Women's LifeStyle Magazine, October 2018, Inspire Hope

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Grand Rapids|Holland|Grand Haven

OCT

Victoria Ann Upton (1955 - 2018)

Grand Rapids Art Museum | 101 Monroe Center | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616.831.2920

Handmade Statements for Fall The Museum Store

Clockwise from top right: Elk Accessories earrings: gold filled with wood Silverfish Designs earrings: steel, sterling, enamel S VanDame earrings: sterling, bronze GEOcentral ring: agate MV Marchand necklace: 22k gold-plated chain and bale with molded glass insert

1 1 T 10TH H AANNUAL NNUAL Grand Rapids I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Wine, Beer & Food

FF EE SS T I V A A LL DeVos Place

NOVEMBER 16-18, 2017

NOVEMBER 15-17

Go to GRWineFestival.com for details and hotel packages

Festival Features •

The Vineyard, Beer City Station & Cider Row

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The Elite Collection of Fine Wines

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Hemingway Hall & Mixology Workshops

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Restaurant Small Plate Specialties

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Multi-Course Wine, Beer & Spirit Pairings

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RendezBREW: Coffees, Cordials & Desserts

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Food Stage Complimentary Wine & Beer Seminars

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3 Music Stages

FURNITURE ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT CODE 330585 Expires 12/4/16.

Backwater Cafe

VINTAGE AND ARTISAN JEWELRY GIFTS New exhibit: October 2016-August 2018 Lowell played an active role in the international fur trade. Learn why the Lowell area was important, who traded here and visit a recreated trade cabin.

Saturday – Wednesday 5:00am–3:00pm Thursday – Friday 5:00am–7:30pm

y a d i l Ho ists Art ket Mar Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm 616-897-7688 www.lowellmuseum.org history@lowellmuseum.org

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LowellArts Gallery 223 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331 616-897-8545

Open 7 days a week 210 E. Main Street Lowell, MI 49331 616-987-3352 24 November 18 – December www.lowellbbq.com Fine Art by over 50 area artists!

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Women’s Clothing & Accessories

VINTAGE AND ARTISAN JEWELRY GIFTS

11-3 | Mon. Closed Sunday:Sun. 12-4pm, Monday-Tuesday: 12-6pm, Tues.-Fri. 11-6 Sat. 11-5 Wednesday-Friday: 11-7pm,| Saturday: 11-6pm

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HOURS OF OPERATION: EVENT TODAY! FOR MORE EMAIL: KARLIEPAULIN@BIGBOILERBREWING.COM 11am-8pm BRUNCH SPECIALS & BlOODY MARY BAR MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION EMAIL: KARLIEPAULIN@BIGBOILERBREWING.COM EVENT TODAY!FORSUNDAY MONDAY - THURSDAY 11am-10pm HOURS OF OPERATION:

November 18 – December 24 Fine Art by over 50 area artists!

NEW LOCATION

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223 W Main Street 616-897-8545 www.lowellartsmi.org

HOURS OF OPERATION:

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LOWELLARTS HOUSE CONCERTS While listening to music, enjoy the art exhibition on display

Location LowellArts Gallery 223 W Main St. Lowell, MI 49331 lowellartsmi.org

Paddy’s Cure October 13 B l u e Wa t e r R a m b l e r s October 14 MacRaven & Mora October 28

Letter from the Editor

Recline in style...

You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

Last month, our publisher and founder, Victoria Upton, passed away after a fearless battle with brain cancer. In the days following her death, hundreds across West Michigan shared their memories of her vibrant personality and her tremendous love for the community.

Victoria’s life was full of a magic she cultivated through her insistence on finding profound joy in all things; a magic that permeated the lives of everyone she encountered, no matter how briefly.

Victoria was a woman of many, many gifts, the greatest of which, I believe, was her ability to give of herself completely to whomever or whatever was in front of her. She didn’t hold an ounce of herself back from anyone or anything, and it made being around her exciting, special, electric. Being with Victoria felt like living on the verge of a moment right before something incredible happens; and, more often than not, incredible things did happen.

Most importantly, she made us all feel worthy of her extraordinary and immeasurable love.

Our hearts may be broken, but our spirits are made stronger for having known her at all. We will carry on her legacy by continuing to publish Women’s LifeStyle as she intended it to be: essential, enlightening, entertaining, a spotlight on the best of our community and a platform for women to be celebrated and inspired.

1428 Plainfield Ave, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616.459.4167 www.stonesthrowliving.com

Victoria taught me how to live better, to live more, to carve the mundane into the remarkable and that happiness can always, without exception, be found in the most abject suffering. I will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Fall Arts

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

Thank you to everyone who has graciously shared their memories of her. As the tributes came pouring in, it became clear that, if we didn’t know it before, we know it now: How lucky we are to have shared the stars with Victoria Upton, for she was the brightest.

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

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

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

ART

POETRY

Mars: Astronomy and Culture

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

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

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

DANCE

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

MUSIC

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

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

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

LECTURE

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

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

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Kariamu and Company: Traditions – A Celebration of African Dance MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 7:30 P.M. LOUIS ARMSTRONG THEATRE THOMAS J. AND MARCIA J. HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALLENDALE CAMPUS

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

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

-Elyse Wild, Editor

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

MEDIA SPONSOR:

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

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

Women’s LifeStyle is a dynamic multi-media platform designed to make beneficial connections in our community. The positive, upbeat, award winning and popular locally owned publication is supported by a dynamic mobile friendly online presence and an interactive website (including an events calendar, embedded video), as well as friendly, helpful and consistent social media interaction with the community. With 490+ distribution locations, Women’s LifeStyle is favored by an active, engaged and progressive audience. You are now looking at the 247th edition. All content ©Women’s LifeStyle, Inc. 2018.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

October 2018

The People Who Make It Happen . . .

Publisher Two Eagles Marcus Editor Elyse Wild Content Producer Sarah Anderson Production Designer Larissa Espinosa Editorial Intern Megan Jezak Contributing Writers Danea Mather Elyse Wild Karen Kloostra Kayla Sosa Kelly Brown Kerry Hart Joey Krzeminski Megan Stubbs Peaches McCahill Richelle Kimble Samantha Suarez Shahad Alzadain Shannon Cohen Sarah Anderson Photography Two Eagles Marcus David Specht August Nyson Advertising Sales Susie Gordon / Sales Manager susie@womenslifestyle.com Sarah Anderson sarah@womenslifetyle.com Eve Shetterly eve@womenslifestyle.com Rhonda VanDrunen rhonda@womenslifestyle.com CALL US: (616) 458-2121 EMAIL US: info@womenslifestyle.com SEND MAIL: 3500 3 Mile Rd NW, Ste A Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Edition #247

LIFE 10 Ways to Live a Healthy Life in October............................. 10 Jaime Counterman, Executive Director of Ele’s Place............................................................................. 12 In This Together: How Doulas are Transforming the Way We Support New Mothers............................................... 16 Coping with Loss....................................................................... 22 A Reflection on Hope............................................................... 26 Keeping it Community: Elissa Sangalli Hillary ........................ 28 The Community Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Victoria Upton........................................................ 30 Positive Vibes Only?.................................................................. 58 HEALTH What Happens to Your Body When You Exercise................. 24 STYLE & BEAUTY Performance Fabrics for Your Busy Home............................. 14 Mad About Plaid....................................................................... 18 Consignment Listings................................................................ 50 FOOD The Ultimate Bucket List for Adventurous Eating in Grand Rapids........................................................................ 34 Apple Recipes........................................................................... 36 Slow Cooker Apple Meatballs........................................... 36

Sausage and Apple Tortellini............................................. 36

October Recipes....................................................................... 38 Grain Free Apple Cinnamon Almond Butter Pancakes with Balsamic Banana Sauce......................... 38

“No Stuffing” Stuffed Acorn Squash................................. 40

Dairy Free Mac N’ Cheese................................................ 40

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Almonds..................................... 40

LEARN & DO Voluntary Re:Action.................................................................... 8 Her Legacy: Etta Smith Wilson................................................. 20 Reader’s Lounge....................................................................... 38 A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals................................................ 44 October Events......................................................................... 50 The Diatribe: The Grand Showcase........................................ 51 Ebony Road Players presents the Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington......................... 54 Marge Wilson Community Service Award Sponsored by AMBUCS............................................................ 55 Process and Presence: Lecture & Fundraiser Presented by DisArt................................................................... 56 Rock’n the Runway.................................................................. 59

ON THE COVER: VICTORIA UPTON | PHOTO BY DAVE BURGESS Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

womenslifestyle.com 7

Voluntary RE:action W

■ The

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

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

Tech Wizard

Volunteer your skills in a weekend-long event of technology and design, Weekend for Good, at Start Garden on November 2-4. Volunteers donate their time to create custom technology tools and solutions for nonprofit agencies in West Michigan and beyond. In the past, volunteers have created new websites, databases, marketing campaigns, social media strategies, branding overhauls and more. Technical and non-technical skills are needed, including back-end and frontend developers, graphic designers, marketing strategists, writers, project managers and more.

Take Action: Volunteer registration closes Oct. 5. Sign up and learn more up at codeforgoodwm.org.

■ Dog Lover

Go out at night to benefit the Humane Society of West Michigan at the Bark in the Dark 5K and 1-Mile fun walk. There will be family fun activities like balloon animals, a pup-a-razzi photo booth and a dog costume contest before the run/ walk, so dress your pet to impress! Following the race will be music, snacks and a beer tent.

Volunteers can sign up to help set up the event in many ways, like unloading the U-haul, setting up tents, stuffing Wag Bags, chalking the course, assist the DJ with stage set up and more.

Take Action: Sign up at barkinthedark.org .

■ The Family Forward

This annual run hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union requires more than 300 volunteers. There are all kinds of tasks that need done, like manning a spirit station, packet pickup, tear down and aid stations. There will be a 10K run and a 5K run/ walk, beginning and ending at Rosa Parks Circle after a run across the bridge and around town.

Volunteer Spotlight

■ The Gracious

Grandparent

At Senior Neighbors, more 4,000 older adults are able to maintain their independence through the essential services provided and the five Senior Centers in Kent County. Things like senior companionship, housing assistance, healthy aging are in part of the mission to promote selfsufficiency, especially to those with physical, social or economic needs. There are many ways to volunteer, as long as you’re over 55 years old.

For example, you can be a foster grandparent to a child, be a senior companion, and traveling grannies grandpas. For anyone of any age, volunteer your time to perform minor repairs in seniors’ homes, assist with various household tasks or chores, serve lunch at one of the Senior centers or assist with special events.

Take Action: Learn more about the various opportunities you can do to help seniors in the community at seniorneighbors.org.

■ The Family Advocate

Be there for a child who needs an advocate by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). This volunteer opportunity is long-term, lasting at least one year and requires 10-20 hours a month. After 30 hours of training, you will be sworn in by the court and assigned a foster child or children to advocate for in the court process.

Special advocates visit with the kids and family members weekly to keep tabs on how things are going and provide a well-informed report to the court every 90 days, which is used in determining what will be the best permanent placement for the child.

Take Action: Visit casakentco.org/volunteer/ become-a-casa-volunteer.

RAE WESTERHOF VOLUNTEERING WITH HER SON

Rae Westerhof

Rachel Hood for State House Volunteer

That’s what I love about volunteering. I get to truly make a million small differences that create big change.”

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

Take Action: Find out how you can get started at familyfutures.net.

“Growing up, I didn’t know of another black woman who was out in the LGBT community who I could look up to or admire. Now I strive to be that person for other young people. Giving to Our LGBT Fund helps me be that role model.”

—Graci Harkema

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

Graci Harkema, member of One Hundred New Philanthropists

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

My Golden

ARCHES

L

SPECIAL PAID ADVERTISEMENT

STORY BY KYLE MORONEY

ori Schulz isn’t just watching West Michigan grow; she’s investing in and fueling that growth! Lori recently purchased eight Muskegon-area McDonald’s restaurants, including locations in Norton Shores, North Muskegon and Coopersville. Schulz employs more than 400 people in the area and plans to continue her investment by spending more than $10 million in facility purchases and upgrades.

“It was important for me to show the community my confidence in this area,” said Schulz. After purchasing the restaurants, she immediately began extensive construction improvements inside and out, all designed to improve the overall experience in each neighborhood. At the same time, Lori is committing to a new long-term investment in people.

“We’re offering extensive flexibility of working hours to support the lifestyle needs of college students and working moms and offering our employees high school completion programs, alongside an annual $2,500 tuition assistance opportunity.”

Lori and her husband Matthew have already invested more than $33,000 in tuition assistance.

Lori started her working career at a Detroit-area banquet hall, where she worked while in high school and saved the money she earned for college. She

Muskegon City Commissioner Eric Hood congratulates Lori Schulz on investing in major renovations to her McDonald’s restaurant in Muskegon. always wanted to own her own business, and after graduating from Northwood University with a business degree, she began to pursue her dream. “I wanted to be in the food industry and moved to working at McDonald’s, understanding their interest and support of growing the number of women owners.”

Today, there are 20 women McDonald’s business owners in Michigan. Lori and Matthew relocated to West Michigan after selling their four Detroit-area restaurants earlier this year. Matthew now owns and

operates seven McDonald’s restaurants along the lakeshore in addition to Lori’s eight locations.

“The lakeshore is going through an expansive turnaround. You can see it and feel it among the local residents everyday,” Lori said. Schulz credits the longterm community investments by the Muskegon Port Authority, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Mercy Health, and ongoing investments in education and training at Muskegon Community College as signs of a strong future economy.

Lori offers her employees the Archways program:

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION + Free online high school diploma extended to immediate family members of eligible employees.

COLLEGE DEGREE + Increase in tuition assistance for eligible Crew to $2,500/year, up from $700/year. + Decrease in minimum hours worked per week to 15, down from 20 hours/week. + Increase in tuition assistance for eligible Managers to $3,000/year, up from $1,050.

Lori visits with some of her Muskegon restaurant crew members.

Her restaurants employ more than 300 people in the region.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

The new tuition assistance is effective May 1, 2018 and retroactive to January 1, 2018.

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10 Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle in

OCTOBER 1

Start cooking!

