women who Go Red live healthier lives.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 2, 2018.

The 2018 Grand Rapids Go Red for Women Luncheon happens Feb. 21, at 20 Monroe Live. The event includes a a silent auction, health screenings and pampering. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in fitness apparel and sneakers to encourage women to #GoRedGetFit (wear red if you have it!).

When you support Go Red for Women by advocating, fundraising and sharing your story, more lives are saved.

31

Jen Hyde, 32 Congenital Heart Disease Survivor

J

en Hyde underwent open-heart surgery as a child due to congenital heart defects. But

Hyde said the experience taught her the importance of having a good rapport with your doctor and being fully engaged, no matter your condition.

Hyde was born with tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital defect in which the heart doesn’t pump adequate blood to the lungs before circulating it through the body. But after undergoing open-heart surgery to repair the problem, life for her went on as normal, except for avoiding strenuous physical activity.

Hyde currently has a bioprosthetic valve, but will one day need a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

During a regular checkup in 2009, Hyde learned that although she hadn’t noticed any symptoms, she had developed pulmonary hypertension, meaning her heart was having to work hard to pump blood into the lungs to pick up oxygen. The diagnosis set into motion several changes for her; she had moved to New York for college six years earlier, but still saw her longtime cardiologist in Orange County, California.

Hyde also gained a new appreciation for the research that leads to medical advances and has integrated her experiences into her writing.

She also volunteers as a Heart Valve Ambassador for the American Heart Association to help raise awareness and advocate for more medical research, especially women’s research studies.

it was the discovery that she’d need a heart valve replacement at age 25 that motivated the writer from Brooklyn, NY to advocate for her health and women’s heart research.

Hyde found a cardiologist specializing in adult patients with congenital heart defects in New York and underwent heart valve replacement in 2010, coordinating the surgery with a break in her graduate school program. Recovery was slow as she learned to listen to her body’s cues to avoid overexhaustion.

She now eats a healthy diet, limiting sodium and alcohol, and is careful to get regular moderate exercise to help her condition without overworking her heart.

Symptoms of a heart attack: •

• • •

32

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

“Every time you go to the doctor, you’re contributing to a conversation about the condition you have or experience you have, and that plays a role into what happens in the future,” she said.

“I can’t help my condition, but I can make good lifestyle choices,” she said. “The stronger my heart is, the longer my heart valve will last.”

“I want to help people with their journey,” she said. “I get to live a full life as a result of getting the newest technology, and whatever new technology is available when I need my next surgery.”

As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort.

It’s important to note that women are more likely to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

What to do during a heart attack If you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

Why it’s important to know the symptoms of a heart attack

•

Women who consider themselves healthy often misdiagnose the symptoms of a heart attack because they don’t think it could happen to them. That is why it’s crucial to learn about heart disease and stroke, know your numbers, live a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of the risk factors of heart disease.

• •

Do not wait to call for help. Dial 9-1-1, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.

Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.

Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Tamika Quinn, 42 Stroke Surivor

T

amika Quinn always struggled with her weight. She developed high blood

pressure while pregnant with her daughter but didn’t take it seriously until she survived two strokes 10 days after giving birth.

Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Philadelphia, Quinn recalls accompanying her grandmother as they took two buses to get to a grocery store with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Her family made fresh fruit and vegetables a priority, even though their diet also heavily incorporated rich Southern favorites featuring fatty meats and fried food.

Looking back, Quinn says she wasn’t concerned about the extra weight she carried because many people in her family were overweight, as well.

Several of her family members also had high blood pressure but it was not discussed.

When Quinn, then 27, developed high blood pressure while pregnant with her third child, she was told it would go away once she gave birth. It didn’t, and her doctor prescribed medication. Not believing she needed it at such a young age, she refused to take the medication.

In 2002, 10 days after her daughter, Sequoia, was born, Quinn woke up with an excruciating headache. She went to an urgent care Signs that you may be having a stroke: • • • • •

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause

You should never wait more than five minutes to dial 9-1-1 if you experience any of the signs above. Remember, you could be having a stroke even if you’re not experiencing all of the symptoms. And remember to check the time. The responding emergency medical technician or ER nurse at the hospital will need to know when the first symptom occurred.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

clinic where she was given painkillers and medication for high blood pressure. The pain intensified, so she went to the ER where she was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke, followed by a second stroke three days later.

It took months for Quinn to recover her ability to walk and speak. She continues to deal with memory loss and muscle control. The strokes were a wake-up call to take her health more seriously. She took her medication as prescribed and lost weight.

After four years, Quinn went back to overeating, indulging in unhealthy foods and skipping on her blood pressure medication.

After talking to her doctor about a migraine, she learned her blood pressure had gone back up.

“My doctor told me I was headed down the path to have another stroke,” she said. “I realized I needed to get my life together.”

Around that the same time, Quinn’s daughter, Cashara, then 8, was diagnosed with high cholesterol and obesity. Desperate to avoid medication, Quinn and her daughter joined a hospital-based nutrition program to overhaul the family’s eating habits and prioritize exercising. The work paid off. Quinn dropped several dress sizes and was allowed to reduce her medication. Cashara, now 18, reached a healthy weight.

“You’re talking about a whole family that has changed,” Quinn said.

Quinn is now an advocate for heart health, encouraging women to know their numbers and make lifestyle changes that can make a difference.

“I know the value of my life, having almost lost it,” she said. “I want to go forward and live the best life I can.”

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T

Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficult, Time to Call 911 33

Theresa “TC” Eckstein, 52 Congestive Heart Failure and Diabetes Survivor

J

azz singer Theresa “TC” Eckstein was diagnosed with heart failure after a

decade of troubling symptoms following the birth of her daughter in 1995. Her weight fluctuated by more than 100 pounds in the years that followed, which she later learned was because her body was retaining fluid.

She struggled to control asthma she developed during her final months of pregnancy and had repeated bouts of pneumonia that sent her to the emergency room.

Additionally, in 2016, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

“My doctor told me I couldn’t afford to have diabetes with my other heart conditions,” she said. “He scared me to get back on track and do the work.”

After a series of hospitalizations, additional testing in 2005 revealed Eckstein had cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, and that her heart was working at only 25 percent of its capacity. Doctors also found evidence that her heart had been damaged by undiagnosed rheumatic fever as a child.

Eckstein was working two nursing jobs to support her family and had to go on disability. In 2009, doctors determined that medication wasn’t doing enough to forestall further weakening of her heart, and implanted a pacemaker/defibrillator.

When her father underwent triple bypass surgery, “it was just assumed it was because my dad was a drinker and a smoker and wasn’t taking care of himself,” she said. “When I got my diagnosis, it woke everyone up.”

Eckstein’s older brother also died of heart disease at age 55, and her older sister required a pacemaker following a heart attack at age 55.

Eckstein’s diagnosis spurred her family members to take their health more seriously, including changing their diets and making exercise a priority.

One of her brothers learned he had high cholesterol and started running to bring it under control. Now, he runs marathons.

“Everyone is a lot more health conscious now,” she said.

After her Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Eckstein worked with a nutritionist to overhaul her diet and manage her blood sugar, moving away from the fried, rich foods she grew up eating, cutting back sugar and sodium and adding more fruits and vegetables.

She also began an exercise regimen, lifting light weights, walking and doing exercise videos at home while being careful not to overtax her heart.

Eckstein has lost 95 pounds and says her outlook has turned around. She is active in the #GoRedGetFit Facebook group to stay inspired and share motivation.

“It’s a big struggle to get going each day, but it’s getting easier,” she said. “You can’t afford to not care for yourself.”

Eckstein’s father passed away of heart disease at 55, and even though she worked as a nurse, she didn’t recognize how a family history of heart disease could increase her risks.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Getting Your Blood Pressure Taken — The Right Way COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION NEWS

“Attention passengers, this is your pilot speaking. I’m kind of in a hurry to get to our

destination and you probably are, too. Since I know what I’m doing, I’m going to cut some time by zipping through all those boring safety checks that usually take us so long, and get us in the air right away.”

Such a scenario is comical. No pilot would be so reckless. No passenger, crew or flight controller would allow it.

Yet a similar hurry-up-and-get-it-done approach happens far too often when it comes to getting our blood pressure taken. That’s unfortunate, because a blood pressure reading should be handled as meticulously as a pre-flight safety checklist.

Seriously, it’s that important.

High blood pressure makes you twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is by getting it taken correctly.

Last year, the rules changed about what classifies as high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Experts looking at all the newest data have now defined hypertension as a reading of 130 on top or 80 on the bottom. In the past, the standard was 140/90.

The new guidelines are designed to help people get their blood pressure under control earlier – which has been shown to prevent organ damage.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

The change comes from an update to the guidelines followed by doctors across the country. A major difference is eliminating the category called “prehypertensive” or “high normal.” That warning zone is now part of the danger zone. The new guidelines are designed to help people get their blood pressure under control earlier – which has been shown to prevent organ damage.

Getting blood pressure under control doesn’t necessarily require medication. In many cases, people can lower their numbers through lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, being more active and drinking less alcohol.

In releasing the guidelines, the experts who spent three years putting it together drew attention to one more thing: the steps involved in taking a textbook blood pressure reading.

“It is incumbent on those of us who are physicians to measure it properly and to train people to do it properly at home,” said Paul Whelton, M.D., chairman of the writing committee that updated the guidelines and an epidemiology professor at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. “You can’t be too busy to do it right.”

Raymond R .Townsend, M.D., a study co-author and director of the hypertension program at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania, was named the AHA’s Physician of the Year in 2016.

“I used to have a standing challenge on rounds at Penn: ‘If you can do a blood pressure correctly in my presence, I will buy you a dinner [at a] restaurant of your choice in Philadelphia,’” Townsend said. “After 10 years, not a single person – resident, fellow or student – ever could do it.”

For patients, there’s a lot more than a free meal riding on an accurate reading; the next time you strap on a blood pressure cuff, make sure as much time and effort is invested into an accurate reading as you’d like your pilots to do before takeoff.

What to do after the first reading •

Take at least two readings one minute apart and average them. This reduces variability. If you think the range is too wide, take a third and then calculate the average. (If you’re doing this at home, it’s best to do these in the morning before taking any medications and again in the evening before dinner.)

•

Remember that your blood pressure can vary as much as 5-10 milligrams of mercury (how BP is measured) just during a cycle of breathing. So don’t expect all the readings to be exactly the same.

•

The log of your readings should include the averages, as well as the individual readings.

You should bring the log to a medical appointment so your healthcare provider can see the trends and, while you’re there, it’ll be easier to add the latest readings.

•

If you use a home monitor, bring it to all clinic appointments. This is especially important if your device has a built-in memory that records your results. It’s also a good idea to have your healthcare provider check your device about once a year to make sure it is accurate.

While this story has focused on giving a quality blood pressure reading, there’s another way of looking at it. Consider this a primer in how to get your blood pressure taken.

If you’re still not convinced the extra effort is warranted, Whelton frames it this way: Surely you’d want the lab that handles your blood test to follow strict quality control standards; why not demand the same when it comes to blood pressure readings, an area with a lot of chance for error?

At a 2015 American Medical Association meeting, 159 medical students were given a blood pressure check challenge with a simulated patient. Only one performed all 11 elements they’re trained to do. The average number of steps performed correctly was 4.1.

One of the biggest mistakes: Failing to have a patient rest for five minutes in a chair before the measurement. Only 11 of the doctors-in-training did that.

35

36

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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37

Masturdating: The One That Is OK To Do In Public

BY MEGAN STUBBS

S

ome of you may be unfamiliar with this term. It sounds like something you might be familiar with, just with a different spelling.

It’s perfectly OK, and even encouraged, to do in public.

Masturdating is essentially dating yourself, and the meaning can vary from person to person. Think of it as taking yourself out: Buy yourself that outfit you’ve been wanting, or treat yourself to a spa day — whatever makes you feel special. This isn’t just about self-indulgence, which is perfectly fine, but rather improving areas of your life. Whether you are single or in a relationship, there are plenty of benefits for taking some time for yourself.

Mental Health

You can find happiness in the smallest of gestures. Whether it’s gifting yourself an extravagant coffee drink or taking yourself to the beach, you are taking responsibility for your own happiness. While it often feels good to perform nice gestures for others, it’s important to see to your fulfillment first; you cannot pour from an empty cup. Time spent with yourself is never time wasted. By getting to know yourself better, you will be better able to stand on your own in the face of adversity.

Self-Worth

When you make it a practice to care for your needs and treat yourself with respect, you are creating a foundation that will carry over to your next relationship. This is an ideal time to focus on things you may have overlooked in the midst of life. The key to a healthy relationship is knowing you are worthy and deserving of happiness without any outside influences. Security in knowing your strength is powerful.

Future Relationships

Your journey of self-care and self-reliance will benefit your future relationships. The time you spend on reflection can help you better identify who you are as a person while allowing you to communicate your needs to your potential partner. If you are currently in a relationship, give yourself the gift of alone time! You don’t have to rely on your partner to do absolutely everything with you — healthy distance is important in relationships. So if going to the garden center isn’t your partner’s idea of a great time, that’s OK! Stop and smell the roses by yourself and relish in your own personal day-date. Happy Masturdating!

“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.”

—Diane Von Furstenberg

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

38

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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February 2018

39

The Local Beat

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESSES.

PAROOZ Parooz, a family-owned and operated boutique in Grand Rapids, has provided customers with an array of locally-made, handcrafted and charming gifts items for those of all ages. Whether you are searching for that perfect finishing touch to pull together a room or an office, or a unique present to brighten someone’s day, Parooz (6504 28th St Suite E) has got you covered.

New to the store is this whimsical pottery collection by Ada artist Geri Mateus.

Showcasing vibrant designs, textures and colors, these frequently-used kitchen essentials include dessert plates, serving platters and stemless wine glasses.

Handcrafted from Michigan clay, this charming ceramic serving platter and it’s matching stemless wine glass, urge you to “Do more of what makes your soul happy,” while the other two glasses read “Mulled over” and “I’ve been blessed with exquisite taste in wine and friends.” Each item features hand-painted floral details and a smooth glaze top coat to prevent fading or scratches.

Buy them individually, or bundle them into a thoughtful package for the one you love most this Valentine’s Day.

IRIS BOUTIQUE It’s the time of the year to watch out for the perfect gift for your Valentine; luckily, Iris Boutique (949 Cherry St SE in Grand Rapids) has a plethora of hearteye-worthy items to choose from. The shop houses a variety of sophisticated accessories, from simple wardrobe staples to glitzy and glamorous statement pieces.

Nothing completes an outfit like a elegant timepiece. These classic watches by McCoy Road pair well with any ensemble, from a dressy number fit for a night on the town to a casual outfit donned at the office. With a trendy marble face and polished rose gold details, this blush watch serves as a reliable go-to for everyday wear and adds a feminine touch to winter weather outfits. The genuine leather strap includes an adjustable buckle closure to fit any wrist size and is interchangeable, allowing you to swap straps to best compliment your outfit. Take it up a notch with an eye-catching gold number. This polished gold watch features sleek Roman Numerals against a clean face, merging traditional with contemporary. The metal mesh strap lays comfortably on the wrist and includes an easy-to-close quick-release clasp.

CARLYN & COMPANY This month is all about amor – and nothing says “I love you” quite like the whimsical locally-made findings at Carlyn & Company (205 Washington Ave in Grand Haven). The boutique showcases a vast variety of eco-friendly, fair trade and handmade products. From delicate hand-blown glass figurines to colorful handbags crafted from recycled materials to several collections of fabulous jewelry, the shop houses something for everyone.

Among the jewelry collections shimmering under the shop’s glass counter, you’ll find a line of necklaces and matching earrings by Chicago artist Etta Kostick.

A true master of her craft, Kostick pushes the limits of jewelry-making by playing with textures, colors and materials and their relationship to light. Her contemporary line Unearth Curiosity has quickly become one of the best selling collections featured at Carlyn & Company; included in the line are these unique stained glass and metal bubble top necklaces and earrings. Surprise the one you love most this Valentine’s Day with one of these breathtaking statement pieces, available in red, green, yellow, blue and brown.

40

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

A Garden

You Will Love

BY RICK VUYST

T

ime spent in a garden is a metaphor for life; the objective is not to “prove”

yourself, but rather to “improve” yourself and the quality of your environment.

A garden by definition is a space—a plot, a pot, a place—where plants are cultivated. This can be just about anywhere and size doesn’t matter; it’s the cultivation part that is important. It’s projected that in the coming years, the number of city dwellers worldwide will increase from 54 to 66 percent. Older generations like the convenience of walking distance and younger generations enjoy the opportunities for experience and lifestyle. This move will change how we love our gardens and how we use plant material in small spaces. It has also produced a resurgence of indoor foliage plants for “breathing” rooms.

“Cultivate” is a verb, so let’s get growing! Move beyond the fear of failure in the garden and get your hands in the dirt. Consider planters, window boxes or windowsill gardens as a starting point. What you plant and what you do is not permanent. Your garden won’t change as often as your clothes but should change more often than the batteries in your smoke detector.

Air quality plants like foliage houseplants, sustainable water misers like succulents or blooming mood lifters like an orchid or a Kalanchoe are great companions to start growing. Planning a growing space for spring begins in February. Start with small spaces, places and pots. Succulents, herbs and foliage tropical plants are the perfect plants to kick off your mini oasis.

Get over your fear of failure in the garden. People fail every day, so fail early and fail often.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Your attempt at horticulture doesn’t need to be either perfect or a work of art. You’re not trying to recreate the hanging gardens of Babylon here.

A good container with room to grow, quality potting mix, light and a determination not to drown your plant with kindness will get you a long way toward a garden you will love.

Practice your cultivation and plant nurturing skills now so come the frost-free days of spring, you’ll be ready to plant a garden of blooming and edible delights. Indoor plants can move outside with you when the frost is finished in May, so you can continue to cultivate your relationship with them and add new friends (in this case “fronds”).

Succulents, herbs and foliage tropical plants are the perfect plants to kick off your mini oasis.

Here is a list of recommended plant friends for right now. Once we get through the winter months, it will be the big leagues, and you’ll have the chance to expand your affiliations and alliances to create a garden you will love.

Birdsnest fern Sanseveria Primula Phalaenopsis M oth Orchids Tillandsias Echeveria and Haworthia Succulents Philodendron Citrus Pothos Jade Plant Baby tears Sole irolia Kalanchoe Herbs Pachira aquatic African Violets Bromeliad Anthurium Hypoestes Polk a dot plant Cactus Amaryllis Ivy Peperomia Pony Tail Palm ZZ plant

41

How to Teach A

Empathy to Your Kids

child’s world is relatively small, as they tend to believe it’s only as big

as what they can see and touch. It can be difficult for them to understand that other people may have perspectives other than their own. The responsibility falls on their parents to teach them about the world around them and how others can be affected by their actions and words. Teaching a child to experience empathy gives them the ability to look outside of themselves and care about others.

Start Early

Showing a toddler pictures of faces demonstrating a range of emotions will help them recognize these feelings in others. While they may not be old enough to understand the complexity of emotion, your child will be able to understand there are different ones and what they look like. Take things a step further by giving a name to feelings and pointing out when someone might experience them. Watching movies or TV shows on your child’s level can also help you explain what emotional reactions may look like. These steps will help your child understand what they are feeling in their own day-to-day lives.

Allow Conflict

Eventually, your little one will run into conflict, be it with a sibling, classmate or even you. Allow your child space and time to calm down from a disagreement, but be sure to discuss the situation after the fact; this will provide an excellent example of what negative feelings

42

BY KERRY HART, LLMFT

can feel like for them. Use this opportunity to discuss what everyone in the conflict may have been feeling and why; this will help your kiddo step outside of their feeling and try to understand the experience of others.

Allow your child space and time to calm down from a disagreement, but be sure to discuss the situation after the fact; this will provide an excellent example of what negative feelings can feel like for them.

Should your child witness you experience conflict, use it as an opportunity to illustrate how important it is to consider the feelings of others. Model for them the type of resolution skills you would like to see them use in their own lives.

Let them see you contemplating all of the feelings and experiences that are present in the conflict.

Keep your words and emotions in control as your child watches. This will help them navigate their own emotions while keeping those of others in mind in order to come to a resolution of which they can be proud.

Teach Respect

Teaching your children early on to be respectful of others will help them when they eventually come across someone who may appear different from them.

Teach your child to ask polite questions when they do not understand something or see someone experiencing a life different than theirs; this simple action will foster their interest as you encourage them to understand that everyone has a unique story.

Give your child the gift of experiencing empathy so they may enjoy shared experiences with others. Allow them to share joy when a friend achieves success or provide them with the ability to be supportive of a family member dealing with disappointment. If you teach your child to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, they will be more likely to develop long-lasting relationships and build their own support system wherever they may go.

Kerry Hart, LLMFT is a couple and family therapist in private practice. She is located in both East Lansing and Grand Rapids. www.kerryhartcounseling.com

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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43

Couples inBusiness

BY SARAH ANDERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

DR. MONICA RANDLE AND DR. ANDREW MATERNOWSKI

Nutcase Vegan Meats After meeting in med school at Michigan State University 28 years ago, this dynamic duo has been completely in-sync. What began as a passion for health developed into a company that specializes in vegan “meat”, or meat that is gluten-free, soy-free and cornfree. After years of witnessing diet-related illness in patients and having personal experience with the effects of a plant-based diet, Dr. Monica Randle and Dr. Andrew Maternowski launched their company, Nutcase Vegan Meats.

The couple’s business journey began when Monica herniated two disks; as a result, she suffered from back pain. She went on a clean-eating diet, free of meat, dairy, sugar and caffeine, which completely alleviated her pain. When their daughter decided to go vegetarian, the family fully transitioned into a plant-based diet.

After a year of being vegetarian and dairy-free and not finding any satisfying meat substitutes, Monica wished for just one meatball on her birthday. Andrew took to the kitchen to create a nut-based vegan meatball. The couple continued experimenting with nut-based “meat” recipes and would often share their products with their friends. With the urging of their friends and some know-how from a family member in the food industry, Monica and Andrew launched Nutcase Vegan meats.

Looking back at this decision makes the couple laugh.

They were both working full-time, she as a pediatrician and he as a hospitalist, and had two teenagers in the house. Adding a business to the mix certainly didn’t simplify their lives, but the timing was right, and they were passionate about bringing a quality meat substitute to the market. After tacking on a business partnership to their 25-year marriage, they appreciate that they know exactly what to expect from one another as business partners because of how well they already know each other as life partners.

44

Switchback Gear Exchange

and are able to celebrate the successes together and share in the hard times.

Michael and Rachel Posthumus figured out one thing very early in life: each other. Michael jokes that he asked Rachel to a dance in high school and was thrilled when she accepted. Fast forward to today, the two have been dancing through life together for 17 years and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“It’s really cool that we have grown it together,” Rachel reminisced. “It started from a three-day-a-week experiment while we were going to college to now being something that employs people and is a service to a community we care about.”

The path to opening Switchback Gear Exchange was not always so clear for the two, but looking back seems inevitable. Michael and Rachel earned their bachelor’s degrees from Grand Valley State University. They were working in their respective fields in Jackson, Wyoming when they discovered shops that carried used outdoor gear. Craving more from their careers, the duo packed up their life out West and headed for Marquette, Michigan to pursue advanced degrees.

Surrounded by the nature of northern Michigan, Michael and Rachel realized that this outdoorsy town was missing something major: a place to buy and sell used gear. Inspired, the couple opened up Switchback Gear Exchange while attending graduate school. The business existed for four more years in Marquette until the couple moved back to Grand Rapids. In May of 2015, Switchback Gear Exchange opened its doors in the Creston neighborhood. The business has expanded to include new and used outdoor gear, as well as a bike and repair shop.

Urban Massage Brianna and Chandler Forbes are no strangers to sharing space — a fact made evident by how the two lovingly relate to one another. The pair grew up in Wisconsin just three blocks apart, meeting for the first time as toddlers. Life brought them back together as teenagers, and they have been inseparable ever since.

BRIANNA AND CHANDLER FORBES

For Rachel, the best part about working with her partner is having the deep trust in each other and the knowledge of how the other person functions.

They both enjoy bringing their strengths to the table, although Michael insists Rachel provides 80 percent of those strengths. The couple has also greatly valued getting to know each other in a professional sense — something that some couples are never able to see.

“It gives me a much greater appreciation of Rachel’s skills and talents that I wouldn’t know otherwise,” Michael explained. “Plus, when she comes home and has had a bad day, I get it. It allows me to be a little more empathetic to what she needs and how I can take care of her.”

The couple likens the business venture to raising a family. They invest a lot of time and resources into it RACHEL AND MICHAEL POSTHUMUS

An opportunity to pursue an education in film brought Chandler to Grand Rapids, and Brianna was soon to follow. As he pursued a career in film while she began hers in the massage world. After gaining experience and learning the market, she opened Urban Massage on North Monroe with a portion of the couple’s savings.

When the business moved to Wealthy Street, the couple began to foresee they would soon outgrow the space, and they made a plan; once they found a larger space to buy, Chandler would leave his job in film to lend his talents to Urban Massage.

In September 2017, the couple found an open venue in the burgeoning Creston Neighborhood to move the business to. Chandler devoted all of his time to closing on the space, making long-term businessplans and transforming the building into the perfect home for Urban Massage. The transition into business partnership has been natural for Chandler and Brianna.

“This might sound a little sappy, but I married my wife because I love her desperately. She’s my best friend, and the best part of working together is that we get to spend time with each other – period,” Chandler expressed. “There’s no one I’d rather spend time with. Ever.”

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Creston Brewery

Rebel Reclaimed

Cailin Kelley and Vince Lambert are one half of the business partnership that makes up Creston Brewery.

The couple is in business with another twosome, Molly Bouwsma Schultz, one of Cailin’s best friends from college, and her husband Scott Schultz.

Step into Rebel Reclaimed, and you’ll most likely be greeted by Chip Minor or Dann Boyles, proud owners of the unique gift shop in Eastown. The carefully curated gifts, fun atmosphere and overall sense of joy in the air is a reflection of the couple’s chemistry.

relationship forever. They dated for two years, spent four months engaged and planned a wedding during grad school. They made it down the aisle days after they finished earning master’s degrees and began their life together.

“Because we have chemistry as a couple, we are able to make people feel at home when they come in the store,” Dann remarked. It’s almost an extension of our home. We have an energy between the two of us that we are able to convey to the customer.”

While Dann takes the more creative role and Chip works a little more behind the scenes, both work on the floor and are intimately involved in treating their customers as family. As for everything else?

“As other things come up, we kind of split it,” Chip explained. “It’s kind of like when you have a roommate; if there are dirty dishes, you clean them.

Because we have run a household together before, it was very natural.”

CAILIN KELLEY AND VINCE LAMBERT

ANISSA AND JERMALE EDDIE

Cailin and Vince met in 2009 in the Peace Corps. They attribute their experience as part of what got them ready for entrepreneurship. They described the “gritty and resourceful” way of life in which they met as the building blocks for the way they handle things now.

They are able to make do with whatever they have and make it work. They got engaged in Europe and moved back to Michigan to start their lives.

When Jermale was introduced to the nutritional benefits of juicing, he was intrigued enough to go all in. He bought a juicer for home and began mixing concoctions for family and friends. This newfound passion turned out to be the answer to his dream of starting his own business. Anissa never intended to join her husband in this business; she enjoyed helping with the proposals and recipe development, but was determined to take a supportive role and continue her job in social work.

When Molly mentioned that she and Scott were planning to leave their work at another brewery to start their own but needed some business help, Cailin referred them to her husband, a finance manager by trade.

At the last second, Jermale’s business partner had a change of heart.

“That’s when I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it together!’”

Anissa recalled.

“I realized that he needed a business partner, not a consultant,” Vince explained.

Both the couples decided then to go in on the brewery together.

“I’m the business finance/admin leader, Scott is brewery and production and Cailin and Molly take care of the community organizing part, which is a huge part of our business — the aesthetics, the social organizing side,” Vince said.

A month after opening, Cailin and Vince welcomed another venture into their life, this time as parents to their daughter. They laugh about it and refer to the time as having twins, one being the baby and the other the business. While it is a challenge, they are so grateful and happy to have all of this in their lives at once.

Vince recalls reading that in order to be an entrepreneur, you must be somewhat naive and confident.

“This is our path, so we might as well move forward,” Cailin explained.