Make a shopping list each week and plan healthy meals.

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3

2 5 6

Try a foam roller; they work wonders for back pain.

Drink lemon water first thing each morning to assist with acid reflux and get a dose of Vitamin C.

“You don’t need to be perfect. Just be better than you were yesterday.”

—Natalie Sehal

Touch your toes!

Stretching improves circulation and may help with back and knee pain.

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BY PEACHES MCCAHILL

Make your body more alkaline (less acidic) to reduce inflammation.

Consume wheatgrass and dark greens.

Perfect a smoothie recipe!

Drinking smoothies are an excellent way to pack in essential vitamins and fiber.

Appreciate and take care of your mind and body.

The month of October is a health reboot for individuals living in Michigan. Here are ten ways to inspire a healthier lifestyle.

With everything you eat, ask yourself, “Is this good for my body?”

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Exercise your core with yoga, crunches and planking.

10

Change your bedding weekly.

Wash linens in hot water to avoid dust mites and bacteria.

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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.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

a s w e f o l low yo u o n yo u r j o u r n e y

follow us on ours! the new bengtson center Located at the corner of East Paris & Burton

opening January 2019

be ngts oncenter.com / 2 1 5 5 E ast par is ave nue s e , GR and rapids / 616.588.8880

Jaime Counterman Director of Ele’s Place Grand Rapids

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTO COURTESY OF JAIME COUNTERMAN

E

le’s Place is a 30-year-old statewide organization, started by a Lansing family who lost their young daughter, Ele. After grieving, they wanted to help other families who are in the same situation.

Today Ele’s Place has branches in Ann Arbor, Flint and now Grand Rapids, which is celebrating five years of service this year. In May, after the current Grand Rapids director stepped down, Jaime Counterman, a dedicated volunteer and co-chair of the Ele's Place Grand Rapids community board, was asked to step up as director.

While Counterman has a degree in marketing and advertising, the bulk of her experience is working in the nonprofit world. She’s worked at Metro Health, American Cancer Society and Frederick Meijer Gardens in fundraising and administration management. She said she has to support the mission personally to work for them, and she wants to spread the mission as much as she can in the West Michigan community.

Women's LifeStyle Magazine: How did you first become involved in Ele’s Place?

Jaime Counterman: A couple of years ago, I attended an Ele’s Place breakfast, because at the time I worked with a gentlemen from one of the founding families for Grand Rapids. The organization would have only been one to two years old at that point. I was not very familiar with Ele’s Place. At the breakfast, I was so moved by the program. Learning about how Ele’s Place serves kids of all ages who’ve had somebody die was an incredibly powerful experience.

At the end of the breakfast, I went to my friend and said, “Okay, I just cried. I’m throwing my money at you. What else can I do?" And that is how I was able to connect with Nicole, the director at the time. From there, I started my board service.

WLM: Why do you think the organization is essential to our community?

JC: It’s estimated that one in 20 children in Michigan will experience the death of an adult important to them. Those kids are going to have to figure out how to navigate grief and get through navigate life without a person who was important. If kids aren’t able to

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navigate that grief and express their fears and anger in an emotionally safe environment, it can have a really negatively impact their growth going forward.

We have seen a lot of positive results in engagement, behavior and experience, particularly in school environments. The program really helps them figure out how to express themselves and feel comfortable living in their life again without the person they lost.

We are helping kids get their lives back, and I think that’s important.

“Learning about how Ele’s Place serves kids of all ages who’ve had somebody die was an incredibly powerful experience.

We have programming at our location (2000 Michigan St NE), but we also do classes in schools. The classes are very important because the kids are learning in their peer groups. We’re looking to be in about 15 different school systems in the area coming this fall— elementary, middle and high schools. We’re the only branch that’s going into elementary classes because we have a really big need for it.

WLM: What are you most looking forward to as director?

JC: There are a lot of opportunities for people to

learn about Ele’s Place, and we have some really cool events coming up for people to do just that. There is a fall reception on Nov.15, which is Children’s Grief Awareness Day. We are holding our Five Year Reception for our fifth anniversary. And we are honoring one of the founding board members with a visionary award.

The fact that we’ve served over 500 kids and families in our five years and currently are serving more than 50 families is a testament to what we’ve done and where we can go.

I want people to know that there’s a need for services here, and they can engage with Ele’s Place in a meaningful way by coming out to these events. We have sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for companies that want to support us. There are a lot of ways people can help these kids.

WLM: What are some of your fondest experiences with Ele’s Place so far?

JC: I have met some incredible people who have come through Ele’s Place, even as kids themselves who now are coming back to Ele’s Place to volunteer. One of our board members is actually the brother of Ele. He was obviously deeply impacted by the Ele’s Place mission as an organization because it was his family that started everything.

WLM: Do you have advice for those working in leadership roles in the noprofit sector?

JC: I have been fortunate and intentional in working for organizations that I emotionally support, and it makes me want to do more. It makes me want to lead better and drive harder to move the mission. It really gives me a sense of purpose, and I would say for folks looking at nonprofit leadership, that there are a lot of challenges, just like in any field, but lean into that.

The work that you do is so important. In many cases, you’re saving lives. Whatever that mission is, there’s somebody who is going to be directly impacted by it.

Lean into that, and know that, when you’re giving that extra emotional commitment there really is somebody who is going to benefit.

To find more information about Ele’s Place, visit elesplace.org.

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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13

BY KAREN KLOOSTRA

Performance Fabrics for Your Busy Home

W

hat is it that makes a house a home?

Is it the fur baby that happily greets you at the door with wagging tail and wet nose or the squealing kids running through the yard? The smell of homemade mac and cheese bubbling in the oven or the sound of tires arriving in the driveway after a full day of work?

Our homes are a place where we make memories, cook for friends, wipe tears, give hugs, do laundry, clean toilets, and a host of other things. They are a place of comfort and security. We bring children, pets and guests in to share life with us. For many of us, our homes are a place where we have ultimate control of the environment: we choose everything from paint and rugs to toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Choosing the right fabrics for our homes is dependent on many variables. Do you have messy little kids, pets that sleep on the sofa, regular wine parties or Friday night pizza dinners in the family room? Performance fabrics are a new trend in home furnishings. Today’s homeowner wants a home that is comfy and low maintenance; durability, cleanability, fade and odor resistance, liquid repellency as well as a soft luxurious feel are a top priority to most shoppers when looking at fabric for bedding or furniture.

14

What does the average consumer need to know about performance fabrics? There are plenty of them on the market, and some of the more common trade names for performance fabrics are Sunbrella, Crypton and Revolution.

Sunbrella fabrics are made of solution dyed acrylic and are fade resistant, very durable, bleach cleanable and liquid repellant. They resist mold and mildew and are often found on outdoor furniture.

Now they are using the same technology and making fabrics more suitable for indoor upholstery as well.

Patterns, textures and the overall feel of Sunbrella fabrics have improved greatly in the past couple of years.

For many of us, our homes are a place where we have ultimate control of the environment: we choose everything from paint and rugs to toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Crypton is known to be resistant to stains and odor.

They too are very durable fabrics and are liquid repellant. Crypton is one of the best choices if you have pets because of the odor resistance. Crypton fabrics are dipped in a chemical bath, but don’t let that scare you; they are green guard certified which means they meet industry standards for low emissions.

Your greenest option would be to look for fabrics that are 100 percent Olefin, such as Revolution brand fabrics. They are inherently stain resistant and durable; however, they are typically not liquid repellent.

Revolution fabrics are resistant to sun fading and have the smallest carbon footprint of any upholstery fiber.

It requires very little land or water for its production.

For today's busy, fast-paced lifestyle, performance fabrics are a win-win. They are relatively maintenance free while extending the life of your furniture so you can focus on enjoying your home just as you intend to: with pizza, wine, kids, pets and all of the other messy joys of life!

Karen is a fourth generation member involved in Stones Throw. She earned a Bachelors of Applied Arts in Interior Design from Central Michigan University and assists a broad array of both residential and commercial clients with their specific and unique design needs.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

2018 Design Class Schedule $40 per person*

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

15

ALYSSA VENEKLASSE AND KRISTIN REVERE OF GOLD COAST DOULAS.

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOS BY THE PEOPLE PICTURE COMPANY

In This Together:

How Doulas are Changing the Way We Support New Mothers

E

mbarking on motherhood is to live on two ends of a vast spectrum: with boundless joy and unprecedented love also comes tremendous self-doubt and anxiety, concealed for fear of judgment. In our fastpaced world, new mothers and their struggles are often dismissed in favor of picture-perfect moments that are likable and shareable.

“We set such high expectations for ourselves,” Alyssa Veneklase, a postpartum doula and co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas, an award-winning doula agency located in Grand Rapids. “As women, we can often put unfair expectations on each other.”

Veneklase, along with her co-owner and certified birth doula Kristin Revere, is working to transform society’s notions about what it means to support new moms to help them, and their families, thrive.

GOLD COAST

Since 2015, Gold Coast Doulas has offered mothers in West Michigan unequivocal support through a range of services that encompass each aspect of new motherhood, such as birth and postpartum doulas, hypnobirthing, gentle sleep consulting, lactation support, infant massage and more.

Both Revere and Veneklase emphasize that, while they support their clients, the new or expectant mother takes the lead while the doula encourages her to listen to her instincts.

“We help women see their own power and the strength of their decision-making,” Revere stated.

Doulas are often associated with alternative lifestyles with an emphasis on all-natural home births and child rearing. Revere states that this couldn’t be further than the truth.

“We support all births, not just home births,” Revere expressed. “Whether it’s a natural birth, a medicated birth, home or hospital birth — we are there supporting our clients’ decisions.”

“We help women see their own power and the strength of their decision- making.

— Kristin Revere, certified birth doula and co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas.

Gold Coast employs nearly 20 birth and postpartum doulas. Birth doulas are available for hire at any point during pregnancy to assist mothers and their families as they prepare to welcome their little ones into the world. In an age of overwhelming resources, options and birth plans, these doulas help their clients manage their expectations and feel confident in their decisions, whatever they may be.

“We never tell our mothers what they should or shouldn’t do,” Revere said. “We provide information for them to make the most informed decisions based on what they want to do. We are judgment-free.”

Postpartum doulas help new mothers find their footing on the new path that has unfurled before them with the birth of the babies, whether it is meal planning and prepping, holding the baby while mom showers, breastfeeding support or lending an open ear.

“We walk into the house and say, ‘What does this mom need today, right now?’” Veneklase stated.

At the recommendation of her OBGYN, Lindsey Nicholson reached out to Gold Coast to help her navigate the unexpected obstacles she faced after giving birth to her first baby five months ago.

16

“I underestimated the physical and emotional toll of it,” Nicholson shared. “Stepping into this new role wasn’t easy for me—I expected to be more confident and instead I found myself second guessing myself all the time.”

Nicholson’s doula visited her home two afternoons a week to help her with feeding, resting, completing everyday tasks with a newborn and nurturing confidence in her instincts.

“I wanted an expert to help and be around us and guide me,” Nicholson said. “She came in and knew what needed to be done.”

Over time, Nicholson said, she and her baby formed a deep bond with their doula.

“There are few people you can have that kind of intimacy with,” she expressed. “It is the best gift you can give yourself and your baby. Whether it is your first baby or your third— it’s just priceless.”

ASKING FOR HELP

Workers in the United States are entitled to up to 12 weeks of maternity leave, often a combination of paid and unpaid. In addition to inadequate leave, one in seven women experience postpartum depression, a condition during which new mothers experience panic attacks, anxiety, fear of failure, disinterest in their babies, feelings of guilt, worthlessness and more.

Women in the midst of postpartum depression often feel ashamed, putting them at greater risk for a mental health crisis. Gold Coast offers discounted pricing to mothers who are receiving treatment forpostpartum depression at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.

Revere and Veneklase emphasizes, that, with a doula by her side, a new mother can maneuver through these difficult feelings without shame, and emerge with confidence.

“We need to be OK with asking for help,” Veneklase reflected. “You don’t have to do it alone, and you shouldn’t try.

To view packages, class offerings and more information, visit goldcoastdoulas.com

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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 haven’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.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

17

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

19

HerLegacy Meet the Women of West Michigan Who Made History

Etta Smith Wilson (1857 – 1936) Progressive Era Activist

JOSÉ GUADALUPE POSADA EXHIBIT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2018 During open hours | Level 4 View a selection of prints from the GVSU Art Gallery’s Print and Drawing Cabinet

PIXAR’S COCO MOVIE SCREENING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018 10:30 am | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3

ALTARS ON DISPLAY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 During open hours | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3

FAMILY DAY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 1:00 – 4:30 pm | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3 Families are invited to learn more about the Día de los Muertos holiday, have their face painted, and make a craft. The day will include bilingual storytimes, live music, and food from local restaurants.

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This program is free and open to the public thanks to the funding of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation. Consider a gift today: 616.988.5399 or www.grplfoundation.org.

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T

he granddaughter of Christian missionaries and an Ottawa medicine woman, Etta Smith Wilson managed to integrate the values of both cultures as a pioneering journalist, an advocate for women, and a nationally renowned lecturer in the field of ornithology. Born Esther Eliza Wolfe in Leelanau County, she overcame great family difficulties, especially after her father returned severely injured from Civil War service with a Native American regiment of sharpshooters.

After high school in Grand Rapids, Wilson was hired in 1886 to invent a “society column” for the TelegramHerald, which later described her as the “first [full-time] lady employed in newspaper reporting in Grand Rapids.”

Learning her trade, Wilson was clever enough to finagle assignments covering baseball, horse racing, police work and political news in addition to interviewing suffragist Susan B. Anthony. She amused herself at the same time she proved that women could do it all. Within two years Wilson was

listed as the newspaper’s Society Editor.

She soon integrated the Grand Rapids Press Club as an active member and officer and helped found the Michigan Women’s Press Club for the mutual aid and support of early women journalists.

Five years after she was lured to the Detroit Journal-News in 1901, a freak disease forced her to leave newspaper work. Still, she reinvented herself an as ornithologist and preservationist and never abandoned her writing skills.