Forward motion is the theme for this couple, who won’t be stopping anytime soon. Creston Brewery plans to expand to a second level for events, and Cailin intends to open up a coffee shop right down the street from the brewery.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

CHIP MINOR AND DANN BOYLES

From there, the couple was given the opportunity to dream and create together.

Jermale was quick to appreciate the perks of having his wife as his business partner.

The most challenging part for the couple is not being able to vacation together anymore, but the two have plans to change that. They have hired capable hands for the business so they can dream of trips together once again.

When probed about advice the pair would give another couple entering business, Chip says, “Don’t do it!”

He’s joking of course. The two emphasized making sure that you really like your partner, and occasionally being able to say, “I really like you, I just don’t want to be around you right now.”

Malamiah Juice Bar “We’re 11 years in, three kids, a business, it was clearly meant to be,” Anissa Eddie said of meeting her husband, Jermale, in college.

Anissa believes that “when you know you know,” and the two didn’t waste any time cementing their

“There are some things that Anissa envisioned that I wouldn’t have thought of, and the conversations can just organically happen,” he mused.

“When I look back on it now, I think one of the best things of being in business with my spouse is the base level of trust and commitment that was already in our relationship, but we brought to the business,” Anissa said. “You can be more vulnerable — you don’t have to put on some type of facade.”

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.

45

READER’S From historical romances to contemporary love stories to sizzling passionate tales, the romance genre covers a lot of reading preferences. The Story Compass tool at KDL allows readers to search whole genres based on books they already enjoy — here are a few page-turners with similar storylines to appeal to the romantic in you!

Misadventures of a Good Wife

by Meredith Wild

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It was the perfect life for Kate and Price Lewis. They were in love, had fulfilling careers and enjoyed living in a great apartment in the city. But “perfect” ended abruptly when Price’s business trip overseas ended in a plane crash.

One year later, Kate embarks on an allgirls trip to the South Pacific. During her vacation, she is stunned to discover that Price is alive and living on the island where the group s is staying. With their reunion nothing like she might have hoped for, Kate must choose to follow her heart to Price or risk losing him all over again. Can things ever be picture perfect once more? Join Kate and Price on their adventurous, romantic tale where emotions run high, passions burn bright and impossible choices abound.

46

BY JOYANNE HUSTON-SWANSON

Craving

You Say it First

A recipe for romance or disaster? Mix together two broken hearts, a wild attraction and romantic desire will follow as Jade Roberts and Talon Steel soon discover when they meet each other at a ranch in Colorado. Sparks fly as they get to know one another and desire becomes a craving they can’t seem to quench. Enjoy this adults-only romance, but beware — there are longburied secrets haunting the two lovers that may end up tearing them apart.

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits for a new commission, he takes a day job as a carpenter at a wedding venue. The job has its perks— mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, he’s all in for ecstasy with an expiration date. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her.

Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk; she knows in her heart that he’s right: Where she really belongs is in his arms.

by Helen Hardt

by Susan Mallery

Third Son’s A Charm

by Shana Galen

Finding it difficult to settle back into peaceful society after serving in the military, Ewan Mostyn accepts an “easy” job as bodyguard for the Duke of Ridlington’s daughter, Lady Lorraine.

Strong-willed and independent, Lady Lorraine wants nothing to do with her new bodyguard or her father’s highhanded ways. She is determined to do everything she can to avoid Ewan— until she gets into trouble that is. An endearing love story to keep you up all hours of the night, be entranced by this brooding hero and quirky heroine.

Joyanne Huston-Swanson is a Patron Services Associate at the Service Center in Comstock Park. When not at work, you will find her volunteering at her local elementary school library or making popcorn.

She is also a wife of 22 years and mother to four daughters, a yellow lab named Daisy and two quirky cats.

Running From Fear

by Thad Cummings

There is no shortage of good books, friends, support groups, therapies, religious teachings, advice and knowledge on how to live a life full of abundance, joy and love. Yet, in so many lives, it barely exists. Fear is the roadblock that keeps us from engaging a life we all desire, but cannot seem to get to because it is always somewhere over there, just out of reach. From our jobs to our relationships, from our past pain to our current despair, to all the negativity that clouds our communities, fear affects everyone, universally. This is a conversation with stories about how we can engage the fears we all face so that they are no longer controlling our lives. This is about turning knowledge into practical wisdom.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

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February 2018

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Consign or get cash without appointment Monday to Friday. shopgildthelily.com Resale Republic 41 Courtland Drive (616) 884-0535 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 Resale inspiration for the hip and trendy.

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Ada Georgie’s Consignment Clothing 7504 Thornapple River Drive (616) 676-1869 Hours: TWF 10-6, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4 Accepting everything from Gap to Gucci and you get 50% instead of only 40%. No appointment necessary. georgiesconsignment.com

Holland Holland Furniture 753 Lincoln Ave. (616) 546-8645 Hours: M 10-7, TWRF 10-6, Sat 10-4 New furniture, home accessories and upscale resale items. Our inventory of quality, reasonably priced consignment furniture changes weekly, so be sure to check often to see what’s new. hollandfurniture.com

Grand Haven Purple Rose Boutique 232 Jackson St. (616) 842-1201 Hours: M 10-5, TWRF 10-6, Sat 10-5 Discover a unique resale boutique featuring upscale, one-of-a-kind attire including funky fun, classic, formal, vintage, and retro seasoned with accessories and home decor!

Purple Rose’s mission is to help all women to define and develop their inner beauty and expression of creative fashion. facebook.com/purpleroseboutique

47

Glam & Glowing

BY SARAH ANDERSON

7 Brilliant At-Home Beauty Hacks F

or those of us who refuse to believe that there isn’t something better out there, the quest for the perfect beauty solutions is never ending. In the spirit of never settling for mediocre and never accepting “good enough,” try these at-home hacks that rival some of the top products on the market.

Nourish Your Nails

Plump Your Lips

Looking for a little lip help without committing to anything major? Try olive oil infused with cinnamon sticks to spice up your pout before going out. Submerge 3-4 cinnamon sticks in a small jar of olive oil, and wait a couple of weeks for the mixture to fully infuse; then you’re ready to apply a coat to your lips and hit the town channeling your inner Angelina.

Ditch the Split Ends

Sometimes the best leave-in conditioners and repair masks can’t stop winter hair fragility. Invest in a pair of hair cutting scissors and stay diligent with your ends between salon appointments so the split doesn’t travel further up the hair shaft. Your hair will look fuller and healthier and continue to grow through the cold winter months.

Revive Your Skin

Brew a cup of green tea and pour it into a glass spray bottle. Leave it in the fridge and mist it on your face for an instant refresher. Spray it over a clean face in the morning to tone, brighten and treat your skin to antioxidants, or spritz it on over your makeup midday to reap the caffeinated benefits of the tea and bring your skin back to life.

Keep Your Hair Clean and Bouncy

End the bedtime “I-should-really-wash-my hair-today” guilt with a sprinkle of baby powder all over your roots. Sleep peacefully and wake up to oil-free locks that you definitely can leave for a few more days before washing. If your ends tend to get dry, put a dab of Moroccan oil on them before bed; wake up, comb through your mane, and just say, “Thank you!” when someone notices your brilliant hair day.

48

Calm and Hydrate Your Skin

The cure to all your skin woes could be sitting right in your window sill.

Aloe Vera is hydrating and incredibly calming. Its healing and antiinflammatory properties aren’t just for burns: It moisturizes, calms redness and acne, and can even help fight aging. Coat your face in 100 percent pure Aloe Vera gel first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, either store bought or directly from the leaf, and enjoy a fresh glow all year round.

If you have troubles keeping your nails long and strong, try applying vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticles a few times a day. Vitamin E oil is filled with antioxidants and packs a moisturizing punch. The combination helps to restore your nails to health and protect them from the elements. For an added benefit, drop some in your soap dispensers throughout your home to continue protecting your nails and hands even while washing them.

Grow Long, Eyelashes and Bolder Brows

Long eyelashes and bold brows are sweeping the world of beauty. If you’d like to lengthen your lashes and thicken your brows naturally, try castor oil. With roots dating back to Ancient Egypt, castor oil has a rich history of curing ailments and being used in everyday applications from digestive health to inducing labor in pregnant women. Today, it’s widely used to increase hair growth. Rub some on your eyelashes and eyebrows before bed every night and watch each day as they thicken and grow. Feel free to rub some on your roots 20 minutes before you shower to help your mane grow long and strong, too.

Go to the Dark Side

If you have lighter brows, brush them with a mixture of used coffee grounds, cocoa powder, coconut oil and honey to tint them a few shades darker. Wait about 20 minutes and remove with a wet cloth or cotton swab.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

49

You’re Invited to LaFontsee Galleries’

30th

Linda and Scott Lafontsee

Anniversary Celebration

BY BRI KILROY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

B

irthdays are traditionally caked with increased focus

on the individual who has successfully made it through another year, but LaFontsee Galleries isn’t celebrating its vitality independently because, as co-owners Scott and Linda LaFontsee expressed, “We wouldn’t be here without the community.”

As an unconditional “thank you” to those who have supported the passionate and welcoming gallery over the last 30 years, from its Underground Studio on Grand Street to its two locations in Douglas and Grand Rapids, LaFontsee Galleries invites you to join them in celebrating three decades that embody the tenacity of endurance and family.

What would grow into a beloved neighborhood gallery space began with Scott LaFontsee’s independent framing service run out of his basement. The average Hallmark Valentine plot may have you thinking this is leading to a meet-cute launching the origin of Scott and Linda LaFontsee, but their story is equally enchanting; Linda, a Kendall student at the time, met Scott while he was working as a fine art photographer during an art opening at the Gaiai Cafe. Among the similarities that connected the two, the urge to provide a space for artists to show their work guided Scott and Linda on the journey that brought LaFontsee Galleries to the East Hills neighborhood in 2011, providing more space to reach the GR audience.

Lafontsee Galleries host more than 50 artists working in a variety of striking media.

“We grew up as the city grew up,” Scott recalled. “The last 10 years have changed immensely with art interest and appreciation.”

Interest in art has skyrocketed over the past decade with the introduction of ArtPrize and the murals that proudly cover our institutions. LaFontsee Galleries maintains the all-inclusive vibe by serving as a space for the public to come in at their leisure, absorb the quality LaFontsee offers through art and services and interact with the team and artists behind the paintings. “[We create] a further deepening of community where you can meet and talk to the artists,” Linda said.

The hub that resulted from the motivation to create a place that brings people to art and fosters long term relationships (many former

50

employees show their work at LaFontsee) is the heart of exposing people to beautiful art, providing quality service and treating everyone with kindness to the point where you feel like a member of the family. The eye, service and opportunity LaFontsee provides earns it a surprise birthday/ appreciation party, but leave it to their talented foresight and gratitude to get to it before we could.

The party kicks off with an opening reception revealing new artwork by more than 50 artists, ranging from acrylic and oil paintings to sculptures of all media. Adding more energy into the surroundings is music by a live DJ, light refreshments and plenty of behind-the-scenes tours that give attendees the chance to witness the action taking place behind gallery walls like their storage area, saturated with over 3,000 works, and getting an up-close look at the team in action. An additional feature that allows guests to walk the timeline of LaFontsee’s history is a hallway illustrating the last 30 years with photos and artwork.

Artists also share their experience with the gallery through recorded interviews playing during the opening reception.

The opening reception occurs February 9, 6-9 p.m. Five percent of all art sales made during the 30th Anniversary Celebration exhibit supports Cooks Arts Center and Artists Creating Together (ACT), two nonprofits that offer art programs to underprivileged children. The celebration is free and open to the public, welcoming everyone to view, ponder, discuss and appreciate art among the artists who made it and the community that supported it.

What: LaFontsee Galleries’ 30th Anniversary Celebration Where: LaFontsee Galleries GR, 833 Lake Dr. SE When: Opening Reception February 9, 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs February 9-April 6 Cost: Free

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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51

Tips for Adopting a Senior Dog BY: BETH MCEWEN

A

dopting a furry family member can be an exciting, and nervewracking, experience. There are so

many options to consider: Big or small? Long or short hair? Purebred or mutt? Puppy or adult? Well, let me propose another possibility: A senior dog.

Senior dogs are a great option to consider for many reasons: You know exactly how big they are going to be, they have already been through all the crazy puppy stages and have a well-developed personality.

They typically have a lower activity level and less intense need for supervision and management than an adolescent or young-adult dog. The best reason, though? Senior dogs are often overlooked at the shelter or rescue, even though they typically end up there due to their previous owner’s sudden change in lifestyle or circumstances other than any behavioral issues (which is a frequent reason for surrendering adolescent dogs).

These older guys and gals have had a home where they were loved and cared for a significant amount of their adult life, which makes the transition to a shelter or rescue that much more jarring for them. Senior dogs want nothing more than a warm cozy couch or dog bed to snooze on, a leisurely daily walk and evening cuddles while watching TV with their new owner.

If an older model sounds exactly your speed, then here are five tips to keep in mind when adopting a senior dog.

Old Dogs Do Learn New Tricks

Dog trainers have a saying: “When you change the environment, you change the behavior.” This means that when a dog enters a new home, previously learned behaviors and routines are thrown out the window.

You have the opportunity to create your own schedule and behaviors in older dogs without the struggle of adolescent energy and learning stages. Embrace this level playing field, and find ways to capture your new dog’s appropriate behaviors (catch him doing something RIGHT). When he’s showing a behavior you aren’t fond of, let him know what you’d like him to do INSTEAD. It won’t take long for your senior dog to figure out what works (and what doesn’t) in his new digs. Investing in some training can help both your dog and your family get started on the right foot.

52

It Takes Time

Senior dogs have been through a tremendous upheaval in their life. While puppies are quick to adapt, older furry friends may be slower to adjust; they may have been extremely bonded with their previous family, and it will likely take time for them to acclimate to their new way of life. Some seniors may appear depressed or agitated while transitioning into a new home. Pacing around the house, staring out the windows and whimpering on occasion are all very normal in the early stages of settling in. Give your new senior dog time, a safe and comfortable space (such as a dog crate with an orthopedic pad) and extra love during the transition.

Those golden years are frequently the best part of any canine relationships.

Establish a Routine

Dogs, like people, find comfort in routines. Help your adopted senior pooch find his new groove with consistent boundaries and a schedule of set feeding times, potty breaks, daily walks, playtime and quiet time. Your senior dog likely was potty trained before, so help him learn where the appropriate bathroom place is by taking him to the same location each time you take him out. A bell hanging from the door can be a big help in teaching him how to let you know he needs to go. It’s worth keeping in mind that older dog’s kidneys don’t work as well as they did when they were young. A constant supply of water and regular potty breaks will be appreciated!