Through the end of her life in 1936 Wilson was engaged in bird work for the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey and became a popular lecturer for the National Audubon Society, reaching up to 20,000 people a week. She also published articles describing her early professional life, honoring her Native heritage and grandmother Kin-ne-quay, and memorializing such birds as the amazing passenger pigeon, suddenly extinct in the early-twentieth century.

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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Treatment for depression, anxiety, stress, addiction and more Individual, family and relationship counseling Evaluations and assessments

Meadowlark Retirement Village is an independent living, assisted living, and, now secure memory care senior living community where loved ones feel right at home.

We invite you to experience Meadowlark’s innovative approach to resident-centered care.

Accepting New Patients: 866.852.4001

To schedule an appointment please call

pinerest.org/outpatient

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

616-887-8891

21

G

Coping with Loss

rief in any light is a heavy burden to bear. At times, it will make you feel as though you were punched in the stomach, drowning in a rough sea, never able to inhale enough air to keep yourself afloat. Other times, you may feel you can put one foot in front of the other and take on your day, albeit with a heavy heart. Understanding that going through grief will be like riding waves of emotion, and being good to yourself during the process, will be what holds you together as you make your way toward healing.

Grief comes in many different forms and affects people in various ways. Family members may deal with loss of differently, which can be challenging to support each other.

However difficult, acknowledging loss is important, as ignoring it delays the grieving process and can make it more painful. Grief is not linear, and some people may need to be left alone as they process it, while others may need support in the form of attention.

SUPPORTING OTHERS

Do not feel pressure to cheer up someone in mourning.

Instead, sit with them in their sadness, acknowledging the great pain they are feeling in that moment.

Providing silent support in terms of homemade meals, childcare and house cleaning is invaluable; grief can give impossible weight to these seemingly thoughtless everyday tasks.

22

BY KERRY HART, LLMFT

FOR THE GRIEVING

The various stages of bereavement come and go in waves and are intense. Denial, anger, bargaining and depression will be accompanied by loneliness, sadness, anxiety and hopelessness. While the final stage is acceptance, when you are first embarking on your journey, it will feel a world away.

Understanding that going through grief will be like riding waves of emotion, and being good to yourself during the process, will be what holds you together as you make your way toward healing.”

Allow yourself to go through the stages at your own pace. There will be times the best thing you can do for yourself is to curl up in a ball and let your feelings out through crying.

Sometimes grief will be so great that one can suffer from physical symptoms. You may feel generally unwell, as extreme stress can cause the immune system to decrease in function. It is normal to experience a loss of appetite, insomnia, lethargy and apathy.

Aggression is also common, particularly when the death of a loved one is sudden and unexpected.

Loss is traumatic and brings to the surface unanswered questions and unresolved feelings. Although it may be your natural instinct to isolate yourself, it is important not grieve alone. Find support in those who have been there before and can offer empathy. Above all, grief requires you to be kind and patient with yourself.

Utilize local networks to find a therapist and/or support group to help you heal.

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 • October 2018

Learning Today...

Leading Tomorrow

Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Learn to survive, thrive, and open to a life of greater resiliency and well-being.

Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.

October 19 • 9 AM - 4 PM Watermark Country Club • Lunch Included Program Approved for 6.0 CE/CPEs for Health Professionals.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Mindful Eating Classes Starting October 22, Free Info Sessions October 8-18. CE/CPE Approved for 8-Week Classes.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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

23

More Than Muscle: What Happens To Your Body During Exercise

W

e all know exercising is good for our bodies. It increases stamina, muscle mass and helps fight preventative lifestyle disease. And you probably know that working out releases endorphins in your brain — you know, those oh-so-pleasing hormones that make us feel good.

But there's more! Here’s an in-depth look at what’s actually happening to your body during exercise.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

When you begin exercising, your brain recognizes your elevated heart rate as a stress response. This triggers your brain to transition into fight or flight mode. Think about our ancestors: Their elevated heart rates were likely due to running from something, hunting and chasing down their next meal, or fighting off enemies and animals. When our body transitions into this fight or flight mode the brain releases a chemical called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). This BDNF has a protective and reparative element to your memory neurons and acts as a reset switch. That’s why you might have such a clear head after a great workout and seek exercise to forget about your worries and daily troubles.

FOCUS IN

All that blood pumping through your body is working wonders for your brain when it comes time to study for your next exam or prepare for a big meeting. The blood cells rushing to your brain and increased oxygen can sharpen focus for up to 10 minutes after exercise. Why not take your textbook with you to the gym?

24

BY KELLY BROWN

MUSCLE, ACTIVATE!

When you exercise, your body sends voluntary messages for your muscles to flex, extend, press and hold you throughout your entire routine. This movement creates body heat and expends energy. This energy is stored throughout the body in ATP (Adenine Nucleotide Bonds) and the process of breaking these bonds down releases potential energy in the muscles so you can keep moving. All of this (along with a balanced diet) helps you grow stronger and while keeping you at a healthy weight.

BETTER BREATHING

As your muscles work and your heart pumps harder, your breathing rate increases to meet your body’s necessary need for oxygen. Improving cardiorespiratory function through exercise means the body can efficiently distribute and consume oxygen for future workouts and daily activities. This means if you’re having trouble taking a walk around the block without breathing heavily, it’s time to step onto the treadmill, ride your bike or do some short interval training to help you move better day-to-day.

HORMONE BOOST

Exercise has a direct effect on the glands of the body that produce your hormones. Some of the glands affected are the thyroid, adrenal glands and kidneys, all of which benefit from increased activity and fresh oxygen circulating through the body due to exercise.

The most impacted by exercise is the pituitary gland.

When stimulated, the pituitary releases the human

growth hormone that initiates the regeneration of bones, muscles and connective tissues throughout the body. The best way to keep the production of HGH is to stimulate this gland through regular exercise.

Exercise has a direct effect on the glands of the body that produce your hormones.”

Kelly Brown is a writer, marketer and egg-eater. Her writing has been published across Michigan and the US.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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

606 Wealthy St SE (616) 301-1885 artofthetable.com

25

A REFLECTION ON

H

BY SHANNON COHEN

ope is a force. Hope is giving yourself permission to fail, reflect, learn, and retry with no expiration date. Hope is in nature. Each intake of breath and morning’s dawn is nature’s reminder that there is hope.

Each new day provides mercy, fresh perspective, grace, and untapped possibilities.

Hope is jealous. Hope needs premium mental real estate to thrive. Hope requires muting your inner critic and external sources of doubt, despair, and disbelief.

Hope is found in the eyes of our children. The color-outside-the-lines innocence of our children keeps hopelessness at bay and inspires onward movement to improve their quality of life.

Hope is in our history, ancestry and elders. Hope is found in standing on the shoulders of female trailblazers who have gone before us. Their resilience and testaments of hope embolden our own.

Hope is the fuel to our hustle. Hope is the reason we go back to school while working full-time and raising children. It's the reason we endure late nights and lean fiscal seasons to scale side hustles into flourishing enterprises. Hope fuels our discipline, commitment and resolve.

Hope is a fighter. Hope may flicker or falter but doesn’t quit. Hope reminds us that we are Teflon tough, able to withstand the dings, scratches and burns of life.

Hope is the quintessential “hype-man.” Hope will have you raise the roof, jump up and down, and rock side to side believing that you are magic, your dreams are within reach, and your life is greater than your present circumstances.

We All Need Hope.

Laketa Alexander, Millennial Lifestyle Blogger and Founder of Alex Chantal

“For me, hope is confidently expecting something good despite circumstances that suggest otherwise.

My hope comes from God. I focus less on what my situation currently looks like and more on what I want it to be.

26

HOPE

Naomi Silas, Founder and Principal of Seventh Creative

“Life has thrown a lot at me. When I was at my lowest point and had nothing else, I had hope. Hope kept me going like a light in the dark. I started using hope as an aspiration to do more. It was no longer, ‘Hope to make it.’ I stopped hoping to just survive, but using my hope to thrive! Once I embraced hope, I became fearless and a source of inspiration to others.

Jessica Smith, Owner of Ada Mae Apparel

Hope is deciding not to live in fear. It is a conscious decision made many times over to believe in all of the possibilities this life has to offer. I have lived with fear being my motivation for a lot of things in my life.

When I yielded to hope is when I started doing the things I loved most, and when my career path became clear and obtainable. I won’t say I am free of all fear and only hope, but I now recognize the choice that I have in it. And most times I choose hope!”

Shannon is a self-described bi-coastal Michigander with roots that began in her beloved Detroit, and an entrepreneur, wife and mother with a family now planted in Grand Rapids. Shannon is an awardwinning strategist, motivational speaker, and community mobilizer. View more about Shannon and her work in community at: shannoncohen.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

MEDICINE WITH HEART

At Partners in Plastic Surgery that means building healthcare relationships. It means knowing your story and understanding your goals. It’s being open and honest with you every step of the way. It's old school values combined with modern, innovative surgical practices. “Medicine with Heart” is the heart of everything we do.

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

Jannah H. Thompson, M.D.

Call (616) 459-4171 to schedule your appointment or visit www.urologic-consultants.com 25 Michigan St N.E., Ste 3300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

2093 Health Dr., Ste 202 Wyoming, MI 49519

DR. DENNIS HAMMOND • DR. ANDREA VAN PELT

Dr. Dennis Hammond and Dr. Andrea Van Pelt are board-certified plastic surgeons who have a combined experience of over 30 years in practice and specialize in elective breast surgery, breast reconstruction and body contouring. These talented surgeons offer incomparable surgical expertise, a fully-accredited private surgical suite, an experienced and involved staff, and a personal skincare department. Visit our website today to view an extensive before and after gallery, and read more about procedures or communicate with our office.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION (616) 464-4420 | PIPSMD.COM 4070 LAKE DR., STE 202 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

27

KEEPING IT COMMUNITY:

Elissa Sangalli Hillary Leads the Effort at Local First

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTO COURTESY OF LOCAL FIRST

A

t Local First, the mission is to empower local businesses and educate them and the community on the best practices and benefits to shopping locally in the region. With more than 800 local businesses partners, thousands of people across West Michigan are impacted by this nonprofit.

Leading the charge is Elissa Sangalli Hillary, a Michigan native who is focused on keeping our dollars right where they belong: in the community.

Before joining Local First, Sangalli Hillary graduated from Aquinas College with a bachelor’s degree in community leadership and political science. After college, she worked as a college recruiter, traveling around the state and the Midwest.

“It was really clear to me when I was traveling... that there were certain places you would visit where the streets were just formulaic,” Sangalli Hillary said.

“There were all the big box stores, and you could almost predict what would be next...that made me really sad because I like the flavor of visiting unique communities.”

It was around the same time that Sangalli Hillary started to think about the next step she wanted to take for her career, and she saw a posting for the position of president at Local First. The organization was only a few years old at the time, mostly volunteer-run, and had only 100 businesses partnered up.

“When I started, it was 2007: It was the middle of the recession, so we had to be really thoughtful of how we grew,” she expressed.

28

Since then, the business memberships have increased eightfold, and the community has rallied its support as the organization's impact grows.

“That’s support from our local business community, who we couldn’t be here without,” she said. “To our local foundations, and our city … and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”

Local businesses can purchase a Local First membership, which gives them access to discounted advertising and event sponsorships, a vast professional business network, Local First branding and social media attention. Additionally, the organization offers sustainability courses to teach businesses how to wage a positive environmental impact.

Pamela Patton, owner of Paragraph, a copywriting and content creating agency testifies to the impact Local First has had on her.

“I know that Local First has made me much more aware of local businesses and organizations, and I just feel better when I see the Local First sticker on the door of an establishment,” Patton said.

Aleka Thrash, local owner of both ACTPhotoMedia and NaturallyACT, has been a member of Local First since 2017. Thrash received one of the 2017 LocalMotion awards for helping to build a sustainable community and photographed the 2017 Street Party, Fork Fest and the grand opening of Local First’s newest office space.

“Local First has been a connector that allows me to meet people I normally wouldn't have the opportunity to,” Thrash commented. “Organizations like Local

First are necessary for small business to be successful.

The staff cares about the people behind the business, and the programs they offer are a way for businesses to gain knowledge and make connections.”

Sangalli Hillary highlighted that every business relationship looks a little different.

“Relationships are a core value of the organization,” Sangalli Hillary expressed. “We believe that part of the reason that local matters and local ownership matters is that there’s a beautiful messiness in a relationship where the owner knows the people that work for them and the impact of their decisions on the community.”

As a child, Sangalli Hillary admired the small town she grew up in, with a Main Street where she always greeted Mr. Fred at the pharmacy, smelled the flowers at Hoppy’s Nursery and checked out at the familiar hardware store with her father, who was an engineer.

“I can remember the experience and the feel of going to those local businesses, and all three of those businesses are gone now,” Sangalli Hillary said.

“Having that experience where you get to know someone there, the owner, there’s this magic in it that’s hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it.”

Visit localfirst.com to learn more.

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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The Community Reflects on the

Life and Legacy of Victoria Upton

T

his month, we honor the life of our founder and publisher, the inimitable Victoria Upton.

She went by many names: Victoria, Vic, Vickie, Vudu, V. To us, she was The Queen.

She started Women’s LifeStyle 20 years ago as a vehicle to uplift and inspire women in our community; something she did every single day with unprecedented passion.

She was nothing short of magical; fearlessly generous with an incredible vision of what our city could be. Many across the community were directly impacted by her insatiable positivity, unrelenting enthusiasm for life and extraordinary love. To Victoria, each and every one of us was worthy of her love; a love that gave us direction and led us to our best selves.

As we mourn this monumental loss, hundreds pay tribute to Victoria by sharing their memories of her and her influence.

(The following comments have been edited for clarity.)

VOLUNTEERING AT THE ARTPRIZE HUB

PHOTO BY DAVE BURGESS

“I will always be grateful to her for helping me and helping the women that I wanted to reach out to.

She will always be missed by all of us.

And she will be very happy to know that she made a huge impact in our community.

— Erick Gerson

“Victoria Upton was kind, she was encouraging, she made me (and everyone she met) feel like the greatest person in the room. She wasn’t afraid to ask you do to hard things to support great things, and she would always be willing to be right there with you to get it done.”

— Todd Herring

Victoria always lit up the room and had something to contribute. She was kind, fierce, creative, generous and a hurricane of positive energy. Even when she was in a crisis, Victoria didn’t let life’s challenges change her.”

— Ann Teliczan 30

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

“Thank you, Victoria, for your beauty, wisdom, kindness, service and grace. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. We will miss you so very much.”

— GRandJazzFest THE GRAND JAZZAFEST COMMITTEE

She will be remembered for empowering those who were voiceless. She told our stories.

Victoria created a platform and a pathway to make the world a better place for all of us.

West Michigan has lost a giant.

— Kelly

Koning-Ramic

“Thank you Victoria for being an inspiration to us all. You’ve showed us to live each moment in the present, while always seeking opportunities to empower one another and be a light of love. Your spirit will live within us.”

— Graci Harkema

TRYING ON KINKY BOOTS AT BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS

“She was a force of nature. Our community is lessened today by her absence, but so much more for having her undaunted, loving energy and creativity with us for awhile.”

— Brad Miller

A dynamo, an advocate, a savvy businesswoman, vivacious, wise, confident, creative, supportive, fearless, always real, funny as hell and feisty, with a giant personality and an even bigger heart.”

— Kim Kibby WITH MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

31

“Her energy, determination and joy made us all better humans.”

— Kristin Revere “You amazed me with all the layers of your talents and involvement and support. I think you made anyone you met feel like they belonged; that they mattered.”

— Mary Rademacher Reed

THE WEALTHY THEATRE

“Her creativity was unmatched and her curiosity relentless. But it was her enthusiasm for life that was contagious.

She shared it with everyone she met. And, left a little of it behind in her wake.”

— Jennifer Phillips Wilson

AT RIBBON OF HOPE

“While she will be missed by so many of us, what a great life she lived. Most of us hope that we leave this world a slightly better place. Victoria did.

— Lynn Marie 32

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

33

THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST FOR

Adventurous Eating G R IN

RAND

APIDS Escargot

Bone Marrow

Beef Tongue Tacos

Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)

Octopus Confit

Chicken Feet

Brain Tacos

T

here are few pleasures in life greater than satiating one’s hunger by eating something you’re craving. Growing up, however, many Americans don't venture outside the usual rotation of dishes such as, pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and turkey on Thanksgiving. While those things are classics for a reason, there’s a whole world of new and unique foods out there for us to explore.

Organ meats, for example, are the most overlooked parts of an animal in the United States — which is honestly a travesty because 1) it’s wasteful, and 2) beef tongue and chicken livers are delicious! There are also those animals you wouldn’t think to eat, like snails or jellyfi sh. We’re not suggesting that people should eat any endangered species like sharks, but if the only thing stopping you from trying something new and potentially tasty is your brain telling you that it seems weird, then why not nudge yourself outside the norm?

We understand that, like anything outside one’s comfort zone, adventurous eating can be disconcerting; but with a little courage, open-mindedness and knowledge of the culture it comes from, we think you’ll be able to taste the best the world has to offer.

To assist our readers in embracing new foodie creations, we’ve assembled a bucket list of adventurous dishes for you to try in the Grand Rapids area, along with everything you need to know about these dishes should you decide to give them a try. If nothing else, this will be a fun way to gross out your less-adventurous dining companions!

Jellyfish with Century Egg

Beef Pho with Tripe and Tendon

BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SPECHT

BONE MARROW FROM BREWERY VIVANT Anatomically, bone marrow is the yellowish, reddish, jelly-like tissue inside the bones that has blood cellproducing powers. Historically, bone marrow has been vital in European cuisines, where special bone marrow spoons were developed in 18th-century France and England. Most of the bone marrow we consume is from veal because it is particularly mild and delicate.

“The best way to describe the fl avor is beefy brown butter,” said Chris Vander Meer, executive chef of Brewery Vivant. “It’s so rich and hearty, and then we have the fennel rub that we bake onto it, adding an even deeper dimension. Spread that on some of our crusty, French baguettes, and you have a match made in heaven!”

CHICKEN FEET FROM WEI WEI PALACE

When it comes to eating chicken feet, you’re not there for the meat. You’re there for the skin, and the gelatinous ligaments and tendons coated in that simultaneously sweet and spicy sauce. Aside from being a popular stand-alone dish, animal feet are also be used for their broth-generating properties. In Japan, for example, they are used in ramen. Animal feet are also highly valued for their collagen, which is supposedly good for your skin. In a world that is gravitating towards a whole-animal style of eating, Asia has been there for ages. As for the best way to eat these “Phoenix claws?” Approach them like chicken wings and gnaw at them until you’re down to the bones!

BEEF TONGUE (LENGUA) TACOS FROM TAQUERIA SAN JOSE

you saw it. Seeing a giant cow tongue is daunting, but the good news is it’s almost never served in its full form. They can be jellied and sliced for sandwiches like they do in Jewish delis, stir-fried like in Chinese cuisine, or shredded for the most incredible tacos — like these ones from Taqueria San Jose! Don’t worry about the texture: it tastes like super-tender braised beef. Don’t forget the cilantro and onions!

OCTOPUS CONFIT (PULPO CONFITADO) FROM ZOKO 822

“I don’t think we could call ourselves a Spanish or Basque restaurant if we didn’t have octopus on the menu. Surprisingly enough, it sells really well!” Chef Ryan Martin of Zoko 822 told Women’s LifeStyle.

Octopus has popped up on the menus of many chefdriven restaurants in America’s trendiest cities. It makes sense due to the fact that it’s cheap to obtain and gives chefs a chance to showcase their skills. Octopus is, after all, one of those ingredients that is terrible unless cooked perfectly. On the consumers’ end, foodies enjoy it because it’s a nutritious, low-calorie source of protein that is also very fi lling. It is common in Mediterranean cuisine and is often consumed raw as sushi at Japanese restaurants. As for Zoko 822’s octopus confi t, Martin says they cook the octopus in oil, and it comes out smelling and tasting like sweet crab meat. “Then we toss it in a classic Spanish sauce called mojo picón. We jokingly refer to it as Spanish barbecue sauce because of its sweet, meaty fl avor with hints of smokiness and acidity,” he explained. “We then serve it with wrinkly potatoes, which is a method of preparing potatoes in the Canary Islands.”

If you've ever encountered raw animal tongue at a butchery, we reckon you knew what it was the moment

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

BEEF PHO WITH TRIPE AND TENDON FROM PHO SOC TRANG

Vietnam’s unoffi cial national dish of fragrant broth with slices of meat and soft rice noodles is much loved all over the world. Pho truly is Vietnamese soul food, often enjoyed as a Sunday morning ritual for families.

What people may not know is that there are many variations to this pho-nominal (see what we did there?) dish. Some have counted up to 40 different types of pho, including duck pho, ostrich pho, clam pho, and vegetarian pho. Rookies usually start with the basic version of beef pho with slices of raw and well-cooked meat, sometimes with brisket or beef ball. Veterans, however, will at least try beef pho with everything on it — tripe and tendons included. Tripe is the stomach lining of a cow while tendon is the tissue attached to muscles and bones. Tripe’s consistency is chewy while tendons are jelly-like. We encourage foodies to take your pho experience up a notch by ordering beef pho with all the meat variations. Make the jump and enjoy pho with a fabulous mix of textures! The worst that can happen is that you aren’t crazy about it, and next time, you can order pho and customize your soup with only your favorite bits.

ESCARGOT FROM BREWERY VIVANT

While the idea of consuming snails may repel the average American, escargot is a delicacy in France and even dates back to prehistoric times. Often served with a buttery garlic sauce (sometimes with alcohol bases like wine or brandy), escargot is a reasonably healthy food, containing high levels of protein, essential fatty acids, iron, and vitamins. “I like to push our guests to try escargot if they haven’t had it before. We do a very classic French preparation where we bring in Helix land snails from France and cook them in a compound butter with garlic, shallots, parsley, and brandy,” said Chef Chris Vander Meer of Brewery Vivant. “At the end, we top the buttery snails with freshly-shredded parmesan and bake it until it’s a beautiful golden brown. Place one of these babies on some grilled toast and I promise you won’t look back!” ”

BEEF HEART SKEWERS FROM ROAM BY SAN CHEZ

“As a chef, I appreciate when butchers keep as much of the animal as possible so we can utilize the parts that normally get overlooked. Respect for animals and the products we use is very important to me and the company,” said Petr Orzech, head chef of Roam by San Chez. Most of the meat we consume is muscle, and the heart is an extreme form of muscle. Similar to steak, roasts, and ground beef, only stronger and more fi brous, heart needs to be tenderized or long-chewed when eaten. It is also less expensive (probably because fewer people eat it). Beef heart is especially popular in South America as a street food, often marinated and then cooked over charcoal as kebabs and eaten with chile sauce. Chicken hearts are similarly skewered in Japanese restaurants. Nutritionally, heart meat is high in protein, iron, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and amino acids. Roam by San Chez’s rendition of beef heart is Peruvian-inspired. “We cook it to medium-rare (unless requested otherwise) to try and maintain as much natural fl avor as possible. We marinate it in garlic, onion and chili powder, clove and paprika, which are all very traditional spices in Peru,” said Orzech, “But we make sure not to overpower the beef.”

“Food is something everybody loves, and that makes it a wonderful way to connect with people all over the world. Whether you’re snacking on an elephant ear at a state fair or savoring some balut from a street vendor in the Philippines, you’re diving right into a culture.”

JELLYFISH WITH CENTURY EGG FROM WEI WEI PALACE Are you ready for this jelly? Think of jellyfi sh as “the glass noodles of the sea.” Usually served cold or pickled and tossed with soy sauce or sesame oil, they are not as slimy as one might think and are, in fact, rather crunchy, like raw clams. Biting into them is like tasting the ocean in your tongue. Jellyfi sh are low in calories, low in fat, and rich in protein and collagen.

The little fat they do have are essential fatty acids. But the real reason you should be eating them? Scientists say there are too many of them in the sea... and the problem is only getting worse! In 2014, jellyfi sh invaded a Scottish salmon farm, killing 300,000 fi sh overnight. They have also shut down power stations and have had a signifi cant socioeconomic impact on tourist areas. We like to say: if you can’t beat them, eat them!

Beef Heart Skewers Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Wei Wei Palace’s jellyfi sh is served with century eggs, which are eggs that have been preserved in a saline solution for a few months. Taste-wise, century eggs are

like supercharged regular boiled eggs. The gelatinous black part doesn’t taste much like anything, but the yolk is creamy and pungent—bringing a nice contrast with the tangy spiciness of the jellyfi sh.

BRAIN TACOS FROM TAQUERIA GARCIA

Zombie jokes aside, animal brains are eaten all over the world and can be found in both high-end French restaurants all the way to that authentic taqueria down the road — much like this tasty treat from Taqueria Garcia! While there’s no doubt it looks like a taco with chunks of brain in it, take a bite and you’ll fi nd that it has the texture of fi rm tofu with a custardlike creaminess. Brain has also been compared to scrambled eggs in texture, and indeed, brains mixed with scrambled eggs are popular in Portugal and Spain.

While brains are 60 percent fat and high in cholesterol, they are also rich in healthy oils and B12 vitamins.

BALUT (FERTILIZED DUCK EGG) FROM THE KIM NHUNG SUPERSTORE

If you’ve heard of balut before, you probably knew it would make the list. For those who don’t know, balut is a common street food item in the Philippines. It is essentially a hard-boiled duck egg, which sounds innocent enough, until you fi nd out the egg is fertilized and incubated for 14 to 21 days before being cooked.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen: it’s duck embryo.

We Filipinos understand that balut is no beauty queen, but it’s still a shame that it’s been so exoticized in pop culture. The truth is that the thought of balut is more unpleasant than the balut itself. Once you’ve cracked the top off, you will encounter a broth so heavenly that you’ll forget about all your previous reservations. A good balut yolk is soft and creamy, while the embryo is tender and almost mousse-like in texture. You certainly aren’t meant to be crunching on any bones. Pictures you may have seen online where the duckling’s feathers and beak are visible are examples of overdeveloped balut, and do not do justice to good balut. “When I eat balut, I am taken back to my childhood days living in the Philippines,” said Ace Marasigan, West Michigan resident and founder of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacifi c Festival. “The street vendors would come by the wet markets and residential areas with their baskets full of eggs, yelling out, “balut!”, and we would all come out of the house and enjoy them.” He added, “The idea of balut may be off-putting to some, and that’s unfortunate because it’s absolutely delicious and eating one is truly an experience. If you still aren’t sure, I’ll eat one with you!” Don’t forget to enjoy it with a little salt or vinegar.

Food is something everybody loves, and that makes it a wonderful way to connect with people all over the world. Whether you’re snacking on an elephant ear at a state fair or savoring some balut from a street vendor in the Philippines, you’re diving right into a culture. You suddenly have something to talk about with anyone around you. Food truly is a universal language. It just has different dialects.

As for you, dear reader, it’s a brave new world of food out there and we hope you take the time to learn its different dialects by venturing outside what is normal and trying everything you can!

Sam was born in Chicago, grew up in the Philippines, attended college in Australia and is now living in Grand Rapids. She loves cheese, video games and music, and will quote a movie or TV show every chance she gets.

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APPLES TO APPLES

T

he orchards are abundant with apples! The harvest of this favorite fruit is in full swing, with some varieties ripening as early as late August while others continue to become available throughout October. This year, when you collect your delicious bounty, skip the applesauce and try your hand at these simple yet heavenly recipes staring Michigan apples.

Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Meatballs

1 cup applesauce

1 cup barbecue sauce

1 egg

1 Michigan apple, finely chopped

1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

pinch red pepper flakes chopped fresh parsley, for garnish In bowl of 3-quart slow cooker, stir together applesauce and barbecue sauce.

RECIPES COURTESY OF THE MICHIGAN APPLE COMMITTEE

Place egg in large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add apple, beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes. Mix with hands until just combined.

Place egg in large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add apple, beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes. Mix with hands until just combined. Do not overmix. Using hands, gently form mixture into meatballs just smaller than golf balls.

Place meatballs in bowl of slow cooker and gently stir to cover meatballs with sauce. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meatballs are cooked through. Stir mixture well, then transfer to platter and serve garnished with parsley, if desired.