Get a Great Vet

While senior dogs are typically long past the stage of needing vaccines every 3 weeks, they will still need regular veterinary care. Semi-annual booster vaccinations for canine distemper, parvo and rabies should still be on your radar, as well as annual heartworm tests and preventative care. He or she is likely already spayed or neutered, but regular physicals will help identify potential health issues before they become serious. A senior dog’s teeth often need attention, so an annual or semi-annual dental prophylaxis will help keep the bacteria of decaying teeth from affecting her overall health. Many older dogs may also be overweight, which can negatively impact hips or elbows that may already be developing arthritis. Working with your veterinarian on identifying a goal weight and deciding which formulation of dog food is most appropriate for your pooch’s needs.

Embrace the Oldness

Instead of a 10 or 15-year commitment of a new puppy, a senior may only have a handful of years left, but those golden years are frequently the best part of any canine relationship. Enjoy the more relaxed pace of your old furry friend. Embrace the greying muzzle and cloudy eyes, and help a displaced senior live out their days in a comfortable, loving home — like yours!

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.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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53

Changing the Numbers

D

with Shannon Wilson

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

uring a conversation with Shannon Wilson, she will tell you difficult truths

about our community: African American infants in Kent County are 3 times more likely than Caucasian babies to die before reaching the age of 1; African Americans in West Michigan are 1.8 times more likely to die from a stroke than Caucasians; the breast cancer mortality rate for black women in our county is 25 percent higher than white women. These are some of the numbers behind the vast inequities between racial populations in our community when it comes to health outcomes.

She will also tell you something that will inspire you: “I run into a lot of people who have a lot of challenges that would cause most of us to move on or just give up, but they keep going and try to achieve their best. I feel like I was put on this earth to help people achieve their best self.”

Wilson works as the Executive Director of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI).

Established in 2002, GRAAHI is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that operates under the mission to eliminate inequities within our healthcare system and foster positive health outcomes in Grand Rapids’ African American community through advocacy, education and research.

“We are really looking at how we create equity overall in healthcare,” Wilson expressed. “Our mission is to eliminate the racism that causes these inequities today.”

For leading a half-dozen staff members, managing grants and courting potential GRAAHI funders along with serving as adjunct faculty for Grand Valley State University and on-call faculty for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and pursuing a doctorate in public health leadership from the University of Illinois-Chicago, Wilson’s demeanor is disarmingly calm. But beneath her gentle manner, one senses an acute, uncompromising focus gleaned from a career working on the front lines of public health in the Digital Age. “If we are not doing well for all populations [in our community], are we truly successful?” she expressed.

“What type of disservice are we doing to minority populations that are also residents in our communities if we are not addressing their health needs?”

The Epidemiologist

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Wilson excelled at math and science. As a student at MSU, she sought to be a gynecologist until she was introduced to epidemiology— a branch of medicine that pertains to finding the causes of health outcomes and diseases in populations—and she decided to pursue public health, a career that appealed to her benevolence.

“I have always enjoyed the idea of helping people,” Wilson commented.

54

In 2004, after earning her Masters of Public Health in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Michigan, she became the first Health Disparities Epidemiologist for the State of Michigan.

Wilson says she stepped into the role during a pivotal point in the history of public health in Michigan.

Many states had offices of minority health, but their potential success was limited due to being isolated from the rest of the state’s health department; the need to fully infuse disparity reduction across the board was becoming more and more evident.

“Bringing in a Health Disparities Epidemiologist says that if we are truly going to be successful in eliminating the disparities in healthcare by race, then each and every part of the public health department has to own a piece of it,” Wilson expressed.

Wilson spent her time supporting other epidemiologists and departments as they assessed how they stratified their data by race, a vital function, for at the time collecting data by race for state and local programs was a newly mandated procedure.

“We really drilled down and created systems and mechanisms for everyone to collect data by race and ethnicity,” she commented. “That was one of the biggest projects I worked on.”

This new method of amassing data allowed the Michigan Department of Health and Services to provide health statistics based on race and ethnicity by district to congressional leaders, giving them a clear picture of what inequity looks like in their communities to help them shape solutions.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

While the work was as satisfying as it was challenging, Wilson gleaned valuable lessons about bureaucracy that she carries with her in her role today.

“I learned that while change may seem simple, it’s actually very difficult to implement,” Wilson reflected.

“And often times, the decisions made around health care have very little do with health. That was the hardest thing to learn.”

After four years with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Wilson took a position as a Domestic Scientific Program Coordinator at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

There, she spent 18 months working on the Minority Aids Research Initiative (MARI) Project developing sex education programs for children ages 8-9 in order to delay the onset of sexual activity in major urban populations; data showed that 40-50 percent of males within those populations were sexually active by the sixth grade.

Wilson emphasizes that racism in healthcare often does not necessarily happen as people might imagine it to; rather than being overt, it’s often subconscious and systemic, stemming from preconceived notions and policies and procedures that in nature discriminate toward specific groups.

“Everyone goes into medicine to do their best every day to meet the needs of every patient that walks through the door,” she commented. “But everyone also has preconceived notions. How those affect our medicine and our ability to deliver medicine is what we are a really focused on.”

Along with aiming to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations, GRAAHI is working on an initiative to help healthcare systems better reflect the communities they serve. The organization recently partnered with seven colleges and universities across West Michigan to create pathways toward advanced practice careers in healthcare for minority students.

“That was just earth-shattering to me at the time,” Wilson commented.

She tested tools to aid parents in recognizing teachable moments and empower them to set their own values when educating their children about sex. The program was implemented in 18 sites across the country and five sites in Africa, allowing her to witness how different populations react to the same teaching materials.

“It was a fascinating project,” Wilson beamed. “I really enjoyed it.”

A marriage proposal from her long-distance boyfriend brought her back to The Mitten. In 2008 she took a job with the Alliance for Health, a now defunct non-profit that worked to reduce costs in healthcare. There, she gained non-profit administration experience that is valuable to her work managing grants and funding at GRAAHI. She was asked to serve as a part-time in-loan executive for GRAAHI in 2010, and transitioned to the role fulltime in 2014.

“I have been here ever since,” she smiled.

GRAAHI

Fifteen years ago, GRAAHI was founded to address the health disparities among adults in Grand Rapids.

The organization has since evolved to focus on eliminating inequities in all aspects of health care.

With a team of epidemiologists who collect, record and disseminate data, the Institute has more than a halfdozen reports and policy briefs pertaining to African American health outcomes in Kent County available on their website for anyone to view. They provide education on topics such as cardiovascular disease, environmental hazards, smoking cessation and healthy eating, and partner with healthcare systems to deliver programming to the community; this, along with a number of community initiatives aimed at empowering people to raise healthy families, comprise GRAAHI’s multi-pronged approach toward eradicating the astonishing healthcare inequities in Kent County.

“As we move toward achieving that, our vision is to see an environment where race is no longer a factor in the healthcare you receive,” Wilson expressed.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Knowledge is power. If we want to empower people to make change within their community, we have to give them the tools necessary to do that.”

—Shannon Wilson, Executive Director of GRAAHI

“We want to get to a point where the nurse that rounds on you is a minority patient,” she expressed. “Or the doctor who comes in, or the occupational therapist you see after your stay. We are looking at how we get to that place.”

With Wilson’s professional history, along with her passion for public health and commitment to the big picture, it’s difficult to imagine a more perfect person for the task she has undertaken. GRAAHI founder and CEO Paul Doyle speaks to how essential she is to the success of the institute’s mission.

“We [GRAAHI] accelerated when Shannon came on board,” Doyle expressed. “With her background and her understanding of community health, she is the perfect person to lead the institute into the future. She is innovative and insightful...I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

The Mom

There is no such thing as an average day for Wilson.

Along with balancing her tasks at GRAAHI and fulfilling her teaching duties at GVSU and MSU, she also occupies another important role: Mom to two young girls, ages 7 and 1.

“I am of the mindset that women can achieve anything they want, so raising girls is right up my alley,” she smiled.

Wilson and her husband are intentional about imparting a healthy lifestyle to their daughters; they often ride bikes, take walks, play basketball and go the YMCA as a family. Healthy meals can be a challenge for busy parents, but Wilson makes an effort to cook at home and provide healthy snacks, such as sugar-free Jello with fruit, and peanut butter and crackers.

“Children learn from example,” she said. “If they see me eating fast food, that’s what they will want. But if they see me making conscious decisions about my food and health, they will too.”

She comments that her work with GRAAHI is humbling to her as a mother.

“I want to give them [my daughters] the healthiest life possible,” she said. “I wake up very humble because in this work I see on a daily basis people who have negative health outcomes. I consider myself fortunate every day, and I want my children to understand how fortunate they are.”

The Numbers

Statistics have been the powerful nucleus around which Wilson’s career has revolved. As she describes the inequities within our community, her soothing voice impresses the gravity of the numbers while also transmitting an unwavering belief that change will be affected by those who rise to meet the challenge.

“Data is power,” she expressed. “Knowledge is power.

If we want to empower people to make change within their community, we have to give them the tools necessary to do that—and data is one of those tools.”

Wilson’s efforts and those of the GRAAHI staff are already helping to change the tide. Although African American infants experience mortality at a rate 3 times of their Caucasian counterparts, three years ago it was closer to 5 times. Wilson states that one of the programs responsible for that outcome is Strong Beginnings, a community-wide collaborative among GRAAHI and several partners. Strong Beginnings was born several years ago from collective appall at the infant mortality disparity. The program provides support services for mothers and their babies for 24 months after delivery, assists with transportation, provides food, supplies, medical care and education, and includes a strong emphasis on fatherhood. Though the disparity is shrinking, there is still much work to be done.

“We have to pay serious attention to the fact that these inequities exist in our community,” Wilson emphasized. “We can be advocates for our fellow community members—we can be the best champions for our neighbors.”

While shifting numbers attest to the success of her work, Wilson describes the thrill of seeing the results of GRAAHI’s efforts with her own eyes.

“I see people walking and running in communities,” Wilson beamed. “When I eat at restaurants, I see people making healthy choices. Almost every church in our community has a health ministry. It feels like we are moving the needle—it may be one person at a time, but that is how it starts. It’s a beautiful feeling.”

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Sweat The Stress Away

BY KELLY BROWN

Breaking a sweat causes you to produce oh, so pleasing endorphins, which help your body and mind relax.

W

ith long commutes, busy lives and work emails just a

notification away, it’s no wonder why people walk around in a state of chronic stress. And, chances are, nobody needs to tell you working out helps relieve it.

We are all stressed, especially this time of year (hello post-holiday funk!). There are many techniques to fighting stress, but exercise just might be the most beneficial.

How does that work? Physical activity reduces cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone). Breaking a sweat causes you to produce oh, so pleasing endorphins, which help your body and mind relax. This soothing hormone cocktail allows you to sleep better, think clearer and improves your mood. If your body feels better, so will your mind. Sounds good to us!

While any exercise will naturally produce sweat, we’ve picked the seven best workouts that connect your mind and body.

Yoga

Yoga is popular for a reason: The mind-body practice brings together physical and mental disciplines to help you relax while increasing your physical strength and flexibility. Each pose in yoga takes a delicate strength and mental balance controlled by mindfulness and breathing. Yoga can help reduce stress while lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. Ending your practice with savasana helps you empty your mind and stay focused for the day.

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Tai Chi

This non-competitive martial art links flowing physical movements with breathing. Like yoga, there are many different styles and forms, making it ideal for just about anyone. Studies show that Tai Chi improves muscular strength, flexibility, immunity and can help relieve pain. Bonus is the peace and serenity you’ll feel after an hour long practice.

Dancing

You don’t need a gym membership for this one — simply crank the tunes in your living room and let loose! Nothing makes you feel better than hearing your favorite music and letting your freak flag fly. Do The Hustle or Thriller or The Electric Slide—who cares!

Dance is a great way to be creative and allows you to stretch your body in different ways than you would on a day-to-day basis. If you’re looking for more direction, try a Zumba class.

Running

Fresh air is good for the soul, period. Even in the middle of winter, stepping outside and taking a big inhale to let air flow through your lungs is exhilarating.

Grab your trail shoes and head to the woods for a walk/ run combo.

Pilates

This fitness system is designed to strengthen muscles and improve posture and flexibility. Surprise – it also heightens mental awareness. Pilates is known to help relieve both stress and anxiety.

It releases tension in the muscles while using breathing techniques to provide more oxygen to the brain.

Increased oxygen causes a feeling of calmness and well-being.

Kickboxing

This workout burns calories like crazy. Seeing your calorie count on your fitness watch skyrocket is satisfying. And, kickboxing helps maintain high metabolism. This blend of martial arts and boxing is a great workout. It reduces stress by teaching proper breathing techniques, building confidence and giving you an instant energy boost. Plus, these moves will help with your self-defense.

Heading Outdoors

Yes, we’ll say it again: Going outside helps you relax!

The beauty of the world around you helps melt away stress. Take a (fat) bike ride, go for a run, hike a new trail, snow shoe or cross country ski. There are plenty of ways to adventure the great outdoors and West Michigan is the best place to do it!

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 works full-time at Green Giftz, instructs at Beer City Barre, and attends classes at CrossFit 616.”

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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February 2018

57

Little Hats

Big Hearts

BY ELYSE WILD|PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

N

ewborns across West Michigan are donning bright red hats, stitched

with love and infused with the compassion of dedicated volunteers pointing their knitting needles toward a vital cause.

When Shari Bethel gave birth to her daughter, Katie, 16 years ago, her joy was followed abruptly by shock when Katie was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect (CHD).

“It’s devastating and life-changing,” Shari expressed.

“It’s very difficult at first.”

At just 11 days old, Katie underwent surgery for truncus arteriosus, a congenital disorder in which one large ventricle — instead of two small vessels — leads out of the heart. Truncus arterioles results in severe circulatory problems and can be fatal if left untreated.

Four years ago, the American Heart Association (AHA) launched “Little Hats, Big Hearts,” a campaign in which thousands of hand-knit red hats are delivered to newborns in participating hospitals across the state to raise awareness about babies like Katie born with heart defects. This year’s campaign will take place from Feb. 7-14.