Sausage and Apple Tortellini

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 pounds hot Italian sausage, casings removed if necessary

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken stock 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup apple juice

1 Michigan Gala apple, chopped

1 package (8 to 10 ounces) cheese tortellini

1 package (5 ounces) baby spinach 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley Heat oil in large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and

36

sausage and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until sausage is cooked through, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage with back of spoon.

Stir in flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in stock, cream and juice; heat to boiling over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to medium; stir in apple and tortellini. Cook 3 minutes, Stirring frequently.

Stir in spinach and salt. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until spinach is slightly wilted and tortellini is tender.

Serve tortellini garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

linearrestaurant.com 37

October Recipes

BY DANEA MATHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUGUST NYSON

Cozy into fall time with these indulgent and comforting, yet healthy and nutrient packed dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack time in-between

Grain Free Apple Cinnamon Almond Butter Pancakes with Balsamic Banana sauce Fluffy, satisfying pancakes with surprising ingredients that will keep you warm on crisp autumn mornings.

Cover or stuff these with cinnamon apples and balsamic banana sauce for textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, vegan

2 tablespoons chia seeds, soaked in 1 cup water

6 tablespoons non-dairy milk 1 lemon

2 large bananas

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoon almond butter

1 1/3 cup banana flour 1/2 cup coconut sugar

2 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 apple, cut into quarter-inch slices

1 teaspoon or more cinnamon non-dairy butter for cooking In a small bowl, combine non-dairy milk with juice from ½ lemon. Stir and let sit to curdle.

In a blender, add soaked chia seeds and water, non-dairy buttermilk, bananas,

vanilla extract, and almond butter. Blend on high until mixture is creamy and chia seeds are pulverized. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together banana flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Once combined, slowly pour in liquid mixture from blender.

Fold batter together and set aside for immediate use, or store in refrigerator for use up to one day ahead.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.

In a separate mixing bowl, toss apple slices in remaining ½ lemon juice and cinnamon. Add apples into skillet, flat side down. Allow to sautee until al dente and golden brown on both sides, flipping once halfway through. Remove apples from pan and set aside for pancakes.

Heat a large skillet to medium-low.

Melt a small amount of non-dairy butter in pan. Once heated, add 1/8 cup of pancake batter to pan per cake. Add one sautéed apple slice to each cake and allow to cook slowly. Flip once half way through cooking.

Serve pancakes with balsamic banana sauce (see below), more sautéed apples, and optional pumpkin spice roasted almonds.

Balsamic Banana Sauce

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

cup avocado oil tablespoon Agave cup balsamic vinegar cup apple cider vinegar

2 large bananas

In a mixing bowl, whisk together oil, agave, balsamic and apple cider vinegars. Transfer to a large sautee pan and heat over medium.

Slice bananas and add all slices into pan. Allow to simmer untouched for 7-10 minutes.

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Bananas will begin to soften and caramelize, and will become coated in sauce.

Gently begin to stir mixture in pan to break down bananas into the sauce.

They will remain slightly chunky. When finished, sauce will be the consistency of apple butter.

Enjoy freshly heated or set aside and use cooled.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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39

“No Stuffing” Stuffed Acorn Squash Get stuffed—without the stuffing that it is!

This overflowing entrée meets every savory fall time flavor craving while packing in more than one serving of veggies and skipping the heavy glutens and grains 1-2 large acorn squash

2 cups sliced mixed mushrooms roughly chopped

1 cup celery, sliced

1 cup white onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups kale, de-stemmed and torn to 2-inch pieces 1/2 cups parsley leaves, chopped juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

1 teaspoon rosemary leaves vegan Parmesan cheese to garnish

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut acorn squash in half, scoop out seeds, coat open faces with oil and place face down on a roasting pan.

Place squash in oven for 35-40 minutes, until soft and easily pierced with a knife.

While squash is roasting, heat a generous amount of oil in a large sauté pan.

Add garlic to pan and heat for 30 seconds.

Add in mushroom, celery and onion. Sauté until all veggies are soft and opaque.

Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, sage and rosemary to veggies. Add kale and parsley to pan. Squeeze lemon juice into pan and stir gently until kale is wilted.

Remove squash from oven and flip open so that the face is facing up. Fill the bowl of each squash half with veggie mix. Top with vegan Parmesan and return to oven for 5 minutes to brown. Enjoy!

Dairy Free Mac N’ Cheese One of the most iconic comfort foods, this version is as creamy and rich as ever, while sneaking in healthy veggies and healing spices to boot!

2 medium sized Russet potatoes

2 large carrots

1 large yellow onion

4 large garlic cloves 1/4 cup tahini

1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 cup nutritional yeast 1/2 cup non-dairy milk juice of one lemon 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/8 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 cup reserved boiled water

4 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

1 pound cooked macaroni

Rinse and trim potatoes, carrots and onion. Cut into small pieces, no bigger than 2 inches. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots and onion and boil until very soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Scoop vegetables from water or drain (remember to reserve 1 cup of water), and add to a high speed blender.

Add to blender with veggies: garlic cloves, tahini, salt, pepper, turmeric, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne and reserved boiled water.

Blend on high until very smooth and creamy, at least one full minute.

When finished, set aside.

In a large, wide pan, heat oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add in arrowroot powder and whisk as if you are making a roux.

Once combined, pour in blender mixture and whisk together well.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and allow to simmer about 5 minutes, until texture is thick and resistant like a cheese sauce.

Taste sauce and adjust spices as you like. Stir cheese sauce into cooked pasta, 1 cup at a time. Save extra cheese sauce for more pasta, nachos or cheese dip!

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Almonds

These easy-to-roast almonds are a great midday snack, between meal bite, or topping for pancakes, ice cream or yogurt.

2 1 4 1 2

cups raw almonds tablespoon ground flax tablespoons cool water teaspoon salt teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat oven to 325F. Spray a cookie sheet or roasting pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

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In a small bowl, whisk together ground flax and cool water. Once gelled, stir in salt to dissolve. Place raw almonds in a mixing bowl. Add in flax mixture and stir to coat almonds.

Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar over almonds and gently stir to coat.

Transfer almonds to cookie sheet or pan in a single layer and place in oven for 20 minutes, stirring gently every 5 minutes.

Allow almonds to cool slightly and get crunchy before enjoying.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Bring your pumpkin to Marge’s in October.

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Cupcakes too!

Terrifying Treats Worth Goblin’ Up Coookie Favors & Decorated Cupcakes

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

41

LOVEr

u o y BODY

SHAKEDOWN STREET

SOONER OR LATER YOU GET SHOWN THE LIGHT IN THE STRANGEST OF PLACES IF YOU LOOK JUST STRAIGHT

670 Leonard N.W. Grand Rapids 616-458-0500

W

BY MEGAN STUBBS

ith so much entertainment and advertising showing us a reality that few have or can come by, it’s no wonder that only 24 percent of American women feel confident in their bodies. But it might be surprising to note that one of the most significant contributing factors to fat-shaming comes from those closest to them: friends and family. Fat shaming is the action or practice of humiliating someone judged to be overweight by making critical comments about their size.

Do you ever recall hearing clothing rules like "Don’t go sleeveless if you have big arms?", "Crop tops aren’t for fat people?", or "Strapless is for people with C cups and smaller?" These fashion "rules" and more have been perpetuated in our society for years.

Holistic Massage, Skincare, Haircare

Many times our fear doesn’t come from the clothing itself but rather from an insecurity or self-perceived flaw. In a world that is already asking us to take up less space, not allowing us to wear what we want is going too far. Your body is not an apology, and you deserve to show as much or as little as you want.

We are often our own harshest critics, and our inner monologue can get pretty loud. Silence that inner critic and revel in all that you are. If the language in your head isn’t kind, imagine that voice speaking to your best friend. Would you allow those kinds of comments to be said about them? Chances are, no, so keep the same standard for yourself.

Beaubien Bodyworks 951 Wealthy Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 258-8181 beaubienbodyworks.com

42

And is fat really the worst thing you can be? J.K. Rowling doesn’t think so: “'Fat' is usually the first insult a girl throws at another girl when she wants to hurt her.

I mean, is ‘fat’ really the worst thing a human being can be? Is ‘fat’ worse than ‘vindictive’, ‘jealous’, ‘shallow’, ‘vain’, ‘boring’ or ‘cruel’? Not to me.”

Happiness, success and sexuality are not things that only skinny people get

to experience. If we hold physical form (a thin one) and the qualification of the right kind of body, we are alienating a gigantic portion of the population from believing that they deserve the fundamental human rights mentioned above. And surprise, everyone is worthy and deserving regardless of what they look like.

Become a critical viewer of advertisements and slogans targeted toward you. For example, consider the ridiculous “get a bikini body” promotions. Do you have a body? Good, then you have a bikini body! If you don’t like what the company is trying to advertise to you, say something.

With the power of social media and the connectedness we have from the Internet, chances are there is someone, or a group of people out there who feel the same way.

Be mindful about the way you talk about your body to others. This is essential for women. We are often the most critical of ourselves and seem to have no problem saying negative statements that degrade our looks. Regardless of whether it is a sarcastic statement, you never know who is listening, and the most affected listeners are younger women. You may not know all of the people who look up to you, and to a young admirer, phrases like that can be damaging.

Surround yourself with supportive and loving people. It can sometimes be a daunting task to live up to what we think society is asking from us, and having a great support system will help put you at ease. The people around you love and support you because they see the things that strangers can’t with only their eyes.

Once you start to unlearn the messages you have been fed by society, you will find yourself more confident and happy; and your happiness is more important than what other people think about your body.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Earn Your Way to a New Fur!

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

– Call (616) 459-8331 to reserve your evening –

A FURtastic Girls Night Out Idea!

We Take Care of People by Making Car Care Easy.

Simply Beautiful

In Gaslight Village • 660 Croswell S.E. • East Grand Rapids (616) 459-8331 • www.bellafurs.com Monday - Friday 9:30 to 5:30 • Saturday 10 to 4

2018 Entrepreneurs Plant the Seed.

We Help Them GROW. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women

Collision repair, Detail services and Restoration

New Location: Amway Grand Plaza Join us for our Annual Awards Luncheon & Fundraiser, emceed by Eva Aguirre Cooper of WOOD TV. This years event includes a powerful panel discussion with entrepreneurs we have helped start and grow their business. You will learn first hand how the tools and resources provided by your support are contributing to our communities and economic impact.

October 11, 2018 | 11:30am –1:30pm | Details at growbusiness.org/seeds2018

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

616-364-6222 • www.starcollision.com Since 1958 • 1560 Plainfield Ave NE

• C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R A N D R E F I N I S H • D E TA I L I N G • R E S T O R AT I O N • A U T O G L A S S • C A R R E N TA L

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A Beginner's Guide to Crystals

BY JOEY KRZEMINSKI

S

o, you went to Spirit Dreams and bought a dozen crystals.

You may be asking yourself, “Now what?” There are a lot of different ways to work with your crystals, all of which assist you in living a heart-centered life with positive intentions. Your selections are unique to you and meant to assist you on your journey through life. Because of this, everyone has their own practice; it doesn’t need to follow anyone's rules but your own. You will find working with your crystals to be a very personal practice; this is simply a guide to assist you in creating your personal ritual. So embrace your inner Crystal Lady and let’s get started! (Let me tell you she’s a very wise woman!)

HOW TO CHOOSE WHICH ONES TO CARRY

Odds are you already have a few stones to which you have always been drawn. You may feel they are unoriginal or that, “Well, everyone likes them.” Of course they do! Those stones are popular for a reason! Loving a stone that is a common favorite, such as amethyst, rose quartz, jade or moon stone, does not make you any less unique, because when you work with this crystal you are working with it your way. It calls to you because it may help you express a side of yourself that needs to come to light. The more resistance you show it, the more it has to offer you, so give in! If you have no idea what kind of crystals you like, or you don’t seem to lean to a particular kind, maybe they have something else in common such as color or shape. Keep an eye on this. It will serve as a great shopping guide. Don’t be scared to try something new.

clearing. (This can be done by feeling the meaning or writing it down.) Another way to clear is to bury the crystals in your yard overnight — just remember where you put them!

DREAMS AND CRYSTALS

Since crystals work with subtle energies, it’s no surprise they can affect dreams. Some crystals, when put under your pillow or on your bedside table, can cause revealing dreams that might answer any internal questions you may have. Additionally, some crystals are known to help with nightmares. Looking online for these stones is a good option, but it’s best to find what works for you. If a gem makes you feel relaxed, then perhaps it’s worth putting under your pillow for a night.

DAILY RITUALS

Your daily ritual can take place any time. This ritual can include picking crystals for your purse or bag, or setting intentions for each before taking them with you; there are no wrong answers. Whatever makes you feel the most supported throughout the day is perfect. In The Lost Art of Heart Navigation: A Modern Shaman’s Field Manual, author Jeff D. Nixa details a ritual that involves using the crystals to label and bring your “personal dragons” to a physical plane in order to gain perceptive. The ritual involves writing all your worries and problems (your dragons) down on sticky notes and assigning each one a stone. Use your intuition! Doing this allows you to look at the issues you face in a physical way and brings you out of your head. Sit with each problem and only give it as much attention and care as it deserves.

For some extra guidance, take a look at the attributes of the crystal you assigned to each dragon, you might find some surprising insights!

Choosing jewelry with your favorite crystals inside is a great way to display them and keep them close to you.

When you aren't entirely sure if a crystal is for you, then it’s time to call upon your inner wise woman! She may be quiet, but if you allow her to speak through your intuition, you might find her to be pretty chatty. Here is a great way to listen in when you are unsure of a crystal: Hold it to your chest and relax your legs. If you find yourself leaning back, this stone is not for you. If you are leaning forward, then take it with you! Don’t worry if you have already bought a crystal and you lean back; it doesn’t mean you should take it back to the store; it may mean this stone doesn’t match your needs for that particular day. This is an excellent method to use when taking stones with you on the go!

HOW TO CLEAR THEM

Crystals react to energy — this means they can pick it and hold onto it. In some cases, this can be amazing if you go for a swim in the ocean with your amethyst necklace, and it holds the incredible energy from the experience! It’s not so great when you’re in stressful situations, and your necklace follows the rhythm of your rapid heartbeat.