“We are reaching out to all families, for those who are born with healthy hearts and those who are born with a congenital heart defect,” Cindy Bouma, communications director for the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate, expressed. “Families who have a child with a heart defect have a long road ahead of them, and we want to connect with them.”

Each year, at least 40,000 children in the United States are born with a CHD, which vary widely with 21 types and different varieties of each, the exact causes of which are mostly unknown. CHDs are the most common cause of infant death resulting from birth defects. Today, thanks to medical research, most babies born with heart defects survive to adulthood; however, they face an increased risk of developing conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias and congestive heart failures.

Each year, at least 40,000 children in the United States are born with a Congenital Heart Defect.

Some CHDs are diagnosed before or immediately following birth; others can go undetected for months or even years. Since her diagnoses, Katie has undergone a total of three surgeries—two of them open heart surgery—and two bouts of endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining usually caused when bacteria in the body travels through the bloodstream and attaches to damaged areas of the heart. Like many who have a CHD, Katie’s condition is largely unnoticed by those around her.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

We really appreciate the donors who are taking the time to knit and crochet so we can distribute the hats.”

— Cindy Bouma, Communications Director for the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate Unless one were to see the surgical scars on her chest or notice that she has limitations in gym class, one would never know she is different than the average 16-year-old girl.

“People don’t realize what you go through emotionally,” Katie and her mom stated. “Going through surgery is difficult.”

Katie first heard about “Little Hats, Big Hearts” as the campaign was launching. One of her teachers introduced looms to her seventh-grade classroom, and Katie suggested the class utilize the looms to make hats to donate to the newborns. Today, she continues to knit and donate as many pint-sized red hats as she can.

For Katie, making the hats is a way of acknowledging the connection she has to the babies coming into the world with a heart defect, just as she did 16 years ago.

“It’s cool to pay it forward to kids who have the same thing,” Katie said.

Each year, Shari returns to that seventh-grade classroom to tell her daughter’s story and encourage students to participate in the hat drive.

The AHA has found the public response to the campaign to be astounding and inspiring. Last year, thousands of handmade, radiant red hats came pouring in; so many, in fact, that a number of hats donated for 2017 are being distributed in this year’s campaign.

Each hat bears special touches embellished by the one who made it: a delicate white heart against the deep crimson of the yarn, a burst of knit flowers resting on the side and tiny pink hearts perched atop a perfectly snug little cap. Bouma emphasizes how vital the hats are to escalating public awareness of CHD and reaching families who may be struggling with the news of a recent diagnosis.

“We really appreciate the donors who are taking the time to knit and crochet so we can distribute the hats,” Bouma expressed. “It’s a great way to reach parents of newborns during a key learning opportunity.”

For many new parents, the endearing hats represent hope and are a palpable sign that they need not walk the path that lies before them alone. “[The hats mean] realizing that you have support, that you are not alone,” Shari commented. “Take it one day at a time. While it is life-altering, it is one of the greatest gifts you can grow from.”

The AHA will be accepting hats for next year’s “Little Hats, Big Hearts” campaign from late fall 2018 to Feb. 1, 2019. They kindly request that the yarn be red, cotton or acrylic, medium to heavy weight and machine washable and dryable.

For knitting patterns and a link for more information on participating, please visit our website at Womenslifestyle.com.

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What to Wear?

A personal stylist’s guide to dressing for a date

T

BY CATHY STARNES

his Valentine’s Day, the most important thing to consider when choosing what to wear is

confidence. Being your authentic self and radiating confidence will be more alluring than trying too hard or dressing in a way that you think your date will enjoy.

Feeling fearless in an outfit usually means not going too over the top while not down-playing your look or dressing too casually.

You’ll know you’ve struck the right balance when you feel confident in that final glimpse in the mirror, and you won’t spend another thought on your outfit for the rest of the night. Feeling great in what you’re wearing means you can forget about it and enjoy a date experience with your partner.

A Valentine’s date is the perfect excuse to dress up a touch more than you usually would. Go all out with red, pink, sparkles, hearts, high heels and a full skirt if that feels amazing to you! This is a great look if your style tends toward girly or whimsical.

If your style is more classic or sophisticated, you can never go wrong with all black. Remember, the key to pulling off that little black dress or black pants and a blouse is the accessories with which you finish it off. Drape a scarf over your shoulders and add a pendant necklace or statement earrings; add some fun shoes or a belt and a great clutch. Use your accessories to show off your style, whether that’s fun, chic or edgy.

A current trend that is perfect for datewear is the over-the-knee boot. Pair it with skinny jeans, leggings or a dress for a sexy look that’s not too revealing or dressy. Another fun trend to include for Valentine’s Day is tassels, which can add a bit of festivity to your ensemble. Think long tasseled earrings, a tassel pendant or tassels on your shoes or handbag.

This time of year, outerwear is important, too. There’s nothing that makes our style hearts drop more than seeing an amazing outfit covered up by the wrong coat and winter accessories; this layer is just as important as the rest. Make sure your outerwear coordinates with your outfit and gives you confidence in addition to coziness.

Remember, being in love is about being yourself, feeling confident and feeling love flow through you. You can enhance these feelings with the right outfit, no matter if you’re spending a cozy night in or a big night out, whether you’re alone, with your kids, your girlfriends or on the big date. Happy Valentine’s Day! Cathy Starnes is a personal stylist and the owner of new retail concept, Iris Boutique, which offers unique women’s accessories with a side of personal styling.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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February 2018

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Celebrating Black History Month in Grand Rapids

Join institutions and venues throughout Grand Rapids in honoring and celebrating part of our nation’s history. From workshops on genealogy to open mic nights celebrating black history through the sharing of experiences, their is something for everyone.

Grand Valley State University

Celebration of Black Arts February 3, 7:30-9 pm Members of the African-American student body will pay homage to African American entertainers. Kirkhof Center, Room 2215 Black Activism Through Sports with Dr. Louis Moore February 6, noon-1:30 pm Associate Professor of History at GVSU Dr. Louis Moore gives presentation as tribute to the brave men and women who fought for civil rights both socially and athletically through their careers. Kirkhof Center, Room 2215 Body Image and Blackness with Care Allen February 9, noon-1:30 pm Program Coordinator Care Allen Dissects and discusses truths, and myths about Blackness in regard to body image and social acceptance.

Kirkhof Center, Room 2215 Positive Black Woman Luncheon February 14, Noon-1 pm This annual event honors those who have made shaped our history.

Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room A Taste of Soul February 16 Noon-1 pm Share in the tradition of soul food. Russel H. Kirkhof Center

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Accidental Courtesty with Daryl Davis February 20, 1-2:30 pm The author of Klan-Destine Relationships, Davis discusses his encounters with members and leaders of the Ku Klux Klan and how racial tensions can be healed.

Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room Conversations of Color February 21, noon-1 pm African-American students share their experiences navigating GVSU. Kirkhof Center, Room 1240.

Racial Battle Fatigue Syndrome with Lois Owens February 27, 6-8 pm Professor in the College of Community and Public Service and Liberal Studies, Owens leads an interactive discussion on what Racial Battle Fatigue Syndrome is, strategies for coping and ways to be an advocate for underrepresented populations. DeVos Center

Grand Rapids Public Library

Taste of Soul Sunday February 18, 1-4:30 pm.

Celebrate African American history and culture with live music and delicious eats, and learn about African American heritage and culture through thought-provoking presentations. Preserve your family history by sharing valuable memories with the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives Create at the What Does Your Name Mean to You? Poetry Workshop and the Kid’s Crafts workshop. GRPL Main Branch

Black Family History Series Learn about researching and documenting your family’s history.

The series will feature local and regional speakers and offer the opportunity to connect with others around your family history.

Workshops include: —February 3, 10 am Why Genealogy: An Introduction to Researching Your African American Ancestry. GRPL Main Branch.

—February 3, 1:30 pm Uncovering Your African American Genealogical Treasure Trove Hiding in the Attic. GRPL Main Branch.

—February 10, 10 am Even Gangsters Had to Register: WWI Draft Cards and Selected Service. GRPL Main Branch.

—February 10, 1:30 pm Freedman’s Bureau. GRPL Main Branch.

—February 17, 10 am Schedules, Wills, and Probate.

GRPL Main Branch.

— February 17, 1:30 pm.

The ABCs of DNA. GRPL Main Branch —February 24, 10 am The Census: How to Use It and Track Family Members. GRPL Main Branch.

—February 24, 1:30 pm.

African Americans in Grand Rapids, Pre-Civil War and Post Slavery.

GRPL Main Branch.

Speak Up GR: Individual Rights and Community Policing February 20, 7-8:30 pm Panelists review the rights of individuals when interacting with law enforcement, how racial bias affects the whole community, and the City’s latest efforts to improve community policing and safety.

GRPL Main Branch

Stella’s Lounge

The Drunken Retort February 19, 8-11:30 p.m.

Local poets, musicians, performers and spoken words artist are invited to share their stories celebrating black history month at Stella’s staple open mic night.

Grand Rapids Community College

For the Love of Black History February 14, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

GRCC’s Black Africana Student Union hosts a jeopardy-like game show with subjects revolving around black history aimed at challenging students to considers our countries passed to strive for a better future.

Raider Griller Cafeteria SCC 207 Meeting Room, SCC 203 Black History Celebration: Experience Africa February 28, Noon-2 p.m.

GRCC’s Black African Student Union hosts a celebration of black history.

Raider Grille Cafeteria SCC 205 Meeting Room, SCC 207 Meeting Room, SCC 203,

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE & HERITAGE

TASTE OF SOUL

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2018 1:00 – 4:30 PM

Julius Hight featuring Bedrock Karisa Wilson Noel Webley and Jazzy Friends Quintet Zion Lion

LEARN

A Team of Her Own: Minnie Forbes & Negro League Baseball The Spirit of South High School From Jackie Robinson to Kaepernick: A Brief History of Athlete Activism

PRESERVE CREATE

Save Our African American Treasures

EAT

FREE FAMILY EVENT!

LISTEN

Crafts for Kids What Does Your Name Mean to You? Poetry Workshop with The Diatribe Big Ed’s BBQ Irie Kitchen Mosby’s Popcorn NoLo’s Soul

PUTTING MORE LIGHTS IN MORE WINDOWS A celebration of those who impact our community and the people we serve.

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April 12, 2018, 6pm • New Vintage Place

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February 2018

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February Events Sundays

Sunday Classical Concert Series.

Make enjoying a live concert by a local band part of your lazy Sunday afternoon, inviting you to admire the sound throughout GRAM’s beautiful architecture and gallery space. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Concert line-up at artmuseumgr.org.

Mondays through March 5

GROW Facebook Micro Credential Workshop Series. This 5-session workshop gives the public a chance to earn digital badges that demonstrate skills they learn in social media marketing during the workshops through hands-on experience managing a Facebook and Instagram business page they create. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women.

2-5 pm. (final class March 5).

Register at growbusiness.org.

Studio Night at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Work on your art projects among accessible collaboration

from fellow creators. 25% discount for all who participate. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 6-11 pm. grbrewingcompany.com

Comedy Outlet Mondays. Laugh Monday off as you watch a variety of improv, sketch, puppet and musical performances. Dog Story Theater.

7 pm. dogstorytheater.com

Tuesdays

Meijer Free Tuesdays means free admission and explorations to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

10 am-5 pm. artmuseumgr.org Science Tuesdays at the Museum.

Kids explore the Science of Watersheds by participating in a variety of activities and interactive displays. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am-4 pm. grpm.org

Tuesdays through February 27

Cozy Tales for Chilly Days. Cozy up at the gardens for wintertime stories

that guide preschoolers from winter to spring with animal tales in between.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 10:30-11:30 am. meijergardens.org

Ongoing

Give someone the ultimate Valentine by giving blood at one of the many blood drives this month hosted by Michigan Blood and the American Red Cross. Search our events for blood drive locations and times or find one near you at miblood.org or redcross.org.

Enmeshed exhibit. Discover how participating artists bridge the gap between personal, political and spiritual, exploring how they relate to identity and action. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Hours at uica.org.

Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids exhibit. Follow mythological creatures to their roots through models, replicas, fossils, interactive exhibits and more.

Grand Rapids Public Museum. Exhibit runs until May 20. Hours at grpm.org The Great Lakes Cycle exhibit.

Viewers explore the Great Lakes through Alexis Rockman’s vast collection of artwork that illustrates what the Great Lakes were in the past and what the future holds for them based on our actions. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Museum hours at artmuseumgr.org.

Through February 10

Grand Valley Artist exhibit.

Discover the exceptional talent and professionalism within the Grand Valley Artists a at this all-media juried exhibition. LowellArts. Gallery hours at lowellartsmi.org.

Through February 11

Andy Warhol’s American Icons. Visit the mind of Andy Warhol through GRAM’s newest exhibit composed of the avant-garde artist’s paintings, prints, photographs and film, creating (Continued on page 66)

February 24 DeVos Hall

Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald and her biggest hits!

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February 2018

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a collection of 20th century cultural icons. Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Hours at artmuseumgr.org.

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

7 pm (Thu & Fri). 3 and 7 pm (Sat). fhfineartscenter.com

Blood Drive at South Christian High School. 8 am-2 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

February 1

February 1 & 15

First Fridays Gallery Hop. Avenue for the Arts welcomes you to view artwork and handmade goods by local artists.

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

Blood Drive. East Grand Rapids High School (7:30 am-2 pm) and Calvin College (noon-7 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Mindful Walking and Thought Surfing.

Learn how to use thought-surfing to gain perspective on negative emotions and how mindfulness can help you lead a happier life. Grand Rapids Public Library. 1-2:30 pm. grpl.org Volunteer Education session. Those interested in becoming a volunteer tutor are invited to a free information session that teaches attendees more about the center’s programs. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 6-7 pm. literacycenterwm.org Grand Rapids Drive vs. Agua Caliente Clippers. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

SCMC Acoustic Café Series presents Judy Collins. Experience the artist’s sublime vocals and boldly vulnerable songwriting that has inspired audiences over the decades.

St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm.

Tickets at scmc-online.org.

February 1-3

FHE presents Anything Goes.

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

February 1-4

Michigan International Auto Show.

Hundreds of the latest model cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s, hybrids and sports cars are featured from over 35 manufacturers in this stunning show that “wows” visitors every year. DeVos Place. Showtimes at devosplace.org.