This is when it’s time for a good clearing! Ways to clear vary from stone to stone. Lots of people swear by clearing them with water and pure intention, but this doesn’t always do the trick.

JEWELRY

Choosing jewelry with your favorite crystals inside is a great way to display them and keep them close to you. When using crystals in this way, you may find it helpful to purchase jewelry that allows the stone to touch your skin, such as necklace or ring that already has a small slit in the back where the gem makes contact with you. This might seem like a minute detail, but it can really make a difference. Now don’t be totally bummed if your favorite ring doesn’t touch your skin; it’s still promoting good vibes, but keep in mind next time you shop that skin contact can give you an extra boost.

LEARN WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU

Google just about any crystal, and you may find a long list of benefits and meanings. While these articles and insights can be beneficial, they can also be confusing. Let’s say you have been using rose quartz for nightmares even though it’s the stone of unconditional love. Your rocks and your relationship to them will be unique to you. A great way to find out your relationship with your crystal is to hold it to your chest and close your eyes.

What comes to mind? What feelings arise? Write it down and then look up the stone. If you have a different answer to the stones “actual” meaning, it doesn't mean you're wrong.

You have just found a new relationship with your crystal, and that is a beautiful thing!

FUN FACT: Some crystals melt in water, so do some research before bathing them! A safe way to clear your crystals from unwanted energy is to leave them on your windowsill on the night of a full moon. Remember to set the intention of 44

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

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

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

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

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

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

Join us for our

Holiday Open House November 1-3 Thursday & Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm

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

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

Thornhills Plaza 6504 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

45

READER’S

BY LIZ WIERENGA

The Girl with all the Gifts

by M.R. Carey

Told from varying perspectives, this book will draw you in and won’t let go!

Melanie is strapped into a chair at school, yet she doesn’t understand what makes her dangerous. The adults in her life handle her carefully, but the relationships she forges feel authentic to her. Fans of dystopian sci-fi will read this in one sitting and as they nervously uncover the secrets Melanie possesses.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

by Seth Grahame-Smith

While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the u-n-dead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years. This story is fascinating historical fiction, with photos and documents to back up the story. You’ll be engrossed with the life of Lincoln in ways you never knew, cheering as he works tirelessly end slavery and defeat vampires!

My Favorite Thing is Monsters byEmil Ferris

This graphic novel is enormous, but you will read it in record time. Set in late ‘60s Chicago and told through diary entries, a 10-year-old girl sets out to solve a murder mystery involving her neighbor. The time period becomes its own character throughout this journey, as historical events unfold around our heroine, Karen. Gorgeous artwork and thought-provoking themes make this a monstrously satisfying read!

Bird Box

by Josh Malerman If you enjoyed the suspense of the movie A Quiet Place, you will love Bird Box. This creepy story is set in an apocalyptic world in which opening your eyes outside will drive you mad. Survivors navigate outside their homes through sense of hearing and touch, but never using their eyes. A Michigan setting places the action a little too close to home. Draw the curtains and curl up with this book, but whatever you do, don’t peek out the window!

Liz Wierenga has been a youth librarian for KDL for almost 10 years.

She enjoys a spooky read, and helping the youngest readers find great books to devour as well.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Destination: ROCKFORD

Thymes Bath & Body

JT STITCHERY

52 Courtland Street (616) 884-3200 havencreekrockford.com

30 E Bridge Street (616) 866-2409

HOME DECOR • GIFTS • PAINTED FURNITURE

46 E Bridge Street (616) 450-8830 fullcircledesignstudio.net 10 E. Bridge St. / paperdollshop.net

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

51 1/2 East Bridge Street | 616-951-7222 BaileyandJamesLifestyle.com

47

Consignment, Resale & Thrift GR Southeast

Grandville

Hoopla Kids Upscale Resale + Parties 4060 29th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (616) 288-7574

Regenerate- A Thrift Shop 4390 Chicago Dr SW Grandville, Michigan (616) 647-5342 Hours: Mon- Thurs 10:00-6, Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3

Kids upscale resale boutique including fun-filled classes and parties for your child.

Accepting like-new children’s clothing.

Second Dance 321 Division Ave. SE (616) 240-7938 Hours: T, Th 12-7, WF 11-6 Sat 10-5

Rest. Relax. Revive.

Specializing in upscale formalwear, find bridal, bridesmaid, mother of, school dance dresses such as prom and homecoming, and formal accessories. seconddancegr.com

Hair, make-up, nails and more, The Parlour has you covered!

616.608.1731 / CityFlatsHotel.com / 77 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids

Style Encore 2650 East Beltline Ave. SE (616) 957 2533 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 12-5 At Style Encore you will be able to shop for amazing brands and designer wear for up to 70% off retail. Plus, they pay cash on the spot for your gently used women’s casual and business clothing, accessories and handbags.

GRAND RAPIDS | GRAND HAVEN | HOLLAND EASTERNFLORAL.COM | 616-949-2200

48

Red Door Consignment 6837 Lake Michigan Dr. (616) 895-2667 Hours: Tue-Fri 11-6, Sat 11-4 Enjoy a vast collection of new, repurposed, consigned, vintage and antique items including furniture, home decor, clothing and accessories. Every budget deserves great design!

Find us on facebook, facebook.com/ thereddoorconsignmentallendalemi

Gild the Lily 450 East Division (616) 863-8491 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-4

GR Northeast

Happy Hour - 1/2 off all fresh cut floral stems All Locations | 2pm - close every Friday and Saturday

Allendale

Rockford

We accept all seasons any time.

No appointment necessary. styleencoregrandrapids.com

We aren’t talking wine stems we’re talking fresh stems!

Come explore treasures old and new. Find your new favorite work dress, the home decor you didn’t know you were missing, and the vintage piece that completes your wardrobe. regeneratethrift.com

Mission India Super Thrift 2146 Plainfield Ave. NE (616) 361-7411 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2

Two floors of fresh fashion for your home and body at “get it now” prices. Formal wear, plus, petite and designer departments.

Consign or get cash without appointment Monday to Friday. shopgildthelily.com

Unique pieces of furniture are 20% off or more. Come see our selection of furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, toys, housewares, small appliances and more. facebook.com/mist2146

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.

Furniture reinvented. Fashion reinvented. shopresalerepublic.com

Memory Lane Consignment Boutique 4318 Plainfield Suite F (616) 780-0693 Hours: Tue-Fri 11-6, Sat 11-4

Ada

New location featuring entire lower level of furniture and home decor. Now selling and buying (by appointment) Chico’s items. We pay our consignors 50 % and don’t charge extra fees. Quality, contemporary fun! New items arriving daily!

Find us on facebook. facebook.com/ memorylaneconsignmentboutique

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

EasternFloral

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SHE Means Business YOUR LOCAL EXPERT CONNECTION

Laura Cosgrove

Owner

Countryside Tours, Inc. is a West Michigan based tour company that takes pride in providing area residents with memorable and enriching tours via deluxe motor coaches.

My mom, Sandy Dryer, launched her 37 years of success with an initial trip to the east coast for eighth-grade students. I have always been involved at some level with the business and am thrilled to now assume leadership of the company.

I love being able to offer enjoyable, hassle-free trips our guests will remember forever, whether a one day or eight day excursion.

countrysidetours.net lauraleigh12@me.com (616) 636-4628 Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

49

OctoberEvents Mondays

Team Trivia at the Curragh. Curragh Irish Pub. 7 pm. Downtownhollandcom

Tuesdays

Team Trivia at the Curragh. Curragh Irish Pub. 9 pm.

Downtownholland.com Taco Tuesday. CitySen Lounge at City Flats Hotel. 4 pm.

Downtownholland.com Thrift Store Trivia. Holland Brewing Company. 7 pm.

Downtownholland.com

online content management system.

Main Library. 7 pm.Grpl.com

Thursdays

Cooking Class. Fustini’s of Holland.

12:00 pm.Downtownholland.com October 11 & 25 Grand Circus Bootcamp Info Session.

Join Grand Circus to learn the ropes of coding boot camp. Start Garden. 5:306:30 pm. Grandcircus.co

Saturdays

Cooking Class. Fustini’s of Holland.

12:00 pm. Downtownholland.com

October 6, 13, 20, 27, Mindstorm Saturdays. Kids ages 10 and up can explore robotics every Saturday at the library. Using Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits, these hands-on robotics teach essential coding skills, problem solving, and more. Main Library. 10 am. Grpl.com

October 3, 10, 17, 24

October 6, 13, 20, 27

Open Mic Night. The Holland Park.

7:30 pm. Downtownholland.com

Wednesdays

WordPress for Small Business. Main Library. In this series, learn how any entrepreneur can build a compelling website to connect with consumers and using WordPress.com, a free

Block Party. Kids 6 and up can explore engineering, art, math, and other core concepts using Legos and other building blocks.

This month’s challenge: design the tallest building. Main Library. 1 pm.

Grpl.com

Southern Accents--A Celebration Of Tom Petty with Barrel Bones. Section Live. 8-12 pm. 20monroelive.com

October 1

Make-Your-Own Mounted Moss Garden. Downtown Market. 6-8 pm.

Downtownmarketgr.com

Social Media Marketing Workshop from Facebook. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 4-7 pm.

Growbusiness.org

October 3

Environmental Book Club. 7-8:30 pm.

Wmeac.org Monthly Speaker Series Luncheon.

Join us to listen to one time speakers, this months being about the journey of Sophia Leongas, owner of Curragh in Holland, MI. 12-1 pm. meetup.com/ Ladies-on-the-Lakeshore/events

October 4

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Summit and Diversity Vision Awards. JW Marriott Grand Rapids: International Ballroom 8-11:30 am. Grandrapids.org ACG University: Strategic Acquisitions Day-Long Workshop. 7:30-5:30 pm.

Acg.org/wmich

Wild Sweet Love

Building Basic Computer Skills.. Join us in the development of your skills to navigate the Internet, mobile devices, and many types of software. Main Library. 11 am. Grpl.com In-Home Care and Senior Residences.

Learn how to make the best decisions for yourself or a loved one who needs care. Main Library. 1 pm. Grpl.com Grand Rapids Zine Artist Panel. Join GRPL and Vault of Midnight for a panel discussion with some of Grand Rapids’ best zine artists including the following: Cody Flowers (Neighborhood Watch), Lydia VanHoven (The Bandit Zine), Frankie Johnson (Glass Crayon), Kim Nguyen (FLAP), and Scott Wygmans (Metal Heads). Main Library.

7 pm. Grpl.com

(Continued on page 52)

Four ballets. One spectacular show.

Featuring George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Penny Saunder’s Ghost Light, Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, and a new world-premiere work by James Sofranko!

Yuka Oba in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, photo by Isaac Aoki; top right: Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, photo by Peter Mueller courtesy Cincinnati Ballet middle right: Penny Saunders’ Ghost Light, photo by Dan Wayne courtesy OwenCox Dance Group; lower right: James Sofranko, photo by Andrew Weeks

October 19-21, 2018 | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | 616.454.4771 x10 | grballet.com/wildsweetlove

50

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

JOIN US FOR THE

Signature Chefs Auction WHEN

Monday, November 12, 2018 5:00 p.m. — Live Music by The Steve Hilger Jazz Band, Cuisine Tasting & Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. — Live Auction WHERE

BY RICHELLE KIMBLE

“The dedication to change with art as the conduit was a path long carved out by their community. I am always thankful when I am able to walk that very road alongside them.” –Siaara Freeman

J

oin The Diatribe and both nationally recognized and local poets in the incredible performance halls of Fountain Street Church at the inaugural Grand Showcase poetry event on Oct. 6.

This afternoon of mindful listening is the perfect addition to any local creative’s calendar.

The Diatribe is a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering our community to indulge in creative self-expression. Led by the drive to educate youth and release change across the social spectrum, The Diatribe’s mission is to “provide our youth with the platform, the stage, and the means to make their voices heard and to also let their peers and communities know that they, too, have the potential to become united and to make an impact.” The Diatribe works with students at afterschool programs, during assemblies, and participates in workshops that demonstrate to students how to confidently discuss social and personal issues they’ve faced. With internal growth, inclusion, and compassion and empathy at the forefront of their efforts, The Diatribe is eager to present Grand Rapids’ largest poetry showcase “with purpose,” the Grand Showcase 2018.

This all-ages grand event also serves as a fundraiser for The Diatribe, who strive to accrue enough funding over the next few years to create a theatre and creative space to showcase their students’ talents regularly. The Diatribe is also the largest official partner of ArtPrize Education days.

Drop your inhibitions and delve into an intimate afternoon with a group of intense, incredibly talented artists and their mic. As spoken word poetry always encourages, let your mind melt into the words, stories, opinions, and creations of these accomplished performance artists.

For more information on The Diatribe or Grand Showcase 2018, visit thediatribe.org.

What: Grand Showcase 2018 presented by The Diatribe Where: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street Northeast When: Oct. 6; local vendors 12-4 p.m., performance 1-3 p.m.

Cost: Purchase tickets in advance on thediatribe. org, $20 floor seats, $10 balcony seats

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

$250 Per Person • $2,000 Per Table of Ten ($200 of ticket price is tax deductible as a charitable contribution) C O N TAC T

Nicole Walters, Senior Development Manager (616) 247-6861 or nwalters@marchofdimes.org SIGNATURECHEFS.ORG

CHEF COMPETITION SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY SPONSOR

TV SPONSOR

PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR

RADIO SPONSORS

Grand Traverse WOMAN

Join 200+ women for a girls’ weekend you’ll LOVE!

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• PICK-UP in Grand Rapids with 4 motor coaches coming from Traverse City!

• 2 nights lodging downtown Chicago, 1 ticket to Hello, Dolly! and party on the bus.

• Hosted by Twin Sisters & Publishers: Kandace Chapple & Kerry Winkler

One financial advisor PMS 116C

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Member SIPC

Financial Advisor Name Financial Advisor

Street Address City/Town

MOTOR COACH SPONSORS

www.edwardjones.com

MKT-2245C-A © 2017 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The event kicks off with the opening of local vendors at noon, including the Kent District Library, The Bookman, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Woosah Outfitters, The Grand Rapids Public Library and Carbon Stories. VIP ticket holders can mingle with the artists until 12:30 p.m., and the event program unveils at 1 p.m. with the showing of a special documentary on spoken word,

several youth poets and artists, and sets from Siaara Freeman and T. Miller, and concludes with the Andrea Gibson finale beginning at 3 p.m.