Moonlight Marathon. Runners who want to run for fun without treading the full 13.1-26.2 miles can run one lap of tomorrow’s Groundhog Marathon the night before. The Meadows at Millennium Park. 6:30-8 pm. Register at groundhogmarathon.com.

February 1-4 & 8-10

Grand Rapids Symphony presents The Planets. DeVos Performance Hall.

8 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

If/Then. Actors’ Theatre GR introduces you to Elizabeth and simultaneously shows two outcomes of how her life would play out if she made one choice over another. Spectrum Theatre.

8 pm. Tickets at actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

February 2

National Wear Red Day. Show your armor in the fight against heart disease by wearing red today, joining thousands across the country sporting their support for women with heart disease and stroke.

Learn more at goredforwomen.org.

February 2-April 29

Drawn Into Form: Beverly Pepper exhibit. The Gardens display drawings and prints by the iconic contemporary sculptor in this never before seen by the public exhibit. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Hours at meijergardens.org.

February 3

Groundhog Marathon. Run 3-6 laps around the Kent Trails on snowcovered terrain to earn a finisher’s

13TH ANNUAL

medal, immortal glory and post-race chili. The Meadows at Millennium Park. 8 am-4 pm. Register at groundhogmarathon.com.

5/3 River Bank Community Training Run. Get ready for West Michigan’s largest road race in May by attending a free community run on a segment of the 25K course. Meet at David D. Hunting YMCA. 8 am. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.

Winter Survival Workshop. Learn the critical basic survival skill of starting a fire using nature’s surrounding materials and learning crucial techniques. Blandford Nature Center.

9 am-noon. blandfordnaturecenter.org Big Give charity shopping event.

Every purchase makes a difference during this inaugural shopping event where local business owners give 15% of sales proceeds to one of 10 local nonprofits. Downtown Holland. Participating businesses at downtownholland.com

February 3

Giants Awards and Banquet. Join the community for a celebration of the contributions made this year by 13 African American individuals, whose efforts have improved the quality of life in GR. DeVos Place. 6-8:30 pm.

Tickets at Eventbrite page. grcc.edu (Continued on page 68)

CoCKTAILS, CuISINE AND Support FOr parkinson's disease research Please join us for an evening of culinary delights, delectable wine and cocktails, and a chance to bid on amazing silent auction packages, all for an incredible cause—

THurSDAY, FEBruArY 22, 2018 6:00 PM | CASCADE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

Proceeds benefit Parkinson’s disease research at

supporting Van Andel Institute’s lifechanging Parkinson’s disease research.

RSVP TODAY

• Online: vai.org • Call: Sarah Rollman at 616.234.5712 • Tickets: $150 per person

($75 per ticket is tax deductible)

Smart casual attire recommended

66

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

VAN ANDEL ARENA FEBRUARY 15 - 18

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER.COM, VENUE BOX OFFICE & BY PHONE AT 1-800-745-3000.

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February 2018

67

Ethnic Heritage Festival. Celebrate the history and diversity of various cultural traditions within GR by visiting a cornucopia of booths featuring interactive displays, enjoying performances, presentations, food and music highlighting the vibrant mix of traditions in our community, and partaking in an International Beer Tasting event. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am-5 pm. grpm.org

and listen to stories told by expert storytellers that hold the attention of the whole family. Blandford Nature Center. 2-3 pm. blandfordnaturecenter.org

Opening of Water’s Extreme Journey exhibit. Travel through lakes, rivers, wetlands and watersheds as a water droplet making its way to the ocean and encountering things that affect their journey along the way. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am. Exhibit runs until April 29. Hours at grpm.org Black Family History Series: Why Genealogy (10 am) and Uncovering Your African American Genealogical Treasure Trove Hiding in the Attic (1:30 pm). Grand Rapids Public Library. Complete series at grpl.org.

Grand Rapids Drive vs. Delaware 87ers. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

February 6

February 4

Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 2-3 pm. literacycenterwm.org

Black Family History Series. Uncover your history and discover your ancestors during this Black History Month series that teaches techniques on researching and documenting family history and features local and regional speakers. Grand Rapids Public Library. Series’ topics and dates in our calendar or at grpl.org.

Blood Drive: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church (8 am-1 pm) and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church (8 am-1 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Sunday Classical Concerts presents Grand Rapids Symphony’s Victoria Olsen (bassoon). Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.

February 3 & 4

Grand Rapids Symphony presents Little Red Riding Hood. The GR Symphony is joined by the GR Ballet to perform the timeless tale of a wolf who tries to trick a girl into becoming dinner, yet his plans are foiled by a modern day twist. DeVos Performance Hall. 10:30 am. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

GR Story Spinners: Family Storytelling. Unplug for an hour

Night at Your Museum and Silent Auction. Step into 1876 Victorian Grand Rapids to aid in solving the mystery of a questionable fire at a local hotel by taking to towns folk and collecting clues. Don’t forget to browse the silent auction tables for a chance to win trips, tickets to events and other goodies. Engine House No. 5. 6-9 pm.

Tickets at enginehouse5.com.

February 3-24

CARE Ballet presents Cinderella.

Enjoy a condensed version of Cinderella performed by the local nonprofit ballet company. East Grand Rapids High School. 11 am & 3 pm (Sat) and 4 pm (Sun). Tickets at careballet.org.

February 5

GROW Facebook Micro Credential Workshop: Week 1. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 2-5 pm. growbusiness.org Blood Drive at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. 3:30-7:30 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

February 3 & 17

Outdoor Winter Market. Find warmth this winter with fresh breads, root vegetables perfect for soups, eggs for a delicious breakfast scramble and more from local market vendors. 8th Street Holland Market Place.

9 am-noon. Downtownholland.com

February 5-10

Beauty Week. For the love of beauty, stop by to see the latest trends in makeup and skin care while seizing fun specials throughout the week.

Bengtson Center. bengtsoncenter.com

CoolSculpting/Cool Event. Receive a complimentary consultation and customized plan as you learn about the latest CoolSculpting technology.

9-4 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.

GROW Small Business Class: Marketing Strategies 101. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register for the class cluster at growbusiness.org.

February 6 & 13

GROW Established Division Programming Kick-off with Zara Smith.

SalesPad. 5-6:30 pm. Register at growbusiness.org.

Roll in the Dough cooking class.

Learn how to make your own pasta with experts from the Local Epicurean during this class that lets students leave with a batch of their personal, handmade pasta. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6:30-9 pm.

Enroll at meijergardens.org.

February 7

Blood Drive: Cascade Kent District Library (12:15-7 pm) and Fellowship Christian Reformed Church (2:45-7 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

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FEBRUARY 13-18 | DeVos Performance Hall | ON SALE NOW! visit BROADWAYGRANDRAPIDS.COM or 1-800-745-3000 • TICKETMASTER.COM Grand Rapids engagement is welcomed by Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Calder Investment Advisors; Harvey Automotive; Ranir; Steelcase Inc.; and Williams Distributing.

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CALL US NOW (616) 855-2163 WWW.GLITTERBOOTH.COM Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

Louder Than Words: British Invasion.

Enjoy live music by JetBeats before the DJ panel takes the stage to discuss how rock influenced their lives and share stories about meeting legendary rockers during their career.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum & Library. 5:30 pm. fordlbrarymuseum.gov Intro to Zentangle. Dominican Center at Marywood. 6:30-8:30 pm. dominicancenter.com It’s Time for a Hero: Exploring Scars in Pop Culture. Join a panel of burn survivors as they discuss how the media negatively represents people with scars (comic book villains and horror movie nightmares) and how it affects people harboring their own scars. Grand Rapids Public Library.

7-8:30 pm. grpl.org Dublin Irish Dance presents Stepping Out. Irish melodies, traditional steps, Celtic instruments and authentic talent tells the story of the Irish Immigration to America after the famine while fusing the music with African rhythms and dance to introduce audience members to the creation of American tap dance. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 7:30 pm. fhfineartscenter.com

February 7, 21, 28 & March 7

Jake Kershaw during Make-A-Wish’s annual fundraising dinner that supports local children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Pinnacle Center.

6-10 pm. Tickets at michigan.wish.org.

Beer Explorers: Malt Variations. Pilot Malt House joins GRPM and Brewery Vivant for this sensory-driven class where participants smell and taste malts while learning how they influence different beers. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 6:30-8 pm.

Tickets at grpm.org.

55th Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour.

View the interesting and challenging films of the reputable Ann Arbor Film Festival as GRPL and Wealthy Theatre’s CinemaLab team up to bring the experience to the Grand Rapids screen. Wealthy Theatre. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org Concerts Under the Stars: Edye Evans Hyde. Visual cosmo-inspired effects dance to jazz by the local musician to keep toes tapping with a unique planetarium show. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 7:30 pm. Tickets and line-up at grpm.org.

February 9

Blood Drive at Priority Health.

9 am-2 pm Sign up at miblood.org.

Postpartum Planning Workshop. PCD Stacey Figg teaches participants how to prepare and navigate through the emotions and challenges that come with the postpartum period during this four-week workshop. Renew Mama Studio. 6:30-8 pm. Register by calling (616) 633-7500. thevillagedoulagr.com

LaFontsee’s 30th Anniversary Celebration. The local art gallery invites everyone to join them for music, refreshments, artwork and more at the opening reception of their 30th Anniversary exhibit. La Fontsee Galleries. 5-9 pm. Exhibit runs until April 6. Lafontsee.us

February 8

Grown Up Play Date. Let your inner child come out to play during this adults-only event that brings back the most fun you’ve had since childhood with access to all the Children’s Museum exhibits, a shrinky dink craft area, painting, a life-sized Candy Land game, food and drinks. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 6:30-10:30 pm.

Tickets at grcm.org

Blood Drive at Heritage Baptist Church. Noon-7 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

Girls’ Night Out. Grab the girls and take a night to shop the latest fashion while discovering what’s new in aesthetics and plastic surgery with a presentation by Dr. Brad Bengtson.

The team is on-hand to answer questions and help you schedule an appointment. Leigh’s. 5-7 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.

Lakeshore Annual Meeting & LocalMotion Awards. You’re invited to experience Local First’s annual LocalMotion Awards in Holland, celebrating the lakeshore’s local businesses and extending the applause further around West Michigan. CityFlatsHotel.

6-8:30 pm. Tickets at localfirst.com.

The Red Affair. Put on your best red and throw on your dancing shoes for a pre-V-Day soirée featuring an appetizer buffet, specialty Valentine’s cocktails and live entertainment by the Brena trio. Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails. 6-10 pm. wheelhousegrandrapids.com Wine & Wishes. Enjoy three-course meal, wine and beer, and live entertainment by blues phenomenon

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

Reflective Film Series: Un Padre no Tan Padre. Dominican Center at Marywood. 7-9 pm. dominicancenter.com Luke Combs: Don’t Tempt Me with a Good Time Tour. DeltaPlex Arena.

7:30 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

February 9 & 10

Harry Potter Film Concert Series presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The GR Symphony performs in perfect harmony with the third Harry Potter film, playing on the auditorium’s large screen, during this enchanting concert and movie experience in one. DeVos Performance Hall.

7:30 (Fri). 2 and 7:30 pm (Sat). devosperformancehall.com

February 2018

69

Warm Up with a Cold Brew at the

Winter Beer Festival

F

BY BRI KILROY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

ebruary ignites fluttering hearts across the city with the presence of

Valentine’s Day and every event description laced with “the perfect activity to share with your sweetie!”

While what we give our hearts to varies, a love for beer inarguably is shared among every proud Beer City native. The 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival brings the chance to take your beer-lationship to the next level by filling Fifth Third Ballpark’s parking lot with over 120 Michigan-based brewery booths and inviting ages 21 and over to flirt with 1,000 different craft beers brewing in Michigan.

The Winter Beer Festival originally took place in Lansing before moving its location to Fifth Third Ballpark in order to accommodate the increasing number of attendees and breweries participating. The once one-day festival became so popular it expanded to two days in 2015, but that doesn’t stop what has now become an annual predicament of Saturday tickets selling out almost instantly.

The Festival takes over Fifth Third Ballpark’s northeast parking lot and showcases what’s brewing beyond GR city limits, with breweries coming from all over Michigan including the upper peninsula. It is hard to stop yourself from decamping your vehicle when making your way to the public parking area when you see the arrays of brewery tents beyond the entrance fence, but rest assured there is plenty of beer to go around and plenty of parking in the southwest parking

lot near the ballpark and Park & Ride lot across West River Drive.

In the event that your love for beer wins over your ability to drive, overnight parking is permitted but all cars must be out of the lot Sunday, Feb. 25 by 3 p.m.

Scheduled for the final Friday and Saturday of February, the Winter Beer Festival takes place eight days into Beer Month GR (Feb. 15-March 15), a phenomenon created by Experience Grand Rapids coinciding with their annual Cool Brews. Hot Eats.

The culinary event that dishes an opportunity to chew your brews challenges local chefs to create beerinfused plates, adding new menu items to our favorite restaurants in Grand Rapids. Experience GR connects you to the festival by offering $10 round trip shuttle transportation from 12 area hotels. Save yourself the drive and schedule a ride by clicking the Shuttle to Winter Beer Festival link on the left side of BeerMonthGR.com’s homepage where you can also review restaurant menus, hotel packages, information on becoming a Beer City Brewsader and additional beer events tappening all over the city.

Top February off with the delight of experiencing the best craft beers Michigan has to offer, enjoying live music and entertainment, pacing yourself with eats from on-site food vendors and having a drink with the community at the 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival.

Friday tickets are still available at Mibeer.com/winter-

festival and each ticket comes with 15 tokens to exchange for samples. Additional tokens can be purchased at the festival for $0.50 each. Purchase your ticket, make sure you dress warm and join the celebeer-tion of brews!

Plus, Grand Rapids, it’s “the perfect activity to share with your sweetie.”

What: 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival Where: Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park When: 5-9 p.m. Friday February 23 (tickets available), and 1-6 p.m.

Saturday February 24 (sold out) Cost: $45 at Mibeer.com/winterfestival in advance. $50 at the door (if available).

Get Frozen in Time in Downtown Grand Haven

BY RENEE FRANKLIN

More than 20 stores are participating. Each merchant has maps of participating stores for eventgoers, and many offer door prizes, gift cards, food and drink.

F

rozen in Time, a live mannequin event and shopping celebration in

Grand Haven, invites you to have some fun during the famously frigid month of February. Grab wallet, your imagination and a few friends to witness storefronts in downtown Grand Haven transform into live works of art on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 2-4 p.m.

The event, first held ten years ago, was created to draw people to local shops with a twist. Each year, participating storefronts create a live mannequin scene according to the years theme, which have ranged from Broadway musicals television classics. This year, shop windows will be occupied by superheroes. Each window displays a card with a number for viewers to match up the displays with the super heros they are intending to portray and vote for their favorite display.

70

We love for people to enjoy the fresh air, embrace that it is winter and support local businesses. ” —Sharon Behm, Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Chair.

After the event, the community is invited to gather at the Tri-Cities Historical Musuem at 4:30 p.m. for a reception during which winners for a public prize and a jurried prize will be announced. First, second and third place prizes will be given out to hose who matched the most superhero names to venues.

Attendees will also get the change to meet the mannequin actors, talk to store owners and get the stories behind the work that went into the displays.

Year after year, the event has been well attended and serves a chance for the community to buddle up and join together for an afternoon of shopping and fun.

“We love for people to enjoy the fresh air, embrace that it is winter and support local businesses,” Sharon Behm, Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Chair, said.

What: Frozen in Time Where: Downtown Grand Haven When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

s e o r e h per

Froz

su

: e m i T n i n e

2-4pm Sat. Feb. 10

Come downtown grand haven to see live mannequins as superheroes!

Correctly identify scenes to win cash & prizes!

8 lunch and $15 dinner options during RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 16-24

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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Creative Chocolate Classes 219 N 7th Street Centertown Grand Haven, MI 49417

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February 9-11

Ice Bar: Olympic Games. Forgo the ticket to South Korea and have your own Olympic Games at The Market where the Ice Bar is back, serving handcrafted concoctions, beer and red or blue shots served in chiseled glasses. Take on competitors in tabletop curling, frozen beer pong and classic yard games outdoors.

The Downtown Market. Hours at downtownmarketgr.com.

Valenti-ICE Weekend. Downtown GR becomes an ice gallery with over 50 ice sculptures being displayed in front of local businesses, opportunities to witness live ice carving demonstrations by the Ice Brigade The human Hungry Hungry Hippo Tournament (Sun).

Join the community Friday night for a screening of the Winter World Olympics’ opening ceremony. Rosa Parks Circle. Schedule at downtowngr.org.

MOVEMEDIA I: Diversity. GR Ballet presents part one of this stunning show that explores and celebrates the variety of views, realities and expectations we hold, fused with thought-provoking panel discussion at the show. MOVEMEDIA: Diversity II takes place March 23-25. Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grballet.com.

West Michigan Golf Show. Golf season starts soon and golfers can rediscover great local courses, plan

golf outings and buy new equipment to prepare at thus exciting expo for all golf-lovers. DeVos Place. Showtimes at devosplace.org.

February 9-16

World of Winter Festival. Get ready to step outside and enjoy winter with a slate of winter activities organized

by Downtown GR Inc including Valent-ICE Weekend, the Ice Bar Olympics, free skating, ice carving, ice sculptures, snowshoeing, special walking and running tours and more.

Downtown Grand Rapids. Schedule of events at downtowngr.org.

sidewalks on Grand Haven’s Main Street and marvel as storefront windows come to life with mannequins posing as superheroes. Event reception with awards for best window following. Downtown Grand Haven (event reception at Tri-Cities Historical Museum at 4:30 pm). 2-5 pm. visitgrandhaven.com Grand Raggidy Roller Derby Double Header. Rivertown Sports. 5-9:30 pm.

Tickets at grandraggidy.com.

February 10

Heart Healthy Hockey Game: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. Madison Capitols. Support heart health at this fast-paced hockey game with Mercy Health giveaways and the chance to catch a Mercy Health t-shirt from the t-shirt blaster. LC Walker Ice Arena.

7:15 pm. mercyhealth.com

Blood Drive at Griffins Youth Foundation. 10 am-4 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

Public Access concert. Enjoy a live performance by the instrumental band who magically harmonize the playings of six separate guitars to deliver an unmatchable performance. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. Tickets at grcmc.org.

Black Family History Series: Gangsters and WWI (10 am) and Freedman’s Bureau (1:30 pm). Grand Rapids Public Library. Complete series at grpl.org.

Art, Love and Chocolate Tour.

Celebrate love for art, each other and chocolate during this special guided tour that explores the essence of passion in art in the galleries followed by a special chocolate treat. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 11 am-noon and 2-3 pm. Register at artmuseumgr.org.

Frozen in Time: Live Mannequins.

Take a winter walk down the heated

On March 6th,

Raise a glass with the Griffins…

February 10 & 24

Animal Adventures: Surviving the Wild. Kids can learn how little critters survive in the wild through live animal demonstrations, listening to animal stories and playing games. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

10-11:30 am. Enroll at meijergardens.org.

February 11

Grand Rapids Drive vs. Memphis Hustle. DeltaPlex. 1 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

Sunday Classical Concerts presents Castilia Quartet. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.

February 12

GROW Facebook Micro Credential Workshop: Week 2. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 2-5 pm. growbusiness.org

February 13

Junior Achievement Girls’ Dream Fair. 7th- and 8th-grade girls explore STEM-related fields and learn the exciting possibilities for their future through women who have found a career in STEM professions.

Spectrum Health Hospital. 9 am-2 pm. juniorachievement.org Blood Drive: Autocam Precision Components Group (noon-5:30 pm), GVSU Allendale Campus Kleiner Commons (noon-6 pm), Alger Park Christian Reformed Church (2-7 pm) and Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church (2-8 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Perrin “No Problems” Training Run. Train for River Bank like a Beer City local at this community training run featuring a 3-mile course throughout (Continued on page 75)

...and help people with disabilities.

Purchase Tickets at EastersealsMichigan.com

CRAFT BEER TASTING • STROLLING DINNER • AUCTION ITEMS • MEET THE GRIFFINS 72

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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For the Love of FOOD E

JULIE AND SHELBY KIBLER

BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ | PHOTO BY DAVID SPECHT

ating is so much more than a way to satiate hunger.

Food has even found a

place in modern vocabulary. When we haven’t eaten yet, and we’re mad about it, we get “hangry.”

When we’re enjoying what we’re eating, we call it a “foodgasm.” When we take a great photo of our food, we post it on Instagram and use the hashtag #foodporn.

Arguably the most important element of food beyond survival is the emotional component to it; eating can be a means to get to know a total stranger, show someone you care about them and is an integral part of major holidays. Bonding with family on Thanksgiving, for example, is just as important as the turkey and stuffing.

A picnic in the park makes for a romantic date, despite the pre-packed food in Tupperware. Terrible meals can be remembered fondly because of the laughs that were shared about how overcooked the steak was.

This Valentine’s Day, before you buy your partner that box of chocolate, dig deeper with us into the human relationship with food that dates back thousands of years.

Origins of Sharing a Meal

Once upon a time, the cavemen only ate smaller animals until they developed the tools and cooperation needed to take down bigger ones like mammoths, which resulted in plenty of meat to go around. Too much, in fact, and thus the feast was born. That’s probably what happened, at least, according to John Allen of the Creativity and Brain Institute at the University of Southern California. Somewhere along the way, our brains must have become wired to remember these food sharing events and the people associated with them.

Still Soothing

Babies depend on their mothers and other people for nourishment. The effects of food as a form of soothing continue into adulthood in different ways: We offer culinary fare as a form of comfort and hospitality to friends, acquaintances and romantic partners. Food can help console someone when they’re down, like eating a pint of ice cream with a friend going through a breakup. It can even serve as a reward or form of celebration, like dining at a fancy restaurant because someone got a promotion. #TreatYoSelf.

Food and Courtship

In chimpanzee communities, meat is a hot commodity.

When a male chimp shares his hunting conquest with a female, he is much more likely to get some action out of it. In more primitive human societies, the act of supplying food established a sort of economic partnership between a male and female, demonstrating how well they can provide for future offspring.

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Craving Comfort Food

When we eat what we truly enjoy, our dopamine system becomes active and rewards us with feelings of pleasure. This same system becomes active when we look at someone we love. In that sense, food truly is connected to love and the feeling of well-being.

This is likely why comfort food is extra “comforting” when the delectable item in question is nostalgic to us, through association with a loved one. Why else do you need mom’s chicken soup recipe when you’re sick, even if she’s hundreds of miles away?

The Science of Food Aphrodisiacs

If you think the association between chocolate and Valentine’s Day is a coincidence, think again!

Chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine, which are “feel good” chemicals released by the brain when we feel happy, loving or passionate. Other aphrodisiacs include oysters, clams and scallops, which contain compounds that raise testosterone and estrogen levels, translating to heightened sexual desire in many cases.

Dating Couples VS Married Couples

Surprise, surprise—in the early stages of a romantic relationship, people tend to eat less because our bodies are already producing tons of reward hormones from the thrill falling in love. Married people, on the other hand, are twice as likely to become obese in comparison, since they are no longer facing competition in the dating world and have less incentive to stay in shape.

Sharing Food = Intimacy

One study found that when two people share food, observers rated their relationship as close. The same study found that two people sharing food by feeding each other were rated as even closer. Similarly, another study found that people imagining their partner sharing a meal with a potential rival experienced more jealousy than when they imagined their partner in a face-to-face interaction with a rival without a meal. Sharing really is caring, eh?

All that being said, discussions of brain regions and chimps exchanging meat for sex might not be the best way to get your date excited about food— unless they happen to be a biologist— so we sat down with Shelby and Julie Kibler, owners of the Field & Fire Bakery and Cafe in Downtown Grand Rapids. Spoiler alert: They are also married to each other.

Believe it or not, these bread connoisseurs met at an eight-hour long bread-making class at Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor.

Julie: He was the teacher, and I was one of the students. I purchased the class as a gift for my friend’s birthday, and was not looking to hook up at all! I had rolled out of bed, was just in a pajama top and jeans, no makeup, my hair wasn’t even brushed. I was totally smitten though! I pursued him, gave him my business card, and e-mailed him like three times. He completely avoided it.

Shelby: I didn’t like her in the class very much. I had everybody introduce themselves, and she was like, “I don’t cook.” She was very persistent though! Once I finally agreed to go out with her, we fell in love with each other.

Since then, bread has continued to be a form of passion and intimacy between the two. On a trip to San Francisco, researching ideas for Field & Fire, the duo had what can only be described as a movie moment on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Shelby: We visited like twelve different places and this particular one, Jane on Larkin, was awesome and has fantastic bread. We had brunch there, and then we were going to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge afterward, so we bought a loaf of sourdough and brought it with us. We just walked across the bridge, tearing pieces of it together, and it was so good! The fact that Julie loved it as much as I did and our son was eating it with us was magical. That was part of falling in love with her for me in the first place, that she appreciated the things I value. We try to savor those moments when we can.

Today, Field & Fire makes authentic bread and pastries from scratch, focusing on local, organic ingredients and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Their goal is to make the best bread in Grand Rapids.

They do that by putting love and passion into their baking, their service, and even their food sourcing.

All in all, food has a long-standing history with love and intimacy and will continue to do so for years to come. So whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with your partner, your friends, or alone with Netflix, you can at least celebrate humanity’s committed relationship to food. How? Treat yourself to some delicious bread, pastries or macarons from a bakery like Field & Fire, take yourself out for an A-Plus meal at a nice restaurant, or make a special dish for yourself at home! Happy Hearts Day, everyone!

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

the brewing company’s neighborhood followed by a pint and conversation at Perrin. Perrin Brewing Company.

6 pm. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.

GROW Small Business Class: Marketing Strategies: Branding and Selling Your Value Proposition. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women.

6-9 pm. Register for the class cluster at growbusiness.org.

French Beauties. Explore the wide range of French fromage while indulging in delicious samples and great pairings along the way.

The Cheese Lady. 6:30-7:30 pm. thecheeselady.net

February 13-18

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Watch the story of legend Carole King come to life in this musical featuring the generation-moving songs you love.

DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets and showtimes at broadwaygrandrapids.com.

February 14

Happy Valentine’s Day from Women’s LifeStyle! We’ve fallen head over heels with your readership and wish you a lovely day full of health, indulgence, connection and kindness. Thank you for being our Valentine.

Blood Drive at Old National Bank.

8:30-11:30 am. Sign up at miblood.org.

GROW Start Smart Business Readiness Course. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. growbusiness.org

Music in the Stacks: Fyrrh. Browse the library’s collection while enjoying a live performance by the local rock band.

Grand Rapids Public Library.

7-8:30 pm. grpl.org

Urban Rustic Furniture & Decor.

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Tree Beer Release Party. To celebrate Beer Month GR and support Friends of GR Parks, local breweries were challenged to create a beer with the element of a tree, and now is the time to sip the fruits of their labor at the release party, which is tapping a number of the tree beers that are available at their breweries throughout the month. Harmony Hall.

5:30-8:30 pm. brewersgrove.com Creativity Uncorked: Naughty Collages. Grab a glass of wine and use pictures that have been deemed too risqué to be used during family studio hours, to create your own saucy piece of art while debating on the difference between nakedness, nudity and censorship in art. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 6:45-9 pm. Register at artmuseumgr.org.

February 15-18

Disney on Ice presents Reach for the Stars. Your favorite classic Disney characters slide onto the rink joined by some new friends including the Frozen sisters, Rapunzel and Flynn to bring Disney-lovers of all ages an exciting, non-stop skating spectacle. Van Andel Arena. Tickets and showtimes at vanandelarena.com.

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Grand Rapids Boat Show. The expo hall fills with boats as big as 50 feet long with all the resources and services you need to enjoy your time on the lake. DeVos Place. Showtimes at devosplace.org.

February 14-17 & 21-24

White Rabbit Red Rabbit. Witness a play created by a performer’s first glance at the script, which happens onstage in front of the audience.

Spectrum Theatre. 8 pm. Tickets at actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

February 15

Blood Drive: Nucraft Furniture (6-11 am), Forest Hills Central-Woodlands Elementary (9 am-3 pm) and Western Michigan University (10 am-3 pm).

Sign up at miblood.org.

Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org Green Drinks with WMEAC. Network with a lively mix of people from NGO’s to sustainability experts over craft beer.

Harmony Hall. 5-7 pm. wmeac.org

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

Artist’s Reception: Linda Walburn.