Featuring Chefs from Amore Trattoria Italiana • Butchers Union • Charley’s Crab • CitySen Lounge • Cygnus 27 • Forty Acres Soul Kitchen Grove • MeXo • New Holland Brewing Company • One Trick Pony • Reserve Wine & Food • Rockwell Republic Sandy Point Beach House • Slows Bar BQ • Social Kitchen & Bar • Terra • The Chop House The Sovengard • YoChef’s Catering Company • Zoko822

© 2018 March of Dimes

Grand Showcase 2018

Steelcase Ballroom at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

ALSO BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Claudia Rodriguez Financial Advisor (231) 947-3032

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(Continued from page 50)

October 5

Ernst and Young Connect Day with GROW. Ernst and Young.

8:30-12:30 pm. Growbusiness.org Buddy Guy with very special guest Quinn Sullivan. Section Live.

7-12 pm. 20Monroelive.com Stew & Brew. Downtown Market.

6-8:30 pm. Downtownmarketgr.com

October 5 & 6

GR Symphony Presents Schedherazade. Devos Performance Hall. 8 pm.

Devosperformancehall.com Quilts on the Grand. Join us in sharing the beauty in quilting with the community. Delta Plex.

9 am. Deltaplex.com

October 6

Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Lil Xan--Total Xanarchy.

Section Live. 7-12 pm.

20monroelive.com Creativity Uncorked: Signs & Language. Grand Rapids Art Museum.

6:45-9 pm. Artmuseumgr.org Walk in and Paint Lighthouse Series Old Presque Isle. Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery LLC. 6-8 pm.

Greatlegswinery.com

Tree-mendous Trees Kids’ Tram Tours. Fredrick Meijer Gardens.

1:45 and 2:45. Meijergardens.org

Lauren Daigle. Devos Performane Hall. 7:30 pm.

Devosperformancehall.com

Lew Russ Smooth Jazz. Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery LLC. 7:30-10 pm. Greatlegswinery.com

October 8

Drop-in Studio: ArtPrize 1-at GRAM. 1-4 pm. Artmuseumgr.org Educator Appreciation Event - World Teacher’s Day. Join us at GRAM to recognize and celebrate the work that teachers do around the world. GRAM. 10-12 pm. Artmuseumgr.org Off to the Great War: West Michigan World War I Veterans. Follow their experiences from the time they joined up through their service overseas.

Learn the process of locating their records as well as how they can shed light on a veteran’s time during the Great War. Main Library.

1:30 pm. Grpl.com Thomas Rhett: Life Changes Tour 2018 featuring Brett Young & Midland. Van Andel Arena. 7:30 pm.

Vanandelarena.com

Oct. 6 & 7

Fall Bonsai Show. Fredrick Meijer Gardens. 10-5 pm. Meijergardens.org

October 7

Grand Rapids VegFest. Delta Plex.

10:30 am. Deltaplex.com

Facebook Micro Credential Workshop.

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 4-7 pm. Growbusiness.org CHAOS Lab. Toddlers and preschoolers will explore the world through merry mess-making. Each month there will be a new set of activities to make kids squeal with glee!. Main Library. 6:30 pm. Grpl.com.

Fleetwood MAC. Van Andel Arena. 8 pm. Vanandelarena.com

October 9

Small Business GPS: Business Basics Part 1. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Growbusiness.org CHINA Town hall. Webcast and on site speaker. Gerald R. Ford Museum.

7 pm. Fordlibrarymuseum.gov Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore-Smart Energy at Home.

Holland Energy Park.

6:30-8 pm. Wmeac.org Monthly Meeting. Join us at Schuler Books & Music for drinks, good and topic based group discussions.

Schuler Books & Music. 9-11 am. meetup.com/Womennetworking

October 9-14

Broadway Grand Rapids presents Finding Neverland. Devos Performance Center. Various showtimes. Devos Performance Center. Broadwaygrandrapids.com

October 10

The Social Justice Entrepreneur. Join Local First to learn how to grow your business while balancing personal and social values. Start Garden.

3:30-5:00 pm. Localfirst.com Start Smart—October. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women.

6-9 pm. Growbusiness.org 4U - A symphonic Celebration of Prince. Section Live.

6:30. 20monroelive.com Discovery Club: Music Movement.

GRAM. 10:30-11:30 am.

Artmuseumgr.org How to Build a Cheese Tray.

The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids.

6:30-7:30 pm. Thecheeselady.net

October 11

About Business Exchange Luncheon.

Join us at the Grand Rapids Chamber for a top networking event. Grand Rapids Chamber. 11:30-1:30 pm.

Grandrapids.org Discovering Your Authentic Leadership. University Club of Grand Rapids. 11:30-1 pm. Acg.org/wmich

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52

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

2018 Seeds of GROWth Luncheon.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. 11:30-1:30 pm. Growbusiness.org

The Baroque Coffee Concert. St. Cecilia Music Center.

10 am. Grsymphony.org

Small Plates, Big Impact.

Downtown Market. 5:30-9:30 pm.

Downtownmarketgr.com

The Baroque Concert: Bach and Beyond. St. Cecilia Music Center.

8 pm.Grsymphony.org

Discovering the Internet. Learn how the Internet works and basic definitions for the most common Internet terms. Discover tips and tricks on how to protect your information and identity while searching, shopping and surfing the web. Main Library. 11 am.

Grpl.com Evening Explorers. 6:30 pm. Kids in grades 1-5 can have a unique, handson STEAM experience each month.

This month: Edible Architecture. Learn about the science behind buildings and build a structure with things you can eat. Main Library. 6:30 pm.

Grpl.com The Building of 196. Gina Bivens, with the Grand Rapids Public Museum, will discuss Beibour’s work and perseverance in documenting Grand Rapids. Main Library. 7 pm. Grpl.com

October 12

Live2Lead 2018. Join us at the Calvin Center for Innovation in Business to learn various leadership basics that will give you new perspectives and tools regarding being a leader. Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center.

8-1 pm. Calvin.edu

October 12 & 13

Fall Fest. Downtown Market - Farmers Market. Downtownholland.com

October 12, 13, 14

Harvest Celebration. Join us for a 5K, pancake breakfast, cornhole and more. Lowell.

7:30-9 pm.Discoverlowell.org

October 15

Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi.

Downtown Market.

6-8 pm.Downtownmarketgr.com

How to Change a Mind Monday.

Rhetoric is a word that gets tossed around a lot, but what is it really, and what does it do? Very simply, rhetoric is persuasive communication. Main Library. 7 pm.Grpl.com

Nestlings Diaper Bank Comedy Fundraiser. Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery LLC. 7-11 pm.

Greatlegswinery.com

The Real Inspector Hound. Dog Story Theater. 3 pm and 8 pm.

Dogstorytheatre.com

Drop-In Sketching Tour: GRAM’s Collection - Women in Art. GRAM. 12-1 pm. Artmuseumgr.org

October 12-14, 18-21

Social Justice Begins with Me: A Book Club for Kids. Main Library – 111 Library St NE. 10:30 am. Children ages 4-11 can explore social justice topics that impact their daily lives through children’s literature. Grpl.com.

Number The Stars. Civic Theater. 7:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 pm. Grct.org

October 12 - April 12

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey.

Various game times. Van Andel Arena.

Vanandelarena.com

October 13

Social Distortion with Will Hoge, Pony Bradshaw. 20 Monroe Live. 7 pm.

20monroelive.com Harvest Festival. Join us at the Blandford Nature Center for fall activities such as candle making, wagon rides, scare crows and more.

Blandford Nature Center. 9-4 pm.

Blandfordnaturecenter.org

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

The Baroque Concert at Hope College. Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts. 8 pm. Grsymphony.org/ concert-calendar

October 14

Collective Soul. Section Live. 7 pm.

20monroelive.com Adult Workshop: Screen Printing with Stencils. GRAM. 12:30-3:30 pm.

Artmuseumgr.org

Facebook Micro Credential Workshop.

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 4-7 pm. Growbusiness.org

Jazz Gumbo. Various artists. The Old Goat. 6:30-8:30 pm. Wmichjazz.org Elton John. Van Andel Arena.

8 pm. Vanandelarena.com

October 16

Small Business GPS: Business Basics Part 2. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Growbusiness.org.

Tuesday’s at the Farm. Fredrick Meijer Gardnes. 5-8:30 pm.

Meijergardens.org

October 17

ACG October Breakfast: Leading into Success. Kent Country Club.

7:30-9 am. Acg.org/wmich Google: Drive a Holiday Rush for Your Business. 12-1 pm. Growbusiness.org Downtown Market Private Event Showcase. Downtown Market. 3:305:30 pm. Downtownmarketgr.com

(Continued on page 55)

53

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I

BY RICHELLE KIMBLE

NOVEMBER 1, 2018

n collaboration with Grand Rapids’ most crowd-drawing annual event, Ebony Road Players is presenting “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington” at the reknown SITE:LAB location where unique experiences take root every year during ArtPrize.

Ebony Road Players is the foundation for inclusive, bold dialogue theater performance in West Michigan.

Their mission is to inspire, educate and engage the varying cultures in our community through professional performance that focuses on the black experience. Executive Director Edye Evans Hyde emphasized the gravity of offering creative theater methods that explore culture and the dialogue of race while providing a platform for all voices to speak, noting that this performance is directly aligns with that vision.

“Our goal for this production is to continue to present great plays by black playwrights or plays that have black themes for the community.”

—Edye Evans Hyde, Executive Director of Ebony Road Players

“Our goal for this production is to continue to present great plays by black playwrights or plays that have black themes for the community. “Miz Washington” hits all the right notes in terms of humor, imagination and inyour face history,” she said.

“The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington” is a dark comedy about slavery in America and follows character Martha Washington beginning on Christmas Eve in 1800. As she slips into dreams on her deathbed, Martha dreams of confronting the unspoken truths that she (and America) must face in the colluded organization of slavery. Displayed with contemporary vibes and brimming with clever lines that startle, “Miz Martha Washington” challenges emotions and morals; this is a superbly written play by James Ijames that should be a priority for any ArtPrize going family or individual!

Add this socially vibrating performance presented by Ebony Road Players to your ArtPrize schedule and expect an energizing, engaging event that supports black theater in West Michigan.

What: Ebony Road Players presents The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington Where: Site:Lab, 415 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids When: Oct. 4-13 Cost: $20 on Eventbrite

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

(Continued on page 53)

October 18

October 20

Intro to GROW. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 12-1 pm.

Growbusiness.org

Shipshewana on the Road. Join us for a gift, food and craft show. Delta Plex.

9-6 pm. Deltaplex.com

Girls Night Out. Join us for the ultimate shopping experience in all of Lowell History. Lowell. 5-9 pm.

Discoverlowell.org

GR Symphony Presents The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Devos Performance Hall. 7:30 pm.

Devosperformancehall.com

Yoga at GRAM. 5:45-6:45.

Artmuseumgr.org

Knife Skills 101: Veggie Essentials.

Downtown Market. 10-12 pm.

Downtownmarketgr.com

Superstitions in Art Tour. GRAM. 6:30-7:30 pm.Artmuseumgr.org Exploring Social Media and Email.

Beginning with a brief introduction to email, this class teaches you how to communicate with others online.

Main Library. 11 am Grpl.com Music in the Stacks: Valentiger Thursday. As you browse the collection, enjoy a performance by Valentiger. Main Library.

7 pm. Grpl.com Grand Circus Bootcamp Info Session.

Join Grand Circus to learn the ropes of coding boot camp. Start Garden.

5:30-6:30 pm. Grandcircus.co Green Drinks: The Mitten Brewing Co. Mitten Brewing Co. 5-7 pm.

Wmeac.org

October 19

Clutch - Book of Bad Decisions Tour 2018 with Sevendust, Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown Presented by WGRD. 20 Monroe Live. 6:30 pm.

20monroelive.com Stew & Brew. Downtown Market.

6-8:30 pm. Downtownmarketgr.com WAR - The Original Afro Cuban Jazz Rock Blues Band. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 7 pm.

Fhfineartscenter.com Keith Urban: Graffiti U World Tour 2018. 7:30 pm. Vanandelarena.com

October 19, 20 & 21

Wild Sweet Love. Grand Rapids Ballet.

2 pm and 7:30 pm. Grballet.com

Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi.

Downtown Market. 6-8 pm.

Downtownmarketgr.com Story Time Tour: Spooky Adventure.

GRAM. 1-2 pm. Artmuseumgr.org Friends of the Library Book Sale. Huge used book sale! Main Library.

9-4 pm. Grpl.com

October 21

Shipshewana on the Road. Join us for a gift, food and craft show. Delta Plex.

10-5 pm. Deltaplex.com

October 22

Breakfast with Legislators. Join us at the Amway to meet face to face with legislators and discuss various issues Amway. 7:30-9 am. Grandrapids.org

October 23

Small Business GPS: Business Basics Part 3. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Growbusiness.org DnD Live! Dive Tales: Straight Outta the Forgotten Realms. Dog Story Theater. 7:30-10:30 pm.

Dogstorytheater.com Tuesday’s at the Farm. Fredrick Meijer Gardnes. 5-8:30 pm.

Meijergardens.org Drop-in Tour: GRAM’s Collection Mysteries of Color. GRAM. 1-2 pm.

Artmuseumgr.org Baby and Me Tour: Superstitions.

GRAM. 11-12 pm. Artmuseumgr.org

(Continued on page 57)

S HOW H OURS

Friday, Nov. 9 • 9 AM - 8 PM Saturday, Nov. 10 • 9 AM - 4 PM

L OCATION

The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas 2250 East Paris Avenue, SE Grand Rapids, MI Proceeds directly support improving childrenʼs physical health in our community.