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 6-7 pm. fhfineartscenter.com

Beer Month GR/Cool Brews. Hot Eats. It’s that time of year where we in Beer City celebrate the beverage that’s earned GR its namesake with dozens of local restaurants dishing out exclusive menu items made and paired with beer, beer events like the Winter Beer Festival and Founders KBS Week, wild tap takeovers and special deals for Brewsaders. List of participating restaurants, events and specials at beermonthgr.com.

February 16

Blood Drive: Spectrum Health Hospital (6 am-4 pm), Spectrum Health on Lake Dr. (7 am-1 pm) and Grand Rapids Christian High School (8 am-2:30 pm).

Sign up at miblood.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration. GR celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional food, performances, lion dancers, loads of activities and a downtown dragon parade, making this inaugural city recognition an event for the whole family. DeVos Place.

5:30-10 pm. devosplace.org Friday Night Fights. DeltaPlex Arena.

8 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

February 16-18 & 23-25

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a production of eight 10-minute plays written by talented playwrights who are hoping to win the cash prize awarded by the judging panel. LowellArts. 7-9 pm (Fri & Sat) and 2 pm (Sun). Tickets at lowellartsmi.org.

February 17

February 20

Blood Drive: Steelcase Wood (7 amnoon), Blue Care Network (7:30 am12:30 pm), Grand River Preparatory High School (8 am-1 pm) and Heart & Vascular Center at Bradford (noon-5 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Black Family History Series: Schedules, Wills and Probate (10 am) and How to Use the Census to Track Family Members (1:30 pm). Grand Rapids Public Library. Complete series at grpl.org.

GROW Small Business Class: Marketing Strategies: Marketing Your Business Online. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm.

Register for the class cluster at growbusiness.org.

Roger That! Event. The museum hosts a number of activities, exhibits and discount planetarium shows to celebrate space exploration and the life of astronaut Robert B. Chaffe.

Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am-5 pm. Special field trip offers at grpm.org/roger-that.

KDaLe Book Club: Osgood Brewing.

Talk books over brews with fellow book-lovers, discussing the books you’re currently reading and getting ideas on what to read next. Osgood Brewing Company. 7-8 pm. kdl.org

Grand River Folk Arts Society presents David Mosher and Kitty Donohoe.

Wealthy Theatre. 7 pm. grcmc.org

February 18

Blood Drive at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. 8:30 am-12:30 pm.

Sign up at miblood.org.

Taste of Soul Sunday. Experience, appreciate and celebrate African American culture by indulging in food samples, art, literature, live performances, presentations and more. Grand Rapids Public Library.

1-4:30 pm. grpl.org Sunday Classical Concerts presents Spanish, French and American favorites. Grand Rapids Art Museum.

2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.

February 19

Blood Drive: Forest Hills Northern High School (7:30 am-1:30 pm), Spectrum Health on Ottawa (9 am-3 pm), X-Rite Incorporated (9 am-3 pm) and Kentwood City Employees (1-4 pm).

Sign up at miblood.org.

GROW Facebook Micro Credential Workshop: Week 3. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 2-5 pm. growbusiness.org

Speak Up GR: Individual Rights and Community Policing. Join the community for a discussion on people’s rights when interacting with law enforcement, how racial bias affects everyone and GR’s latest efforts to improve community policing and safety. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org

February 19-27

Women and the Environment Symposium. Celebrate environmental advocacy during a week packed with events, culminating into the awards ceremony with keynote speaker Peggy Shepard. GVSU Downtown Campus (Loosemore Auditorium). 5-8 pm.

Tickets at wmeac.org.

February 20 & 27

Sight & Sound feat. MuseArte Duo. This unique performance combines art and music as artist Marlene Boonstra guides participants through a painted nature scene while violinist Gail Saldatori serenades the atmosphere with sweet sounds. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6:30-9 pm.

Register at meijergardens.org.

February 21

Blood Drive: Lake Michigan Credit Union Corporate (8:30 am-2:30 pm) and BHS Insurance (9 am-2 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Grand Rapids Go Red for Women Luncheon. Hone your best fitness attire (bonus if it’s red) and join the American Heart Association at their annual luncheon celebrating our commitment and strive toward a heart healthy lifestyle. 20 Monroe Live.

10 am-1:30 pm. goredforwomen.org

February 22

Blood Drive: Steelcase Kentwood West (5:30 am-3:15 pm), Northpointe Christian High School (8 am-1 pm) and Heritage Baptist Church (noon-7 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

GVSU Career Fair. Print out resume copies, dress to impress and explore career options with the chance to talk with hiring employers. 11 am-5 pm. gvsu.edu My Next Home Workshop. Real Estate experts are on-hand to help you navigate the process to purchase your next home using fun and interactive education. City2Shore Real Estate.

5:30-6:30 pm. uptowngr.com 13th Annual Winterfest. Enjoy an evening of culinary delights, wine, cocktails and the chance to bid on amazing silent and live auction packages, all benefiting VAI’s lifechanging Parkinson’s disease research. Cascade Hills Country Club.

6-10 pm. Tickets at vai.org.

Live Music with Funkle Jesse. Enjoy an evening of happy hour prices, drink deals and a live musical performance by the local super group, Funkle Jesse. Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails. 7-10 pm. wheelhousegrandrapids SCMC Spectacular Jazz Series presents Gregory Porter. Blooming with jazz and vocal talent, Porter returns to SCMC by popular demand to deliver another unforgettable performance to audience members.

St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm.

Tickets at scmc-online.org.

Blake Shelton: Country Music Freaks concert feat. Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce and Trace Adkins. Van Andel Arena. 7:30 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.

February 23

Blood Drive: Metro Health Hospital (7 am-noon) and Spectrum Health Breton (9 am-3 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Break it Down | Make it Better. Visit the dwelling place for captivating conversation and roundtable discussions about being an artist in this day and age, covering topics submitted by local community members heavily involved in the arts.

Avenue for the Arts. 8:30 am-4 pm.

Tickets at avenueforthearts.com Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 2-3 pm. literacycenterwm.org SCMC Acoustic Café Series presents Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn. St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets at scmc-online.org.

Rangeela 2018. Celebrate the vibrancy of different cultures during this performance featuring heartfelt storytelling, exhilarating dances, melodious music, colorful costumes and more. Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin College. 8-10 pm. Tickets at calvin.edu.

February 23 & 24

Winter Beer Festival. Over 125 Michigan breweries flood the ballpark parking lot to give beer-lovers a taste of the best and most creative brews. Live music by local bands, entertainment, games and festivalgoers sporting the most genius “snacklaces” you’ve ever seen make this one of the most anticipated festivals of the season. Fifth Third Ballpark. 5-9 pm (Fri) and 1-6 pm (Sat). Tickets at mibeer.com/winterfestival.

February 23-25

GR Ballet Junior Company presents The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy needs to find her way back to Kansas, but she can’t journey down that yellow brick road without the help of the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, especially when the Wicked Witch of the West is afoot. Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at

MY FAIR

616-222-6650 | grct.org 76

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February 23-March 18 Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

the West is afoot. Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grballet.com.

Ballroom. 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Sat) and 8:30 am-2:30 pm (Sun). Tickets at inspiredlifegr.com.

February 23-March 18

Blood Drive at St. Pius X Catholic Parish. 3-7:30 pm (Sat) and 7 am-1 pm (Sun). Sign up at miblood.org.

My Fair Lady. This popular musical brings thick-accented Eliza Doolittle and arrogant phonetics professor Henry Higgins together through a bet and sets them off on a life-changing path of discovery. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grct.org.

February 24

Yoga and Nature Workshop. Practice connecting your body with nature during a soothing, grounded yoga session led by Amber Kilpatrick, founder of Mindful Vinyasa Yoga School. Blandford Nature Center.

9:30-11 am. blandfordnaturecenter. org GR Bridal Show. Find the wedding vendors you’ve been searching for and learn about other resources that help you plan the big day. DeVos Place. 11 am-6 pm. grbride.com Black Family History Series: The ABC’s of DNA (10 am) and African Americans in Grand Rapid (1:30 pm).

Grand Rapids Public Library. Complete series at grpl.org.

Astronomy as a Hobby: What’s Next for My New Hobby? Learn about the resources available to continue and grow your astronomy hobby. Schuler Books & Music. 10 am-noon. grpm.org Backyard Sugaring. Learn how to tap maple trees during this educational class where you learn the sugaring process and can purchase the materials you need to tap the tree in your own yard. Blandford Nature Center. 2-4 pm. blandfordnaturecenter.com KOP 60: Riggs vs. Lozano. DeltaPlex Arena. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.

Host Productions presents Ain’t Nothing Like Family. Through talented, comedic acting and hilarious narration, this play shows what it means for family to stick together when facing troubled times. Wealthy Theatre.

7-9 pm. Tickets at grcmc.org.

Symphony with Soul. Celebrate African American music and legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday with the GR Symphony and a myriad of talented guest artists who use their incredible vocals to pay tribute to Fitzgerald’s tone, diction and improvisational scat singing. DeVos Performance Hall. 8 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

February 24 & 25

InspiredLifeGR Conference. This two-day conference features holistic health experts who guide you on how to achieve a healthy and inspired life through nutrition, bodywork, mindfulness and more so you can emerge feeling refreshed and focused on self-care. Aquinas College Wege

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 25

Blood Drive at North Park Baptist Church. 12:30-4:30 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

Sunday Classical Concerts presents Music of Our Time. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.

Teen Stars LIVE. See some of the hottest Disney Channel stars perform music, comedy, trivia and play games onstage, wedging spontaneous Q&A sessions with the audience into the show. DeVos Performance Hall. 2 pm.

Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

John Proulx CD Release Party. Proulx gifts audience members with a copy of his recent CD, Say It, followed by a memorable jazz performance and a post-concert reception. St. Cecilia Music Center. 2 pm. Tickets at scmconline.org.

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February 15 - March 15, 2018 Cool Brews. Hot Eats. Restaurant Specials Winter Beer Festival • Tap Takeovers Brewsader® Beer Passport Rewards • And Much More!

Details at BeerMonthGR.com

February 26

Blood Drive at GVSU Seidman College of Business. 11 am-4 pm. Sign up at miblood.org.

GROW Facebook Micro Credential Workshop: Week 4. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 2-5 pm. growbusienss.org Grand Rapids Legacy Luncheon feat. Shannon LaNier. Come hungry and leave enriched, enlightened and connected after enjoying a delicious lunch while celebrating Legacy Luncheon’s scholarship recipients, community leaders and business partners. Amway Grand Plaza.

11:30 am-1 pm. Reservations at 2018grlegacyluncheon.eventbrite.com.

February 27

Blood Drive: East Kentwood High School (7:30 am-1:30 pm), Universal Forest Products ( 8-11 am) and Progressive AE (1-4 pm). Sign up at miblood.org.

Blood Drive at West Michigan Aviation Academy HS. 8 am-1:45 pm. Sign up at redcross.org

February 28

Blood Drive at Thornapple Community Church. 2-7:45 pm. Sign up at redcross.org Hills & Hops Training Run. Become unbeatable during this year’s River Bank Run by hill training with your fellow runners and Greg Meyer, followed by replenishing eats and drinks at a nearby location. John Ball Park (northwest lot). 6-8 pm.

More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.

February 2018

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Grown Up Play Date at The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

BY BRI KILROY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ANDERSON

F

ew things exemplify the longing to be a kid again more than passing the

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM), at the corner of Monroe Center and Sheldon Avenue, and peeking indoors at the iconic yellow Volkswagen, a supermarket replica with a meat counter and produce bins and the front end of a car with the hood propped open to welcome tinkering hands. It reminds us of fun we have not outgrown, yet we hesitate to go to a children’s museum without a child chaperon.

Thankfully, GRCM agrees experiencing childhood is for everyone and invites ages 21 and over to a Grown Up Play Date.

“Play is something all ages should continue,” GRCM’s Communication and Events Director, Adrienne BrownReasner, advised. “It serves as a stress reliever, allows us to take a break and it’s often something we forget to do.”

Recounting the magnitude of activities and exhibits housed in GRCM – including the kid-sized collection of businesses and grocery stores in Little GR, the Just Fort Fun area with everything you need to make the coolest fort ever and a bubble nirvana complete with a bubble tower and tools that let you explore

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every size in the bubble spectrum – you discover your old definition of “playtime” didn’t change much into adulthood; encasing yourself in a bubble that encircles your whole body is still awesome, and there’s something about shopping in a miniature grocery store stocked with plastic produce, goods, meats and cheeses that is so much more fun than a typical stop at the supermarket.

Don’t worry about packing a lunch for this play date; you may be playing like a child, but Barfly Ventures is making sure you eat like an adult with a Crack Fry bar, a build-your-own Coney Dog station and drinks provided by New Holland Brewery. Tickets include three drink stubs that can be used on beer, wine or pop. When those are gone, additional drink tickets are available for purchase onsite.

Adults have access to all of GRCM’s exhibits and full “permission to be a kid again,” Brown-Reasner said.

Seeing grown-up guests embrace the freedom to be silly and goofy while enjoying the museum’s games and activities is her favorite part of the annual evening and makes it “a magical experience” for everyone.

Playing is something we often forget to do, but GRCM’s Grown Up Play Date is unforgettable. Mark your calendars for February 9, 6:30-10:30 p.m., and indulge in a long overdue play date with your friends, partners, coworkers and everyone’s inner child. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at Grcm.org/ grown-up-play-date.

The evening is your ticket to revisit things you enjoyed in your childhood before you were too busy to make Shrinky Dinks or paint just for the fun of it, both of which you can do during the Grown Up Play Date.

Joining the exhibits for the night is a life-sized Candy Land game. Players act as their own game piece and move from tile to tile in a “luck of the draw”-driven race to be the first to reach Candy Castle. Creative design by GRCM’s inventive staff and oversized candy decorations from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. transform a segment of the museum’s interior into a colorful fantasy land that guarantees the feeling of being a kid in a candy store.

What: Grown Up Play Date Where: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NE. When: Feb. 9, 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 per person. Tickets at Grcm.org/grown-up-play-date.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

February 2018

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n Adventure Credit Union n United Bank

Arts & Events

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 Triumph Music Academy n UICA n Wealthy Theatre n West Michigan Whitecaps n WYCE 88.1 FM

Every time you spend money at locally owned businesses, you’re casting a vote for the type of community you desire.

Local First •345 Fuller Avenue NE • GR, MI 49503 • (616) 808-3788 • www.localfirst.com