T ICKETS

$5.00 advance (Online only) $7.00 at the door Children 15 and under - Free

November 9 - 10, 2018 Visit www.juniorleaguegr.com/beneath-the-wreath or call (616) 451-0452 to learn more about Beneath the Wreath

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

WORDS AND PHOTO BY SARAH ANDERSON

Marge Wilson Community Service Award Sponsored by AMBUCS

I

f the fresh donuts, hot Ferris coffee, warm greetings from the staff or friendly faces of the regulars aren’t enough excuses to stop by Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, then stop in on Oct. 17th.

Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth pastries and warm, rich coffee as the local chapter of AMBUCS honors a community member who has gone above and beyond to make Grand Rapids a better place with the Marge Wilson Community Service Award.

Originally called the American Business Clubs, AMBUCS was founded nationally in 1922. The group shifted its focus and became a charitable non-profit organization in the 1960s and shortened its name. For 19 years, the Grand Rapids chapter of AMBUCS has worked together to improve mobility and independence for people of all ages with disabilities.

Whether it be a toddler or a veteran, they believe that the freedom of riding your own bike is something that everyone should enjoy; they create and give away customized tricycles so everyone, no matter their ability or financial status, can hit the road and feel the wind in their hair (through a helmet, of course).

Today, AMBUCS also provides scholarships to individuals who are studying to enter a field to help those with disabilities, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists and audiologists.

Six years ago, the group was inspired by one of its members who always went the extra mile: Marge Wilson, proprietor of Marge’s Donut Den. The board decided to start an annual award, the Marge Wilson Community Service Award, to recognize those in the community who emulate Marge’s spirit of giving and involvement. Gathering all of Marge’s accomplishments was

no small task. Wilson laughed as she remembered being asked to recall some of her achievements and previous recognitions: “I gave them a laundry basket full of awards!”

After four hours sorting through the awards and reading the inscriptions on them, the group felt confident in accurately describing Wilson’s qualifications for the first award and creating criteria for the recipients to come. In order to be considered for the Marge Wilson Community Service Award, one must have: demonstrated a caring, giving involvement with the people and community activities; contributed valuable services or brought about positive change or improvement in the community; been actively involved with community groups; demonstrated excellent creativity and initiative in their business and profession; respected mobility independence for those people with special needs and demonstrated so in the workplace or their personal life.

Past recipients of the award include Tommy Brann, Emily Loeks, Kim Ridings and Marge and Michael Bush. All are welcome to stop in, join familiar faces, celebrate incredible people who are making a positive impact on our community and to see who will receive this year’s Marge Wilson Community Service Award.

What: Marge Wilson Community Service Award Where: Marge’s Donut Den 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming When: 11—11:30 am, Oct. 17th Cost: Free 55

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Process and Presence: Lecture & Fundraiser Presented by DisArt

I

f you’re craving the perfect night out that includes arts, conversation, education and culture topped off with food samplings from more than 40 of West Michigan’s finest local restaurants, look no further than Friday, Oct. 26th.

Let your night begin at The Donnelly Center at Aquinas College with DisArt, where Aimi Hamraie, assistant professor of Medicine, Health & Society and American Studies and affiliated faculty of the Women’s and Gender Studies at Vanderbilt University. Hamraie will give a lecture on how disability arts and culture can inform the livable cities movement, the mission of which is to enhance the physical well-being of all city residents.

“Audience members can expect to learn new ways of thinking about urban change, using disability arts and culture as frameworks for framing diverse and inclusive development,” Hamraie explained.

They also noted that mid-sized cities like Grand Rapids are “in the midst of livability-related development” and there is a great opportunity to explore ways of thinking about inclusion, particularly through disability arts and culture.

“While public art is increasingly used to promote limited ideals of the ‘healthy’ body (such as through work that promotes exercise and fitness), disability culture offers us ways to imagine cities as places that value all bodies, regardless

56

BY SARAH ANDERSON

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Immediately following the lecture, Romence Gardens & Greenhouses located at 265 Lakeside Drive NE, walking distance from The Donnelly Center, will be hosting Local First’s 8th Annual Fork Fest presented by Brewery Vivant. The greenhouse will be packed with samples from restaurants, farms, grocers, bakeries, breweries and more.

Let your mind, heart, and belly fill up this night. Get involved in your community’s initiatives and future, get to know the people behind the doors of your local businesses and connect with neighbors and friends who are proud to be part of this city

What: Process and Presence: Lecture & Fundraiser presented

by DisArt When: Friday, October 26 4-5:30pm Where: The Donnelly Center at Aquinas College 157 Woodward Ln SE Cost: $40/ Speaker Only $60 /Speaker and Fork Fest Combined Ticket Unemployed, Underemployed, Student: $10 /Speaker Only $20 /Speaker and Fork Fest Combined Ticket

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

(Continued from page 55)

October 24

Cheese 101. The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids. 6:30-7:30 pm.

Thecheeselady.net

October 25

M+A Deals and Dealmakers Awards.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

5:30-8:30 pm. Acg.org/wmich GROW Connects: Starring you… How to Talk to the Media. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 9:30-11 am.

Growbusiness.org hOWLweek at Blandford.

Bladnford Nature Center. 6-7:30 pm.

Blandfordnaturecenter.org Managing your Digital Footprint. Main Library. 11 am. Grpl.com Keep on the Grass: A Brief History of Grand Rapids Parks. Michigan historians. Main Library. 7 pm.

Grpl.com

October 26-27

Opera Grand Rapids Presents The Magic Flute. Devos Performance Hall.

7:30 pm. Operagr.org

October 27

Why Sports Photography at Museums Now? A Lecture with Curator Gail Buckland. GRAM. 2-3:30 pm.

Artmuseumgr.org Pixar’s Coco Moving Screening. Main Library. 10:30 am. Grpl.com

October 28

Brothers Osborne Presented by B93.

Section Live. 6:30 pm.

20monroelive.com The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, & The Platters. Devos Performance Hall. 5 pm. Devosperformancehall.com Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Concert. Devos Center for Arts and Worship. 3 pm. Grsymphony.org

October 26

October 29

GRAM After Dark: Jock Jams. GRAM. 9-11:45 pm. Artmuseumgr.org

October 30

Fork Fest.Romence Gardens and Greenhouses. 5-9 pm. Localfirst.com

Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus Concert. Calvin College Fine Arts Center. 7 pm. Grsymphony.org

Alice Cooper.Devos Performance Hall.

8 pm. Devosperformancehall.com.

EPIC Awards. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5:30-8 pm. Grandrapids.org

October 31 - Sunday, November 4, 2018

Dìa de los Muertos: Celebrating Day of the Dead. Main Library .Grpl.com

YWCA TRIBUTE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

DeVos Place | Downtown Grand Rapids To make luncheon reservations, visit ywcawcmi.org/tribute or call 616-426-3716 This year’s luncheon dedicated in memory of Victoria Upton

JOIN US IN HONORING OUR 2018 TRIBUTE AWARD RECIPIENTS ADVOCACY – TERESA HENDRICKS Executive Director/Senior Litigator Migrant Legal Aid ARTS – COLLEEN MORRISSEY HOLMES Teacher Ottawa Hills High School BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, INDUSTRY, & LABOR – JEN SCHOTTKE Vice President of Operations Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Michigan

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Mon-Fri: 10am - 7pm Sat: 9am - 3pm Sun: Closed Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor:

57

Good Vibes Only?

When Positivity Isn’t So Positive

“P

ositivity isn't ignoring the fact that you're in pain; positivity is giving yourself time to come to terms with the pain, and then seek what brings you joy. It's an unshakeable belief that all wounds will heal with time.” My little sister penned these words a few short months prior to her untimely passing. They encompass the definition of hope and have resonated deep within me; I was consistently bewildered by her optimistic attitude in the face of such intense pain. How was it that she could still find hope in the face of terminal illness and trauma? After much spiritual deliberation, I believe that part of what inspired hope within her is ironically the acknowledgement of the bad. Her type of positivity did not sweep away the bad, rather, it recognized her suffering, and within that space, she managed to find strength.

Meeting Hope

We put a lot of expectation on Hope. We expect Hope to be perfectly ready for whatever suffering we throw her way; she is bright and bold, perfectly prepared to pick us up and shed light on our darkest hour with positivity and encouragement. Or is she? While we assume Hope to show up luminously during our suffering, more often than not she is nestled away in our dark spots. Luckily, you really only need a little bit of Hope to gain inspiration. When we are feeling low, we can become inundated with messages of positivity. While of course, no one is denying the power of positivity, when it comes at the expense of not acknowledging darkness, it can be self-defeating.

Real Vibes

The phrase “good vibes only” has permeated our culture, infusing itself into the world of wellness at every turn. The idea behind it is that if you put out good vibes into the world, you will lift your vibrations and thus attract only goodness. While well intentioned,

58

BY SHAHAD ALZADAIN

this phrase is incomplete. It fails to acknowledge that sometimes bad things happen. They just do. It fails to acknowledge the messiness of real life. Life can contain suffering that simply does not feel fantastic, and that is OK. It is OK to be messy, to not have it together all the time. Perhaps it’s sacrilegious to proclaim this, but it is time to shatter this illusion of perfection; in essence, us striving to be happy, shiny and positive all the time is an illusion of perfect emotion, and that is not real. You are OK, complete and whole within the entire range of human emotion you feel.

“Positivity isn't ignoring the fact that you're in pain; positivity is giving yourself time to come to terms with the pain, and then seek what brings you joy. It's an unshakeable belief that all wounds will heal with time.”

—Kiko Alzadain

By forcing this idea of “good vibes only,” we actually end up placing a burden on an already suffering soul.

In yearning to “remain positive” through grief or trauma, we set aside genuine feelings, be it anger, sadness or loss and mask them with our forced happiness. The problem that lies within this is that those feelings don’t magically go away. While this solution may work temporarily, ultimately those feelings that were swept under the rug will come out, and typically do so in destructive ways. Refusing to acknowledge the darker emotions does not serve you.

Of course, this does not mean that we should dwell and live in the darkness. However, acknowledging its existence in the first place allows us the space to find true healing.

Finding Healing

Healing does not live where the happy emotions live.

Healing lives in the nooks and crannies of your soul that have been long hidden from the light. It lives in the pain, in the tears, and in the heartache. If we can access that, then we can find true positivity. It’s as the humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers so profoundly proclaimed, “ The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.” If we can accept ourselves completely, then we can find space to grow. Hope is always there, and that is the truth.

Honoring You

If you are a yoga practitioner, you will recognize the term “Namaste” as the closing statement proclaimed at the end of every practice. This phrase is commonly translated as, “The light in me honors and sees the light in you.” While discussing this article with a dear friend, we reached the conclusion that perhaps the fuller meaning of this valediction is better proclaimed as “the light and shadow in me, sees and honors the light and shadow in you.” In essence, that is true positivity. It is the acknowledgement of the whole you, making peace with the good and the bad simultaneously. May every part of you, light and shadow, be honored, and in doing so, may you find true hope and healing.

An immigrant living in the heart of Grand Rapids, “Shoosh” is a practitioner of mindful living and a believer in the healing and transformative powers of love, kindness and dance.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Rockʼn the Runway

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTO COURTESY OF VEVERLY AUSTIN “Cancer.” The word itself ushers a foreboding sense of destruction and hopelessness as little else can, and it impacts thousands of women across West Michigan each year.

weekend she was facilitating through GGYFB, she met a third-generation cancer survivor. As the woman shared the challenges she faced on the road ahead of her, Austin was moved to help.

a live band and DJ, dozens of local vendors, and 20 breast cancer survivors who will be stepping onto the runway. Sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan and Mercy Health.

According to a 2017 report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, breast cancer is the most common newly diagnosed cancer in women across the state. And, it is the second-leading cause of death among the same population.

“We donated part of the proceeds to her care,” Austin said, “and then it just grew and grew.”

“I love our show,” Austin said. “It’s family friendly, it is a fun atmosphere, and most importantly, you leave with so much education.”

Veverly Austin is on a mission to change that in an unexpected way: a fashion show.

Fashion for a Cause

Austin, assistant pastor of the One Church Empowerment Center, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, created Rock’n the Runwayto help breast cancer survivors meet their diagnoses with insatiable hope and courage while educating the most vulnerable populations about the importance of early care and screening. The annual fashion show occurs each October (this year on October 13) and features local models wearing fashion from various designers, with a grand finale of breast cancer survivors working the runway. Austin emphasizes that the survivors are given the star treatment: full makeovers, a photo shoot, and an opportunity to share their story.

“What I am saying to these survivors and fighters is, ‘You are still beautiful, and you still have life to live,’” Austin enthused. “‘You are still amazing.’”

Austin founded Rock’n the Runwayeight years ago as an offshoot of Girl Get Your Fight Back (GGYFB), a nonprofit she began to spread her message of confidence and overcoming challenges to women.

While organizing a fashion show for an empowerment

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • October 2018

Bridging the Gaps

Through alliances with Gilda’s Club, Susan G. Komen, Mercy Health, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute and others, Rock’n the Runway has grown into a powerful educational platform geared toward the most befallen groups affected by breast cancer. While Caucasian women have the highest rate of breast cancer diagnoses, African American and Hispanic women experience the highest rates of mortality. Austin states that this disparity can be bridged only by making knowledge and resources available in our urban communities.

“Education is our main thing,” Austin said. “It is so important.”

Information about breast cancer is disseminated throughout the show, and, through the generous support of its sponsors, proceeds from ticket sales go directly to funding health education and resources for African American and Latina women. Additionally, Austin hosts two health and wellness seminars a year, in which women spend an entire day learning how to care for their physical and emotional health through fitness and healthy eating workshops, expert panels, and more.

Since the first inception of Rock the Runway, attendance has more than quadrupled. This year’s event features the most local designers in the show’s history,

While Rock’n the Runway has proven to be a wild success, Austin says she is most proud of the survivors, who feel beautiful when they leave.

“It’s an amazing transformation to witness,” she said.

“You can see that they feel beautiful, that they are getting some of their power back.”

What: Rock’n the Runway When: 6:00 —9:30 pm ,Oct. 13.

Where: William C. Abney Auditorium, 3075 30th Street Cost: Until Oct. 10— VIP/$50, General Admission/$25 At the door —VIP/$47, General Admission/$22

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

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